Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 57 Part 2.djvu/313

 57 STAT.] NORWAY-MILITARY SERVICE-Mar 31, Oct. 6, Dec 231942 Jan. 16, 1943 Agreement between the United States of America and Norway respecting military service. Effected by exchanges of notes signed at Washington March 31, October 6, and December 2S, 1942, and January 16, 1943; effective December 24, 1942. The Acting Secretary of State to the Norwegian Minister DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON March 31, 1942 SIR: I have the honor to refer to your note dated January 22, 1942 [ 1] and conversations which have taken place between the officers of the Norwegian Legation and of the Department with respect to the applica- tion of the United States Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, to Norwegian 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 eighteen and sixty- five shall register. The Act further provides that, with certain ex- ceptions, 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 nlay register under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as allended, to enlist in the armed forces of a cobelligerent country, should they desire to do so. It will be recalled that lduring the World War this Govern- ment signed conventions with certain associated powers on this sub- ject. 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 cobelligerent 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 examined by the armed forces of the United States, and if found physically qualified, the results of such examinations will be forwarded to the proper author- ' [Not printed.l 81077°-4 4 -PT. nl---20 March 31, October 6, December 23, 1942, and January 16, 1943 [E. A. S. 319] 54 stat. 886 . 60U.S.C.app. §§301-318; Supp. II, §§302-315 . Ante, pp. 164, 391, 696. Nationals of co- belligerent countries. Induction proce- dure. 949

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