Bretonian Privateer

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There are naval vessels in war formally designated as "commerce raiders". That would be the Bismarck, Graf Spee, etc.

These are military commands and crew and fly under national colors representing its government and armed forces.

Privateers are given permission to participate in piracy that is recognized as being pledged to be performed only against enemies of state for which they have been papered.

It was done so a captured ship could show it's letters of marquee and not be hanged by their captors but instead be treated as prisoners of war.

It also prevented them from having maritime charges of piracy brought against them at home, during or after a conflict. Basically it was an advance pardon for a non-military individual executing an otherwise illegal violation of accepted international maritime law that a government normally would honor and enforce.

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