1218 41 Stat. 806. 10 U.s.C. 1668 . Offenses in viola- tion of local laws. 41 Stat. 805, 806. 10U. .C. §§1564, 1565, 168 . Payment of claims arising from acts of U. 8. armed forces. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [58 STAT. Article 96 provides: "Though not mentioned in these articles, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the military service, and all crimes or offenses not capital, of which persons subject to military law may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general or special or summary court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offense, and punished at the discretion of such court." Offenses against local laws not specifically mentioned in Articles 92 and 93 of the Articles of War may be adequately punished under Article 96 as offenses of a nature to bring discredit upon the military service. It is believed that this matter is adequately covered by the fourth paragraph of my note of March 31, 1943 which gives assurance that the service courts and authorities of the United States will be willing and able to try and punish all criminal offenses which mem- bers of such forces may commit in the Belgian Congo. The Belgian Government is correct in its assumption that the pro- posed arrangement is intended to cover only offenses of a criminal nature. Should experience indicate the necessity of special arrange- ments concerning civil cases the matter will then be taken up with you. However, in connection with actions for damages on account of injuries to persons or property by members of the armed forces of the United States in the Belgian Congo it may be stated that the military authorities of the United States are empowered to set up military claims commissions to consider such cases in foreign countries. Claims in amounts up to $5,000 may be adjudicated and paid by the military authorities. Claims in excess of that amount may be recommended to Congress for payment by the Secretaries of War or Navy. Should the necessity be apparent such commissions will, no doubt, be provided for in the Belgian Congo. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consid- eration. For the Secretary of State: BRBCINRiDGE LONG His Excellency Count RoBEar VAN DER STRsATx-PoNToz, Belgian Ambassador.
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