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1.—There is maintained, under the name of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, a central office, which is conducted under the supervision of the Swiss Postal Administration; the expenses of which are borne by all the Administrations of the Union.

2.—This Bureau continues to be charged with the duty of collecting, collating, publishing and distributing information of every kind which concerns the international postal service; of giving, at the request of the parties concerned, an opinion upon questions in dispute; of making known propositions for modifying the acts of the Congress; of giving notice of the changes adopted, and, in general, of taking up such researches and labors as may be entrusted to it in the interest of the Postal Union.

1.—In case of disagreement between two or more members of the Union, as to the interpretation of the present Convention or as to the responsibility of an Administration in case of the loss of a registered article, the question in dispute is decided by arbitration. To that end, each of the Administrations concerned chooses another member of the Union not directly interested in the matter.

2.—The decision of the arbitrators is given by an absolute majority of the votes.

3.—In case the votes are equally divided, the arbitrators choose, in order to settle the difference, another Administration equally disinterested in the disputed question.

4.—The provisions of the present Article apply equally to all the Agreements concluded by virtue of Article 19, preceding.

1.—Countries which have not taken part in the present Convention are admitted to adhere thereto upon their demand.

2.—This adhesion is notified through the diplomatic channel, to the Government of the Swiss Confederation, and by that Government to all the countries of the Union.

3.—It implies, as a right, accession to all the clauses and admission to all the advantages stipulated by the present Convention.

4.—It devolves upon the Government of the Swiss Confederation to determine, by mutual agreement with the Government of the country interested, the share to be contributed by the Administration of this latter country toward the expenses of the International Bureau, and, if necessary, the rates to be levied by that Administration in conformity with Article 10, preceding.