Chapter V.—General articles (Art. 280 and 281)

Article 280.

The obligations imposed on Germany by Chapter I and by Articles 271 and 272 of Chapter II above shall cease to have effect five years from the date of the coming into force of the present Treaty, unless otherwise provided in the text, or unless the Council of the League of Nations shall, at least twelve months before the expiration of that period, decide that these obligations shall be maintained for a further period with or without amendment.

Article 276 of Chapter IV shall remain in operation, with or without amendment, after the period of five years for such further period, if any, not exceeding five years, as may be determined by a majority of the Council of the League of Nations.

Note to X, 280

By this article specified obligations imposed on Germany were to cease to have effect after five years “unless the Council of the League of Nations shall, at least 12 months before the expiration of that period, decide that these obligations shall be maintained for a further period with or without amendment”. The time limit involved required the Council’s consideration of the matter at the latest in its 27th session, December 10–21, 1923, but no member of the Council or of the League proposed the item for the agenda in the period stipulated by the treaty. Therefore, it came to an end on January 9, 1925.

For the inapplication to Siam of this article, see note under article 137.

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Article 281.

If the German Government engages in international trade, it shall not in respect thereof have or be deemed to have any rights, privileges or immunities of sovereignty.