Imperial Formations Treaty
| The Treatise on Prisoners of War and Crimes of War in the Formation and Preservation of National and Imperial Holdings | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multilateral Treaty |
| Signed | 4 October 1723 |
| Effective | 1 January 1724 |
| Parties | |
| Languages | |
The Imperial Formations Treaty on Prisoners of War and Crimes of War held on 4 October, 1723 is a set of treatises which work to establish the basic rules of warfare for combatants. It defines "the basis on which rest the rules of international law for the protection of the victims of armed conflicts." After the first treaty was adopted in 1723, it was significantly revised and replaced in 1847, 1926, and finally 1950. It is inextricably linked to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is the enforcer of the articles in these conventions.
History
Summary of Provisions
The original articles of the treatise defines three classifications of opposing force. A Direct Enemy which incorporates opposing nations which have had a declaration of war presented to them directly. An Indirect Enemy which incorporates allies of the Direct Enemy, whom there is no official declaration of war. And finally an Allied Enemy which includes nations which are allied to both sides, but have chosen to involve themselves on a single side.
The 1723 treaty lists four basic responsibilities when handling prisoners of war for each classification. Similarly, the classification of war crimes diverge for each classification. The 1847 treaty incorporated all war crimes to hold true for all classifications.
Prisoners from Direct Enemy
- Prisoners must be given minimum 2 meals a day, consisting of at least 1 portion of meat, fruit and vegetables
- Prisoners may be ransomed, but if ransom has been given, the prisoner is safe from any harm until the time that he/she reenters combat
- Prisoners may be held in prison for up to one year after the war has concluded and a treaty of peace has been signed. After such a time, he will be released back to his nation of choice
- Prisoners are only allowed to work in labour camps for a period of no more than 10 hours a day and must have two days off per week
Prisoners from Indirect Enemy
- Prisoners must be given 3 meals a day, consisting of at least 1 portion of meat, fruit and vegetables
- Prisoners are only allowed to work in labour camps for a period of no more than 10 hours a day and must have two days off per week
- Prisoners may be ransomed, but if ransom has been accepted, the prisoner is safe from any harm until such a time that he reenters combat
- Prisoners can be held in prison for up to six months after the war has ended. After such a time, he will be released back to his nation of choice
Prisoners from allied Enemy
- These prisoners must be given three meals a day, consisting of at least 1 portion of meat, fruit and vegetables
- They must be given back in stable health after a maximum period of 3 months after capture
- Prisoners may be ransomed, but if ransom has been accepted, the prisoner is safe from any harm until such a time that he reenters combat
- Prisoners are only allowed to work in labour camps for a period of no more than 7 hours a day and must have two days off per week