Chapter I: General provisions

The provisions of Article 17-8 apply, by way of interpretation, to changes of nationality resulting from annexations and cessions of territories resulting from treaties prior to 19 October 1945. However, foreign persons who were domiciled in the territories retroceded by France, in accordance with the Treaty of Paris of 30 May 1814 and who, following this treaty, transferred their domicile to France, could only acquire French nationality on this basis…

Without prejudice to the interpretation given to previous agreements, a change of nationality may not, under any circumstances, result from an international convention unless that convention expressly so provides.

Where a change of nationality is subject, under the terms of an international convention, to the performance of an act of option, the form of that act is determined by the law of the contracting country in which it is instituted.