GENERAL PROVISIONS. 



TREATY OF APRIL 4, 1908, BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND 



GREAT BRITAIN. 



[Ratifications exchanged, June 4, 1908.] 



The President of the United States of America and His Majesty 

 (he King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and 

 of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Emperor of India, desir- 

 ing in pursuance of the principles set forth in Articles 15-19 of the 

 Convention for the pacific settlement of international disputes, 

 signed at The Hague July 29, 1899, to enter into negotiations for the 

 conclusion of an Arbitration Convention, have named as their Pleni- 

 potentiaries, to wit : 



The President of the United States of America, Elihu Root, Secre- 

 tary of State of the United States, and 



His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and 

 Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Emperor of 

 India, The Right Honorable James Bryce, O. M., who, after having 

 communicated to one another their full powers, found in good and 

 due form, have agreed upon the following articles: 



Article I. 



Differences which may arise of a legal nature or relating to the 

 interpretation of treaties existing between the two Contracting Par- 

 ties and which it may not have been possible to settle by diplomacy, 

 shall be referred to the Permanent Court of Arbitration established 

 at The Hague by the Convention of the 29th of July, 1899, provided 

 nevertheless, thai they do not affect the vital interests, the independ- 

 ence, or die honor of the two Contracting States, and do not concern 

 the interests of third Parties. 



Ai.-iki.k II. 



In each individual case the High Contracting Parties, before 

 appealing to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, shall conclude a 

 special Agreement defining clearly tin' matter in dispute, the scope 

 of the powers of the Arbitrators, and the periods to be fixed for the 

 formation of the Arbitral Tribunal and the several stages of the pro- 

 cedure, it is understood that such special agreements on the part 



of the United States will be made by the President of the ITnited 

 State-, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof: His 



Majesty 1 Government reserving the right before concluding a special 



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