1101

Discussion of the Offense of Hostage Taking

Section 1203 of Title 18 is intended to implement the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages. See International Legal Materials, Vol. XVIII, No. 6, November 1979, at 1456-1463. 18 U.S.C. §  1203 became effective on January 6, 1985, when the United States became a party to the Convention after having deposited its instrument of ratification of the Convention with the United Nations on December 7, 1984. [cited in USAM 9-60.700]