Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 57 Part 2.djvu/434

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [57 STAT. April 3, 1942, September 29 and October 21, 1943 [E. A. 8.341] 54 Stat. 885. 50U.8.C.app.§§ 301-318; Supp. II, I§ 302-305, 308-310, 312, 315. Ante, pp. 164, 391, 596. Nationals of co-bel- ligerent countries. Induction proce- lure. Agreement between the United States of America and Czechoslovakia respecting military service. Effected by exchanges of notes signed at Washington April 3, 1942 and September 29 and October 21, 1943; effective September 29. 1943. The Acting Secretary of State to the Czechoslovak Minister DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON April 3, 1942 SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the United States Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, as amended, 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 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 coun- tries 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 Govern- ment 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 ad- ministrative 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 Train- ing 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 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 authorities of the co-belligerent nation for determination of acceptability. Upon receipt of notification that an individual is acceptable and also receipt of the necessary travel and meal vouchers from the co-belligerent government involved, the appropriate State Director of the Selective Service System will direct the local Selective 1070

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