International Telegraph Union founded in Paris

Background. Between 1849 and 1865, Western European states engaged in bilateral and regional agreements to standardize international communications. By 1865, a comprehensive agreement was deemed necessary to create a framework for standardizing telegraphy equipment, setting uniform operating instructions, and establishing common international tariff and accounting rules.

The 1865 Conference. From 1 March to 17 May 1865, the French Government hosted delegations from 20 European states at the first International Telegraph Conference in Paris. This meeting culminated in the signing of the International Telegraph Convention on 17 May 1865, which served as the founding document for the Union.

Union Mandate. As a result of the 1865 Conference, the International Telegraph Union was founded as the first international standards organization. It was tasked with implementing basic principles for international telegraphy, including the use of the Morse code as the international telegraph alphabet, the protection of the secrecy of correspondence, and the right of everybody to use the international telegraphy.