That Denmark, Sweden and Norway ought to be neutralized, and that this
neutralization ought to include:--
1. With respect to the mainland and islands of Norway, Sweden and
Denmark, that all parts of this territory shall be at all times
entirely neutral.
2. With respect to the Sound and the Little Belt, that in time of war,
ships belonging to any belligerent power shall be forbidden to show
themselves in these seas; which, on the other hand, shall be always
open for merchant craft, even those belonging to belligerent powers,
as well as for war-ships belonging to neutrals.
3. With respect to the Great Belt, that this strait shall always be
open for merchant and war-ships of every flag, including belligerents,
whether singly or in fleets; but that these ships shall be entirely
forbidden to undertake any inimical action on the coasts of the
above-named strait, or in its seas, within a distance exceeding the
maximum range of its artillery before sailing in or sailing out, or
indeed any attack, seizure, privateering, blockade, embargo, etc., or
any other warlike action whatever.
The meeting expressed its desire to see an international congress
arrange and conclude a treaty which should be open for all European
nations to enter into and sign, which should establish on the
above-named basis, under the guarantee of the signatory powers, the
neutrality of the northern States, together with the creation of a
really solid tribunal of arbitration, which, as the highest court of
appeal, should solve all difficulties that might arise with respect to
the said treaty.
That the neutralization of the Suez Canal, so long looked upon as
a pious wish, may in the near future lead to the inviolability of
Egypt, will doubtless be suggested. When this is accomplished, the good
understanding between France and England will be further strengthened,
and a foundation thereby laid for an extended co-operation in the
service of the peace of the world, in the young Congo State, with
its twenty millions of inhabitants and a territory equal to half
Europe; a realm founded without costing a drop of blood, from its
first commencement sanctioned and declared a neutral community by the
European powers unanimously, which will some day be looked upon as one
of the fairest pages in the history of the human race.