also known as the
Switzerland confederation, the Switzerland Bond, the
Helvetic Bond, the Ancient Bond or simply,
The Bond.
The first "treaty" on the bond was written about 1291, it was a mutual assistance treaty between the different regions (cantons) in Switzerland. Here is the original treaty (it was written in Latin and German)
Be it known to every one, that the men of the Dale of Uri, the
Community of Schwyz, as also the men of the mountains of
Unterwalden, in consideration of the evil times, have full
confidently bound themselves, and sworn to help each other with
all their power and might, property and people, against all who
shall do violence to them, or any of them. That is our Ancient
Bond.
Whoever hath a Seignior, let him obey according to the conditions
of his service.
We are agreed to receive into these dales no Judge, who is not a
countryman and indweller, or who hath bought his place.
Every controversy amongst the sworn confederates shall be
determined by some of the sagest of their number, and if any one
shall challenge their judgment, then shall he be constrained to
obey it by the rest.
Whoever intentionally or deceitfully kills another, shall be
executed, and whoever shelters him shall be banished.
Whoever burns the property of another shall no longer be regarded
as a countryman, and whoever shelters him shall make good the
damage done.
Whoever injures another, or robs him, and hath property in our
country, shall make satisfaction out of the same.
No one shall distrain a debtor without a judge, nor any one who is
not his debtor, or the surety of such debtor.
Every one in these dales shall submit to the judge, or we, the
sworn confederates, all will take satisfaction for all the injury
occasioned by his contumacy. And if in any internal division the
one party will not accept justice, all the rest shall help the
other party. These decrees shall, God willing, endure eternally
for our general advantage.
The Helvetic Confederation eventually lead to the Existence of the neutral Republic of Switzerland.
A thanks to Webster for all the definitions !