Artikel 11

1. In cases where the Contracting Party of the Requested Administration is of the opinion that assistance under this Agreement would infringe upon the sovereignty, security, public policy or other substantial interest of its country, assistance may be refused or withheld, or may be made subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions or requirements.
2. If the Requesting Administration would be unable to execute a similar request in case such a request were made by the Requested Administration, it shall draw attention to that fact in its request. Execution of such a request shall be at the discretion of the Requested Administration.
3. Assistance may be withheld by the Requested Administration on the ground that it will interfere with an ongoing investigation, including investigation by the relevant law enforcement agencies, prosecution or judicial proceeding. In such a case, the Requested Administration shall consult with the Requesting Administration to determine if assistance can be given subject to any terms or conditions as the Requested Administration may require.
4. In the event that a request cannot be executed, the Requesting Administration shall be promptly notified of that fact, and provided with a statement of the reasons for refusal or postponement of the request. The statement may be accompanied by the relevant information which may be useful for the Requesting Administration in its further pursuit of the request.