INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [55 STAT. MaCh7nd 17idje Arrangement between the United States of America and Canadarespecting E. A.S .228] joint committees on economic cooperation. Effected by aide-menoire dated March 17 and June 6 and 17, 1941. The CanadianLegation to the Department of State MARCH 17TH, 1941. AIDE-MEMOIRE The Canadian Government have been giving consideration to the military, economic and social problems which are likely to arise in Canada unless steps are taken to examine the possibility of arranging for co-operation between the war-expanded industries of Canada and the United States or for their co-ordination or integration. It is the belief of the Canadian Government that the promotion of economy and efficiency during the present period of crisis, the solution of the problems which will be posed during the period of transition from war to peace, and adequate and effective provision for the continuing requirements of hemispheric defence, all demand that early and de- tailed study be given to this question. Such a study might include an examination of the possibility and advisability of preventing dupli- cation and mutually injurious competition by arranging for co- operation between the two countries in the further definition of all strategic, critical and essential war materials, and in the establish- ment of stock piles of certain of them. In the opinion of the Canadian Government, the present channels of communication between Ottawa and Washington do not provide adequate facilities for the detailed consideration of so complicated and technical a subject. It is for this reason that the Canadian Govern- ment have decided to approach the Government of the United States with the proposal which is outlined in the attached memorandum.['] This memorandum was recently submitted to the War Committee of the Canadian Cabinet and received the approval of that body. The Canadian Government attach great importance to the proposal. If it is accepted by the Government of the United States, they con- sider it desirable that an early start should be made by the Joint Committees of Inquiry, since the tasks to be assigned to them will inevitably involve protracted study. It is intended that the duties of the Committees should be strictly confined to investigation, study and report, and that decisions as to any action that may be required should be taken by the respective Governments after the Com- mittees' reports have been presented. CANADIAN LEGATION, WASHINGTON, D. C. ___ H.W. [P. 1445 .] 1444
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