Article 1 
The Exchange of Letters recording the common understanding on the principles of international cooperation in research and development activities in the domain of intelligent manufacturing systems between the European Community and the United States of America, Japan, Australia, Canada and the EFTA countries of Norway and Switzerland is hereby approved. The text of the Exchange of Letters is attached to this Decision.
Article 2 
The President of the Council is hereby authorized to designate the person empowered to sign the Exchange of Letters referred to in Article 1 in order to bind the Community. Done at Brussels, 27 January 1997. For the Council The President G. ZALM Done at Brussels, 27 January 1997. For the Council The President G. ZALM For the Council The President G. ZALM