Declassified 12 March 1981
M.S.1037-34-1
21 December, 1943
MEMORANDUM:
For your personal information, I have to
inform you that, arising out of an exchange of signals
between this Department and the Admiralty, exploring
the possibility of Landing Craft Infantry (Large) manned
by the Naval Service being commissioned as H.M.C. Ships,
an offer was made by the Secretary of the U.S.
Navy Department to the Canadian Ambassador to the United
States to lend 24 of these craft to Canada for the
duration of hostilities or a lesser period. This offer
was considered by the Cabinet War Committee, who
authorized the acceptance on loan of these 24 craft,
on the understanding that:-
(a) They are manned by the Naval Service,
(b) They become a unit of the Canadian Navy,
(c) This loan is distinct from lend-lease procedure,
(d) There is no obligation to return the craft in the event of loss.
In accepting the loan of the craft, the Naval
Service has assumed responsibility for their maintenance
and operational costs, including necessary repairs,
additions and alterations approved for that type of craft.
SECRETARY, NAVAL BOARD.
Naval Member Canadian Joint Staff,
2222 B Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
Senior Canadian Naval Officer,
King's House,
10 The Haymarket,
London, S.W. 1, England.