Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 56 Part 2.djvu/820

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [56 STAT. March 30, April 29, June 9, and September 30, 1942 [E. A. S. 307] Agreement between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland respecting military service. Effected by exchanges of notes signed or dated at Washington March 30, April 29, June 9, and September 30, 1942; effective April 30, 1942. The Acting Secretary of State to the British Ambassador Nationals of co- ' belligerent countries. Induction proce- dure. DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON March 30, 1942 EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to refer to conversations which have taken place between officers of the British Embassy and of the Department with respect to the application of the United States Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, ['] to British subjects residing in the United States. As you are aware the Act provides that with certain exceptions every male citizen of the United States and every other male person residing in the United States between the ages of 18 and 65 shall register. The Act further provides that, with certain exceptions, registrants within specified age limits are liable for active military service in the United States armed forces. This Government recognizes that from the standpoint of morale of the individuals concerned and the over-all military effort of the countries at war with the Axis Powers, it would be desirable to permit certain classes of individuals who have registered or who may register under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, to enlist in the armed forces of a co-belligerent country, should they desire to do so. It will be recalled that during the World War this Government signed conventions with certain associated powers on this subject. The United States Government believes, however, that under existing circumstances the same ends may now be accomplished through administrative action, thus obviating the delays incident to the signing and ratification of conventions. This Government is prepared, therefore, to initiate a procedure which will permit aliens who have registered under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, who are nationals of co-belligerent countries and who have not declared their intention of becoming American citizens to elect to serve in the forces of their respective countries, in lieu of service in the armed forces of the United States, at any time prior to their induction into the armed forces of this country. Individuals who so elect will be physically [54 Stat. 885; 50 U.S.C. app. § § 301-318, Supp. II § § 302-305,308-310 ,312,315.] 1906

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