Hertslet's Commercial Treaties

laws of the respective countries, and the ratifications shall be exchanged in Montevideo as soon as possible.

In faith whereof the aforementioned plenipotentiaries have signed this treaty and thereunto affixed their seals.

Done in duplicate, in the English and Spanish languages, in Montevideo, the 18th day of April, 1918.

(L.S.) A. MITCHELL INNES. (L.S.) BALTASAR BRUM.

VENEZUELA,

CONSTITUTION of the United States of Venezuela so far as it relates to Naturalisation and the rights and duties of Foreigners.-Caracas, June 13, 1914.

(Translation.)

ART. 10. The Venezuelan nationality is acquired by birth or by adoption.

(a.) Venezuelans by birth are

(1.) All those born in the territory of Venezuela;

(2.) The children of Venezuelan parents whatever their place of birth.

(b.) The following acquire Venezuelan nationality:— (1.) Children of full age of a Venezuelan father or mother by naturalisation, born outside of the territory of the republic, if they afterwards take up their residence in the country and manifest their desire to be Venezuelans.

(2.) All persons born or who may hereafter be born in Spanish-American countries, provided that they have established their residences in the territory of the republic and manifested their desire to be Venezuelans.

(3.) Foreigners who may have obtained certificates of naturalisation in conformity with the law.

(4.) All foreign women, married to Venezuelans, so long as a matrimonial bond exists or after this bond is dissolved, if they shall have complied with the provisions of the following Article within the year following such dissolution.

11. The declaration of intention to become a Venezuelan must be made before the principal Registrar of the jurisdiction in which the person making such declaration establishes his domicile, and the latter, upon receiving it, shall record it in the proper record and shall send a copy thereof to the Federal Executive for its publication in the Official Gazette."

Sole Paragraph.-Naturalisation shall not be considered to be acquired until the Executive orders and completes the publication above referred to.

15. The rights and duties of foreigners are fixed by law, but can in no case be greater than those of Venezuelans.

16. Foreigners, domiciled or transient, who shall take part in any political controversies, shall be subject to the same responsibilities as Venezuelans and to the provisions of paragraph 26, Article 79, of this Constitution.

17. In no case can nationals or foreigners claim that the nation or the States shall indemnify them for damages, injuries, or expropriations which shall not have been effected by legitimate authorities, operating within the scope of their public capacity.

18. The Government of Venezuela shall not conclude treaties with other nations entrenching upon the principles established in the two foregoing Articles.