Related Rule
France
Practice Relating to Rule 62. Improper Use of Flags or Military Emblems, Insignia or Uniforms of the Adversary
France’s Disciplinary Regulations (1975), as amended, states that it is prohibited “to use improperly … the national flag of the enemy”.
France, Règlement de Discipline Générale dans les Armées, Decree No. 75-675 of 28 July 1975, replacing Decree No. 66-749, completed by Decree of 11 October 1978, implemented by Instruction No. 52000/DEF/C/5 of 10 December 1979, and modified by Decree of 12 July 1982, Ministère de la Défense, Etat-Major de l’Armée de Terre, Bureau Emploi, Article 9 bis (2).
France’s LOAC Summary Note (1992) provides: “Perfidy is prohibited. It is prohibited … to use the uniform or emblem of the enemy.”
France, Fiche de Synthèse sur les Règles Applicables dans les Conflits Armés, Note No. 432/DEF/EMA/OL.2/NP, Général de Corps d’Armée Voinot (pour l’Amiral Lanxade, Chef d’Etat-major des Armées), 1992, § 4.4.
France’s LOAC Teaching Note (2000) provides: “Perfidy is prohibited, notably … the use of the uniform or emblem of the adversary.”
France, Fiche didactique relative au droit des conflits armés, Directive of the Ministry of Defence, 4 January 2000, annexed to the Directive No. 147 of the Ministry of Defence of 4 January 2000, p. 3.
France’s LOAC Manual (2001) states:
It is normally prohibited to use the flags, emblems or uniforms of enemy States in combat with the view to dissimulate, favour or impede military operations. However, it is traditionally permitted for warships to hoist false flags as long as they are not engaged in combat.
France, Manuel de droit des conflits armés, Ministère de la Défense, Direction des Affaires Juridiques, Sous-Direction du droit international humanitaire et du droit européen, Bureau du droit des conflits armés, 2001, p. 47; see also p. 115.
