IHL Treaties - Additional Protocol (I) to the Geneva Conventions, 1977 - Commentary of 1987 Article | Article 52 - General protection of civilian objects | Article 52
[p.630] 1994 This article is of considerable importance. In fact, in order to apply the basic rule contained in Article 48 ' (Basic rule), ' it is necessary to know what constitutes civilian objects, on the one hand, and military objectives, on the other. For a long time attempts have been made to define military objectives. 1995 For example, Hague Convention IX of 1907 Concerning Bombardment by Naval Forces in Time of War (1) contains the following provisions: "Article 1 -- The bombardment by naval forces of undefended ports, towns, villages, dwellings, or buildings is forbidden [...] Article 2 -- Military works, military or naval establishments, depots of arms or war ' matériel, ' workshops or plants which could be utilized for the needs of the hostile fleet or army, and the ships of war in the harbour, are not, however, included in this prohibition [...]" 1996 These rules are accompanied by provisions relating to the warning which must be given before attacks; they have rarely been