Animated by a strong desire to concert for the maintenance of the general peace;
Resolved to second by their best efforts the friendly settlement of international disputes;
Recognizing the solidarity which unites the members of the society of civilized nations;
Desirous of extending the empire of law, and of strengthening the appreciation of international justice;
Convinced that the permanent institution of a Court of Arbitration, accessible to all, in the midst of the independent Powers, will contribute effectively to this result;
Having regard to the advantages attending the general and regular organization of arbitral procedure;
Sharing the opinion of the august Initiator of the International Peace Conference that it is expedient to record in an international Agreement the principles of equity and right on which are based the security of States and the welfare of peoples;
Being desirous of concluding a Convention to this effect, have appointed as their plenipotentiaries, to wit:
His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, King of Prussia:
His Excellency Count de Münster, Prince of Derneburg, His Ambassador at Paris.
His Majesty the Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia etc., and Apostolic King of Hungary:
His Excellency Count R. de Welsersheimb, His Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Mr. Alexander Okolicsanyi d'Okolicsna, His Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at The Hague.
His Majesty the King of the Belgians:
His Excellency Mr. Auguste Beernaert, His Minister of State, President of the Chamber of Representatives.
Count De Grelle Rogier, His Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at The Hague.
The Chevalier Descamps, Senator.
His Majesty the Emperor of China:
Mr. Yang Yü, His Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at St. Petersburg.
His Majesty the King of Denmark:
His Chamberlain Fr. E. de Bille, His Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at London.
