FLAG OF TRUCE. A white flag exhibited by one of two contending forces, indicating a de sire to communicate. The necessity of occasion ally communicating with the enemy in time of war, and the fact that this can usually be best done by means of a flag of truce, has given to tho latter a sort of sacred character, which is recognized by all civilized people and by many savages as well, and a violation of the recognized immunities of the flag and of its bearers is re garded as just ground for retaliation and pun ishment. The immunities of the bearer are not, however, absolute. If it appear during an en gagement firing need not terminate, and if the bearer or a person accompanying him be killed or injured there is no ground for complaint. De liberate firing upon a party bearing a flag of truce, unless they have been warned not to pro ceed, is regarded as a breach of the military or naval code. A flag of truce, to have the ordinary immunity, must be sent by the senior officer pres ent, and it can only be received at the will of the senior officer of the other side. In a naval battle the vessel bearing it should not attempt to pro ceed beyond a point at which her character can be easily ascertained; should she attempt to go farther she may be warned by a shot across her how, and if she does not then stop she will be fired into. Having been warned to stop, she
must then await the pleasure of the enemy; if he declines to communicate she must perforce retire, but this is unusual. The detention of a flag of truce beyond the lines is a protection to the receiving side against espionage, torpedo attack, etc. Any attempt to obtain information of the enemy's position, condition, or force through a flag of truce may subject the bearer to trial as a spy. In any ease he may be detained as a pris oner if the receiver deems it desirable. In dispatching a flag of truce, except during an engagement, the flagship of the senior officer should keep her colors flying and a white flag at the fore; and if the senior officer of the enemy receives the flag-bearer his ship should do like wise during the progress of the conference, and afterwards until the boat has reached its inner lines. The boat carrying the flag should he met at the proper point by one in charge of an officer of suitable rank from the other senior officer, which should fly a white flag while going and returning.