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MILNET: History of Laws Effecting Terrorism

Hague Convention, 1970

One of the first legal documents dealing directly with terrorism was created as a draft treaty at the Haque Convention in 1970. The convention deals mainly with hijackers as prompted by a rash of airplane hijackers. Its signatories must permit extradition, must prosecute criminals under the legal system in the country where the crime was committed. Modified in Montreal in 1971 to add the same requirements for acts against airports or airplanes on the ground.

US and Cuba, 1973

The US and Cuba agreed in 1973 to a treaty that requres the retun of aircraft, crews, passengers, and hijackers.

Bonn Summit, 1978

Agreement to enforce sanctions against countries which aid or abet hijackings. The signatories were:

EEC TRVI Agreement

Agreement on police coordination by supporting and staffing representatives to the Terrorism, Radicalism, Violence International) Members include:

At the same NATO adopted similar rules for coordination of information gathered (presumably by accident) by military intelligence sources. Details of the agreements and the countries agreeing is not available at this time.

Northern Ireland Emergency Provisions Act, 1973

Allows for search and siezure for whole areas and a special three person court expedites terrorist trials. This act must be renewed every 6 months. In 1995, talks between Northern Irish groups and the United Kingdom promised to dissuade the British Government from renewing the act.

Prevention of Terrorism Act, 1974

Allows for British Police and SAS members to blockade areas, make arrests, search and seizure. Must be renewed every 12 months. In 1995, talks between Northern Irish groups and the United Kingdom promised to dissuade the British Government from renewing the act.

Council of Europe:

"Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism"
January 1977, 17 of the 19 council members signed this document which lists the following acts as terrorist acts:

The Council of Europe, in later action, also defined the meaning of the term innocent, following very closely the wording in the Geneva Convention.

Canadian Emergency Repeal

Premeir Trudeau implemented a temporary repeal of some Canadian constitutional rights in order to fight and eliminate activities of the Quebec Separtist group Front du Liberation Du Quebec - FLQ. After the terrorists were captured and executed, full constitutionality was restored. It is widely accepted that the move by Trudeau while effective, was a major factor in his eventual ouster as the Premier of Canada. The controversy over his actions and his own flamboyant life style certainly combined to end his career.


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