RESTRICTED

Founding Charter (Extract)

Summary. The following is an extract from the instrument establishing CORVUS, signed in 1947 on behalf of a small number of states. The full text is held by the Office of the Registrar. Annex A is not reproduced.

1. This Charter establishes a standing organisation, to be known as CORVUS. It is signed on behalf of ^X4 by ^X2.
2. The Organisation exists to observe, to record, and to prepare. It holds no territory. It claims no authority beyond that granted to it by the signatory states.
3. The Organisation is established in consequence of the circumstances set out in Annex A. ^X1
4. The Organisation is bound by three principles:
   • Veritas. It shall seek the truth, and record it whether or not the truth is welcome.
   • Observatio. It shall watch, continuously and patiently, and shall not look away.
   • Imperium. When the time comes, it shall act, and act with authority.
5. The existence, purpose and findings of the Organisation shall not be disclosed except as provided in this Charter. Discretion is a duty, not a courtesy. It does not end when a member's service ends.
6. This Charter shall be reviewed when the circumstances in Annex A change. ^X1

Registrar's note: Annex A remains closed. Requests to view it are logged.