File No. 710.001/121

Resolution adopted by the Governing Board of the Pan American Union, December 8, 1914

The Governing Board of the Pan American Union

Declares:

  • 1. That the magnitude of the present European war presents new problems of international law, the solution of which is of equal interest to the entire world.
  • 2. That [in] the form in which the operations of the belligerents are developing they redound to the injury of the neutrals.
  • 3. That the principal cause for this result is that the respective rights of the belligerents and of the neutrals are not clearly defined, notwithstanding that such definition is demanded both by general convenience as by the spirit of justice which doubtless animates the belligerents with respect to the interests of the neutrals.
  • 4. That considerations of every character call for a definition of such rights as promptly as possible upon the principle that liberty of commerce should not be restricted beyond the point indispensable for military operations.

On these grounds the Governing Board of the Pan American Union

Resolves:

  • 1. A special commission of the same is hereby appointed, to consist of nine members, of which the Secretary of State of the United States shall form part, acting as chairman thereof, ex officio.
  • 2. This commission shall study the problems presented by the present European war and shall submit to the Governing Board the suggestions it may deem of common interest. In the study of questions of a technical character, this commission will consult the board of jurists. Each government may submit to the committee such plans or suggested resolutions as may be deemed convenient, on the different subjects that circumstances suggest.