Freedom of movement within these concentration camps or within the whole locality may be permitted if there are no special reasons against it. But obviously prisoners of war are subject to the existing, or to the appointed rules of the establishment or garrison.
The Prisoner and his Taskmaster.
Prisoners of war can be put to moderate work proportionate to their position in life; work is a safeguard against excesses. Also on grounds of health this is desirable. But these tasks should not be prejudicial to health nor in any way dishonorable or such as contribute directly or indirectly to the military operations against the Fatherland of the captives. Work for the State is, according to the Hague regulations, to be paid at the rates payable to members of the army of the State itself.
Should the work be done on account of other public authorities or of private persons, then the conditions will be fixed by agreement with the military authorities. The wages of the prisoners of war must be expended in the improvement of their condition, and anything that remains should be paid over to them after deducting the cost of their maintenance when they are set free. Voluntary work in order to earn extra wages is to be allowed, if there are no particular reasons against it.[54] Insurrection, insubordination, misuse of the freedom granted, will of course justify severer confinement in each case, also punishment, and so will crimes and misdemeanors.
Flight.
Attempts at escape on the part of individuals who have not pledged their word of honor might be regarded as the expression of a natural impulse for liberty, and not as a crime. They are therefore to be punished by restriction of the privileges granted and a sharper supervision but not with death. But the latter punishment will follow of course in the case of plots to escape, if only because of the danger of them. In case of a breach of a man’s parole the punishment of death may reasonably be incurred. In some circumstances, if necessity and the behavior of the prisoners compel it, one is justified in taking measures the effect of which is to involve the innocent with the guilty.[55]
Diet.
The food of the prisoners must be sufficient and suitable to their rank, yet they will have to be content with the customary food of the country; luxuries which the prisoners wish to get at their own expense are to be permitted if reasons of discipline do not forbid.
Letters.
Correspondence with one’s home is to be permitted, likewise visits and intercourse, but these of course must be watched.