CHAPTER II

=Violations of the Hague Convention= 63

A. THE "REPRISALS AGAINST FRANCS-TIREURS" 63

Murders Committed by the Germans from the Outset--Were there any "Francs-tireurs?"--The Obsession of the "Francs-tireurs" in the German Army--The Obsession of the "Francs-tireurs" in the Literature of the War--The Obsession of the "Francs-tireurs" in Literature and Art--Responsibility of the Leaders--Animosity toward the Clergy--Animosity toward Churches--Intentional Insufficiency of Preliminary Inquiries--A "Show" Inquiry--Mentality of an Officer charged with the Repression of "Francs-tireurs"--Drunkenness in the German Army--Cruelties necessary according to German Theories--Terrorization: "Reprisals" as a "Preventive" Incendiary Material--The two great Periods of Massacre--Protective Inscriptions--Accusations against the Belgian Government--Treatment of Civil Prisoners--The Return of Civil Prisoners--German Admission of the Innocence of the Civil Prisoners.

B. THE "BELGIAN ATROCITIES" 98

The Pretended Cruelty of Belgian Civilians toward the German Army--Some Accusations--The Pretended Massacres of German Civilians--Preventive and Repressive Measures taken by the Belgian Authorities.

C. VIOLATIONS OF THE HAGUE CONVENTION 111

Military Employment of Belgians by the Germans--Measures of Coercion taken by the Germans--Living Shields--A German Admission--Belgians placed before the Troops at Charleroi--Belgians placed before the Troops at Lebbeke, Tirlemont, Mons--Belgian Women placed before the Troops at Anseremme--Belgians forcibly detained at Ostend and Middelkerke--Bombardment of the Cathedral at Malines--The Pretended Observation-post on Notre-Dame of Antwerp--German Observation-posts admitted by the Germans--Pillage--Thefts of Stamps--Illegal Taxation--Fines for Telegraphic Interruptions--Fines for Attacks by "Francs-tireurs"--Hostages--Contributions and Requisitions--Contributions demanded from the Cities--Exactions of a Non-commissioned Officer--Requisitions of Raw Materials and Machinery--Conclusions--The Famine in Belgium--The Flight of the Belgians--The Causes of the Famine--Creation of Temporary Shelters--The National Relief Committee--Belgium's Gratitude to America.