Phillips.] 4b2 [Xov. 2, 1888, and 



under the protection of neutrality, either perpetual or temporary. The 

 Congo Independent State has availed itself of the privilege and has de- 

 clared itself forever to be a neutralized State. 



The navigation of the Congo and of its affluents is to be free. No 

 fluvial or maritime toll is to be established along its course. Taxes must 

 only be sufficient to compensate for the expenses of keeping the river 

 navigable and of keeping up the establishments placed on its banks. An 

 International Committee, at which all the higli contracting powers have 

 the right of being represented, is to be especially charged with supervising 

 tlie liberty of navigation and transit upon a footing of the strictest equal- 

 ity ; it must also keep the streams, etc., in good condition, and carry on 

 all necessary work of all kinds which, in time of war, shall be held invio- 

 lable and not to be disturbed. 



The Congo is to remain navigable, even in war-time, to vessels of all 

 nations, whether belligerent or neutral, and private property is to be 

 respected even if under an enemy's flag. 



The navigation of the Niger and its affluents is rendered free under the 

 same stipulations as that of the Congo, except that the administration of 

 the river is entrusted to those owning Riparian rights, with authority to 

 act separately. 



Conditions of future occupancy. All future taking possession of terri- 

 tory on the coasts of Africa must be publicly notified, and to be effective 

 must be actual. 



Modifications and changes are provided for in the last section of this 

 Act, which must be agreed to by the powers in conference, and other 

 States may be admitted to this agreement upon an equal footing. 



LIMITS, POPULATION, ETC. 



The boundaries of the Congo Independent State are : 1. On the north, by 

 the French and Portuguese possessions, determined by the course of the 

 Tshiloango, the Congo and the Ubangi, up to the junction of the fourth 

 parallel, north latitude, with the thirtieth degree of longitude east 

 from Greenwich. 2. On the east, by a line following the latter degree to 

 the north-eastern shore of Lake Mwutu Nzige, and to the eastern borders 

 of Lakes Tanganyika, Moero and Banguelo. 3. On, tJie south, by tlie 

 dividing ridge between the basins of the Congo and the Zambese to the 

 twenty-second degree of longitude east of Greenwich ; then from soutli 

 to nortli by the line of the waters of tlie River Kansai to the sixth par- 

 allel of south latitude, along which it runs to the sea. 4. On tJie west, by 

 the Atlantic ocean, from tlie mouth of the Congo to the Bay of Cabinda. 



The territory embraced within these limits comprises two millions of 

 square kilometres, and is estimated to contain some twenty millions of 

 inhabitants, or about ten to the square kilometre. 



The tribes dwelling within this region are independent aud are subject 

 each to its own chief, to whom Europeans usually give the title of king, 

 although his subjects may be but few in number. As a rule, the dwellers 

 near the coast are of a peaceable disposition, but of course those more 



