GENERAL TREATY PROVIDING FOR THE RENUNCIATION OF WAR
AS AN INSTRUMENT OF NATIONAL POLICY1

 (KELLOGG-BRIAND PACT)

 Entered Into Force July 24, 1929

[THE HIGH CONTRACTING PARTIES]2

DEEPLY sensible of their solemn duty to promote the welfare of mankind;

PERSUADED that the time has come when a frank renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy should be made to the end that the peaceful and friendly relations now existing between their peoples may be perpetuated;

CONVINCED that all changes in their relations with one another should be sought only by pacific means . . .

* * * *

Article I

The High Contracting Parties solemnly declare in the names of their respective peoples that they condemn recourse to war for the solution of international controversies, and renounce it as an instrument of national policy in their relations with one another.

Article II

The High Contracting Parties agree that the settlement or solution of all disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be, which may arise among them, shall never be sought except by pacific means.

1 Excerpts. Emphasis added. The full text of the Pact may be accessed at www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/imt/kbpact.htm

2 Including Germany, Japan, Italy, USA, UK, France