Viewing page 88 of 201

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

NOTES ON THE SAFEGUARDING AND CONSERVING CULTURAL MATERIAL IN THE FIELD                14.
always likely to be the taking of things as souvenirs, or as extra comforts for barracks and billets; and occasional theft for gain is always possible.
(ii) Local inhabitants, tempted by things being abandoned or damaged, may also steal, either to line their pockets, or (especially in countries where looting has been extensive or much damage done) to supply themselves with necessaries and conveniences.

The theft of movable works of art for resale is particularly likely, since the market for these is considerable and there are plenty of unscrupulous middlemen ready to deal in them.  Theft, or its equivalent, for motives other than personal gain must also be taken into account.  Hostile agents may seek to discredit the occupying authorities; curators of public collections and private owners may fear that the objects in their charge will be taken for purposes of restitution or compensation, and may conceal them.  This will be especially the case when these objects have come into their hands as the result of looting, confiscation, or purchase (fraudulent or otherwise) by the enemy.

3. [[underline]] Defilement or contemptuous treatment. [[/underline]]
This is most likely to affect religious buildings, sites and objects; but may also concern buildings, etc. round which national or local sentiment centres.