Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 4.djvu/732

 INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [61 STAT. NAVAL VESSELS IN READINESS FOR COMBAT UPON ARRIVAL ON OPEN SEA Exchange of notes signed at Ottawa February 26 and March 9, 1942-Entered into force March 9, 1942 The American Minister to the CanadianSecretary of State for External Affairs LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA No.611 Ottawa, Canada, February26, 194G. SIR: Anktep. w4. May I refer to Dr. Skelton's note of October 30, 1940, and my reply of November 2, 1940, interpreting the Rush-Bagot Agree- 88tat. 23 ment in the light of existing conditions and in conformity with the intent of the Agreement. I am now in receipt of instructions from my Government to suggest that in order to permit naval vessels being constructed on the Great Lakes to combat enemy action upon their arrival in the open sea, they be permitted to have their arma- ment placed in complete readiness for action and that all essential tests and trial of machinery and armament, including the submerged operations of submarines and test firing of torpedoes and guns be effected in Great Lakes waters. My Government is in hopes that the Canadian Government will approve the suggestion, it being understood that the proposed procedure is to be effective only for the duration of the present hostilities. Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. PIERREPONT MOFFAT. The Right Honorable THE SECRETARY OF STATE for External Affairs, Ottawa. The Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs to the American Minister DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS CANADA No.2 OTTAWA, March 9, 194. SIR: I have the honour to refer to your Note No. 611 dated 26th February, 1942, with regard to the further interpretation of the Rush- Bagot Agreement in the light of existing conditions and in conformity with the intent of the Agreement. 4080

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