18 U.S.C. § 964
Delivering armed vessel to belligerent nation
(a) During a war in which the United States is a neutral nation, it shall be unlawful to send out of the United States any vessel built, armed, or equipped as a vessel of war, or converted from a private vessel into a vessel of war, with any intent or under any agreement or contract that such vessel will be delivered to a belligerent nation, or to an agent, officer, or citizen of such nation, or with reasonable cause to believe that the said vessel will be employed in the service of any such belligerent nation after its departure from the jurisdiction of the United States.(b) Whoever, in violation of this section, takes or attempts to take, or authorizes the taking of any such vessel, out of port or from the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.In addition, such vessel, her tackle, apparel, furniture, equipment, and her cargo shall be forfeited to the United States.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 747; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)Historical and Revision NotesBased on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§ 33, 36 (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title V, §§ 3, 6, 40 Stat. 222; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, § 5, 54 Stat. 79).
Section consolidates said sections of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed.
Words “within the United States” were substituted for “within the jurisdiction” etc., in view of the definition of United States in section 5 of this title.
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
The conspiracy provision of said section 36 was omitted as covered by section 371 of this title. See reviser’s note under that section.
Minor changes of phraseology were made.
Editorial NotesAmendments1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000”.
Notes of Decisions
United States v. Hay (2024)
ca10
“§ 842 (a)(3)(A) (prohibiting possession of explosive materials without a license), or steal an armed vessel and also violate 18 U.S.C. § 964 by delivering it to a belligerent nation, or steal a drone while flying it off in a way that would recklessly interfere with the operation…”
United States v. Rodriguez (1994)
nyed
“§ 959 (c) (1976) (prohibiting enlistment in foreign service except by citizens of foreign countries who are transiently within the United States and who enlist or enter on board a vessel of war “which at the time of its arrival within the United States was fitted and equipped as…”
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