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It should be emphasized here that the material contained in this Annex does not have the same status as the treaty agreements. Further, my research reveals no judicial determination of their legal effect although most ICAO nations, including the United States, consider the Annex Standards as binding and their legal effect as congruent with Federal Regulations in its regulation of airmen and airlines.

Development of Annex 13

Standards and Recommended Practices for Aircraft Accident Inquiries were first adopted on April 11, 1951 pursuant to Article 37 of the Convention and were designated as Annex 13 to the Convention. They became effective on September 1, 1951 and applicable two months later. The Standards and Recommended Practices were based on recommendations of ICAO's Accident Investigation Division at its First Session in February 1946 which were further developed at the Second Session  of the Division in February of 1947. Following the 1947 meeting, ICAO held no further Accident Investigation meetings for 18 years. At its latest meeting, it was my privilege to serve as a member of the United States delegation in the capacity of legal advisor to the principal U.S. Delegate, Mr. B.R. Allen. Mr. Allen was and is the Director of the CAB's Bureau of Safety and as such has the operational responsibility for all aircraft accident investigations in the United States and for our Government's participation in any foreign accident. 

This experience in international rule making revealed many facets of aviation to me. First, each member nation has a vote and the majority rules. This requires a consensus of international opinion to establish rules, and I