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61 STAT.] INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE-AUG. 14 , 1946 1219 The Acting United States Representative to the United Nations to the Secretary General of the United Nations UNITED STATES DELEGATION TO THE UNITED NATIONS 250 West 57th Street New York 19, N. Y. Circle 6-4400 AUGUST 26, 1946 EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to transmit herewith, under cover of a note dated August 16, 1946, from the Acting Secretary of State of the United States, a Declaration by the President of the United States of America recognizing, on behalf of the United States of America, the compul- sory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36 of the Statute of the Court. 69 stat. 100 . My action today in depositing this Declaration, accepting on behalf of the United States the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, is further testimony to the determination of my Government to do all in its power to assure that the United Nations will fulfill the role assigned to it, which is nothing less than the preser- vation of world peace. One of the most elemental functions of the United Nations in the preservation of world peace is the development of procedures of pacific settlement. In these procedures, the role and functions of law is clear. We feel that international law is already sufficiently developed to serve as a guide and basis in international relations. We feel further that the best way of assuring its further development, and the only way of enabling it to fulfill its function, is by referring to a responsible international tribunal all disputes properly justiciable by such a tribunal. We accordingly look forward to a great development of the rule of law in international relations through a broad acceptance of the function of the Court in the spirit of the Charter. Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consid- eration. Enclosure: As stated. HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON His Excellency TRYGVE IsE, Secretary General of the United Nations, Lake Success, Neow ork. UN No. 163