62 STAT.] PHILIPPINES-LEASE OF VESSELS---Se 26, Dec. 9 , 1947 make vessels scheduled for transfer operable in so far as possible. No funds are available for a greater amount of work nor for the supplying of stores or spares which would have to be procured elsewhere than from Navy excess stocks.' "The Chief of Naval Operations on April 15, 1948 expressed con- currence with the foregoing comments by COMNAVPHIL upon the Philippine reservations, as copied above, and, in turn, I have been authorized by the Secretary of State of my Government to convey those views to your Excellency as representing the decision of that highest professional United States Navy authority." I am glad to inform you that, after proper consideration by the appropriate Philippine authority, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines hereby accepts the conditions of transfer as herein- above set forth by the Commander, United States Naval Forces, Phil- ippines, and concurred in by the Chief of Naval Operations of the United States, in so far as they affect the provisions of the proposed "Naval Charter for Lease of Vessels under United States Public Law No. 454, 79th Congress". My Government also hereby expresses its desire to take title to the vessels in question and to enter into such an agreement for the transfer of title to any or all of the vessels as an exception and notwithstand- ing the provisions of Article V of the Military Assistance Agreement, on the understanding that such action applies only to naval vessels covered by the proposed Charter and does not establish a precedent for future transfers that may be made of other vessels or of other equipment, which transfers in the absence of special agreements such as that provided for herein, would be guided by Article V of the Mili- tary Assistance Agreement. My Government considers the Ambassa- dor's notes of September 26, 1947 and May 6, 1948 and our note of December 9, 1947 as constituting an agreement to modify the provi- sions of Article V of the Military Assistance Agreement with respect to this particular transaction. It will therefore be highly appreciated if appropriate steps may be taken by the Embassy for an expeditious transfer of title of these vessels to the Republic of the Philippines in accordance with Article IX of the proposed charter so that we may have full authority to use these vessels in any way deemed expedient. The Honorable, the Secre- tary of National Defense, an official of this Government, will be desig- nated to sign the agreement in behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my high consideration. BEBNABE AFIOA Bernabe Africa Undersecretary THOMAS H. LocKETT, Esquire Charge d'Affaires, a. i . American Embassy, Manila 3879 Ante, p. 3871. 60 Stat. 315. : 60U.8.0. app. §§ 1861-1866. 61 Stat., Pt. 8, p. 3284. Ante, pp. 3870,3876. 3875. Ants, p. 3873.
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