Note 23 — Chapter II · VIOLATIONS OF THE HAGUE CONVENTION

If it had openly encouraged the civil population it would merely have ordered the levée en masse, which it had a perfect right to do: as Germany did in 1813. But it is interesting to note that in 1813 the German francs-tireurs were required not to wear distinctive uniforms or badges, and were allowed to use any weapons and any means of injuring the enemy. Germany invented the franc-tireur, and now expects Belgium to do what she would do in a like case. The bogy so feared by the German soldier is, indeed, his own shadow. Actually, of course, the Belgian Government called upon civilians to keep quiet and to surrender arms.—(Trans.)