The whole of the Belgian People's War can therefore only be regarded as an unorganised armed opposition of the civilian population. Being as such only permissible in unoccupied territory, it was without doubt absolutely against international law, when carried out in places already in the possession of German troops, as, for instance, in Aerschot, Andenne, and Louvain. But also in those places not yet occupied by German troops unorganised civilian war was not permissible, as the Belgian Government had had ample time to organise civilian war in accordance with international law. The Belgian Government had reckoned with the fact for many years, that in the event of an outbreak of war between Germany and France they would be drawn into the conflict; the preparations for their mobilisation were, as can be proved, commenced at least a week before the entry of the German troops. The Government were therefore in the position to provide those members of the civilian population they proposed to make use of for fighting purposes with military badges, and give them responsible leaders. If the Belgian Government made known to the German Government through the mediation of a neutral Power that they had taken the necessary measures, this only proves that they were in a position to comply with the conditions as laid down; in any case, however, such steps were not taken in those parts of the country traversed by the German troops. The requirements of international law for an unorganised People's War were, according to this, quite disregarded in Belgium, and, moreover, it was carried on in a manner which alone would have sufficed to have put those who participated in it outside the laws of war. For the Belgian francs-tireurs regularly carried their weapons in a concealed fashion, and failed to observe the laws and usages of war throughout. On unimpeachable evidence it has been proved that, in a large number of cases, the German troops were received by the inhabitants on their arrival in an apparently friendly manner, and then, when darkness set in, or some other opportunity presented itself, were surprised by an armed attack; such cases occurred especially in Blegny, Esneux, Grand Rosière, Bièvre, Gouvy, Villers devant Orval, Sainte-Marie, Les Bulles, Yschippe, Acoz, Aerschot, Andenne, and Louvain (Apps. 3, 8, 11-13, 18, 22, 28, 31, 43; A, B, D). All these surprise attacks obviously offend against the precept of international law that weapons are to be carried openly.