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[[line encloses handwritten note]] ^[[Notes on this agreement appended]] 

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ECUADOR FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE INDIGENOUS WILDLIFE AND THE STUDY OF THE NATURAL HISTORY* OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS.

The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Ecuador,
Considering that it is highly desirable, of inestimable value to science, and in their mutual interest that the existing indigenous animal and plant life be carefully conserved, and that they cooperate in the establishing of a laboratory in the Galapagos Islands for the study of all phases of the natural history of the Islands; and

Considering the active interest that the Government of Ecuador has had in the protection of the [[strikethrough]] indigenous [[/strikethrough]] wild life of the Galapagos Islands and in the possible future development of those Islands; and that the Smithsonian Institution is authorized by an Act of Congress of the United States of America approved ^[[left bracket]] June 27 ^[[?]] 1940 ^[[right bracket]], making appropriations for certain purposes, to undertake scientific investigations of various kinds in various parts of the world to establish and operate research laboratories, to acquire land, and acquire or construct and equip necessary buildings and vesse^[[correction]]sl, and take certain other necessary measures for such purposes;

Have concluded this agreement for the establishment of a [[strikethrough]] scientific research [[/strikethrough]] ^[[conservation]] laboratory in the Galapagos Islands with a view to defining their respective [[partial underline]] interests [[/partial underline]] in the project and the facilities, services, and other contributions which they shall make available for the purpose:

*The term "natural History" is used here and elsewhere in the text of this cooperative agreement in this most comprehensive sense, embracing in its scope all physical sciences.