Letter of marque
A letter of marque is an authorization given to a private ship owner and/or ship's captain by a government. The authorization allows the ship to act as a ship of war in naval engagements with the ships of another nation. A letter of marque would allow, for example, a private ship to engage a cargo ship and sink it, seize its cargo, or take its crew prisoner (or any combination of these).
The ability to grant a letter of marque is granted specifically to the U.S. Congress in both the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution, and also specifically denied to the states in both documents. The ability to grant a letter of marque is noted as one of the War Powers.
U.S Congressman Ron Paul has proposed using letters of marque to fight terrorism and piracy, most recently in response in response to the attack on MV Maersk Alabama in April of 2009.[1][2]
The 1856 Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law effectively abolished privateering amongst its signatories. The United States was not a signatory and thus technically remains able to issue letters of marque.
References
- ↑ Press Release:Paul Offers President New Tool in the War on Terrorism. The Office of U.S Representative Ron Paul (October 11, 2001).
- ↑ Jasper, William F. "Piracy Solution: Letters of Marque and Reprisal". New American. Retrieved on 2009-04-17.