No enemy's property of any kind, public or private, can be seized, claimed by, or awarded to, any of its officers or men, and should they attempt to appropriate any of it for their individual benefit, they would be very severely punished through military tribunals, on which have been conferred by law very sweeping jurisdiction.

The enemy's money and property (all that is not necessary to be expended in administering local affairs in the enemy's territory) must be preserved for final arbitrament or settlement by and between the supreme authorities of the nations concerned.

My troops cannot acquire booty nor any individual benefit by reason of the capture of an enemy's territory.

I make this comment, believing that you hold erroneous opinions in respect to individual advantages which occupation bestows.
"I request your indulgence while I briefly consider the concessions you ask us to make as conditions precedent to the retirement of your forces to the lines indicated by your note of the 27th ultimo.
"The first is: Protection to your shipping and free navigation to your vessels.

Neither the extent of protection nor the limit of free navigation you request is understood.