uti possidetis

American  

[yoo-tahy pos-i-dee-tis] / ˈyu taɪ ˌpɒs ɪˈdi tɪs /

noun

International Law.

1. the principle that vests in either of the belligerents at the end of a war all territory actually occupied and controlled by them.

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uti possidetis British  

/ ˈjuːtaɪ ˌpɒsɪˈdiːtɪs /

noun

1. international law the rule that territory and other property remains in the hands of the belligerent state actually in possession at the end of a war unless otherwise provided for by treaty

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Etymology

Origin of uti possidetis

From Latin utī possidētis literally, “as you possess, as you hold”

Example Sentences

To stamp the success of the meeting, a joint letter was sent to George III, asking for peace on the principle of "uti possidetis."

From The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol. III. (of IV.) by Sloane, William Milligan

That the mediators might propose the uti possidetis as the basis of the negotiation.

From The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Volume X (of 12) by Various

Then if this reasoning be true, why stipulate for the uti possidetis?

From Jefferson and His Colleagues; a chronicle of the Virginia dynasty by Johnson, Allen

If one measures it by an uti possidetis, it is surely advantageous; and I see no reason for being at all confident that another campaign would have put us in a better situation to negotiate.

From Memoirs of the Courts and Cabinets of George the Third From the Original Family Documents, Volume 1 by Buckingham and Chandos, Richard Plantagenet Temple Nugent Brydges Chandos Grenville, Duke of

The uti possidetis as regards territorial possession was recognized.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various