tion of systems to be fitted. The term 'type' as used in this paragraph shall be considered to mean any system which will give a prescribed or required efficiency and shall not mean some peculiar shape or design and shall not be confined to some certain brand or make." Approved, August 10, 1939. [CHAPTER 682-1ST SESSION] [H. R. 6664] AN ACT To admit the American-owned barges Prari and Palpa to American registry and to permit their use in coastwise trade. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, notwithstanding the provisions of section 27 of the Act of June 5, 1920, as amended (U. S. C., 1934 edition, Supp. IV, title 46, sec. 883), the barges Prari and Palpa, owned by the Southern Banana Corpora tion, a Delaware corporation, shall be admitted to American registry, and shall be entitled to engage in the coastwise trade and to transport merchandise between points in the United States, including Districts, Territories, and possessions thereof embraced within the coastwise laws. Approved, August 10, 1939. (343) [CHAPTER 694-18T SESSION] AN ACT Authorizing and providing for the construction of additional facilities on the Canal Zone for the purposes of more adequately providing for the defense of the Panama Canal and for increasing its capacity for the future needs of interoceanic shipping. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the improvement and enlargement of the capacity of the Panama Canal in the interests of defense and interoceanic commerce is hereby authorized to be prosecuted by the Governor of the Panama Canal under the supervision of the Secretary of War, substantially in accordance with the plans set forth and recommended in the report of the Governor of the Panama Canal, dated February 24, 1939, and published as House Document Numbered 210 and including such appurtenant structures, works, and facilities, and enlargements or improvements of existing channels, structures, works, and facilities as may be deemed necessary at a total cost not to exceed $277,000,000, which is hereby authorized to be appropriated for the purpose: Provided, however, That all new personnel in such construction work occupying skilled, technical, clerical, administrative, and supervisory positions shall be citizens of the United States: Provided further, That the initial appropriation for the fiscal year 1940 shall not exceed $15,000,000. For the purposes aforesaid, the Governor of the Panama Canal is authorized (a) to employ such persons as he may deem necessary and to fix their compensation: Provided, That the compensation of such persons shall not be lower than the compensation paid for the same or similar services to other employees of the Panama Canal: Provided further, That rates of compensation in excess of those authorized by law for other employees of the Panama Canal shall not be paid without the approval of the Secretary of War: And provided further, That the Governor of the Panama Canal with the approval of the Secretary of War is authorized to engage under agreement when deemed necessary expert assistance in the various arts and sciences upon terms and rates of compensation for services and incidental expenses in excess of the maximum compensation provided by law for employees of the Panama Canal; (b) to authorize the making of contracts without the advertisement hereinafter prescribed, with architectural or engineering corporations, firms, or individuals for the production and delivery of designs, plans, drawings, and specifications; (c) to authorize the making of any and all contracts necessary for the prosecution of the work herein authorized; (d) to provide for the establishment and operation of such auxiliary plants and facilities in connection with the work as may be necessary or desirable; (e) to utilize any of the facilities or services of the Panama Railroad Company upon such terms and condi tions as may be approved by the Secretary of War; and (f) in general to do all things proper and necessary to insure the prompt and efficient completion of the work herein authorized. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as otherwise provided in this Act, all purchases and contracts for supplies or for services, except for personal services, shall be made by the Panama Canal after advertising, in such manner and at such times, sufficiently in advance of opening of bids, as the Governor or his duly authorized representatíve in the United States shall determine to be adequate to insure notice and opportunity for competition. Such advertisement shall not be required, however, when (a) an emergency requires immediate delivery of the supplies or performance of the services; or (b) repair parts, accessories, supplemental equipment, or services are required for supplies or services previously furnished or contracted for; or (c) the aggregate amount involved in any purchase of supplies or procurement of services does not exceed $500; in which cases such purchases of supplies or procurement of services may be made in the open market in the manner common among businessmen. In comparing bids and in making awards the Governor or his duly authorized representative in the United States may consider such factors as relative quality and adaptability of supplies or services, the bidder's financial responsibility, skill, experience, record of integrity in dealing, and ability to furnish repairs and maintenance services, the time of delivery or performance offered, and whether the bidder has complied with the specifications. Approved, August 11, 1939. [CHAPTER 66-3D SESSION] [H. R. 7863] AN ACT To amend section 602 (e) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, relating to a study of radio requirements for ships navigating the Great Lakes and inland waters of the United States. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That section 602 (e) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (50 Stat. 197; U. S. C., 1934 edition, Supp. IV, title 47, sec. 602), is hereby amended by striking out the words "not later than December 31, 1939”, and inserting in lieu thereof the words "as soon as practicable but not later than January 1, 1941". Approved, March 18, 1940. (346) |