Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

INTERNATIONAL—VALIDITY OF ARBITRATION AGREEMENT—U.N. CONVENTION

An arbitration clause contained in a telex agreement was sufficient to indicate that the parties desired arbitration as the forum for their disputes. Rosseel N.V.. a Belgian corporation, contracted with Orienltil Commercial and Shipping Co., Ltd. (Oriental U.K.), a Saudi corporation, for the purchase of oil. The agreement, telexed between the parties, conlained the following arbitration clause: "Arbitration: If required in New York City." The oil was never delivered, and Rosseel sought damages. Rosseel demanded arbilration with Oriental U.K. and with Oriental S.A., a sister corporation that was not a signatory to the contract.