Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 57 Part 2.djvu/324

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [57 STAT. November 6, 1942, January 9 and February 1, 1943 [E. A. S. 321] Agreement between the United States of America and Cuba respecting military service. Effected by exchanges of notes signed at Washington November 6, 1942, January9 and February 1, 1943; effective January 11, 1943. The Secretary of State to the Cuban Ambassador 54 Stat. 885 . 50U.S.C.app. §§ 301-318; Supp. II, §§ 302-315. Ante, pp. 164, 391, 596. Nationals of cobel- ligerent countries. Induction proce- dure. DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON November 6, 1942 EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to refer to conversations which have taken place between officers of the Cuban Embassy and of the Department with respect to the application of the United States Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, to Cuban citizens 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 excep- tions, registrants within specified age limits are liable for active mili- tary 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 nationals of cobelligerent countries 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 their own 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 ac- complished 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. This Government is also prepared to afford to nationals of cobelligerent countries who have not declared their intention of becoming American citizens who may already be serving in the armed forces of the United States an opportunity of electing to transfer 960

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