France used this unusual “choice” in “Colors” for it's Naval Forces from 1638 to 1790 (and again from 1814 to 1830). The entirety of the Ensign was completely White, and devoid of image. This caused no end of “trouble” for French Naval Commanders. By Era Standards, a “White Flag” was seen as a means of signaling a “Truce” or “Parley”. Some Commanders would remedy this by flying The Tricolor Emblem of France or Fleur-de-Lys Symbol underneath.