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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, JANUARY 7, 1916.
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On the proposal of the Minister of Marine, in concert with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, of Colonies, of Justice and Worship, we have decreed and we decree :--
Article 1. The Prize Court provided for in Article 225 of the Mercantile Marine Code will have its seat in Rome, and will have authority also for the colonies.
Article 2.-The Prize Court will be presided over by a first president of the Court of Appeal, active or retired, or by a president of a section of the Court of Cassation, active or retired.
It will be composed of the following ordinary and supplementary members :-- Ordinary members ---
(a) An admiral.
(b.) A member of the "contentieux diplomatique.”
(c.) A Counsellor of State.
(d.) The Director-General of the Mercantile Marine.
(e.) The inspector of the port captaincies.
(f.) A magistrate of the legal profession having rank not inferior to that of a
Counsellor of Court of Appeal.
In categories (a), (b), (c), and (ƒ) a supplementary member will be selected.
Article 3.---A Government commissioner will initiate the proceedings in the name of the Government, and will record his opinions. A magistrate of the public ministry of a rank not inferior to a King's procurator will act as Government commissioner. In case of absence or other impediment another magistrate of the public ministry will take his place.
The Government commissioner and the supplementary commissioner when the latter is taking the former's place have no voice in the discussions, and no vote.
Article 4.The Prize Court will be attended by a secretary, having no vote, selected from among the officials at the Amiralty, of a rank not inferior to that of commander.
The secretary will be assisted by a vice-secretary, who replaces him in case of temporary absence.
The vice-secretary will be selected from among the officials, of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Marine, and Grace, Justice, and Worship of a rank not inferior to that of first secretary.
Article 5. The president, the ordinary and supplementary members of the Prize Court, the Government commissioners and the supplementary commissioners, and the secretary will be appointed by decree on the recommendation of the Ministers of Marine, Foreign Affairs, and Justice.
The vice-secretary is appointed by decree of these Ministers.
Article 6. The Prize Court will draw up, at its first sitting, rules of procedure for its future guidance. These rules will be published in the Official Gazette.
Article 7.-Five members constitute a quorum, including the president or his substitute.
The president or his substitute will have the casting vote.
Article 8.-Interested parties may present written femorials direct to the president. of the Court.
Article 9.-The representatives of foreign Powers accredited to the Italian Govern- ment may address to the Government commissioner any observations which they may think advisable in the interests of their nationals.
Article 10. The decisions of the Court will include an exposition of the grounds on which they are based (sono motivate). They are not subject to appeal, opposition, or revocation, except when taken to the Supreme Court of Cassation in the terms and conditions laid down in Article 3 of the law of 31st March, 1877, No. 3761 (series 2).
Article 11.--The decisions of the Prize Court will be communicated to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Marine within eight days of their pronouncement.