Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 October 2009
THE SUBJECT MATTER OF INTERPRETATION
a. Two kinds of interpretation that both the Convention and the Principles of European Contract Law deal with should always be distinguished – first, the interpretation of their own provisions, subject to Art. 7(1) CISG and Art. 1:106 PECL, respectively, and second, the interpretation of the contract, subject to Art. 8 CISG and Art. 5:101 PECL et seq., respectively.
b. Nowhere does the Convention mention the interpretation of the contract, however, but rather speaks of interpretation of unilateral statements and conduct of each party (see Art. 8 paras. (1) and (2): “statements made by and other conduct of a party are to be interpreted”). In contrast, the Principles expressly state that the contract is the subject matter of interpretation (see Art. 5:101 para. (1): “a contract is to be interpreted”; para. (2): “that one party intended the contract to have a particular meaning,” “the contract is to be interpreted”; and para. (3) “the contract is to be intepreted”). It is beyond doubt, however, that Art. 8 CISG is also concerned with interpretation of the contract, no matter whether it is a contract made through an exchange of communications, a single instrument supplied by one party and accepted by the other, a contract drafted and signed by both parties jointly, or a contract concluded in some other way. This difference between the CISG and PECL is in expression and emphasis only.
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