Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law abolishes privateering

Background. The declaration emerged from diplomatic meetings in Paris modeled after the Congress of Vienna, aimed at ending the Crimean War. Following the Treaty of Paris signed on 30 March 1856, plenipotentiaries agreed on the declaration at the suggestion of Count Walewski. It was the outcome of a modus vivendi signed between France and Britain in 1854, marking their first alliance as war partners.

Content. The treaty abolished privateering and regulated relationships between neutral and belligerent powers regarding shipping on the high seas. It established specific rules for maritime conduct, reflecting the interests of the warring parties gathered at the Congress at Paris. The declaration aimed to standardize maritime rights and responsibilities among the signatory nations.

United States Adherence. The United States aimed for complete exemption of non-contraband private property from capture at sea. It withheld formal adherence in 1857 because its 'Marcy' amendment was not accepted by all powers, chiefly due to British influence. This divergence highlighted differing interpretations of maritime rights among the major powers.