I am informed that ratification of the Status of Forces Agreement Is in jeopardy. I fully agree with Ridgway that ratification is urgently needed in the interest of the NATO project. and I am convinced that failure to ratify will produce reactions in this area which will hamper the NATO effort. undermine existing good interim arrangements. and seriously impair the effectiveness of American leadership In the Southern Command. The Navy Department can furnish detailed information concerning the great number of legal and administrative problems of the Southern Command involving such matters as immigration controls. criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction. claims. taxes. duties and customs inspections. foreign exchange regulations. similar questions which arise with respect to the status of a headquarters as an entity and the status of foreign personnel attached to such headquarters. The operation of my headquarters and its supporting elements are carried on under interim arrangements negotiated with the Italian Government. these arrangements are workable but lack legal status. and their abrogation could create intolerable situations which would strike at the very effectiveness of the entire task. If the United States fails to ratify the Status of Forces Agreement. the NATO and United States positions will be most difficult. particularly so in the light of election results in Italy.
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immigration