An Outline of the Chief Provisions of the Treaty of Peace with Germany, signed in the Galerie des Glaces, Versailles, on the 28th June 1919, the Ceremony beginning at 3 p.m.

Part I

The Covenant of the League of Nations

The Members of the League to be the signatories named in the annexe to the Covenant and other States to be subsequently admitted, the Members named in the annexe being the following:

The United States of America.
Belgium.
Bolivia.
The British Empire.
Canada.
Australia.
South Africa.
New Zealand.
India.
China.
Cuba.
Ecuador.
France.
Greece.
Guatemala.
Haiti.
Hedjaz.
Honduras.
Italy.
Japan.
Siberia.
Nicaragua.
Panama.
Peru.
Poland.
Portugal.
Roumania.
The Serb-Crote-Slovene State.
Siam.
Czecho-Slovakia.
Uruguay.

The League shall work through the instrumentality of an Assembly and a Council.

Any State may be admitted to the membership of the League if its admission be authorised by two-thirds of the Members of the Assembly.

In the Assembly each State which is a Member shall have one vote but may have three representatives.

The Council (with a permanent Secretariat) shall consist of the five Great Allied Powers (the U.S.A., Great Britain, France, Italy, and Japan) and four other Members selected by the Assembly. Until such election take place the four additional Members of the Council shall be Belgium, Brazil, Spain, and Greece. Each Member of the Council shall have one vote and one representative.

Except in specified cases the decisions both of the Assembly and of the Council shall be unanimous to be effective.

The Council will formulate plans for the reduction of armaments and will largely control the armament strength of the members of the League. Upon any threat of war it will take all possible preventitive steps. It will also formulate plans for the establishment of a Permanent Court of International Justice to settle international disputes.

The maintenance of peace within the League is facilitated by the undertakings of its Members. Every Member agrees to arbitrate before going to war and to accept the authority of the Council in various ways. Should any Member resort to war it will be deemed to have committed an act of war against all other Members of the League.

Combined economic pressure is to be the first weapon of the League against an offending Member.

The League may appoint Mandatories for the government of territories whose inhabitants are not yet capable of self-government. A State appointed a Mandatory by the League shall be responsible to the League for the government of the territory committed to its charge and must report annually thereon.

The seat of the League is established in the first instance at Geneva but the Council has power to alter its habitat.

Amendments to the Covenant will take effect when ratified by the Council and a majority of the Assembly.

Parts II and III

The Boundaries of Germany and Political Clauses for Europe

The Western Boundary of Germany:—On the Belgian border Germany admits the full sovereignty of Belgium over the contested territory of Moresnet and over part of Prussian Moresnet. Germany also renounces all rights over Eupen and Malmedy. Luxemburg passes from the sphere of German influence. From Luxemburg southwards, the boundary of France is her boundary previous to the war of 1870, Lorraine and Alsace being thus restored to her. With regard to the Saar Basin, on the north-east frontier of Lorraine, there are special provisions. As compensation for the destruction of the coal mines in Northern France, and in part payment of the total reparation due, Germany cedes to France all the coal mines there situated, while she hands over the government of the territory to the League of Nations. After fifteen years the inhabitants of the territory are to declare by secret vote the sovereignty under which they desire to be placed, and if, in accordance with their will, the territory be returned to Germany, the mines must be purchased from France by Germany at a price to be fixed by a board of experts. As a guarantee for the execution of the treaty, the German territory west of the Rhine (i.e. north of the point where the French boundary leaves the Rhine), together with the Rhine bridgeheads, will remain in the occupation of the Allies, part of it for five years, part of it for ten years, and the remainder for fifteen years. At the end of these periods stipulated portions will be evacuated subject to the faithful performance by Germany of her pledges.

Germany is forbidden fortifications and constructions of military use within fifty kilometres of the east bank of the Rhine.

The Southern Boundary of Germany:—With Switzerland, the present frontier. With Austria, the frontier of the 3rd August 1914, from Switzerland to Czecho-Slovakia. With Czecho-Slovakia, the Austro-German frontier in this area of the 3rd August 1914, to a point eight kilometres east of Neustadt.

The Eastern Boundary of Germany:—Almost all of West Prussia and Posen go to Poland. Danzig with the territory round it becomes a free city. A portion of East Prussia is left to Germany, but its northern corner is taken from her and the fate of a southern portion is left for decision by plebiscite. The fate of a part of Upper Silesia is also left for decision by plebiscite.

The boundary between Germany and Denmark depends upon the will of the inhabitants of northern and central Schleswig. The nationality of the inhabitants of this territory is left for decision by plebiscite.

Heligoland will be rendered harmless by the destruction of all fortifications, harbours, etc.

Russia:—Germany abrogates the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and all agreements with the Maximalist Government of Russia. The Allied Powers reserve on behalf of Russia her right to obtain from Germany reparation.

Part IV

German Rights and Interests outside Germany

In territory outside her European frontiers, as fixed by the Treaty, Germany renounces all previous rights and titles.

She hands over her colonies, with all Government or State property therein, unconditionally to the Allied Powers. She undertakes to pay reparation for damage suffered by French nationals in the Cameroons through the acts of Germans between 1st January 1900 and 1st August 1914.

Her possessions and rights in China she restores to China except in the province of Shantung, in the British concession at Canton, and in the French concession at Shanghai; China in turn agrees to open certain restored areas to international residence and trade. In Shantung Germany hands over the territory of Kiao-Chow and all her rights and property to Japan; in Canton she renounces her State property in favour of Great Britain; she hands over the German school in Shanghai to France and China jointly.

Her rights, property, privileges, etc., in Siam, Siberia, and Morocco she renounces in favour of Siam, Siberia, and Morocco respectively.

She recognises the British Protectorate over Egypt declared on the 18th December 1914, and undertakes not to intervene in any negotiations in respect of Egypt between Great Britain and other powers.

She undertakes to recognise and accept all arrangements which the Allied Powers may make with Turkey and Bulgaria with reference to German interests.

Part V

Military, Naval, and Aerial Clauses

'In order to render possible the initiation of a general limitation of the armaments of all nations, Germany undertakes directly to observe the military, naval, and air clauses which follow.'

MILITARY

The Military terms provide for the demobilisation of the German armies and the imposition of other military restrictions, within two months of the signing of the Treaty (as the first step towards international disarmament). All compulsory military service is to be abolished in German territory, and recruiting regulations on a voluntary basis are to be incorporated into the German military laws, providing for the enlistment of non-commissioned officers and men for a period of not less than twelve consecutive years, and stipulating that officers shall serve for twenty-five years, and shall not be retired until the age of forty-five. No reserve of officers with war service will be permitted. The total number of German effectives is fixed at one hundred thousand, including not more than four thousand officers, and it is provided that there shall be no other military forces raised outside this figure. Increase in the number of customs, forestry officials or police, or the military training of these services is specially prohibited.

The function of the German Army is to keep internal order and control of frontiers. The High Command is to confine itself to administrative duties, and it will not be allowed to retain a General Staff. Civilian personnel at the Ministry of War and similar institutions is to be reduced to one-tenth of that in 1913. There will be not more than seven Infantry and three Cavalry Divisions, and not more than two Corps Staffs. Surplus war academies, and schools for officers, cadets, etc., are to be suppressed, and the number of students admitted to the schools retained for the recruitment of officers is to be limited to the vacancies occurring in the establishments provided. The production of armaments, munitions, and material of war in Germany is limited to a schedule, based on the amount considered necessary for an army on the scale decided upon. No reserves may be formed, and all existing armaments, guns, and stores above the limit fixed must be handed over to the Allies for disposal. No poisonous gas or liquid fire shall be manufactured or imported, nor any tanks nor armoured cars. The Germans are obliged to notify to the Allies for approval the names and situation of all factories manufacturing munitions, together with particulars of their output. The German Government arsenals are to be suppressed and their personnel dismissed. Munitions for use in fortified works will be limited to 1500 rounds apiece for guns of 10·5 cm. calibre and under, and 500 rounds for guns of a higher calibre. Germany is prohibited from manufacturing armaments and munitions for foreign countries and from importing them from abroad. Germany must not maintain or construct any fortifications situated on German territory less than fifty kilometres east of the Rhine, and in the above area no armed forces either permanent or temporary may be maintained. The status quo is to be reserved in respect of the fortifications on the original southern and eastern frontiers of the German Empire. No military manoeuvres may be held nor any permanent works kept for the purposes of helping mobilisation. The demobilisation of fortifications must take place within three months.

NAVAL

The Naval terms provide that within two months the German naval forces in commission must not exceed six battleships of the Deutschland or Lothringen type, six light cruisers, twelve destroyers, and twelve torpedo boats, or an equal number of ships constructed to replace them. No submarines are to be included, and all other warships are to be placed in reserve or devoted to commercial purposes. Germany may keep in commission a fixed number of mine-sweeping vessels until the mines within certain specified areas in the North Sea and Baltic have been swept up. After the expiration of two months the total exclusive personnel of the Navy must not exceed 15,000, including a maximum of 1500 officers and warrant officers. All German surface warships interned in Allied or neutral ports are to be finally surrendered. Within two months certain additional warships enumerated in the Treaty and now in German ports will be surrendered at Allied ports. The German Government must undertake the breaking-up of all German surface warships under construction. Auxiliary cruisers, etc., are to be disarmed and treated as merchant ships. Within one month all German submarines, salvage vessels, and docks for submarines capable of proceeding under their own power or being towed must have been handed over at Allied ports. The remainder and those under construction must be broken up by Germany within three months.

Material arising from the breaking-up of German warships may not be used except for industrial purposes, and may not be sold to foreign countries. Except under specified conditions for replacement, Germany is forbidden to construct or acquire any warships, and the construction or acquisition of any submarines whatever is prohibited. Vessels of war are only to have a fixed allowance of arms, munitions, and war material. All excess of arms, munitions and war material is to be surrendered, and no stocks or reserves are allowed.

The personnel of the German navy must be recruited entirely by voluntary engagements for a minimum period of twenty-five consecutive years for officers and warrant officers, and twelve consecutive years for petty officers and men, under various restrictions.

In order to ensure free passage into the Baltic Germany is not to erect any fortifications in certain specified areas, nor to install any guns commanding maritime routes between the North Sea and the Baltic. Existing fortifications within those areas are to be demolished and guns removed. Other fortified works within fifty kilometres of the German coast or on German islands are to remain, as being of a defensive nature, but no new fortifications may be constructed and the armaments may not be increased. The maximum stocks of ammunition allowed for such defences are 1500 rounds per piece for 4·1 inch guns and under, and 500 rounds per piece for guns exceeding that calibre.

The German wireless stations at Nauen, Hanover, and Berlin are not to be used for naval, military, or political messages without the assent of the Allied and Associated Governments during three months, but only for commercial purposes, under supervision. During the same period Germany is not to build any more high-power wireless stations.

AERIAL

The Air clauses provide that the armed forces of Germany must not include any military or naval air forces. Germany is, however, to be allowed to maintain a maximum of 100 unarmed seaplanes up to the 1st October 1919, to be exclusively employed in searching for submarine mines. The entire personnel of the air forces in Germany is to be demobilised within two months, except for a total of 1000 men, including officers, which may be retained up to October 1919.

Until the complete evacuation of German territory by the Allies and Associated troops, the aircraft of the Allied and Associated Powers shall enjoy in Germany freedom of passage through the air, freedom of transit and of landing.

All military and naval aircraft (including dirigibles) and aeronautical material are to be delivered to the Allied and Associated Governments within three months, except for the hundred seaplanes already specified.

Prisoners of War and Graves

The Allied and Associated Powers agree to repatriate German prisoners and interned civilians without delay after the coming in force of the present Treaty; the whole cost of repatriation to be borne by the German Government.

The Allied Governments and the German Government will cause to be respected and maintained the graves of the soldiers and sailors buried in their respective territories.

Part VII

Penalties

William II., of Hohenzollern, formerly German Emperor, to be tried by a special tribunal for a supreme offence against international morality and the sanctity of treaties. The tribunal to consist of five judges, one appointed by each of the following powers: the U.S.A., Great Britain, France, Italy, and Japan.

The German Government recognises the right of the Allied Powers to bring before military tribunals persons accused of having committed acts in violation of the laws and customs of war and agrees to hand over such persons.

Part VIII

Reparation

'The Allied and Associated Governments affirm, and Germany accepts on behalf of herself and her Allies, the responsibility for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her Allies.'

The Allied and Associated Governments recognise that the resources of Germany are insufficient to make complete reparation possible, but through the instrumentality of an Inter-Allied commission, to be called the Reparation Commission, her responsibility for the loss and damage caused by the war is to be assessed and gradually liquidated as far as possible.

As a first instalment Germany must pay to the Allies, in such form and by such instalments as the Reparation Commission may determine, the equivalent of 20,000,000,000 gold marks by the 1st May 1921, and as a second instalment the equivalent of 40,000,000,000 marks between 1921 and 1926. The question of further instalments is reserved.

The Reparation Commission shall have power to examine periodically Germany's system of taxation with a view to estimating her capacity to pay, and the sums for reparation shall become a charge upon all her revenues prior to that for the service or discharge of any domestic loan.

A special provision is made for the repayment by Germany of all sums which Belgium has borrowed from the Allies during the War.

Shipping.—The German Government recognises the right of the Allies to the replacement, ton for ton and class for class, of all merchant ships and fishing boats lost or damaged owing to the war, and agrees to cede to the Allies all German merchant ships of 1600 tons gross and upwards, one-half of her ships between 1600 and 1000 tons gross, and one-quarter of her steam trawlers and other fishing boats. These ships are to be delivered within two months to the Reparation Commission together with documents of title evidencing the transfer of the ships from encumbrance.

'As an additional part of reparation, the German Government further agrees to build merchant ships for the account of the Allies to the amount of not exceeding 200,000 tons gross annually during the next five years.'

Specified submarine cables are renounced by Germany in favour of the Allies, their value to be estimated and written off the account for reparation.

Among special provisions is an undertaking by Germany to furnish the University of Louvain with manuscripts, printed books, and objects of collection 'corresponding in number and value to those destroyed in the burning by Germany of the Library of Louvain.'

Part IX

Financial Clauses

Any Power to which German territory is ceded will normally assume in respect thereof a fair portion of the German pre-war debt, the amount to be fixed in each case in accordance with certain stated principles by the Reparation Commission. But France shall have no liability for German debt in respect of Alsace-Lorraine.

The value of German Government property in ceded territory will normally be credited to Germany on account of reparation; but no credit will be given for any German Government property in Alsace-Lorraine; nor will Mandatory Powers either assume any portion of Germany's pre-war debts or give any credits for German Government property.

Germany is required to pay the total cost of the Armies of Occupation from the date of the Armistice for so long as they are maintained on German territory. This cost is a first charge on her resources; the next charge is for reparation.

Part X

Economic Clauses

These are designed to prevent Germany for a period of years from discriminating against the trade of Allied and Associated countries. They also provide for the settlement of pre-war debts, and other obligations and rules are drawn up for the fulfilment or non-fulfilment of pre-war contracts.

Part XI

Aerial Navigation

The provisions under this heading give to aircraft of the Allied and Associated countries certain specified rights in German territory and privileges similar to those enjoyed by German aircraft.

Part XII

Ports, Waterways, and Railways

Germany undertakes to grant complete freedom and equality of transport through her territories for persons and goods passing from or to the territories of any of the Allied and Associated countries, such goods in transit to be exempt from all customs and similar duties.

Similarly she grants to the Allied and Associated Powers equal freedom of navigation in all her ports and waterways. Free zones in German ports are to be maintained and adequate facilities are to be provided for trade requirements without distinction of nationality.

Portions of the Elbe, the Oder, the Niemen, and the Danube are declared international and placed under the supervision of the League of Nations and of International Commissions.

Provision is made for a deep draught Rhine-Danube Canal should it be decided to construct it.

The Rhine and the Moselle form the subject of a special series of clauses. With regard to the Rhine, France, to whom Germany is to hand over a portion of her shipping on that river, is given special rights and privileges.

Provision is made for a Rhine-Meuse Canal, should Belgium desire to construct it.

Exit to the north is given to the Czecho-Slovak State by the grant of a special use of the ports of Hamburg and Stettin.

Certain provisions are made with regard to railway service in Germany and in transferred territory.

The Kiel Canal is to remain free and open to ships of war and merchant shipping of all nations. If Germany fails to carry out the stipulations with regard to the Canal, appeal may be made against her to the jurisdiction of the League of Nations.

Part XIII

Labour

It is provided that an International Conference shall meet annually to propose Labour reforms for adoption by States composing the League of Nations. The Annual Conference will consist of four representatives from each State, two for the State and one each for employers and employed. The Conference has certain powers for the initiation of legislation to fulfil recommendations or draft conventions carried by a two-thirds majority of the delegates representing its Members.

Part XIV

Guarantees

These consist chiefly of the measures already outlined for the occupation by the Allied Powers during a period of years of the German territories west of the Rhine. If Germany fails to fulfil her obligations, such occupation may be prolonged or, if the territories or any part of them have been evacuated, renewed.

Part XV

Miscellaneous Provisions

'Germany undertakes to recognise the full force of the Treaties of Peace and Additional Conventions which may be concluded by the Allied and Associated Powers with the Powers who fought on the side of Germany, and to recognise whatever dispositions may be made concerning the territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, of the Kingdom of Bulgaria, and of the Ottoman Empire, and to recognise the new States within their frontiers as there laid down.'

An agreement about to be made between France and Switzerland and a recent agreement between France and Monico are formally recognised.

Provision is made for the continuance of the work of German missions in transferred territories under the control of trustees appointed by the Allied and Associated Governments.

Another provision ensures the acceptance by Germany of the rulings of Allied Prize Courts.

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