> > looks like any other civilian cargo ship until the need arises. > This is called Perfidy. It's a war crime. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfidy https://e

> > looks like any other civilian cargo ship until the need arises. > This is called Perfidy. It's a war crime. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfidy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfidy I agree with all of your points except this one. Traditionally, disguising a warship as a neutral or enemy merchant is a legitimate ruse de guerre provided the deception is broken before the vessel attacks. There has never been a prohibition against arming merchants or concealing armaments on a vessel flying its proper colors.