ARTICLE 37 No member of the National Assembly or of a State Assembly shall during the session, without the consent of the House to which he belongs, be subject to investigation or arrest on account of any punishable offense, unless he is caught in the act, or apprehended not later than the following day. Similar consent is required in the case of any other restraint of personal liberty which interferes with the performance by a delegate of his duties. Any criminal proceeding against a member of the National Assembly or of a State Assembly, and any arrest or other restraint of his personal liberty shall, at the demand of the House to which he belongs, be suspended for the duration of the session. ARTICLE 38 The members of the National Assembly and the State Assemblies are entitled to refuse to give evidence concerning persons who have given them information in their official capacity, or to whom they have given information in the performance of their official duties, or concerning the information itself. In regard also to the seizure of papers their position is the same as that of persons who have by law the right to refuse to give evidence. A search or seizure may be proceeded with in the precincts of the National Assembly or of a State Assembly only with the consent of its President. ARTICLE 39 Civil officers and members of the armed forces need no leave to perform their duties as members of the National Assembly or of a State Assembly. If they become candidates for election to these bodies, the necessary leave shall be granted them to prepare for their election. ARTICLE 40 The members of the National Assembly shall have the right of free transportation over all German railroads, and also compensation as fixed by national law. _SECTION III_ THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT AND THE NATIONAL CABINET ARTICLE 41 The National President is chosen by the whole German People. Every German who has completed his thirty-fifth year is eligible for election. The details will be regulated by a national law. ARTICLE 42 The National President, on assuming his office, takes before the National Assembly the following oath: I swear to devote all my energy to the welfare of the German People, to increase their prosperity, to protect them from injury, to preserve the Constitution and the laws of the Commonwealth, to perform my duties conscientiously, and to deal justly with all. The addition of a religious affirmation is permitted. ARTICLE 43 The term of the National President is seven years. He is eligible for reelection.