Convention Between the United States of America and the United States of Mexico on Boundary Waters, Washington, 1896

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Whereas the United States of America and the United States of Mexico desire to give full effect to the provisions of the Convention concluded and signed in Washington March 1, 1889, to facilitate the execution of the provisions contained in the Treaty signed by the two High Contracting Parties on the 12th of November, 1884, and to avoid the difficulties arising from the changes which are taking place in the beds of the Bravo del Norte and Colorado Rivers in those parts which serve as a boundary between the two Republics;

And whereas the period fixed by Article IX of the Convention of March 1, 1889, extended by that of October 1, 1895, expires on the 24th of December, 1896;

And whereas the two High Contracting Parties deem it expedient to extend the period fixed by Article IX of the Convention of March 1, 1889, and by the sole Article of the Convention of October 1, 1895, in order that the International Boundary Commission may be able to conclude the examination and decision of the cases which have been submitted to it, they have, for that purpose, appointed their respective plenipotentiaries, to wit:

The President of the United States of America, Richard Olney, Secretary of State of the United States of America; and

The President of the United States of Mexico, Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of Mexico in Washington;

Who, after having communicated to each other their respective full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed upon and concluded the following Article:

The duration of the Convention of March 1, 1889, signed by the United States of America and the United States of Mexico, which, according to the provisions of Article IX thereof, was to remain in force for five years, counting from the date of the exchange of its ratifications, which period was extended by the Convention of October 1, 1895, to December 24, 1896, is extended by the present Convention for the period of one year counting from this latter date.

This Convention shall be ratified by the two High Contracting Parties in conformity with their respective Constitutions, and the ratifications shall be exchanged in Washington as soon as possible.

In testimony whereof, we, the undersigned, by virtue of our respective powers, have signed this Convention in duplicate, in the English and Spanish languages, and have affixed our respective seals.

Done in the City of Washington on the 6th day of November of the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six.

RICHARD OLNEY [SEAL]

M. ROMERO [SEAL]