Armistice

A cessation of hostilities between belligerent nations for a considerable time. It is either partial and local, or general. It differs from a mere suspension of arms which takes place to enable the two armies' to bury their dead, their chiefs to hold conferences or pourparlers, and the like. Vattel, Droit des Gens, lib. 3, c. 16, § 233. The terms "truce" and "armistice" are sometimes used in the same sense. See "Truce."

An agreement between belligerent forces for a temporary cessation of hostilities. The condition of war between the parties continues in all other respects and produces its usual legal effects. An armistice differs from a mere "suspension of arms" (q. v.) in that the latter is concluded for very brief periods and for local military purposes only, whereas an armistice not only covers a longer period, but is agreed upon for political purposes. It is said to be general if it relates to the whole area of the war, and partial if it relates to only a portion of it. But there is no hard and fast distinction between armistices and truces. Arts. 36-41 of IV Hague Conf. 1907 lay down certain international rules on the subject of armistices, their duration, their general or local character, the necessary notification, and the consequences of a violation of the armistice. As these rules do not cover the whole field, they need to be supplemented by customary law. 2 Opp. 290-292.

A suspending or cessation of hostilities between belligerent nations or forees for a considerable time,