The resulting treaty had four essential points:[3]
It bound both parties not to "obtain or maintain" any exclusive control of the proposed canal, or unequal advantage in its use.
It guaranteed the neutralization of the canal.
It declared that the parties agreed "to extend their protection by treaty stipulation to any other practicable communications, whether by canal or railway, across the isthmus which connects North and South America."
Finally, it stipulated that neither signatory would ever "occupy, or fortify, or colonize, or assume or exercise any dominion over Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the Mosquito Coast or any part of Central America", nor make use of any protectorate or alliance, present or future, to such ends.