The great attraction of comparative law — whatever this term actually means — undoubtedly to some extent for legal scholars consists in the boundless freedom it offers. As shown in the many publications which have appeared since the 1900 Paris Congress, the most grandiose ideas have been developed, even when there is actually very little chance that they will ever be materialized and really only have a place in books of tall stories. Unattainable wishes have been expressed which are intimidating and discouraging. Views have been put forward with no other purpose than to create rather doubtful problem areas for future contemplation. Perfect methods of comparison have been recommended without any attempt at providing any illustrations of their application, while from the other side, views can even be heard which openly question whether comparative law even exists.

The Conference, held in Vienna at the invitation of the Austrian Government from 18 February to 21 March 1986, was to consider the draft articles on the law of treaties between States and international organizations or between international organizations, initially prepared by the International Law Commission and finalized by them in 1982. The ILC unanimously adopted the text of these articles, with the exception of Article 66 (settlement of disputes).