The deposit of the ratifications of their Sovereigns was also acknowledged to the Ministers of Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Turkey.
His Excellency A. Bourée deposited the instrument of ratification by the President of the French Republic of the General Act and the Declaration of July 2, 1890.
His Excellency stated that, in his ratification of the Brussels General Act, the President of the Republic had made a provisional reservation with respect to Articles XXI, XXII, and XXIII, as well as Articles XLII to LXI, until a subsequent understanding was reached.
The Representatives of the Powers acknowledged to the Minister of France the deposit of the ratification by the President of the French Republic, as well as the exception concerning Articles XXI, XXII, XXIII, and XLII to LXI.
It is understood that the Powers which have ratified the General Act in its entirety recognize that they are reciprocally bound with respect to all its clauses.
It is likewise understood that these Powers will be bound with regard to the Power which has ratified it partially only within the limits of the commitments made by it.
Lastly, it is clearly understood that, with regard to the Power which has ratified it partially, the matters forming the subject of Articles XLII to LXI shall continue, until a subsequent agreement, to be governed by the stipulations and agreements now in force.
Baron Lambermont, one of the Representatives of Belgium, communicated to the Assembly the following letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium from His Excellency the Minister of France:
"Legation of France in Belgium
"Excellency:
"In the note verbale dated the 18th of this month, delivered on that day to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France by Baron Beyens, the Belgian Government called the attention of the Government of the Republic to the conditions under which Articles XXX to XLI of the General Act of the Brussels Conference could be applied in certain French possessions. These articles concern the granting of the flag to native vessels, the crew list, and the manifest of negro passengers. In noting the importance of these articles and calling attention to the fact that they were due to the initiative of France, the Government of King Léopold pointed out that they were applicable only in the ports of the zone specified in Article XXI, with respect to which a reservation was being made by France. Consequently, it requested that the Representative of the Republic at Brussels be authorized to make known the intentions of the Cabinet in Paris in this matter.
"By order of my Government and in accordance with the wishes expressed
