BERLIN ACT

(1885) was the outcome of a conference of thirteen European porcre and U.S. which took place at erlin to dispose of (1) the international rivalry for control of the Congo; (2) the conflicting claims of France and| Britain to Niger; (3) the competition of the powers to effect annexations on African coast. As a result the boundaries of the Belgian Congo State were defined, and freedom of trade established in the whole of the basin of that river. Freedom of navigation was also established on the Niger, the execution of the treaty being entrusted to France and Britain for the upper and lower reaches respectively. With regard to future annexations, notification to the other powers was laid down as indispensable, and each power was required to secure freedom of trade and transit in its African po e ions. The treaty was ratified by all the powers except U.S.