How we cite our quotes: (Section.Subsection.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize or to permit the authorization of convoying vessels by naval vessels of the United States. (5.d)
Just because the U.S. is willing to help out a friendly country in need, doesn't mean its Navy is going to accompany anything, especially not other nation's boats, through international waters. So, don't be getting any funny ideas…
Quote #2
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize or to permit the authorization of the entry of any American vessel into a combat area in violation of section 3 of the neutrality Act of 1939. (5.e.)
Again, you can pick apart this text any which way you please, but you won't find anything here suggesting the Navy will do so much as even dip the big toe of its youngest recruit into enemy waters.
Quote #3
The President may, from time to time, promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary and proper to carry out any of the provisions of this Act; and he may exercise any power or authority conferred on him by this Act through such department, agency, or officer as be shall direct. (9)
In the context of the Lend-Lease Act, Mr. President is gonna do what Mr. President wants to do, or get someone else to do it for him. For better or worse...
Quote #4
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to change existing law relating to the use of the land and naval forces of the United States, except insofar as such use relates to the manufacture, procurement, and repair of defense articles, the communication of information and other noncombatant purposes enumerated in this Act. (10)
There are a lot of these "nothing in the Act" statements going on here, which tells us that the writers were being extremely careful about how they put together this text, probably because one tiny slip up could trigger an unwanted declaration of war. Too bad the Germans considered the Lend-Lease arrangement a declaration of war anyway.
Quote #5
If any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any circumstance shall be held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the Act and the applicability of such provision to other circumstances shall not be affected thereby. (11)
Unlike a line of dominos, in which the tipping of one brings down the entire arrangement, the Lend-Lease Act is far more stable. This clause at the end of the text is sort of like an insurance policy to prevent to the possible collapse of the entire bill in case one part of it goes sour. Smart move for a tricky maneuver.