Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987


Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 originated in the 100th United States Congress as four articles of anti-terrorism legislation. The United States House of Representatives bill was endorsed by eighty cosponsors while the United States Senate bill was endorsed by forty-nine cosponsors of the 100th United States Congress. The Act of Congress established prohibitions concerning the preoccupation of the Palestine Liberation Organization as a terrorist organization creating instability and meddling in the diplomatic relations of the Arab League and Middle East.
The Anti-Terrorism Act is an affiliate of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1988 and 1989. The Foreign Relations Authorization Act was codified as Public Law 100-204 bound as statute. The United States House bill was authorized by the 100th United States Congress and enacted into law by Ronald Reagan on December 22, 1987.

History

United States Foreign Policy Statute of 1969

Foreign Assistance Act of 1969, (, § 2221

Declaration of the Act

Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 was penned as five sections establishing reprehensible conditions with regards to Palestine Liberation Organization relations and conducting anarchist activities within the United States. The public law is declared as Title X - Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987.
Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 as short title - 101 Stat. 1406 § 1001
Determinations and Findings - 101 Stat. 1406-1407 § 1002
Determinations - 101 Stat. 1407 § 1002
Prohibitions Regarding the PLO - 101 Stat. 1407 § 1003
Enforcement - 101 Stat. 1407 § 1004
Effective Date - 101 Stat. 1407 § 1005
Termination - ''101 Stat. 1407 § 1005''

Enactment

The Reagan Administration sought to negotiate with Congress to prevent closure of the PLO mission at the United Nations, in fear that doing so would spark worldwide criticism. Legal Advisor to the State Department, Abraham Sofaer, sent a memorandum to Secretary of State George Shultz, explaining that, although the PLO was not legally entitled to an office at the UN, the U.S. should prevent its closure. More specifically, Sofaer’s memorandum explained that the legal status of permanent UN observers was not clarified in the 1947 Headquarters Agreement, meaning that the US could argue it had no legal obligations to treat observer missions with any immunities. However, the memo concluded, closing the PLO mission would run contrary to 40 years of practice under the Agreement.
In a later interview with the New York Times, Sofaer, speaking on behalf of the Administration, said that closing the PLO UN office would violate the 1947 Headquarter Agreements and result in a suit against the United States in the International Court of Justice. He added that the ongoing congressional debate “has the clear implication that Congress doesn’t care if it violates international law.”
Ultimately, despite the Administration’s objections. Congress enforced closure of the PLO mission. The New York Times recognized Sofaer as someone who understood the foolishness of this decision:
"Abraham D. Sofaer, the State Department's legal adviser, has understood the serious implications of this political foolishness. He has urged that action be held up, pending a legal ruling, lest American peace efforts in the Middle East be undermined. He sees the risk of damage to the interests of the United States and Israel."

Associated Statutes of United States

Resolutions of United Nations Security Council

Communiqués of U.S. Department of State

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Statements of Ronald Reagan administration

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Judicial records of United States district courts

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Informational and supplementary resources

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