Article 23. Power of Pardonand Reprieve The power of pardon and reprieve shall be vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him in accordance with provisions to be laid down in the Constitution. Article 24. Foreign Relations 1. The Governor shall ensure that the foreign relations of the Free Territory shall be conducted in conformity with the Statute, Constitution, and laws of the Free Territory. To this end the Governor shall have authority to prevent the entry into force of treaties or agreements affecting foreign relations which, in his judgment, conflict with the Statute, Constitution or laws of the Free Territory. 2. Treaties and agreements, as well as exequaturs and consular com- missions, shall be signed jointly by the Governor and a representative of the Council of Government. 3. The Free Territory may be or become a party to international con- ventions or become a member of international organizations provided the aim of such conventions or organizations is to settle economic, technical, cultural, social or health questions. 4. Economic union or associations of an exclusive character with any State are incompatible with the status of the Free Territory. 5. The Free Territory of Trieste shall recognize the full force of the Treaty of Peace with Italy, and shall give effect to the applicable provisions of that Treaty. The Free Territory shall also recognize the full force of the other agreements or arrangements which have been or will be reached by the Allied and Associated Powers for the restoration of peace. Article 25. Independence of the Governor and Staff In the performance of their duties, the Governor and his staff shall not seek or receive instructions from any Government or from any other authority except the Security Council. They shall refrain from any act which might reflect on their position as international officials responsible only to the Security Council. Article 26. Appointment and Removal of Administrative Officials 1. Appointments to public office in the Free Territory shall be made exclusively on the ground of ability, competence and integrity. 1436 TREATIES [61 STAT.
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