811.2222 (1940)/1725
The Secretary of State to the Canadian Minister (McCarthy)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note no. 638 of September 30, 1942 proposing an arrangement under which [Page 589] American citizens residing in Canada, who have not declared their intention of applying for naturalization in Canada, and who may become subject to enrolment in the armed forces of Canada will, prior to such enrolment, be given an opportunity of electing to serve in the armed forces of the United States. You also state that acceptance of the proposals will not be construed by your Government as imposing any obligation on the Government of the United States to return to Canada any citizens of the United States who may be deemed to be defaulters under the National War Services (Recruits) Regulations of Canada. Your proposals are made on the understanding that the United States Government is agreeable to the Canadian Government imposing a liability to compulsory military service on United States citizens residing in Canada, and that the opportunity of electing to serve in the armed forces of the United States will be granted only to American citizens residing in Canada who have not declared their intention of applying for naturalization in Canada.
I am pleased to inform you that the Government of the United States agrees to the Canadian Government imposing a liability to military service on United States citizens residing in Canada, and that the proposed arrangement as outlined in your note under acknowledgment is satisfactory to this Government.
Accept [etc.]