Convention for the Pacific Settlement of internaional Disputes, the Hague, 1899
* The text of the Convention reproduced here is a translation of the French text adopted at the 1899
Peace Conference. The French-language version is authoritative.
CONVENTION
for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes*
His Majesty the German Emperor, King of Prussia; His Majesty the Emperor of
Austria, King of Bohemia, etc. and Apostolic King of Hungary; His Majesty the King
of the Belgians; His Majesty the Emperor of China; His Majesty the King of Denmark;
His Majesty the King of Spain and in His Name Her Majesty the Queen Regent of the
Kingdom; the President of the United States of America; the President of the United
Mexican States; the President of the French Republic; Her Majesty the Queen of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India; His Majesty the King
of the Hellenes; His Majesty the King of Italy; His Majesty the Emperor of Japan; His
Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Duke of Nassau; His Highness the
Prince of Montenegro; Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands; His Imperial Majesty
the Shah of Persia; His Majesty the King of Portugal and of the Algarves, etc.; His
Majesty the King of Roumania; His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias; His Majesty
the King of Serbia; his Majesty the King of Siam; His Majesty the King of Sweden and
Norway; the Swiss Federal Council; His Majesty the Emperor of the Ottomans and His
Royal Highness the Prince of Bulgaria;
Animated by a strong desire to work for the maintenance of general peace;
Resolved to promote by their best efforts the friendly settlement of international
disputes;
Recognizing the solidarity uniting the members of the society of civilized nations;
Desirous of extending the empire of law, and of strengthening the appreciation of
international justice;
Convinced that the permanent institution of a tribunal of arbitration, accessible to all,
in the midst of the independent Powers, will contribute effectively to this result;
Having regard to the advantages attending the general and regular organization of the
procedure of arbitration;
Sharing the opinion of the august initiator of the International Peace Conference that
it is expedient to record in an international agreement the principles of equity and right
on which are based the security of States and the welfare of peoples;
Being desirous of concluding a Convention to this effect, have appointed as their
plenipotentiaries, to wit:
(Here follow the names of plenipotentiaries.)
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Who, after having communicated their full powers, found in good and due form, have
agreed on the following provisions:
TITLE I. ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THE GENERAL PEACE
Article 1
With a view to obviating, as far as possible, recourse to force in the relations between
States, the Signatory Powers agree to use their best efforts to insure the pacific settlement
of international differences.
TITLE II. ON GOOD OFFICES AND MEDIATION
Article 2
In case of serious disagreement or conflict, before an appeal to arms the Signatory
Powers agree to have recourse, as far as circumstances allow, to the good offices or
mediation of one or more friendly Powers.
Article 3
Independently of this recourse, the Signatory Powers recommend that one or more
Powers, strangers to the dispute, should, on their own initiative, and as far as circumstances
may allow, offer their good offices or mediation to the States at variance.
Powers, strangers to the dispute, have the right to offer good offices or mediation,
even during the course of hostilities.
The exercise of this right can never be regarded by one or the other of the parties in
conflict as an unfriendly act.
Article 4
The part of the mediator consists in reconciling the opposing claims and appeasing
the feelings of resentment which may have arisen between the States at variance.
Article 5
The functions of the mediator are at an end when once it is declared, either by one of
the parties to the dispute, or by the mediator himself, that the means of reconciliation
proposed by him are not accepted.
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Article 6
Good offices and mediation, either at the request of the parties at variance, or on the
initiative of Powers strangers to the dispute, have exclusively the character of advice,
and never have binding force.
Article 7
The acceptance of mediation cannot, unless there be an agreement to the contrary,
have the effect of interrupting, delaying, or hindering mobilization or other measures of
preparation for war.
If mediation occurs after the commencement of hostilities, it causes no interruption
to the military operations in progress, unless there be an agreement to the contrary.
Article 8
The Signatory Powers are agreed in recommending the application, when circumstances
allow, of special mediation in the following form:
In case of a serious difference endangering the peace, the States at variance choose
respectively a Power, to whom they intrust the mission of entering into direct communication
with the Power chosen on the other side, with the object of preventing the
rupture of pacific relations.
For the period of this mandate, the term of which, unless otherwise stipulated, cannot
exceed thirty days, the States in conflict cease from all direct communication on the
subject of the dispute, which is regarded as referred exclusively to the mediating Powers,
who must use their best efforts to settle it.
In case of a definite rupture of pacific relations, these Powers are charged with the
joint task of taking advantage of any opportunity to restore peace.
TITLE III. ON INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY
Article 9
In differences of an international nature involving neither honour nor vital interests,
and arising from a difference of opinion on points of fact, the Signatory Powers recommend
that the parties, who have not been able to come to an agreement by means of
diplomacy, should, as far as circumstances allow, institute an International Commission
of Inquiry, to facilitate a solution of these differences by elucidating the facts by means
of an impartial and conscientious investigation.
Article 10
The International Commissions of Inquiry are constituted by special agreement
between the parties in conflict.
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The Convention for an inquiry defines the facts to be examined and the extent of the
Commissioners’ powers.
It settles the procedure.
On the inquiry both sides must be heard.
The form and the periods to be observed, if not stated in the Inquiry Convention, are
decided by the Commission itself.
Article 11
The International Commissions of Inquiry are formed, unless otherwise stipulated, in
the manner fixed by Article 32 of the present Convention.
Article 12
The Powers in dispute engage to supply the International Commission of Inquiry, as
fully as they may think possible, with all means and facilities necessary to enable it to
be completely acquainted with and to accurately understand the facts in question.
Article 13
The International Commission of Inquiry communicates its Report to the conflicting
Powers, signed by all the members of the Commission.
Article 14
The Report of the International Commission of Inquiry is limited to a statement of
facts, and has in no way the character of an Arbitral Award. It leaves the conflicting
Powers entire freedom as to the effect to be given to this statement.
TITLE IV. ON INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION
Chapter I. On the System of Arbitration
Article 15
International arbitration has for its object the settlement of differences between States
by judges of their own choice, and on the basis of respect for law.
Article 16
In questions of a legal nature, and especially in the interpretation or application of
International Conventions, arbitration is recognized by the Signatory Powers as the most
effective, and at the same time the most equitable, means of settling disputes which
diplomacy has failed to settle.
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Article 17
The Arbitration Convention is concluded for questions already existing or for
questions which may arise eventually.
It may embrace any dispute or only disputes of a certain category.
Article 18
The Arbitration Convention implies the engagement to submit loyally to the Award.
Article 19
Independently of general or private Treaties expressly stipulating recourse to arbitration
as obligatory on the Signatory Powers, these Powers reserve to themselves the
right of concluding, either before the ratification of the present Act or later, new Agreements,
general or private, with a view to extending obligatory arbitration to all cases
which they may consider it possible to submit to it.
Chapter II. On the Permanent Court of Arbitration
Article 20
With the object of facilitating an immediate recourse to arbitration for international
differences, which it has not been possible to settle by diplomacy, the Signatory Powers
undertake to organize a Permanent Court of Arbitration, accessible at all times and
operating, unless otherwise stipulated by the parties, in accordance with the Rules of
Procedure inserted in the present Convention.
Article 21
The Permanent Court shall be competent for all arbitration cases, unless the parties
agree to institute a special Tribunal.
Article 22
An International Bureau, established at The Hague, serves as record office for the
Court.
This Bureau is the channel for communications relative to the meetings of the Court.
It has the custody of the archives and conducts all the administrative business.
The Signatory Powers undertake to communicate to the International Bureau at The
Hague a duly certified copy of any conditions of arbitration arrived at between them, and
of any award concerning them delivered by special Tribunals.
They undertake also to communicate to the Bureau the Laws, Regulations, and
documents eventually showing the execution of the Awards given by the Court.
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Article 23
Within the three months following its ratification of the present Act, each Signatory
Power shall select four persons at the most, of known competency in questions of
international law, of the highest moral reputation, and disposed to accept the duties of
Arbitrators.
The persons thus selected shall be inscribed, as Members of the Court, in a list which
shall be notified by the Bureau to all the Signatory Powers.
Any alteration in the list of Arbitrators is brought by the Bureau to the knowledge of
the Signatory Powers.
Two or more Powers may agree on the selection in common of one or more Members.
The same person can be selected by different Powers.
The Members of the Court are appointed for a term of six years. Their appointments
can be renewed.
In case of the death or retirement of a Member of the Court, his place shall be filled
in accordance with the method of this appointment.
Article 24
When the Signatory Powers desire to have recourse to the Permanent Court for the
settlement of a difference that has arisen between them, the Arbitrators called upon to
form the competent Tribunal to decide this difference, must be chosen from the general
list of Members of the Court.
Failing the direct agreement of the parties on the composition of the Arbitration
Tribunal, the following course shall be pursued:
Each party appoints two Arbitrators, and these together choose an Umpire.
If the votes are equal, the choice of the Umpire is intrusted to a third Power, selected
by the parties by common accord.
If an agreement is not arrived at on this subject, each party selects a different Power,
and the choice of the Umpire is made in concert by the Powers thus selected.
The Tribunal being thus composed, the parties notify to the Bureau their determination
to have recourse to the Court and the names of the Arbitrators.
The Tribunal of Arbitration assembles on the date fixed by the parties.
The Members of the Court, in the discharge of their duties and out of their own
country, enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities.
Article 25
The Tribunal of Arbitration has its ordinary seat at The Hague.
Except in cases of necessity, the place of session can only be altered by the Tribunal
with the assent of the parties.
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Article 26
The International Bureau at The Hague is authorized to place its premises and its staff
at the disposal of the Signatory Powers for the operations of any special Board of
Arbitration.
The jurisdiction of the Permanent Court may, within the conditions laid down in the
Regulations, be extended to disputes between non-Signatory Powers, or between
Signatory Powers and non-Signatory Powers, if the parties are agreed on recourse to this
Tribunal.
Article 27
The Signatory Powers consider it their duty, if a serious dispute threatens to break out
between two or more of them, to remind these latter that the Permanent Court is open to
them.
Consequently, they declare that the fact of reminding the conflicting parties of the
provisions of the present Convention, and the advice given to them, in the highest
interests of peace, to have recourse to the Permanent Court, can only be regarded as
friendly actions.
Article 28
A Permanent Administrative Council composed of the Diplomatic Representatives of
the Signatory Powers accredited to The Hague and of the Netherlands Minister for
Foreign Affairs, who will act as President, shall be instituted in this town as soon as
possible after the ratification of the present Act by at least nine Powers.
This Council will be charged with the establishment and organization of the
International Bureau, which will be under its direction and control.
It will notify to the Powers the constitution of the Court and will provide for its
installation.
It will settle its Rules of Procedure and all other necessary Regulations.
It will decide all questions of administration which may arise with regard to the
operations of the Court.
It will have entire control over the appointment, suspension or dismissal of the
officials and employees of the Bureau.
It will fix the payments and salaries, and control the general expenditure.
At meetings duly summoned the presence of five members is sufficient to render valid
the discussions of the Council. The decisions are taken by a majority of votes.
The Council communicates to the Signatory Powers without delay the Regulations
adopted by it. It furnished them with an annual Report on the labours of the Court, the
working of the administration, and the expenses.
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Article 29
The expenses of the Bureau shall be borne by the Signatory Powers in the proportion
fixed for the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union.
Chapter III. On Arbitral Procedure
Article 30
With a view to encourage the development of arbitration, the Signatory Powers have
agreed on the following Rules which shall be applicable to arbitral procedure, unless
other Rules have been agreed on by the parties.
Article 31
The Powers who have recourse to arbitration sign a special Act (‘Compromis’), in
which the subject of the difference is clearly defined, as well as the extent of the
Arbitrators’ powers. This Act implies the undertaking of the parties to submit loyally to
the Award.
Article 32
The duties of Arbitrator may be conferred on one Arbitrator alone or on several
Arbitrators selected by the parties as they please, or chosen by them from the Members
of the Permanent Court of Arbitration established by the present Act.
Failing the constitution of the Tribunal by direct agreement between the parties, the
following course shall be pursued:
Each party appoints two Arbitrators, and these latter together choose an Umpire.
In case of equal voting, the choice of the Umpire is intrusted to a third Power, selected
by the parties by common accord.
If no agreement is arrived at on this subject, each party selects a different Power, and
the choice of the Umpire is made in concert by the Powers thus selected.
Article 33
When a Sovereign or the Chief of a State is chosen as Arbitrator, the arbitral
procedure is settled by him.
Article 34
The Umpire is by right President of the Tribunal.
When the Tribunal does not include an Umpire, it appoints its own President.
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Article 35
In case of the death, retirement, or disability from any cause of one of the Arbitrators,
his place shall be filled in accordance with the method of his appointment.
Article 36
The Tribunal’s place of session is selected by the parties. Failing this selection the
Tribunal sits at The Hague.
The place thus fixed cannot, except in case of necessity, be changed by the Tribunal
without the assent of the parties.
Article 37
The parties have the right to appoint delegates or special agents to attend the Tribunal,
for the purpose of serving as intermediaries between them and the Tribunal.
They are further authorized to retain, for the defence of their rights and interests
before the Tribunal, counsel or advocates appointed by them for this purpose.
Article 38
The Tribunal decides on the choice of languages to be used by itself, and to be
authorized for use before it.
Article 39
As a general rule the arbitral procedure comprises two distinct phases; preliminary
examination and discussion.
Preliminary examination consists in the communication by the respective agents to
the members of the Tribunal and to the opposite party of all printed or written Acts and
of all documents containing the arguments invoked in the case. This communication
shall be made in the form and within the periods fixed by the Tribunal in accordance
with Article 49.
Discussion consists in the oral development before the Tribunal of the arguments of
the parties.
Article 40
Every document produced by one party must be communicated to the other party.
Article 41
The discussions are under the direction of the President.
They are only public if it be so decided by the Tribunal, with the assent of the parties.
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They are recorded in the procès-verbaux drawn up by the Secretaries appointed by the
President. These procès-verbaux alone have an authentic character.
Article 42
When the preliminary examination is concluded, the Tribunal has the right to refuse
discussion of all fresh Acts or documents which one party may desire to submit to it
without the consent of the other party.
Article 43
The Tribunal is free to take into consideration fresh Acts or documents to which its
attention may be drawn by the agents or counsel of the parties.
In this case, the Tribunal has the right to require the production of these Acts or
documents, but is obliged to make them known to the opposite party.
Article 44
The Tribunal can, besides, require from the agents of the parties the production of all
Acts, and can demand all necessary explanations. In case of refusal, the Tribunal takes
note of it.
Article 45
The agents and counsel of the parties are authorized to present orally to the Tribunal
all the arguments they may think expedient in defence of their case.
Article 46
They have the right to raise objections and points.
The decisions of the Tribunal on those points are final, and cannot form the subject
of any subsequent discussion.
Article 47
The members of the Tribunal have the right to put questions to the agents and counsel
of the parties, and to demand explanations from them on doubtful points.
Neither the questions put nor the remarks made by members of the Tribunal during
the discussions can be regarded as an expression of opinion by the Tribunal in general,
or by its members in particular.
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Article 48
The Tribunal is authorized to declare its competence in interpreting the ‘Compromis’
as well as the other Treaties which may be invoked in the case, and in applying the
principles of international law.
Article 49
The Tribunal has the right to issue Rules of Procedure for the conduct of the case, to
decide the forms and periods within which each party must conclude its arguments, and
to arrange all the formalities required for dealing with the evidence.
Article 50
When the agents and counsel of the parties have submitted all explanations and
evidence in support of their case, the President pronounces the discussion closed.
Article 51
The deliberations of the Tribunal take place in private.
Every decision is taken by a majority of members of the Tribunal.
The refusal of a member to vote must be recorded in the procès-verbal.
Article 52
The Award, given by a majority of votes, is accompanied by a statement of reasons.
It is drawn up in writing and signed by each member of the Tribunal.
Those members who are in the minority may record their dissent when signing.
Article 53
The Award is read out at a public meeting of the Tribunal, the agents and counsel of
the parties being present, or duly summoned to attend.
Article 54
The Award, duly pronounced and notified to the agents of the parties at variance, puts
an end to the dispute definitively and without appeal.
Article 55
The parties can reserve in the ‘Compromis’ the right to demand the revision of the
Award.
In this case, and unless there be an agreement to the contrary, the demand must be
addressed to the Tribunal which pronounced the Award. It can only be made on the
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ground of the discovery of some new fact calculated to exercise a decisive influence on
the Award, and which, at the time the discussion was closed, was unknown to the
Tribunal and to the party demanding the revision.
Proceedings for revision can only be instituted by a decision of the Tribunal expressly
recording the existence of the new fact, recognizing in it the character described in the
foregoing paragraph, and declaring the demand admissible on this ground.
The ‘Compromis’ fixes the period within which the demand for revision must be
made.
Article 56
The Award is only binding on the parties who concluded the ‘Compromis’.
When there is a question of interpreting a Convention to which Powers other than
those concerned in the dispute are parties, the latter notify to the former the ‘Compromis’
they have concluded. Each of these Powers has the right to intervene in the case. If one
or more of them avail themselves of this right, the interpretation contained in the Award
is equally binding on them.
Article 57
Each party pays its own expenses and an equal share of those of the Tribunal.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 58
The present Convention shall be ratified as speedily as possible.
The ratifications shall be deposited at The Hague.
A procès-verbal shall be drawn up recording the receipt of each ratification, and a
copy duly certified shall be sent, through the diplomatic channel, to all the Powers who
were represented at the International Peace Conference at The Hague.
Article 59
The non-Signatory Powers who were represented at the International Peace Conference
can adhere to the present Convention. For this purpose they must make known their
adhesion to the Contracting Powers by a written notification addressed to the
Netherlands Government, and communicated by it to all the other Contracting Powers.
Article 60
The conditions on which the Powers who were not represented at the International
Peace Conference can adhere to the present Convention shall form the subject of a
subsequent Agreement among the Contracting Powers.
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Article 61
In the event of one of the High Contracting Parties denouncing the present Convention,
this denunciation would not take effect until a year after its notification made
in writing to the Netherlands Government, and by it communicated at once to all the
other Contracting Powers.
This denunciation shall only affect the notifying Power.
In faith of which the Plenipotentiaries have signed the present Convention and affixed
their seals to it.
Done at The Hague, the 29th July, 1899, in a single copy, which shall remain in the
archives of the Netherlands Government, and copies of it, duly certified, be sent through
the diplomatic channel to the Contracting Powers.