0031-0330 irl.qxd 50 2.3.2009 14:19 Page 50 FIRST GENEVA CONVENTION OF 1949 The neutral Powers may, however, place conditions or restrictions on the passage or landing of medical aircraft on their territory. Such possible conditions or restrictions shall be applied equally to all Parties to the conflict. Unless agreed otherwise between the neutral Power and the Parties to the conflict, the wounded and sick who are disembarked, with the consent of the local authorities, on neutral territory by medical aircraft, shall be detained by the neutral Power, where so required by international law, in such a manner that they cannot again take part in operations of war. The cost of their accommodation and internment shall be borne by the Power on which they depend. CHAPTER VII The Distinctive Emblem Emblem of the Convention ART. 38. — As a compliment to Switzerland, the heraldic emblem of the red cross on a white ground, formed by reversing the Federal colours, is retained as the emblem and distinctive sign of the Medical Service of armed forces. Nevertheless, in the case of countries which already use as emblem, in place of the red cross, the red crescent or the red lion and sun1 on a white ground, those emblems are also recognized by the terms of the present Convention. Use of the emblem ART. 39. — Under the direction of the competent military authority, the emblem shall be displayed on the flags, armlets and on all equipment employed in the Medical Service. Identification of medical and religious personnel ART. 40. — The personnel designated in Article 24 and in Articles 26 and 27 shall wear, affixed to the left arm, a waterresistant armlet bearing the distinctive emblem, issued and stamped by the military authority. Such personnel, in addition to wearing the identity disc mentioned in Article 16, shall also carry a special identity card bearing the 1 The Government of Iran, the only country using the red lion and sun emblem on a white ground, advised Switzerland, depositary State of the Geneva Conventions, on 4 September 1980, of the adoption of the red crescent in lieu and place of its former emblem. This was duly communicated by the depositary on 20 October 1980 to the States party to the Geneva Conventions.