Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 4.djvu/551

 61 STAT.] HUNGARY-AMERICAN DEAD IN WORLD WAR II June 18, July 15, 1946 Aug. 9, 1946 employ labor in Hungary, its territories and possessions, essential to the accomplishment of its mission upon payment of just compensation therefor. "D. The Government of the United States shall have the unrestricted right of search for the remains of members of its armed forces, and/or its citizens. "E. The Government of the United States shall have the unrestricted right to examine and copy all records, military or civilian, which may be of assistance in locating the graves, or identifying the remains of its deceased military or civilian personnel. "F. The Government of the United States shall have the right to question and examine citizens of Hungary and to take affidavits in furtherance of its search for, and identification of remains of members of its armed forces, and/or its citizens. "2. The Government of Hungary will render all possible assistance in locating and securing the effects of deceased military and civilian personnel of the United States, and upon demand and the furnishing of a proper receipt will turn over to representatives of the United States all effects so located and secured. "3. If in the future the Government of the United States wishes to establish permanent cemeteries or erect memorials in Hungary, the Hungarian Government will exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire title to such sites and grant to the United States the right to use therein in perpetuity upon payment by the United States of just compensation therefor. Any sites acquired including improvements thereto and buildings constructed thereon shall be exempt from any and all form of taxation, direct or indirect. The provisions of para- graphs 1-A, B, and C will apply in the construction and maintenance of such permanent cemeteries and memorials as may be desired." The above proposed agreement in effect confirms an understanding between the United States Military Mission and the former Mayor of Budapest, Mr. Vas Zoltan. The Legation understands that in accord- ance with this agreement, the city of Budapest on September 14, 1945, issued Decree No. 179,880/1945 X establishing a temporary cemetery for American military personnel and that two letters signed by Mr. Vas dated September 7, 1945 (reference no. 179,249) and September 14, 1945 (reference no. 179,880) implemented this decree by assigning property and by directing the carrying out of arrangements for improvements and buildings. The United States Government desires to emphasize that in propos- ing this bi-lateral agreement it is not its intention to make a permanent arrangement for the establishment of a military cemetery but only to assure the right of temporary burial. The Legation would appreciate the courtesy of the Ministry for For- eign Affairs in advising it whether the agreement set out above is acceptable to the Hungarian Government and, if so, will be glad to receive as urgently as may be possible the cofirmatonof the Ministry Search for remains. Post, p. 3900. Post, p. 3900. Assistance from Hmugarian Govern- ment. Budapest decree of Sept. 14, 1945. 3899

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