Resolução da Assembleia da República n.º 38/95 — Aprova, para ratificação, o Acordo de Cooperação e Defesa entre a República Portuguesa e os Estados Unidos da América…

Os membros da Força apenas usarão uniforme na Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) e nas instalações de apoio e, fora dessas áreas, quando em serviço ou nos percursos entre as respectivas residências e os locais de trabalho.

Artigo VII

Detenção, uso e porte de armas

A detenção, uso e porte de armas pelos membros da Força ou do elemento civil fora dos actos de serviço, bem como pelas pessoas a cargo, ficam sujeitos à lei portuguesa.

Artigo VIII

Jurisdição criminal

1 - Reconhecendo a responsabilidade das autoridades militares dos Estados Unidos da América na manutenção da ordem e disciplina das suas Forças, Portugal, a pedido das referidas autoridades, renunciará, de harmonia com o arti-go VII, n.º 3, alínea c), do NATO SOFA, à prioridade do exercício da sua jurisdição criminal sobre os membros da Força, salvo em casos de particular importância para Portugal.

2 - O pedido de renúncia à prioridade do exercício da jurisdição criminal portuguesa será apresentado ao procurador-geral distrital junto da Relação de Lisboa, com conhecimento ao magistrado do Ministério Público competente e ao Comando da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes), no prazo de 30 dias a partir da data em que as autoridades militares dos Estados Unidos da América tiverem tido conhecimento da alegada infracção.

3 - A renúncia considerar-se-á concedida se, no prazo de 30 dias a partir da data em que for recebido o correspondente pedido, o procurador-geral distrital junto da Relação de Lisboa não notificar as autoridades militares dos Estados Unidos da América de que o pedido foi rejeitado, ou não solicitar um esclarecimento do pedido. Neste último caso, suspende-se esse prazo até ao envio de esclarecimento pela mesma via da apresentação do pedido de renúncia.

4 - A certificação pelo comandante das Forças dos Estados Unidos de que a infracção resultou de acto ou omissão em serviço constituirá prova de presumível ocorrência em serviço. Nos casos em que as autoridades portuguesas entendam que as circunstâncias exigem revisão dessa certificação, as autoridades portuguesas e americanas iniciarão imediatamente um processo de consulta. Durante essas consultas, as autoridades portuguesas podem apresentar informações respeitantes à validade do certificado de ocorrência em serviço e as autoridades americanas tomarão na devida conta essa informação. As autoridades portuguesas retêm a opção de requerer confirmação do escalão hierárquico militar dos Estados Unidos da América imediatamente superior.

5 - A cooperação prevista nos n.os 5 e 6 do artigo VII do NATO SOFA será mutuamente prestada nos Açores pelos representantes do Comando das Forças dos Estados Unidos, do Comando da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) e do Ministério Público.

6 - De acordo com a lei portuguesa, o julgamento em processo sumário só pode ter lugar até ao 5.º dia posterior à detenção. Os membros da Força ou do elemento civil, bem como as pessoas a cargo, não serão julgados em processo sumário sem ter sido feita notificação ao Comando das Forças dos Estados Unidos, nem se, após aquela notificação e no prazo de cinco dias, o Comando das Forças dos Estados Unidos pedir a renúncia à prioridade da jurisdição portuguesa, de acordo com os n.os 2 e 3 deste artigo, ou afirmar o seu direito de exercício de jurisdição através da certificação referida no n.º 4 deste artigo. O julgamento será suspenso até ser tomada a decisão apropriada.

7 - Quando a presumível infracção de um membro da Força ou do elemento civil, bem como de uma pessoa a cargo, estiver sujeita ao foro militar português, Portugal renunciará à prioridade da sua jurisdição em favor dos Estados Unidos da América.

8 - As autoridades militares dos Estados Unidos da América, sempre que solicitadas, assegurarão a comparência perante as autoridades portuguesas do membro da Força ou do elemento civil que seja arguido de uma infracção à lei penal portuguesa, para efeito de investigação, julgamento ou execução da pena, quando caiba às autoridades portuguesas exercer a jurisdição. Se o procedimento judicial não estiver concluído dentro de um ano, as autoridades dos Estados Unidos da América ficarão liberadas dessa obrigação. Neste período de um ano não se inclui o tempo despendido em recursos.

9 - No caso de as autoridades portuguesas determinarem a prisão preventiva de um arguido em relação ao qual deva ser exercida a jurisdição portuguesa, a sua detenção caberá às autoridades militares dos Estados Unidos da América, se estas o pedirem, até decisão final. As autoridades militares dos Estados Unidos da América, sempre que solicitadas, assegurarão a presença do arguido perante as autoridades portuguesas para efeito de investigação, julgamento ou execução da pena. Se o procedimento judicial não estiver concluído dentro de um ano, as autoridades dos Estados Unidos da América ficarão liberadas desta obrigação. Neste período de um ano não se inclui o tempo despendido em recursos.

10 - Quando seja exercida a jurisdição criminal portuguesa sobre um membro da Força ou do elemento civil, bem como sobre uma pessoa a cargo, o respectivo processo será objecto de tramitação prioritária, de modo a obter-se a decisão final com a maior brevidade possível.

Artigo IX

Jurisdição civil

1 - Os membros da Força ou do elemento civil não podem ser demandados nos tribunais portugueses para satisfação de pedidos de indemnização de natureza cível resultantes de acto ou omissão em serviço. Estes pedidos serão satisfeitos judicial ou extrajudicialmente por Portugal, que será reembolsado pelos Estados Unidos da América nos termos do artigo VIII, n.º 5, do NATO SOFA.

2 - A certificação pelo comandante das Forças dos Estados Unidos de que o acto ou omissão que originou o pedido de indemnização se verificou em serviço constituirá prova de presumível ocorrência em serviço. Nos casos em que as autoridades portuguesas entendam que as circunstâncias exigem revisão dessa certificação, as autoridades portuguesas e americanas iniciarão imediatamente um processo de consulta. Durante essas consultas, as autoridades portuguesas podem apresentar informações respeitantes à validade do certificado de ocorrência em serviço e as autoridades americanas tomarão na devida conta essa informação. As autoridades portuguesas retêm a opção de requerer confirmação do escalão hierárquico militar dos Estados Unidos da América imediatamente superior.

3 - Para efeitos deste artigo e do artigo VIII do NATO SOFA, a expressão «elemento civil» compreende o pessoal civil português empregado pelas Forças dos Estados Unidos, quando em serviço, mas não abrange os empregados de organizações não comerciais.

4 - As organizações não comerciais, que acompanhem as Forças dos Estados Unidos, devem efectuar um seguro válido em Portugal e obtido de uma companhia de seguros com representação em Portugal contra danos pessoais ou materiais que possam ocorrer em território português em resultado de acto ou omissão cometida em serviço pelos seus empregados.

5 - No caso de pedidos de indemnização por danos extraordinários em razão dos quais Portugal venha a suportar encargos excessivos, nos termos do artigo VIII, n.º 5, alíneas b) e e), do NATO SOFA, os Estados Unidos da América considerarão outras formas de solução.

6 - As responsabilidades emergentes de um contrato com as Forças dos Estados Unidos serão determinadas conforme as cláusulas para solução de litígios previstas no contrato.

Artigo X

Procedimentos

1 - Os pedidos de indemnização contra um membro da Força ou elemento civil por danos resultantes de actos ou omissões lesivos (tortious) que ocorram fora do serviço podem ser apresentados ao Comando das Forças dos Estados Unidos, que, com brevidade, os instruirá, satisfazendo os que tiverem justo fundamento, ex-gratia, de harmonia com as leis e os regulamentos dos Estados Unidos da América.

2 - No caso de dívidas pessoais, o comandante das Forças dos Estados Unidos usará de todos os meios permitidos pela lei dos Estados Unidos da América para induzir os membros da Força ou do elemento civil a satisfazerem as suas obrigações legais. Para apoiar este esforço, os membros da Força ou do elemento civil que recebam ordens para abandonar os Açores permanentemente irão apresentar-se pessoalmente, pelo menos 15 dias antes da partida, a um gabinete português designado para esse efeito nas instalações concedidas. Após essa apresentação, o gabinete português notificará o comandante das Forças dos Estados Unidos sobre qualquer membro da Força ou componente civil que, segundo os dados portugueses, tenha dívidas pessoais.

3 - A fim de facilitar pagamentos decididos por sentença de tribunais portugueses contra empregados dos Estados Unidos da América de nacionalidade portuguesa, as Forças dos Estados Unidos pagarão os salários desses empregados por intermédio de uma entidade portuguesa, que não gozará de imunidade judicial, quer nos termos do direito internacional quer do direito português, em relação ao cumprimento de mandatos de apreensão de salários.

4 - O chamamento a juízo ou a comunicação de actos processuais a membros da Força ou do elemento civil, bem como a pessoas a cargo, será efectuado através das Forças dos Estados Unidos, a que serão enviados directamente, com conhecimento ao Comando da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes). As Forças dos Estados Unidos informarão com brevidade a autoridade judicial solicitante e o Comando da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) da realização da diligência e da informação que lhe esteja relacionada.

5 - A citação ou notificação ao pessoal dos Estados Unidos da América que partiu definitivamente dos Açores efectuar-se-á nos termos da Convenção Relativa à Citação ou Notificação no Estrangeiro de Actos Judiciais ou Extrajudiciais em Matéria Civil e Comercial, concluída em Haia em 15 de Novembro de 1965. As Forças dos Estados Unidos nos Açores, quando solicitadas, fornecerão as informações de que disponham acerca da localização daquele pessoal.

6 - Sem prejuízo de casos individuais, ao pessoal das Forças dos Estados Unidos e seus dependentes será dado conhecimento que, de acordo com a lei portuguesa, sendo desconhecida a morada dos membros da Força, do elemento civil ou das pessoas a cargo que partiram definitivamente dos Açores, a citação ou notificação far-se-á editalmente, prosseguindo o processo os trâmites legais.

Anexo I — Regime aduaneiro e fiscal

Artigo I

Importações pelas Forças dos Estados Unidos

1 - As Forças dos Estados Unidos podem importar com isenção de direitos, impostos especiais e encargos conexos o equipamento para a Força e quantidades razoáveis de abastecimentos, materiais e outras mercadorias destinados ao uso da Força, do elemento civil e das pessoas a cargo, nos termos do artigo XI, n.º 4, do NATO SOFA.

2 - O comandante da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) e o comandante das Forças dos Estados Unidos colaborarão, conforme for necessário, para assegurar que sejam razoáveis as quantidades importadas de abastecimentos, materiais e outras mercadorias.

Artigo II

Importação pelos contratantes

A isenção de direitos referida no artigo I aplicar-se-á também ao equipamento, materiais e outras mercadorias importados em Portugal por contratantes agindo em nome e por conta das Forças Armadas dos Estados Unidos para a construção, melhoramento, manutenção e operação das instalações concedidas, os quais devem ser utilizados exclusivamente para execução dos contratos com aquelas Forças. A referida isenção de direitos aplicar-se-á ainda no caso de projectos financiados conjuntamente por Portugal e pelos Estados Unidos. A isenção prevista neste artigo aplicar-se-á durante a execução dos contratos. A subsequente exportação das referidas mercadorias beneficiará também da isenção de direitos. As Forças Armadas dos Estados Unidos exigirão dos seus contratantes o compromisso de que as mercadorias importadas nos termos deste artigo sejam utilizadas exclusivamente para execução dos contratos com as Forças dos Estados Unidos.

Artigo III

Processamento das importações

As importações referidas nos artigos I e II processam-se do seguinte modo:

Artigo IV

Fiscalização aduaneira

A fiscalização aduaneira será efectuada pelas autoridades portuguesas de harmonia com os procedimentos acordados com o Comando da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) e as Forças dos Estados Unidos.

Artigo V

Transmissão de mercadorias importadas

As mercadorias referidas no artigo I não podem ser vendidas nem de outro modo transmitidas a pessoas que em Portugal não possam importá-las com isenção de direitos, excepto se a transmissão for permitida pela autoridade portuguesa competente ou se se tratar de ofertas para organizações de beneficência autorizadas nos termos da regulamentação em vigor em Portugal.

Artigo VI

Estação postal militar

1 - As Forças dos Estados Unidos podem estabelecer na Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) uma estação postal militar, a qual pode ser utilizada pelo pessoal militar dos Estados Unidos, pelo elemento civil e pelas pessoas a cargo para correspondência entre os Açores e outras estações postais dos Estados Unidos.

2 - As encomendas postais particulares, entrando ou saindo de Portugal através da estação postal militar dos Estados Unidos, estão sujeitas a fiscalização aduaneira pelas autoridades portuguesas, respectivamente no momento da entrega ao destinatário ou no momento da sua expedição. As autoridades americanas terão a possibilidade de estarem presentes a essas fiscalizações. A referida fiscalização efectuar-se-á de modo a permitir a entrega ou expedição integral do correio com brevidade.

Artigo VII

Cantinas (exchanges/commissaries), centros sociais e recreativos

1 - As Forças dos Estados Unidos podem estabelecer cantinas (exchanges/commissaries) e centros sociais e recreativos destinados aos membros da Força ou do elemento civil bem como às pessoas a cargo. Tais organizações e actividades integram-se nas Forças dos Estados Unidos e beneficiam das mesmas isenções fiscais e aduaneiras que são concedidas a estas Forças.

2 - Mediante entendimento entre o Comando da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) e o Comando das Forças dos Estados Unidos poderão ser estabelecidas quotas individuais de aquisição de determinadas mercadorias de valor significativo, tais como electrodomésticos, aparelhos de vídeo e de reprodução de som e equipamento fotográfico e de filmagem.

Artigo VIII

Banco militar e instituições financeiras

As Forças dos Estados Unidos podem contratar ou estabelecer acordos com instituições financeiras para manter e operar instalações bancárias ou caixas de crédito militares na Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) para uso exclusivo das Forças dos Estados Unidos, membros da Força ou do elemento civil, bem como das pessoas a cargo, tal como definidas no artigo I do anexo H. Estas actividades serão mantidas e operadas de acordo com os regulamentos militares dos Estados Unidos e serão autorizadas a manter contas bancárias em moeda dos Estados Unidos da América e de Portugal e a realizar todas as correspondentes transacções financeiras.

Artigo IX

Isenções relativas aos impostos portugueses, alfândegas e impostos especiais de consumo

1 - As Forças dos Estados Unidos podem importar ou adquirir, em território português, com as isenções de imposto concedidas às forças armadas dos países da OTAN o equipamento, materiais e outras mercadorias destinados ao uso da Força e do elemento civil ou ao aprovisionamento das suas messes e cantinas (exchanges/commissaries), isentas de impostos aduaneiros, do imposto sobre o valor acrescentado e dos impostos especiais de consumo, ou outros impostos que os substituam.

2 - São igualmente isentas do imposto sobre o valor acrescentado ou imposto que o substitua as prestações de serviços, localizadas em território português, de que sejam destinatárias as Forças e o elemento civil.

3 - As aquisições de bens e serviços referidas nos n.os 1 e 2 efectuadas pelas Forças nos Estados membros da Comunidade Europeia não estão sujeitas ao imposto sobre o valor acrescentado em Portugal.

4 - Para as aquisições no mercado interno as isenções referidas nos n.os 1 e 2 não se farão mediante o recurso ao sistema de cobrança e reembolso aplicável às representações diplomáticas de acordo com a legislação portuguesa.

Artigo X

Outras isenções

1 - O equipamento, abastecimentos, materiais e outras mercadorias, referidos nos artigos anteriores deste anexo, são isentos dos impostos e de outros encargos que sobre eles poderiam incidir após a sua importação ou aquisição pelas Forças dos Estados Unidos.

2 - Os membros da Força ou do elemento civil, bem como as pessoas a cargo, são isentos de impostos sobre vencimentos ou outros rendimentos auferidos no exercício de actividades conexas com o presente Acordo e localizadas na Base Aérea n.º4 (Lajes) e suas instalações de apoio.

3 - Os membros da Força ou do elemento civil, bem como as pessoas a cargo, gozam, relativamente a bens móveis, de isenção de impostos e de taxas do Estado Português, da Região Autónoma dos Açores e das autarquias locais sobre a propriedade, posse, uso, transmissão entre eles em vida ou transmissão por morte desses bens.

4 - As aeronaves e os navios públicos ou afretados pelas Forças dos Estados Unidos, quando na execução de missões relacionadas com o uso das instalações concedidas, são isentos do pagamento de taxas de aterragem, portuárias, de navegação e sobrevoo ou de quaisquer outros encargos, com excepção dos encargos resultantes de serviços que sejam prestados a pedido.

Artigo XI

Contratantes e subcontratantes e seus empregados

1 - Ficam isentos do imposto sobre o rendimento das pessoas singulares (IRS), do imposto sobre o rendimento das pessoas colectivas (IRC) e da derrama os contratantes e subcontratantes nacionais ou estrangeiros relativamente aos lucros derivados das obras e trabalhos respeitantes às instalações concedidas.

2 - O disposto no número anterior não prejudica o englobamento dos rendimentos isentos para efeitos do disposto na lei portuguesa e determinação da taxa aplicável à restante matéria colectável.

3 - Os cidadãos americanos empregados de contratantes que executam um contrato ao serviço das Forças dos Estados Unidos são considerados membros do elemento civil para os efeitos seguintes:

4 - Os veículos dos contratantes importados em Portugal com isenção de direitos podem ser registados pelas Forças dos Estados Unidos nos termos do artigo V do anexo H.

Artigo XII

Importação de objectos pessoais

1 - Nos termos do artigo XI, n.os 5, 6 e 7, do NATO SOFA, os objectos pessoais, artigos de instalação e mobiliário para uso exclusivo dos membros da Força ou do elemento civil podem ser importados e mantidos em Portugal com isenção de direitos, impostos e de outros encargos, durante o período em que tais pessoas permanecerem em Portugal.

2 - A subsequente exportação de bens importados nos termos do n.º 1 ou adquiridos em Portugal para uso pessoal do proprietário é isenta de direitos e de outros encargos.

Artigo XIII

Prevenção de abusos

O Comando das Forças dos Estados Unidos cooperará com o Comando da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes) na prevenção de infracções às leis fiscais e aduaneiras portuguesas e de abusos das isenções contidas neste anexo.

([ver documento original](https://files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/1995/10/235a00/62506288.pdf))

Anexo J — Serviços de saúde

Artigo I

Hospitais e centros de saúde

As Forças dos Estados Unidos podem montar e operar instalações de assistência médica nos Açores para apoio do seu pessoal militar, do elemento civil e das pessoas a cargo. Em caso de urgência ou mediante autorização concedida caso a caso a pedidos feitos por qualquer dos comandantes, pode ser prestada assistência médica pelo outro Comando numa base de reembolso total.

Artigo II

Farmácias

1 - As receitas de medicamentos prescritas por médicos nos serviços de saúde das Forças dos Estados Unidos serão aviadas pelas farmácias das Forças dos Estados Unidos. Em caso de urgência, estes médicos podem passar receitas de medicamentos para serem adquiridos nas farmácias portuguesas.

2 - As farmácias das Forças dos Estados Unidos fornecerão medicamentos apenas às pessoas abrangidas pelo artigo I, salvo se autorizadas pelo comandante da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes).

3 - As farmácias das Forças dos Estados Unidos podem abastecer-se de material médico no mercado local.

Artigo III

Cooperação com os serviços de saúde portugueses

Os serviços de saúde das Forças dos Estados Unidos cooperarão, quando solicitados, com os serviços de saúde portugueses na manutenção da saúde pública. Serão prestadas mutuamente informações de interesse, que não comprometam a ética e sigilo profissional.

Artigo IV

Prática médica

Os serviços de saúde das Forças dos Estados Unidos abster-se-ão de qualquer prática médica proibida pela lei portuguesa.

Artigo V

Actividades exteriores do pessoal médico e paramédico

Em casos excepcionais, e quando permitido pela lei dos Estados Unidos, o pessoal médico e paramédico dos Estados Unidos pode prestar assistência gratuita em estabelecimentos de saúde portugueses, com o acordo do comandante da Base Aérea n.º 4 (Lajes).

ANEXO N.º 2 — AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION AND DEFENSE BETWEEN PORTUGAL AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Portugal and the United States of America:

Faithful to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations;

Cognizant of the rights and duties deriving from their participation in the North Atlantic Treaty;

Confident in the contribution of other international organizations to world peace and security;

Resolved to join efforts for the continued promotion of international peace and security and for the common security the two States, taking into account the significant changes which have taken place in the last forty years;

Recognizing that the Defence Agreement of September 6, 1951, and specifically the facilities in the Azores have contributed to the common security of their peoples and to the promotion of peace and international security;

Desiring to endow the relationship between the two States with a permanent framework;

Resolving to deepen that relationship, by means of reinforcing the ties of friendship and cooperation between their peoples; and

Convinced that their cooperation should be as diversified as possible and in accordance with principles of mutual benefit:

have agreed as follows:

Article I

Scope

The Government of Portugal and the Government of the United States of America (hereinafter referred to as «the Parties») have decided, in the spirit of friendship which unites them, and with respect for the sovereignty of the two States, to deepen bilateral dialogue and cooperation, guided by the principles and objectives set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

Article II

Political and political-military consultations

1 - The Parties agree to hold annual conversations, including whenever agreed at the level of the Secretary of State and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, concerning their bilateral relations and current international issues of mutual interest.

2 - The Parties will in addition consult annually at the level of senior officials of the government departments involved, regarding issues of a political-military nature.

Article III

Standing Bilateral Commission

1 - The Parties hereby establish a Standing Bilateral Commission (hereinafter referred to as «the Commission»), to promote the execution of this Agreement and cooperation between the two countries, in accordance with the applicable laws of the Parties.

2 - The Commission shall consist of an equal number of senior governmental representatives appointed by each Party. A representative of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States Departament of State shall serve as the head of each Party's delegation.

3 - The Commission will meet semi-annually and more often as required. The semi-annual meetings will alternate between the capitals of the Parties.

4 - The Commission will adopt its own procedures.

5 - The Commission shall receive and consider reports from the Bilateral Committees established by the Technical Agreement and Labor Agreement.

6 - The Commission may invite individuals and governmental entities to participate in its deliberations with respect to such issues, and on such terms and conditions, as it specifies.

7 - The Comission may create subordinate bodies whenever it deems appropriate. The head of each delegation shall appoint its Party's representatives to the subgroup; these representatives need not be members of the Commission.

Article IV

Facilities on Portuguese territory

1 - Without prejudice to its full sovereignty over its territory, territorial seas, and air space, the Government of Portugal grants to the Government of the United States of America, under the terms of the Technical Agreement on Lajes, which is an integral part of this Agreement, authorization for the use and maintenance of installations necessary for the conduct of military operations as well as for the transit of military aircraft of the Government of the United States of America through the Base of Lajes.

2 - The terms and conditions of employment of Portuguese nationals by the United States forces stationed in the Autonomous Region of the Azores shall be regulated by the Labor Agreement, which is an integral part of this Agreement.

Article V

Military cooperation

1 - The Parties recognize that close military cooperation will contribute to the reinforcement of their collective and individual capabilities, to the security and integrity of their respective territories and to international peace and stability.

2 - The Commission will identify areas in which operational cooperation programs may be established for the pursuit of these objectives.

3 - The Commission will evaluate regularly the possibilities of support by the United States to the Portuguese Armed Forces, taking into account the programs of operations cooperation established in accordance with the above paragraph.

4 - The support referred to in the preceding paragraph may be realized through the transfer of military equipment, through the establishment of programs of instruction and joint training, as well as through other modalities to be defined in the framework of the Commission.

Article VI

Cooperation with the Autonomous Region of the Azores

1 - The Parties recognize that strangthening their economic and social development, in particular that of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, contributes to the fulfillment of the objectives of this Agreement.

2 - To this end, the Commission will identify areas in which cooperative programs and activities to promote such development may be established and pursued.

3 - These programs and activities may encompass technical, scientific, educational, cultural, commercial and other fields and may employ a variety of forms of interchange to promote their objectives.

Article VII

Other areas of cooperation

1 - The Commission may develop other cooperative programs to strengthen relations between the Parties. Such programs shall emphasize but not be limited to:

The modernization and strengthening of their respective industries and capabilities of research and development in the defense sector;

The strengthening of their scientific and technological capabilities through research in areas of mutual interest, as well as the diversification and expansion of relations between their scientific and technical communities; and

The strengthening of their bilateral economic and commercial relations.

2 - Any programs of cooperatin developed by the Commission shall take into account other relevant programs.

Article VIII

Interpretation

Any questions concerning the execution and interpretation of the present Agreement may be referred to the Commission by either Party. The Commission will review and attempt to resolve such questions in a spirit of coopeeration and good faith.

Article IX

Amendment

Either Party may request amendment of this Agreement. Any amendment agreed by the Parties shall enter into force upon notification by each Party of the conclusion of its required constitucional procedures.

Article X

Entry into force and term of validity

1 - This Agreement shall enter into force upon notification by each Party of the conclusion of its required constitutional procedures and shall remain in force for five years, after which it will continue in force for successive periods of one year, unless one Party notifies the other in writing twelfe months before the date on which the Agreement is to expire of its intention to terminate it.

2 - The Goverment of the United States of America will have twelve months after the termination of this Agreement to withdraw its personnel, equipment, and material that are present on Portuguese territory by virtue of this Agreement. The terms and conditions of this Agreement will apply during the period of withdrawal.

Article XI

Revocation

Upon its entry into force, this Agreement shall supersede:

The Defense Agreement of September 6, 1951, between the United States and Portugal regarding the use of facilities in the Azores, as amended and extended by the exchange of notes of December 13, 1983;

The Agreement of December 13, 1983, between the United States and Portugal relating to economic and military assistance;

The Technical Agreement of May 18, 1984, in implementation of the Mutual Defense Agreement between the United States and Portugal of September 6, 1951; and

The Agreement of October 9 and 16, 1984, between the United States Department of Defense and the Portuguese Ministry of Defense, relating to the employment of Portuguese nationals by the United States Forces, Azores.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done at Lisbon on this first day of June, 1995, in duplicat, in the Portuguese and English languages, each being equally authentic.

For Portugal:

José Manuel Durão Barroso, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For the United States of America:

Warren Christopher, Secretary of State.

LABOR AGREEMENT

Preamble

Pursuant to the Agreement on Cooperation and Defense, namely its article iv, paragraph 2; and

Recognizing that employment relations should be developed in a sound atmospher between employer and employee;

Determined to promote and maintain employment conditions that guarantee security and equal treatment to all employees;

Portugal and the United States of America, hereinafter referred to as the Parties:

have agreed to the following:

Article 1

Scope

1 - This Labor Agreement and the Work Regulation derived therefrom govern employment relations between the United States Forces Azores, hereinafter referred to as USFORAZORES, and its Portuguese employees.

2 - The Work Regulation has the same force and effect as the Labor Agreement and specifies the implementation of the principles enshrined herein and will be approved and modified according to the appropriate procedures of each party.

3 - USFORAZORES may issue internal regulations concerning management and the fulfillment of labor tasks, which will be submitted to the Commander, Air Base Number 4 for review and comment prior to issuance.

Article 2

Functional relations

1 - In administering the provisions of this Agreement and the Work Regulation, and in order to contribute to the development of a solid labor relationship, the following levels of intervention will be applicable:

2 - Both Parties, at each level, shall utilize all the possibilities of these functional relations in the most effective way so that the maximum number of issues can be resolved at the lowest possible level.

Article 3

Professional classification system

1 - Employees are classified in accordance with the official United States Classification System.

2 - An employee's rigtht to appeal the title, series, grade, or pay plan of his/her assigned position is vested solely within this system.

Article 4

Pay rates

1 - USFORAZORES will annually review pay rates based on a survey of prevailing rates on Terceira Island according to procedures contained in the Work Regulation.

2 - In the event the wage survey produces a reduction in the wage schedules, the existing schedule will continue.

Article 5

Labor positions

USFORAZORES will not place United States citizens either in full or part-time employment in positions held in the past by Portuguese national employees solely to avoid the recruitment or placement of the latter, unless no qualified Portuguese candidates are referred.

Article 6

Work contract

1 - Portuguese employees are bound to USFORAZORES by a work contract which is manifested by a position description and other documents.

2 - The contract identifies the pay plan, occupational series, and grade of the employee's current position as well as the major duties and responsabilities of the job which are listed in the position description.

3 - The terms of the work contract may be changed in accordance with appropriate procedures as described in the Work Regulation.

Article 7

Recruitment

1 - The commander, Air Base Number 4, through the Civilian Personnnel Recrutment Section, (SRPC), is responsible for referral of USFORAZORES Portuguese national employees.

2 - Such referral shall be exercised upon request by USFORAZORES in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Work Regulation.

Article 8

Rights and responsibilities of the employees

As recognized by this Agreement and the Work Regulation:

1 - The employees have the following rights:

2 - The employees have the following responsibilities:

3 - Special provisions for female employees will be prescribed in the Work Regulation.

Article 9

Rights and responsibilities of the employer

As recognized by this Agreement and the Work Regulation:

1 - The employer has the following rights:

2 - The employer has the following responsibilities:

3 - Notwithstanding the previous paragraph, USFORAZORES may take the necessary actions to carry out its mission during emergencies.

Article 10

Committee of Employee Representatives

1 - The employees, whenever they deem appropriate, may be represented by the Committee of Employee Representatives, hereinanfter referred to as CRT.

2 - The composition, rights and responsibilities, and the procedural and electoral rules of the CRT are stipulated in the Work Regulation.

Article 11

Work schedule

The regular work period for full-time employees shall be eight hours per day, forty hours per week, unless a different period is prescribed in the Work Regulation.

Article 12

Social security contributions

USFORAZORES and its employees will submit contributions to social security as set forth in Portuguese law.

Article 13

Termination of work contract

1 - Work contracts may be terminated only for appropriate reasons and employees may not be separated for political or ideological reasons.

2 - Termination of work contract may occur due to:

3 - Termination of work contract with indemnity may occur due to:

4 - The indemnity payable to employees who have their employment terminated under the terms specified in paragraph 3 is computed as one month's pay, including English language bonus, for each full year of creditable service at the rate received immediately before separation. In no case shall an eligible employee receive less than three months' pay.

Article 14

Labor Committee

1 - A Labor Committee is established to ensure proper implementation of this labor Agreement and the work Regulation and to serve as a channel for continuing consultation between the two Parties.

2 - This Committee will:

3 - The Labor Committee shall be composed of not more than three representatives appointed by each Party including a labor relations specialist on each side.

4 - The Committee shall determine its own procedures and all decisions will be made by consensus.

Article 15

Disput resolution

1 - In addition to administering the provisions of this Agreement and the Work Regulation, the multi-level intervention process specified in article 2 shall also be used for the resolutions of disputes involving employee complaints.

2 - The implementation of this mechanism must be done in a way which recognizes the sovereignty, constitutional and legal structures of each Party, and the rights of their citizens.

3 - In the event that all measures available in the three-level bilateral process are exhausted without reaching a resolution of a particular labor-management dispute, and should such a matter be further contested by a Portuguese employee resulting in a judgment in a court of law, without the intent to provide for a review of the court's decision, both the United States and Portugal recognize that this situation would create an issue for resolution between them as sovereign states within the framework of the Standing Bilateral Commission.

Article 16

Processing complaints

1 - Employees have the right to submit an oral or a written complaint to their superiors in accordance with the Work Regulation.

2 - If the complaint proceeds upwards and is not resolved at the first level described in article 2, the employee may appeal, directly or through the CRT, to the Labor Committee and, if still unresolved, subsequently to the Standing Bilateral Comission.

Article 17

Competent court

1 - The Court of the Judicial District of Angra do Heroísmo is the competent court to judge eventual proceedings resulting from work contracts.

2 - In all such law suits against the employer, the named defendant will be the United States of America.

3 - Service of process will be in conformity with the Hague Convention on Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil of Commercial Matters of Novembre 15, 1965.

Article 18

Entry into force

This Labor Agreement will enter into, and remain in force, under the terms of article X of the Agreement on Cooperation and Defense.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done at Lisbon on this first day of June, 1995, in duplicate, in the Portuguese and English languages, each being equally authentic.

For Portugal:

José Manuel Durão Barroso, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For the United States of America:

Warren Chistopher, Secretary of State.

TECHNICAL AGREEMENT

Article I

Facilities on Portuguese territory

1 - Without prejudice to its absolute sovereignty and control over its territory, territorial waters and air space, Portugal grants to the United States of America the auhorization for:

2 - The transits described in the preceding clause will be the object of previous notification to the competent Portuguese authorities.

3 - Portugal will consider favorably any requests for the utilization of the Air Base Number 4, Lajes, for the undertaking of military operations flowing from decisions taken within the ambit of other international organizations of which both Parties are members, as long as such decisions have been supported by Portugal.

4 - Any utilization by the United States of America of the facilities referred in paragraph 1 that does not derive from, or is not included in, the situations foresseen in the preceding paragraphs of the present article, will be the object of prior authorization.

5 - The United Styates of America is also authorized to prepare and maintain, in collaboration with the Portuguese authorities, the facilities described in annex A.

6 - Portugal authorizes, in accordance with the regulations of annex B, the transitory stationing, at Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and its support facilities, of military and civilian personnel of the United States of America needed for the preparation, maintenance, utilization and support of the facilities, and for the execution and support of the activities referred to in the preceding paragraphs.

7 - For the execution of this Agreement, United States personnel and vessels, vehicles and aircraft operated by or for the Government of the United States, shall have free access to, and shall have the right to move freely between such facilities, including movement within the internal waters, territorial seas and overlying airspace of the Azores. Sea movements will respect international law and practice. Land movement will be in accordance with national and international regulations. Land and maritime connections shall be made by the most direct, practicable route that can be used. The conditions for overflight are established in annex C.

8 - The United States of America may store and maintain conventional munitions and explosives in facilities specifically indicated for this purpose. In this regard, safety criteria shall be at least as strict as those of the Portuguese Armed Forces. The Commander, United States Forces in the Azores (hereinafter referred to as United States Forces), shall keep the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, informed regarding the type and quantity of munitions and explosives stored.

Article II

Symbols of sovereignty

1 - The United States Forces are authorized, as a cour-tesy, to fly the flag of the United States of America and the flag of Portugal side by side in front of its headquarters building.

2 - Any military honors that may take place in the open shall be rendered by the Portuguese Armed Forces. However, they may be rendered jointly or, in special cases, by the United States Forces when both Commanders consider it suitable

Article III

Command and funcional relations

1 - Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and its support facilities shall be under the Command of the Portuguese Armed Forces, which will be exercised by the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, or by a specifically designated subordinate.

2 - Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this article, the United States Forces shall be under the command of the Commander of the United States Forces, who shall also exercise command and control over United States equipment and material, and over the exclusive use facilities of the United States as defined in article 1 of annex A.

3 - The United States will not designate as Commander of the United States Forces an officer with a military rank superior to the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes. If both Commanders are of the same rank, the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, shall be considered senior.

4 - The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and the Commander of the United States Forces shall resolve in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation any problems resulting from the application of the provisions contained in this Complementary Agreement. Any differences that cannot be resolved by the Commanders shall be submitted through appropriate channels for a decision by higher authorities.

5 - The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, or deputies designated by him shall have access to all Granted Facilities except for cryptographic areas and classified information and equipment. Conditions for access to areas where classified information and equipment is located shall be established by agreement between the two Commanders. The Commander of the United States Forces shall keep the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, informed of the location of such areas and classified information and equipment.

6 - The two Commanders shall collaborate in preparing plans and conducting combined-exercises in order that both Forces may be ready to effectively carry out their missions. In the same spirit of cooperation, the two Commanders shall encourage the exchange between their Commands of information of mutual interest.

7 - The airfield and the air traffic control facilities shall be operated jointly as specified in annex D.

8 - The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, is responsible for the defense and security of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and its supporting facilities, as well as the maintenance of law and order thereon as specified in annex E.

9 - The support facility in the port of Praia da Vitória shall be utilized as specified in annex F.

10 - The Mobile Maritime Communications Service will be carried out as specified in annex G.

11 - Relations between the Command of the United States Forces and Portuguese authorities will be established through Air Base Number 4, Lajes, except as provided for in annex H. The Commanders may, in addition, establish procedures for dealing with specific types of local issues.

Article IV

Status of Forces

1 - The Status of the United States Forces as well as that of members of those Forces, members of the civilian component, and their dependents, shall be governed by this Agreement and its annexes, specifically H, I and J and, as a special arrangement, by the provisions of the Agreement between the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty regarding the Status of their Forces of June 19, 1951 (hereinafter referred to as the NATO SOFA).

2 - These Forces, their members, members of the civilian component, and their dependents shall respect Portuguese law and refrain from any activity contrary to the spirit of the provisions described in this Agreement. It is the duty of the United States to take necessary measures to that end.

Article V

Responsibility for construction and maintenance and for related costs

1 - The United States Government will be responsible for constructing, equipping and maintaining United States exclusive use facilities.

2 - The Portuguese Government and the United States Government ate individually or jointly responsible for constructing, equipping and maintaining joint use facilities.

3 - The United States Government is responsible for constructing, equipping and maintaining devices, fences or other passive means necessary for the protection of the facilities referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2.

4 - The Portuguese Government is responsible for the lease, expropriation or acquisition of land for use pursuant to this Agreement.

5 - The Portuguese Government is responsible for the construction of dwellings for Portuguese families dislocated by virtue of construction of granted facilities. The relocation of persons, property and military installations will be a Portuguese Government responsibility.

6 - Costs will be allocated as follows:

7 - The new constructions and major repairs - the building or altering of electric distribution networks, public signs and water sewage systems, the volume of existing structures, facades or interior loadbearing walls, and structural elements - require previous authorization from the Minister of National Defense of Portugal or from the entity on whom he delegates that competence.

8 - The United States Forces is authorized to equip and maintain its exclusive use facilities and devices, fences, and other means necessary for protection of these facilities, provided the general appearance or purpose of the facility is not altered.

9 - Other works, including those necessary for maintenance, not referred in the previous paragraphs and those considered minor repairs, shall require the previous case by case or generic authorization of the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, if they must be done in the Joint Use Facilities. The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, shall respond within 90 days.

10 - The procedures of construction, maintenance or equipping to be undertaken under the terms of the previous paragraphs 7 and 8 shall begin with a job proposal. The job proposal shall always include in an annex a proposed cost sharing agreement of it is for joint use and the proposed method of contractor selection and performance. Proposed selections and performance procedures for contractors will be defined in the terms and conditions of the contract solicitation when released by the Contracting Office.

11 - The job proposal referred to in paragraph 7 will be submitted to the Technical Commission with a copy forwarded to the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, on which he will give his opinion.

12 - The Technical Commission will prepare a recommendation about the job proposal and the opinion referred to in the preceding paragraph to be submitted to the Portuguese Minister of National Defense who will make a final determination within 60 days.

13 - Before beginning work, the Commander of the United States Forces must submit to the Technical Commission, for ratification the job plans regarding all approved job proposals.

14 - The Technical Commission will monitor, through the review of information or worksite inspection, the execution of the job plan to ensure its conformity with the proposal which has been approved by the Minister of National Defense, and may designate subcontractors or technical experts providing them the necessary credentials. If the representatives of the Minister of National Defense to the Technical Commission determine that performance significantly deviates from an approved plan, they shall forward a recommendation concerning workstopage or otherwise to the Minister for decision.

15 - The United States may use its own personnel or contractors acting on behalf of the United States Forces and selected in accordance with United States contracting procedures and legal requirements, in the construction, improvement, maintenance or operation of the granted facilities. In selecting such contractors, the United States will utilize Portuguese contractors to the maximum extent feasible.

16 - The Government of the United States shall encourage its contractors to fulfill their manpower requirements with Portuguese nationals to the maximum extent feasible.

17 - The Government of the United States shall require that contractors and subcontractors of the United States Forces have a policy of insurance, valid in Portugal and obtained from an insurance company with representation in Portugal, to cover injuries to persons and damage to property that may occur in Portuguese territory as a result of acts or omissions done in the performance of duty by their employees.

Article VI

Property rights

1 - All buildings, structures and assemblies connected to the soil, including their respective electrical and telephone networks, piping of any nature and sanitary and heating facilities are, upon the completion of construction, the property of Portugal, although they may be used fully by the United States Forces while this Agreement is in force and in accord with its terms. Upon termination of the terms of this Agreement, this property will be left in place in usable condition, provided the United States will incur no expense therein. No compensation will be owed by the Government of Portugal.

2 - The United States may, at any time, remove any moveable material belonging to it, including equipment, machinery, supplies and temporary structures. However, with the exception of classified material, and of equipment required elsewhere by the United States Government, equipment essencial to the operation of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, will not be removed without the Portuguese Government being given an opportunity to purchase it. The conditions of acquisition will be agreed upon by the two Parties in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance which forms the basis of this Agreement and in conformity with the Agreement on Cooperation and Defense.

3 - In recognition of the importance of the continued functioning of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, the United Sates will not remove, upon termination of this Agreement, any equipment essential to the operation of the airfield without first consulting with the Portuguese Government and giving it the opportunity of receiving such equipment either by sale, grant, or other favorable basis, in accordance with United States law. The determination of the manner in which equipment may be provided shall be made by the United States Government in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance which forms the basis of this Agreement.

4 - The Portuguese Ministry of Defense and the Department of the Defense of the United States shall study the possibility of assuring the continuing operation of any highly specialized assemblies and equipment remaining in the possession of the Portuguese Air Force after the termination of this Agreement.

5 - No rent shall be due for the use of the granted facilities.

Article VII

Implementing arrangements

The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and the Command of the United States Forces will establish between themselves, within the spirit of cooperation expressed in this Agreement, any additional arrangements or internal regulations necessary for the execution of this Agreement and its annexes. Such provisions and regulations shall be consistent with the terms of the Agreement and shall be in writing.

Article VIII

Procurement on the local market

1 - When procuring goods or services, the United States agrees in accordance with its laws and regulations to use Portuguese sources whenever feasible, provided those goods or services meet United States specifications and standards, are available at the desired locale within the time limits specified, and are equal to or lower in cost than those from other sources, taking into consideration the results of the determined costs to transport these goods and services from other sources. Due to the anticipated effects of the preceding item, the United States agrees to supply by each October of every year, a list of goods and services estimated to be acquired, stipulated criteria and specifications, determined quantities, times of delivery and individual market prices of other sources, including their price ranges as well as other essential acquisition information.

2 - Upon request of the United States Forces, the Secretaria Regional de Economia of the Regional Government of the Azores will furnish administrative support in the preparation and execution of procurements in Portugal.

Article IX

Technical Commission

1 - In order to facilitate implementation of this Agreement, a Technical Commission shall be established under procedures to be agreed.

2 - The Technical Commission will be composed of representatives of the Portuguese Ministry of Defense and the Department of Defense of the United States, will have a coordinator named by each of the Parties, and may have added to it other individuals, whenever the work so justifies, to be designated by the coordinator.

3 - The Technical Commission will meet twice a year or whenever one of the Parties so requests.

4 - The proceedings of the meetings of the Technical Commission will be reported to each Government or to the Standing Bilateral Commission, as the coordinators deem appropriate.

5 - Within three months following signature of this Agreement, the Parties shall establish procedures regarding the composition and functioning of the Technical Commission.

Article X

Withdrawal

The United States will have twelve months after the termination of this Agreement to withdraw its personnel, equipment, and materials that are present on the granted facilities by virtue of this Agreement. The terms and conditions of this Agreement will apply during the period of withdrawal.

Article XI

Authentic texts and entry into force

This Agreement and its included annexes A through J will enter into, and remain in force, under the terms of article X of the Treaty of Defense and Cooperation.

In witnesse whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done in Lisbon, this first day of June 1995, in duplicate in the Portuguese and English languages, both texts being equally authentic.

For the Government of the Portuguese Republic:

José Manuel Durão Barroso, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

For the Government of the United States of America:

Warren Christopher, Secretary of State.

ANNEX A

Facilities

Article I

Definitions

1 - Facilities provided in this Agreement are:

2 - Regarding their utilization, those facilities referred to in the preceding paragraph will be defined as:

3 - Those facilities meant to be used by the United States Forces are designated as granted facilities.

Article II

Register of facilities

1 - Upon signature of this Agreement, a detailed register and map with all the granted facilities, within and outside Air Base Number 4, Lajes, including all the necessary elements for their accurate description and location, has been approved.

2 - It is the responsibility of the Commanders of both Forces to prepare and permanently maintain the register and the map referred to in paragraph 1.

Article III

Acess to granted facilities

1 - Access to granted facilities located outside the limits of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, by United States Forces for support activities at such granted facilities will require written authorization from the owners or the tenants, whichever applies, of the property through which such access must take place. The United States Forces may, however, access the granted facilities when it is essential to collective defense or internal security and there is no time to obtain the required authorization. In these cases, the owners will be informed as soon as possible.

2 - To effect the authorization referred to in the preceding paragraph, the Commander of the United States Forces will communicate, on a case-by-case basis, to the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, his intention to have access to some granted installation. The notification referred to should take place thirty days in advance, or as soon as possible, if for unforeseen circumstances the thirty day period cannot be observed. It is incumbent upon the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, to make his best efforts to obtain the required authorization.

3 - The notification provided in paragraph 2 must consist of the following elements:

4 - The Government of Portugal will make its best effort to obtain long term or annual easements from the owners and the tenants of the property surrounding the granted facilities so that the United States Forces have access to those facilities, at any time and without the necessity of obtaining case-by-case approval.

Article IV

Allocation of costs

1 - Costs for obtaining the access rights described in paragraph 4 of the preceding article will be entirely borne by the Government of Portugal.

2 - The Forces of the United States are responsible for all damages caused by acts or omissions by its members or agents related to the access to the parcels of land occupied by radio communications facilities and accessories, including those at Cinco Picos and Vila Nova.

Article V

The Government of Portugal will ensure that the areas surrounding the granted facilities will be protected by Portuguese law (servidão militar).

ANNEX B

United States personnel in the Azores

Article I

Categories of personnel

In accordance with the provisions of article I of this Agreement, the United States may assign to the granted facilities the following categories of personnel:

Stationed personnel, consisting of members of the Forces and the civilian component in the Azores for the preparation, maintenance, use and support of the facilities and the services intrinsic to them;

Rotational personnel, consisting of members of the Force and the civilian component in the Azores for rotational training and temporary support of the missions referred to in article I of this Agreement.

Article II

Tour of duty

1 - Stationed personnel may, in principle, stay in the Azores for a period of three years.

2 - In peace time, rotational personnel may, as a rule, be assigned to the Azores for a maximum period of 179 days.

3 - The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, may authorize, at the request of the American authorities, the extension of any assignment. These extensions, which will always be considered exceptions, will have to be requested a minimum of three months in advance and based upon specific needs.

4 - The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, may request the departure from Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and its support facilities of a member of the Force or of the civilian component or of a dependent. Should the American authorities appeal this decision to higher authorities of the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, if the Portuguese decision is unfavorable, the American authorities are responsible for implementing the departure request within thirty days. Portuguese authorities shall assist American authorities as necessary in implementing a departure request, which shall be accomplished in an expeditious and timely manner.

Article III

Authorized strength

1 - The maximum number of stationed and rotational personnel which may be assigned to the granted facilities in peace time is 6500 of personnel consisting of stationed personnel (3000) and rotational personnel (3500). The number of stationed personnel and rotational personnel may vary up to 25 percent.

2 - The Command of the United States Forces will inform the Command of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, quarterly of the identity of stationed personnel and monthly of the total number of all personnel described in the preceding paragraph, by category, as well as dependents. This information will include the number of non-Portuguese personnel employed by contractors.

3 - The Portuguese Minister of National Defense will consider, in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance which forms the basis of this Agreement, any requests by the United States authorities for temporary increases in the number of personnel beyond those referred to in paragraph 1.

ANNEX C

Flight operations

Article I

Entering and exiting Air Base Number 4, Lajes

1 - Aircraft authorized to use Air Base Number 4, Lajes, under the terms of paragraphs 1, b), 3 and 4 of article I of the Agreement may enter and leave that base subject to filing a flight plan through the appropriate air traffic control services and shall use entry and exit procedures published by the Portuguese Air Traffic Control Service.

2 - Aircraft operationally assigned to Air Base Number 4, Lajes, on a permanent or temporary status under this Agreement may proceed to, and depart from, that airfield on the basis of general air traffic or operational flight plans, as appropriate.

Article II

Santa Maria Airport

1 - The Santa Maria Airport is the primary alternate for Air Base Number 4, Lajes.

2 - The United States aircraft operationally assigned to Air Base Number 4, Lajes, may from time to time make approaches and landings, to include touch and go or full stop and taxi back, at the Santa Maria Airport in order to keep their crews acquainted with local flying conditions, subject to filing a flight plan to be approved by the appropriate air traffic control service.

3 - Landings at Santa Maria Airport for purposes other than those specified in paragraph 1 will require prior authorization by Air Base Number 4, Lajes, which will take appropriate action.

Article III

Ponta Delgada Airport

The United States aircraft operationally assigned to Air Base Number 4, Lajes, may, occasionally, land at Ponta Delgada Airport for the purpose of training, transport of mail, logistical and personnel support for the United States activities, including United States vessels using São Miguel port, subject to prior coordination with Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and filing a flight plan approved by the appropriate air traffic control service.

Article IV

Faial, São Jorge and Graciosa Airports