Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 57 Part 2.djvu/342

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INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [57 STAT. June 8, 1943 [E. A. S. 324] 55 Stat. 31. 22 U. . C., Supp. II, §§411-419. Ante, p. 20. Aid to Liberia. Preliminaryagreement between the United States of America and Liberia respecting the principles applying to mutual aid for defense. Signed at New York June 8, 1943; effective June 8, 1943. And exchange of notes. Whereas the Government of the Republic of Liberia is desirous of strengthening its national defenses in order that it may be in a posi- tion to protect its territorial integrity and sovereign rights in a world at war; And whereas the President of the United States of America has de- termined, pursuant to the Act of Congress of March 11, 1941, that the defense of the Republic of Liberia against aggression is vital to the defense of the United States of America; And whereas the United States of America has extended and is con- tinuing to extend to the Republic of Liberia aid in resisting aggression; And whereas it is expedient that the final determination of the terms and conditions upon which the Government of the Republic of Liberia receives such aid and of the benefits to be received by the United States of America in return therefor should be deferred until the extent of the defense aid is known and until the progress of events makes clearer the final terms and conditions and benefits which will be in the mutual interests of the United States of America and the Republic of Liberia and will promote the establishment and mainte- nance of world peace; And whereas the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Liberia are mutually desirous of concluding now a preliminary agreement in regard to the provision of defense aid and in regard to certain considerations which shall be taken into account in determining such terms and conditions and the making of such an agreement has been in all respects duly authorized, and all acts, con- ditions and formalities which it may have been necessary to perform, fulfil or execute prior to the making of such an agreement in con- formity with the laws either of the United States of America or of the Republic of Liberia have been performed, fulfilled or executed as required; The undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Gov- ernments for that purpose, have agreed as follows: ARTICLE I The Government of the United States of America will continue to supply the Government of the Republic of Liberia with such defense articles, defense services, and defense information as the President of the United States of America shall authorize to be transferred or provided. 978