United States of America
Practice relating to Rule 66. Non-Hostile Contacts between the Parties to the Conflict
Section B. Use of the white flag of truce
The US Field Manual (1956) notes:
In the past, the normal means of initiating negotiations between belligerents has been the display of a white flag …
The white flag, when used by troops, indicates a desire to communicate with the enemy. The hoisting of a white flag has no other signification in international law. It may indicate that the party hoisting it desires to open communication with a view to an armistice or a surrender. If hoisted in action by an individual soldier or a small party, it may signify merely the surrender of that soldier or party. It is essential, therefore, to determine with reasonable certainty that the flag is shown by actual authority of the enemy commander before basing important action upon that assumption.
The US Air Force Pamphlet (1976) states:
The white flag has traditionally indicated a desire to communicate with the enemy and may indicate more particularly, depending upon the situation, a willingness to surrender. It raises expectations that the particular struggle is at an end or close to an end since the only proper use of the flag of truce or white flag is to communicate to the enemy a desire to negotiate.
The US Naval Handbook (1995) states: “Customary international law recognizes the white flag as symbolizing a request to cease-fire, negotiate, or surrender.”
The US Naval Handbook (2007) states: “Customary international law recognizes the white flag as symbolizing a request to cease-fire, negotiate, or surrender.”
The Handbook also states: “Once an enemy warship has clearly indicated a readiness to surrender, such as by … hoisting a white flag … the attack must be discontinued.”