Note 43 — Chapter I · WHO BELONGS TO THE HOSTILE ARMY?

The necessity of an adequate mark of distinction was not denied even on the part of the French in the violent controversy which blazed up between the German and French Governments on the subject of the Franctireurs in the war of 1870–1. The dispute was mainly concerned with the question whether the marks worn by the Franctireurs were sufficient or not. This was denied on the German side in many cases with all the greater justification as the usual dress of the Franctireurs, the national blue, was not to be distinguished from the customary national dress, as it was merely a blouse furnished with a red armlet. Besides which, on the approach of German troops, the armlet was often taken off and the weapons were concealed, thereby offending against the principle of open bearing. These kind of offenses, as also the lack of a firm organization and the consequent irregularities, were the simple reason why stern treatment of the Franctireurs in the Franco-Prussian War was practised and had necessarily to be practised.