Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 57 Part 2.djvu/358

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [57 STAT. January 23, April Agreement between the United States of America and Brazil respecting 28, May 24, 1943 bg [E. A. S. 327] military service. Effected by exchanges of notes signed at Washington January23, April 28, and May 24, 1943; effective April 30, 1943. The Secretary of State to the Brazilian Ambassador 54 Stat. 885. 50 U. 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 January 23, 194S EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to refer to conversations which have taken place between officers of the Brazilian Embassy and of the Department of State with respect to the application of the United States Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, to Brazilian na- tionals 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 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 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. 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 994

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