The Laws of War.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 11 June 1915, Page 3

The Laws of War.

Even in war there is a method of “ playing the game,” and there are certain things formulated by military law, written or unwritten, among civilized nations, which, even when they are at daggers drawn, they must not do.

These laws forbid the use of poisoning the water source of the enemy ; they prohibit murder by treachery—that is to say, the assuming of the uniform or the displaying of the flag of the foe so as to lure him into a position from which he has no escape. Equally, the slaughter of those who have surrendered is prohibited, whether they have done so at discretion or upon conditions. Then arms or projectiles which cause unnecessary pain or si ffar ing to an enemy must not be used, neither must a flag of truce be abused to gain information concerning the strategical position of the enemy, and in the interests of art and posterity, there must be no reckless destruction of valuable property such as churches or ancient buildings, whether public or private.

The laws of war also declare, among other things, that only fortified cities shall be besieged. Open cities, towns or villages are not to be subjected to siege or bombardment.