ABSTRACT
Whereas the Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America declare that they are engaged in a cooperative undertaking, together wi th every other nation or people of like mind, to the end of laying the bases of a just and enduring wor ld peace securing order under law to themselves and all nations;
And whereas the Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America, as signatories of the Declaration by United Nations of 1 January 1942, have subscribed to a common programme of purposes and principles embodied in the Joint Declaration, known as the Atlantic Charter, made on 14 August 1941, by the President of the United States of America and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, adhered to by the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
And whereas the President of the United States of America has determined, pursuant to the Act of Congress of 11 March 1941, that the defence of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics against aggression is vital to the defence of the United States of America;
And whereas the United States of America has extended and is continuing to extend to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics aid in resisting aggression;
And whereas it is expedient that the final determination of the terms and conditions upon which the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics receives such aid and of the benefits to be received by the United States of America in return thereof should be deferred until the extent of the defence aid is known and until the progress of events makes clearer the final terms and conditions and benefits which wil l be in the mutual interests of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America and wi l l promote the establishment and maintenance of wor ld peace;
And whereas the Governments of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America are mutually desirous of concluding now a preliminary agreement in regard to the position of defence aid and in regard to certain considerations which shall be taken into account in determining such terms and conditions and the making of such an agreement has been in all respects duly authorised, and all acts, condit ions and formali t ies which it may have been necessary to perform, fulfil or execute prior to the making of such an agreement in conformi ty w i th the laws either of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or of the United States of America have been performed, fulfil led or executed as required;
The undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments for that purpose, have agreed as fol lows:
ARTICLE I The Government of the United States of America wil l continue
to supply the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with such defence articles, defence services, and defence information as the President of the United States of America shall authorise to be transferred or provided.
