If no understanding has been reached over the terms thereof by October 1, 1920, the matter will be decided by the Supreme Judicial Court. The rights and duties of Bavaria and Wurtemberg remain in force as heretofore until possession is transferred to the Commonwealth. Nevertheless, the postal and telegraphic relations with neighbouring foreign countries will be regulated exclusively by the Commonwealth. ARTICLE 171 The state railroads, canals and aids to navigation will be taken over by the Commonwealth not later than April 1, 1921. If no understanding has been reached over the terms thereof by October 1, 1920, the matter will be decided by the Supreme Judicial Court. ARTICLE 172 Until the national law regarding the Supreme Judicial Court becomes effective its powers will be exercised by a Senate of seven members, four of whom are to be elected by the National Assembly and three by the National Judicial Court, each choosing among its own members. The Senate will regulate its own procedure. ARTICLE 173 Until the adoption of a national law according to Article 138, the existing state contributions to the religious societies, whether authorized by law, contract or special grant, will be continued. ARTICLE 174 Until the adoption of the national law provided for in Article 146, Paragraph 2, the existing legal situation will continue. The law shall give special consideration to parts of the Commonwealth where provision for separate schools of different religious faiths is not now made by law. ARTICLE 175 The provisions of Article 109 do not apply to orders and decorations conferred for services in the war-years 1914-1919. ARTICLE 176 All public officers and members of the armed forces shall be sworn upon this Constitution. Details will be regulated by order of the National President. ARTICLE 177 Wherever by existing laws it is provided that the oath be taken in the form of a religious ceremony, the oath may be lawfully taken in the form of a simple affirmation by the person to be sworn: “I swear.” Otherwise the content of the oath provided for in the laws remains unaltered. ARTICLE 178 The Constitution of the German Empire of April 16, 1871, and the law of February 10, 1919, relating to the provisional government of the Commonwealth, are repealed. The other laws and regulations of the Empire remain in force, in so far as they do not conflict with this Constitution. The provisions of the Treaty of Peace signed on June 28, 1919, at Versailles, are not affected by the Constitution. Official regulations, legally issued on the authority of laws heretofore in effect, retain their validity until superseded by other regulations or legislation. ARTICLE 179