E8-29536. Presidential Memorandum of November 25, 2008; Marine War Risk Insurance Under 46 U.S.C. Ch. 539

On November 25, 2008, President George W. Bush approved the provision of vessel War risk insurance by memorandum for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Transportation. The text of this memorandum reads:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including 3 U.S.C. 301 and 46 U.S.C. Ch. 539, I hereby:

Approve the provision by the Secretary of Transportation of insurance or reinsurance of vessels (including cargo and crew) against loss or damage by war risks in the manner and to the extent provided in chapter 539 of title 46, United States Code, for trade in the Black Sea, whenever, after consultation with the Secretary of State, it appears to the Secretary of Transportation that such insurance adequate for the needs of the water-borne commerce of the United States cannot be obtained on reasonable terms and conditions from companies authorized to do insurance business in a State of the United States. To the extent individual policies involve an exposure in excess of the amounts available in the War Risk Revolving Fund, such policies may be issued only after consultation with the Office of Management and Budget. This approval to provide insurance or reinsurance is effective for 90 days, except that existing policies shall remain in force pursuant to the terms of these policies. I hereby delegate to the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the authority vested in me by 46 U.S.C. 53902 and 53905.

The Secretary of Transportation is directed to bring the approval to the immediate attention of all U.S.-flag vessel operators and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register.

By Order of the Maritime Administrator.

Leonard Sutter,

Secretary, Maritime Administration.