The North Atlantic Treaty

Washington D.C. 4 April 1949.

The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments. They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area. They are resolved to unite their efforts for collective defence and for the preservation of peace and security. They therefore agree to this North Atlantic Treaty:

1. The Parties undertake to settle any international dispute in which they may be involved by peaceful means, and to refrain from the threat or use of force.
2. The Parties will contribute toward the development of their free institutions, by eliminating conflict and encouraging economic collaboration.
3. In order to achieve these objectives, the Parties will maintain and develop their capacity to resist armed attack. (Si vis pacem para bellum).
4. The Parties will consult together whenever the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of them is threatened.
5. The Parties agree that an armed attack against one of them shall be considered an attack against them all. They agree in their right of self-defence. (One for all, all for one).
6. An armed attack is deemed to include an armed attack:
• on the territory of any of the Parties;
• on the forces, vessels, or aircraft of any of the Parties.
7. This Treaty does not affect rights and obligations under the Charter of the United Nations.
8. Each Party declares that none of them are in conflict with other nations.
9. The Parties hereby establish a Council, on which each of them shall be represented.
10. The Parties may, by unanimous agreement, invite any other European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.
11. This Treaty shall be ratified by the Parties in accordance with their respective constitutional processes.
12. After the Treaty has been in force for ten years, or at any time thereafter, the Parties shall, if any of them so requests, consult together for the purpose of reviewing the Treaty.
13. After the Treaty has been in force for twenty years, any Party may cease to be a Party one year after its notice of denunciation has been given.
14. This Treaty, of which the English and French texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United States of America. Duly certified copies will be transmitted by that Government to the Governments of other signatories.