Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field. Nevertheless, medical units which have fallen into the hands of the enemy shall not fly any flag other than that of the Convention. "[4] Despite its basic mandates, listed below, it was successful in effecting significant and rapid reforms. The fourth convention contained little that had not been established in international law before World War II. They shall be provided with any other markings or means of identification that may be agreed upon between the belligerents upon the outbreak or during the course of hostilities. The First Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field, held on 22 August 1864, is the first of four treaties of the Geneva Conventions.It defines "the basis on which rest the rules of international law for the protection of the victims of armed conflicts." The protocol also enabled the establishment of fact-finding commissions in cases of alleged breaches of the convention. Nevertheless they shall at least benefit by all the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of 12 August 1949. Chandler P. Anderson, "International Red Cross Organization". Each of the High Contracting Parties shall be at liberty to denounce the present Convention. It shall in no way impair the obligations which the Parties to the conflict shall remain bound to fulfil by virtue of the principles of the law of nations, as they result from the usages established among civilized peoples, from the laws of humanity and the dictates of the public conscience.

[2] Despite its intent of ameliorating the ravages of war, the inception of the 1864 Geneva Convention inaugurated "a renewal of military activity on a large scale, to which the people of western Europe…had not been accustomed since the first Napoleon had been eliminated.

Personnel whose retention is not indispensable by virtue of the provisions of Article 28 shall be returned to the Party to the conflict to whom they belong, as soon as a road is open for their return and military requirements permit. No derogation from the preceding provisions shall be made by special agreements between Powers one of which is restricted, even temporarily, in its freedom to negotiate with the other Power or its allies by reason of military events, more particularly where the whole, or a substantial part, of the territory of the said Power is occupied.

4 contents geneva convention for the amelioration of the condition of wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea of 12 august 1949 Medical personnel exclusively engaged in the search for, or the collection, transport or treatment of the wounded or sick, or in the prevention of disease, staff exclusively engaged in the administration of medical units and establishments, as well as chaplains attached to the armed forces, shall be respected and protected in all circumstances. Because some belligerents in World War II had abused the principles contained in earlier conventions, an International Red Cross conference in Stockholm in 1948 extended and codified the existing provisions. (b) In each camp the senior medical officer of the highest rank shall be responsible to the military authorities of the camp for the professional activity of the retained medical personnel. (4) That personnel and material of the veterinary service are found in the unit or establishment, without forming an integral part thereof.