Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 4.djvu/10

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INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES [61 STAT. Agreement between the United States of America and Belgium respecting American dead in World War 1I. Effected by exchange of notes signed'at Brussels June 6 and July 23, 1947; entered into force July 23, 1947. The American Charge d'Affaires ad interim to the Belgian Ministerfor ForeignAffairs EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Brussels, June 6, 1947. Interment, etc., of American nationals killed in World War IL Temporary ceme- teries within Belgium. Restriction. Exemption from Belgian laws relating to hygiene, permits, etc. EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to inquire whether Your Excellency's Government would be willing to accord to the United States Government the concessions set forth below. These concessions are desired in order to facilitate the interment in Belgium, or the removal to their own country, of the bodies of American nationals killed in the World War of 1939-1945, or whose death in the European theater of operations can be directly attributed to that war, or who died in this theater of operations while employed or otherwise engaged in activities contribut- ing to the prosecution of that war, and to permit the establishment, construction, improvement and proper maintenance of permanent cemeteries for the final burial of, and memorials in commemoration of, American nationals who lost their lives in the above-mentioned war. I The Belgian Government grants to the United States of America the right to establish and maintain temporary cemeteries within Belgium subject to such control as is necessary, for the burial of persons who so lost their lives, and to make exhumations therefrom or from other locations for return to the United States or for concentration in permanent cemeteries within Belgium including movement of bodies from other countries into Belgium. In view of the limited area of Belgium and the large number of military cemeteries therein already established, the Government of the United States will limit as much as possible the number of bodies of American Nationals to be moved into Belgium from other countries. No mass movement of bodies from other countries to cemeteries within Belgium for permanent interment will be undertaken by the Government of the United States. II The Government of the United States shall be exempted fromgen- erally applicable laws and regulations of the Belgian Government relating to hygiene and the securing of permits in connection with June 6 and July 23, 1947 IT. I. A. S. 1672] No. 927 3352