Citation: Settlers of German Origin in the Territory Ceded by Germany to Poland. Permanent Court of International Justice, 1923.Facts: On 28 June 1919, the Treaty of Peace between the Allied and Associated Powers and Germany was signed at Versailles. On 10 January 1920,Germany recognized the independent State of Poland and ceded rights and titles over certain territory to Poland (Article 87). Under the Treaty of Versailles (Article 256) all German State leases and contracts of territory transfer over to the Polish State. On 14 July 1920 the Polish Government refuses to recognize leases prior to 11 November 1918, by the German Government to German Nationals who have now acquired Polish nationality. The former German Nationalist are occupying territory under Rentengutsvertrage , a special contract, made with the predecessor State of Prussia. While the contract was effective prior to 18 November 1918 the Auflassung , legal ownership of the land, was not received. Under Article 256, the Polish Government assumes legal ownership of the territory. While the territories have been ceded to Poland, German Law is still in force in the territories. Issues: Whether or not Poland (the successor state) is obligated to assume a Rentengustsvertrag, made with a former German National and the predecessor state of Prussia, and the execution of the contract, including the transfer by Ausflassung? Under the Treaty of Versailles is Poland in violation of her international obligations?Side A: The German Settlers argue that the Rentengustsvertrag automatically transfers to the successor state. Although sovereignty has changed, private rights acquired under existing laws have not. They argue that while they had not acquired legal ownership of the lands prior to the Armistice of 11 November 1918, they have still acquired rights to the land (Articles 873 and 925 German Civil Code). Under the Minorities Treaty, Article 1 states that the conditi...
