<Dl> <Dd> Although one of the Powers in conflict may not be a party to the present Convention, the Powers who are parties thereto shall remain bound by it in their mutual relations . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> Although one of the Powers in conflict may not be a party to the present Convention, the Powers who are parties thereto shall remain bound by it in their mutual relations . </Dd> <P> In the commentary to the article Jean Pictet writes: </P> <Dl> <Dd> They (conventions) are coming to be regarded less and less as contracts concluded on a basis of reciprocity in the national interests of the parties and more and more as a solemn affirmation of principles respected for their own sake, a series of unconditional engagements on the part of each of the Contracting Parties' vis - à - vis' the others . </Dd> </Dl>

Convention (iv) relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war. geneva 12 august 1949