Kellogg-Briand Pact

The Kellogg-Briand Pact, also known as the Pact of Paris, after the city where it was signed on August 27, 1928, is an international treaty "providing for the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy." It failed in this purpose, but is significant for later developments in international law.

Negotiations and ratifications

After negotiations, it was signed in Paris on August 27, 1928 by eleven states: Australia, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Germany, India, the Irish Free State, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Four states added their support before it was proclaimed—Poland, Belgium, and France (in March), and Japan (in April). It was proclaimed to go into effect on July 24, 1929. Sixty-two nations ultimately signed the pact.

Related Topics:
Paris - August 27 - 1928 - Australia - Canada - Czechoslovakia - Germany - India - Irish Free State - Italy - New Zealand - South Africa - United Kingdom - United States - Poland - Belgium - Japan - July 24 - 1929

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the United States, the Senate approved the treaty overwhelmingly, 85-1. However, it did add a reservation that the treaty must not infringe upon America's right of self defense and that the United States was not obligated to enforce the treaty by taking action against those who violated it.

Related Topics:
Senate - Reservation - Self defense

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~