[Sidenote: The bridgehead of Cologne.]
As a guarantee for the execution of the treaty German territory to the
west of the Rhine, together with the bridgeheads, will be occupied by
allied and associated troops for a fifteen years' period. If the
conditions are faithfully carried out by Germany, certain districts,
including the bridgehead of Cologne, will be evacuated at the expiration
of five years; certain other districts including the bridgehead of
Coblenz, and the territories nearest the Belgian frontier will be
evacuated after ten years, and the remainder, including the bridgehead
of Mainz, will be evacuated after fifteen years. In case the Interallied
Reparation Commission finds that Germany has failed to observe the whole
or part of her obligations, either during the occupation or after the
fifteen years have expired, the whole or part of the areas specified
will be reoccupied immediately. If before the expiration of the fifteen
years Germany complies with all the treaty undertakings, the occupying
forces will be withdrawn.
[Sidenote: German troops.]
All German troops at present in territories to the east of the new
frontier shall return as soon as the allied and associated governments
deem wise. They are to abstain from all requisitions and are in no way
to interfere with measures for national defense taken by the Government
concerned.
All questions regarding occupation not provided for by the treaty will
be regulated by a subsequent convention or conventions which will have
similar force and effect.