F.—s

5

Article XVI. In case of disagreement between two or more members of the Union as to the interpretation of the present Treaty, the question in dispute shall be decided by arbitration. To that end, each of the Offices concerned shall choose another member of the Union not interested in the affair. The decision of the arbitrators shall be given by an absolute majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes the arbitrators shall choose, with the view of settling the difference, another Administration equally uninterested in the question in dispute. Article XVII The entry into the Union of countries beyond sea not yet forming part of it shall be effected on the following conditions : — 1. They shall make their application to the Administration charged with the management of the International Office of the Union. 2. They shall submit to the stipulations of the Treaty of the Union, subject to an ulterior understanding on the subject of the cost of sea conveyance. 3. Their adhesion to the Union must be preceded by an understanding between the Administrations having postal conventions or direct relations with them. 4. In order to bring about this understanding, the Administration charged with the management of the International Office of the Union shall convene, if there be occasion, a meeting of the Administrations interested, and of the Administration desiring admission. 5. AVhen the understanding has been arrived at, the Administration charged with the management of the International Office of tho Union shall give notice of the same to all the members of the General Postal Union. 6. If in a period of six weeks, counting from the date of that communication, no objections are presented, the adhesion shall be considered as accomplished, and notice thereof shall be given by tho managing Administration to the Administration joining the Union. The definitive adhesion shall be completed by a diplomatic act between the Government of the managing Administration and the Government of the Administration admitted into the Union. Article XVIII Every three years at least, a Congress of Plenipotentiaries of the countries participating in the Treaty shall be held with a view of perfecting the system of the Union, of introducing into it improvements found necessary, and of discussing common affairs. Each country has one vote. Each country may be represented either by one or several delegates, or by the delegation of another country. Nevertheless, it is understood that the delegate or delegates of one country can be charged with the representation of two countries only, including the one they represent. The next meeting shall take place at Paris, in 1877. Nevertheless, the period of this meeting may be advanced, if a demand to that effect be made by one-third at least of the members of the Union. Article XIX. Tho present Treaty shall come into force on the Ist July, 1875. It is concluded for three years from that date. AVhen that term is passed it shall be considered as indefinitely prolonged ; but each contracting party wall have the right to withdraw from the Union on giving notice one year in advance. Article XX. After the date on which the present Treaty comes into effect, all the stipulations of the special Treaties concluded between the various Countries and Administrations, in so far as they may be at variance with the terms of the present Treaty, and without prejudice to the stipulations of Article XIV., are abrogated. The present Treaty shall be ratified as soon as possible, and, at the least, three months previous to the date on which it is to come into force. The acts of ratification shall be exchanged at Berne. In faith of which the Plenipotentiaries of the Governments of the Countries above enumerated have signed it at Berne, the 9th October, 1874. For Great Britain ... ... ... Wm. Jas. Page. ,-, f Stephan, » Germany iGiinther. a , nc ,4- • (Le Baron de Kolbensteiner, " Austna {Pilhal. TT ( M. Gervay, » Hun Sai'y ' Ip.lleim. C Fassiaux, ~ Belgium ... ... ... ... < Vinchent, ( J. Gif c. ~ Denmark ... ... ... ... Fenger. „ Egypt ... ... ... ... Muzzißey. Spain \ Angel Mansi ' " J "' (Emilio C. de Navasciies. „ United States of America ... ... Joseph H. Blackfan. „ France ... ... ... ... B. d'Harcourt.