Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 59 Part 2.djvu/966

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59 STAT.] BELGIUM-MUTUAL AID Apri 17, 19, 1945 May 19, 1945 1649 thereto, by mutual agreement between the United States of America and the Gofernment of Belgium. It is our understanding that this language means that not only the items but also the values expressed for each item in the Schedule and the total value expressed for the whole Schedule, may be modified by mutual agreement. 5. With regard generally to the provisions of the Agreement under Section 3 (C) of the Lend Lease Act with reference to risk of loss and transfer, as expressed in Section A of the Schedule annexed to the A- t e, p 1644- Agreement, it is my understanding that a suitable opportunity will be given to representatives of my Government, in accordance with the general procedures of your Government, to inspect articles proposed to be transferred before their transfer. 6. With reference to the provision of the Schedule annexed to the Agreement iinder Section 3 (c) of the Lend Lease Act that risk of loss shall pass in accordance with the customary practice of the United States Government with respect to transfers under the Act of Congress of March 11, 1941, it is the understanding of my Govern- 55 Stat. 31. 22 U. S. C., Supp. ment that uider the practice referred to risk of loss usually passes IV. §§411-419 . when the articles leave the possession of the supplier or are withdrawn A from United States Government stock. 7. With reference to the provision of Section A of the Schedule annexed to tile Agreement under Section 3 (c) of the Lend Lease Act that "those articles which, prior to the end of the periods authorized by law, shall have been contracted for by the United States Government and shall not have been transferred to the Government of Belgium as above set forth, shall be deemed to be transferred to the Government of Belgium upon the last day of such periods", it is the understanding of my Gove'nment that the term "periods" refers to the period as now provided for by the last clause of section 3 (c) of the Lend Lease Act, or as such period may hereafter be extended by amendment of that Act, during which the powers conferred by or pursuant to Section 3 (a) of that Act may be exercised to the extent necessarv to carry out a contract or agreement made under Section 3 (c) of that Act. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration. The Honorable EDWARD R. STETTINrus, Jr., Secretary of State, Washington, D.C. SILVERCRUYS BelgianAmbassador. The Secretary of State to the Belgian Ambassador DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTONI April 17, 1945 MY DEAR MR. AMBASSADOR: In reply to your letter of today's date outlining your Government's understanding of seven questions which have arisen with respect to the