File No. 811.203/49
The Secretary of State to the Belgian Chargé ( Symon)
Sir: I have the honor to refer to the arrangement relative to military penal jurisdiction as set forth by my note to your Legation dated July 5, 1918,1 and your Legation’s reply note dated September 6, 1918,2 and to point out that, in accordance with its terms, it will continue only for the duration of the present war. In view of the fact that the war may be considered terminated in the near future, and that it may be desirable to continue the arrangement in force for a further period during the demobilization of the military forces, I have the honor to propose that this arrangement, after the conclusion of peace, continue to be recognized in full force and effect until 30 days after notice of its termination shall have been given by either Government.
Should this modification in regard to the termination of the aforesaid arrangement be acceptable to your Government, formal notification in writing to that effect will be understood, on the part of the Government of the United States, as giving validity to the proposed modification, and I shall be glad to receive your assurance that it will be so understood also on the part of your Government.
Accept [etc.]