Art. IX. In international differences affecting neither honor nor essential interests, and growing out of a difference of opinion as to questions of fact, the signatory powers deem it expedient that the parties who may not be able to come to an agreement in the diplomatic way, should, as far as circumstances will permit, institute an International Commission of Inquiry charged with facilitating the solution of such differences by clearing up such questions of fact by an impartial and conscientious investigation.

Art. X. International Commissions of Inquiry are constituted by special agreement between the litigant parties. The convention of inquiry sets forth the facts to be investigated and the extent of the commissioners' powers. It regulates procedure. The Commission has authority to hear both sides of the controversy. The order of, and the delays to be allowed in, presentation of the case on either side, in so far as they are not provided for in the convention of inquiry, are determined by the commission itself.

Art. XI. International Commissions of Inquiry are formed, save in the case of contrary stipulations, in the manner determined by Article XXXII of this Convention.

Art. XII. The litigant parties pledge themselves to furnish the International Commission of Inquiry, in the fullest measure that they shall regard as possible, every means and facility necessary to the complete and exact understanding of the facts in question.

Art. XIII. The International Commission of Inquiry renders a report to the litigant powers signed by all of the members of the Commission.

Art. XIV. The report of the International Commission of Inquiry, which is limited to a verification of facts, has in no respect the character of an arbitral judgment. It leaves to the litigant powers full liberty as to the result that may be imparted to such verification.