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for the purpose of reference should differences of opinion arise. Armistice agreements should bedrafted with the greatest possible precision and clarity. 17212.11.3.1 Languages. Unless agreement is possible for an armistice to be drawnup in one language, an armistice should be drawn up in the language of each belligerent force,with each side retaining a copy in its language. Each belligerent should confirm the text in eachversion to ensure consistency in each language.12.11.4 General Effects of an Armistice Agreement. The precise effect of an armisticeagreement may depend on the terms of the agreement. In the absence of specific provisions tothe contrary, the following effects should be understood to result from an armistice agreement.12.11.4.1 Commencement, Notification, and Effective Time of the Armistice. Anarmistice must be notified officially and in good time to the competent authorities and to theforces. Hostilities are suspended immediately after the notification, or on the date fixed. 173An armistice for the parties commences at the moment it is signed, in the absence ofspecific provision to the contrary. 174 For example, an armistice agreement may specify thathostilities are suspended for the parties upon receipt of notification by their commanders, ratherthan upon signing. 175Although an armistice is binding upon the belligerents from the time agreed forcommencement of the armistice (or the time of signature if the time of commencement is notspecified), officers of the armed forces are responsible for adhering to the armistice only fromthe time when they receive official information of its existence from their State. 17612.11.4.2 Duration of an Armistice and the Resumption of Operations. If theduration of an armistice is not prescribed, belligerents may resume operations at any time,172 1956 FM 27-10 (Change No. 1 1976) 486 (“No special form for an armistice is prescribed. It should, ifpossible, be reduced to writing, in order to avoid misunderstandings and for the purpose of reference shoulddifferences of opinion arise. It should be drafted with the greatest precision and with absolute clearness.”).173 HAGUE IV REG. art. 38 (“An armistice must be notified officially and in good time to the competent authoritiesand to the troops. Hostilities are suspended immediately after the notification, or on the date fixed.”).174 1956 FM 27-10 (Change No. 1 1976) 487a (“An armistice commences, in the absence of express mention to thecontrary, at the moment it is signed.”).175 For example, 1958 UK MANUAL 485 note 1 (“The capitulation of Manila was signed by the local commandersin-chiefon 4 August 1898, but a general armistice had been agreed to by the Governments of Spain and the U.S.A.on 12 August. Notice of this, however, did not reach the Philippines until 16 August, owing to a breakdown insignal communications. The Spaniards contended that the capitulation had become void, but the United StatesGovernment denied, maintaining that the protocol concerning the armistice had stipulated suspension of hostilities,not from the date of signature, but from the date of receipt of notification on the part of the respectivecommanders.”).176 1956 FM 27-10 (Change No. 1 1976) 491 (“An armistice is binding upon the belligerents from the time of theagreed commencement, but the officers of the armies are responsible only from the time when they receive officialinformation of its existence.”); LIEBER CODE art. 139 (“An armistice is binding upon the belligerents from the day ofthe agreed commencement; but the officers of the armies are responsible from the day only when they receiveofficial information of its existence.”).850