Page:Lltreaties-ustbv001.pdf/209

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION—JULY 4, 1891
199

Article 23

1.—In case of disagreement between two or more members of the Union, as to the interpretation of the present Convention or as to the responsibility of an Administration in case of the loss of a registered article, the question in dispute is decided by arbitration. To that end, each of the Administrations concerned chooses another member of the Union not directly interested in the matter.

2.—The decision of the arbitrators is given by an absolute majority of the votes.

3.—In case the votes are equally divided, the arbitrators choose, in order to settle the difference, another Administration equally disinterested in the disputed question.

4.—The provisions of the present Article apply equally to all the Agreements concluded by virtue of Article 19, preceding.

Article 24

1.—Countries which have not taken part in the present Convention are admitted to adhere thereto upon their demand.

2.—Notice is given of this adhesion, through the diplomatic channel, to the Government of the Swiss Confederation, and by that Government to all the countries of the Union.

3.—It implies, as a right, accession to all the clauses and admission to all the advantages stipulated by the present Convention.

4.—It devolves upon the Government of the Swiss Confederation to determine, by mutual agreement with the Government of the country interested, the share to be contributed by the Administration of this latter country toward the expenses of the International Bureau, and, if necessary, the rates to be levied by that Administration in conformity with Article 10, preceding.

Article 25

1.—Congresses of plenipotentiaries of the contracting countries or simple administrative conferences, according to the importance of the questions to be solved, are held when a demand for them is made or approved by two-thirds, at least, of the Governments or Administrations, as the case may be.

2.—Nevertheless, a Congress must be held at least once every five years.

3.—Each country may be represented either by one or several delegates, or by the delegation of another country. But it is understood that the delegate or delegates of one country can be charged with the representation of two countries only, including the country which they represent.

4.—In the deliberations each country has one vote only.

5.—Each Congress fixes the place of meeting for the following Congress.

6.—For Conferences, the Administrations fix the places of meeting upon the proposal of the International Bureau.