Panama Kanalen I 1912

118 America; and, especially to the interoceanic communications, — should the same prove to be practicable, whether by Canal or rail-way, — which are now proposed to be established by the way of Tehuantepec, or Panama. In granting, however, their joint protection to any such Canals or rail-ways, as are by this Article specified, it is always understood by the United States and Great Britain, that the parties constructing or owning the same, shall impose no other charges or conditions of traffic thereupon, than the aforesaid Governments shall approve of, as just and equitable; and, that the same Canals or rail-ways, being open to the citizens and subjects of the United States and Great Britain on equal terms, shall, also, be open on like terms to the citizens and subjects of every other State which is willing to grant thereto, such protec- tion as the United States and Great Britain engage to afford. Article IX. The ratifications of this Convention shall be exchanged at Washington, within six months from this day, or sooner, if possible. In faith whereof, we, the respective Plenipotentiaries, have signed this Convention, and have hereunto affixed our Seals. Done, at Washington, the nineteenth day af April, Anno Do- mini one thousand eight hundred and fifty. John M. Clayton. (Seal) Henry Lytton Bulwer. (Seal)