Political Hijacking: What Law Applies in Peace and War

A new breed of hijackers has evolved as a product of international political strife of recent years. In attempts to escape an actual or self-styled oppressive environment, these political hijackers cause irreparable injury and serious danger to travelers, and complicate the operation of many transportation companies. After sketching the problems involved in providing adequate reparations to the injured passengers and corporations, and in implementing adequate punishment of the offenders, Mr. Reeves examines the question of whether a hijacked ship or plane might be retained by the arrival country rather than returned to its foreign owner. The author concludes that such an act is both diplomatically and legally unwise, and would constitute a provocation little short of an act of war.