Panama Kanalen I 1912

133 Article II . The high contracting parties, recognizing that the fresh water canal is indispensable to the maritime canal, take note of the en- gagements of His Highness the Khedive towards the Universal Suez Canal Co. as regards the fresh-water canal; which engage- ments are stipulated in a convention bearing date the 18th March, 1863, containing an expose and four articles. They undertake not to interfere in any way with the security of that canal and its branches, the working of which shall not be exposed to any attempt at obstruction. Article III . The high contracting parties likewise undertake to respect the plant, establishments, buildings, and works of the maritime canal and the fresh-water canal. Article IV . The maritime canal remaining open in time of war as a free passage, even to the ships of war of belligerents, according to the terms of Article I, of the present treaty, the high contracting par- ties agree that no right of war, no act of hostility, nor any act having for its object to obstruct the free navigation of the canal, shall be committed in the canal and its ports of access, as well as within a radius of 3 marine miles from those ports, even though the Ottoman Empire should be one of the belligerent powers. Vessels of war of belligerents shall not revictual or take in stores in the canal and its ports of access, except in so far as may be strictly necessary. The transit of the aforesaid vessels through the canal shall be effected with the least possible delay, in accor- dance with the regulations in force, and without any other inter- mission than that resulting from the necessities of the service. Their stay at Port Said and in the roadstead of Suez shall not exceed 24 hours, except in case of distress. In such case they shall be bound to leave as soon as possible. An interval of 24 hours shall always elapse between the sailing of a belligerent ship from one of the ports of access and the departure of a ship belonging to the hostile power.