§ 1201. Terms and conditions of charters
The charters to be made by the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter shall demise the vessels to the charterer subject to all usual conditions contained in bareboat charters, and until January 1, 1940, shall be for terms of three years or less as the Secretary of Transportation may decide: Provided, That after January 1, 1940, charters may be executed by the Secretary of Transportation for such terms as the experience gained by the Secretary of Transportation shall indicate are to the best interests of the United States and the merchant marine.