Trench and camp. [volume] (Augusta, Ga.) 1917-1919, 1918-05-29
u. S. SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
MUST MAINTAIN HIGH
STANDARD OF CONDUCT

ARO 0GROAbASAs "a Au0ANS6n tEOOpo
in France has won for the soldiers
from the United States real wei"
come. The presence Of American Off"
GERS and enlisted men in French
homes is not merely tolerated. The
French people gladly receive them.
In order that this happy relation
may continue, an official bulletin has
been issued for the information and
guidance of all concerned. It reads
as follows:
The attention of every officer is
directed to the Importance of prevent
ing any damage whatever to property J
belonging to the French. When any
damage is done the matter should be
adjusted and settlement made on the
spot, no matter how small. 1t will
save you trouble explaining in the
future.
when bHlets have once been as.
signed, changes cannot be made with
out authority of the town major, ALI
information may be obtained from
local town major. One-half franc
per day is the customary rate to pay
for personal service. II is important
that all officers be careful not to leave
without making settlement.
mo matter how long an officer
stays In billet, he would do we'll to
pay for service at the rate of fifty
confines a day. Failure Ito do this
gives rise to unfavorable comment on
the part OF the inhabitants, who are
then less inclined to billet officers.
The French authorities can. Of course,
force the inhabitants to billet officers,
but the way Is smoother for all con-
cerned If officers are appreciative and
give some outward and visible sign Of
inward appreciation.
The respecting of private property
Is OF capital Importance. Officers and
men should be careful, too, not to
offend the French people, who are
quite sensitive. Alterations should
be avoided. Most matters can be ad-
iusted in few minutes with the aid
of an interpreter. 1t should be re-
membeRed that the bi1lating 10 &C.
tually handled by the French, who
should be consulted by anyone who is
not sure OF his ground. The proper
procedure Is to refer the matter to
the American Town Major, who will
take it up with the French author
tiles.
According to the French law, the
inhabitants receive pay for billeting
officers and men only when they have
stayed more than three nights in the
same month 1t lis only fair, then, in
the interests Of all, that an officer
who Ii bilieted for fewer than four
nights should reimburse the pro-
prietor to the extent that the pro-
pristoF would have been paid by the
government, ]. O., one franc per night.
1t ia the custom to add to this fee
for service at the rate Of fifty centimes
day. This may be paid to the per-
son actually performing the servic8
of cleaning, making beds, etc, or to
the proprietor.
Men mugt be cautioned that they
must not touch any wood box, or any
property no matter how small or
seemingly unimportant, without first
obtaining permission The rustling
of lumber, wood, etc, as is custom
airy for soldiers in the United States,
must not be permitted, as it will not
be tolerated IN France.
ut is important that all ipstruc-
tons of the French officials be fol-
lowed explicitly. Also that the con-
duct Of officers and men be such that
the French people will have no cause
for complaint. 1t has been found that
the treatment accorded our troops has
generally been based on the conduct
OF the troops who were last to occupy
question, consult the French town
major, through the American town
major"