Crimes Aboard Aircraft

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31988, 15 May 1969, Page 13

Crimes Aboard Aircraft

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, May 14. The United States Senate has approved ratification of the Tokyo convention covering crimes committed aboard aircraft in international flights. The convention on offences and certain other acts committed on board aircraft was signed in September, 1963, in Tokyo. Under the international agreement, jurisdiction over hijacking and other crimes belongs to the State in which the aircraft is registered. Thus, the country in which the aircraft lands would not have legal jurisdiction and, for example, a pilot and crew

members who attempt to commit a crime aboard their aircraft and find themselves subject to legal proceedings, would be tried in their own country. The convention, ratified by a 93-to-one Senate vote, also authorises the aircraft commander to deliver a suspect, or person who commits a crime, to’ the officials of a country in which he lands his aircraft

It also makes it obligatory for contracting nations to take appropriate measures to return a hijacked plane to its lawful commander, or to help preserve his control of the aircraft. The convention now goes to President Nixon for formal United States ratification.