(b) There are also servitudes which may be called general, because binding alike upon every state in favor of all others, such as the innocent use of territorial seas.[202]
[CHAPTER XII]
PROPERTY
[§ 67. Property in General]
The term "property" has been used in varying senses by writers upon international law. By virtue of the fact that a state has jurisdiction over all its public property there has sometimes been confusion between the two terms, but jurisdiction may, and does, extend to persons and things of which proprietorship cannot be affirmed by the state.
In the sense commonly used in international law the property of a state is held to be all the lands and water within its limits. Within this territory the state has rights to the exclusion of other states, and upon the land area may exercise the right of eminent domain.
The idea of property in this international sense is distinct from that of private ownership, which is merely relative and depends upon the regulations of the state; indeed, private property may be seized for the debts of the state.
A state may hold absolute possession of such objects as are capable of appropriation, as lands, buildings, and other material resources for public purposes. In some cases the state owns the railroads, telegraphs, mines, etc. In time of war such property receives treatment somewhat different from that of private property, and in time of peace it may receive special recognition, e.g. houses of ambassadors.