into direct communication with the power chosen on the other side, with the object of preventing the rupture of pacific relations.
For the period of this mandate, the term of which, unless otherwise stipulated, cannot exceed thirty days, the states in dispute cease from all direct communication on the subject of the dispute, which is regarded as referred exclusively to the mediating powers, which must use their best efforts to settle it.
In case of a definite rupture of pacific relations, these powers are charged with the joint task of taking advantage of any opportunity to restore peace.
PART III. INTERNATIONAL COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY
Article 9
In disputes of an international nature involving neither honor nor vital interests, and arising from a difference of opinion on points of fact, the Contracting Powers deem it expedient and desirable that the parties who have not been able to come to an agreement by means of diplomacy should, as far as circumstances allow, institute an international commission of inquiry, to facilitate a solution of these disputes by elucidating the facts by means of an impartial and conscientious investigation.
Article 10
International commissions of inquiry are constituted by special agreement between the parties in dispute.
The inquiry convention defines the facts to be examined; it determines the mode and time in which the commission is to be formed and the extent of the powers of the commissioners.
It also determines, if there is need, where the commission is to sit, and whether it may remove to another place, the language the commission shall use and the languages the use of which shall be authorized before it, as well as the date on which each party must deposit its statement of facts, and, generally speaking, all the conditions upon which the parties have agreed.
If the parties consider it necessary to appoint assessors, the convention of inquiry shall determine the mode of their selection and the extent of their powers.
Article 11
If the inquiry convention has not determined where the commission is to sit, it will sit at The Hague.
The place of meeting, once fixed, cannot be altered by the commission except with the assent of the parties.
If the inquiry convention has not determined what languages are to be employed, the question shall be decided by the commission.
