Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 3.djvu/860

 ITALY-RELIEF PROGRAM-JULY 4, 1947 This provision of Article I (E) is therefore obligatory. It is recog- nized, however, that it would be invoked only under highly unusual circumstances and only if other normal distribution arrangements fail to assure proper implementation of the Agreement. Article II (A): This Article does not in any way require exclusive use of commercial channels for the distribution of United States re- lief supplies. So long as an equitable distribution to consumers is maintained, it is agreed that the channels now used by the Italian Government for similar imports may be used whenever suitable, subject to change in the light of unforeseen circumstances. Article II (B): The validity of the point raised by the Italian Gov- ernment with respect to the imposition of customs duties and other charges has been recognized. It is not the intention of the Agree- ment to require a dual pricing system within Italy for commodities obtained from two or more sources. The procedure for assuring col- lections of these taxes and fiscal charges and for determining proper accruals to the special account described in Article III (B) can be worked out as part of the pricing procedures described in Article III (A) with the understanding, however, that those relief supplies which are given free to indigents, institutions and others will not be subject to any fiscal charges payable by the recipients. Article IV (A): With respect to the word "collection" in the English text of the Agreement, it is the intent and explicit provision of the Act of Congress and of the Agreement that during the period of time relief is received under the Act the recipient Government shall insofar as possible take the economic measures necessary to reduce their relief needs. This would involve, in the case of food items such as cereals and olive oil, maximum efforts by the Italian Government to bring into its amassing sistem whatever amounts can feasibly be collected. On the other hand, it is not the intention of the United States Government to require Italian Government-administered amassilg of items that do not lend themselves to this technique or have not previously been so collected. The meaning of the English word "collection" in these instances will depend upon the particular com- modity in question and the determination of the most appropriate and practical methods to promote flow of the locally produced supplies to consumers, in such a manner as to assure that all classes of con- sumers, regardless of purchasing power, receive their fair share (al- though not necessarily en equal share) of the supplies, and that in no event shall there be discrimination as to race, creed or political belief. This therefore becomes a matter to be worked out in Rome between the Italian Government and the United States Embassy, for each commodity included in the relief program. Article IV (D): The Italian Government has pointed out its desire of reserving maximum autonomy and flexibility in facing its economic difficulties. The United States Government wishes to make clear 61 STAT.]

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