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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 963. Detention of armed vessel
(a) During a war in which the United States is a neutral nation,
the President, or any person authorized by him, may detain any
armed vessel owned wholly or in part by citizens of the United
States, or any vessel, domestic or foreign (other than one which
has entered the ports of the United States as a public vessel),
which is manifestly built for warlike purposes or has been
converted or adapted from a private vessel to one suitable for
warlike use, until the owner or master, or person having charge of
such vessel, shall furnish proof satisfactory to the President, or
to the person duly authorized by him, that the vessel will not be
employed to cruise against or commit or attempt to commit
hostilities upon the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign
prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with which
the United States is at peace, and that the said vessel will not be
sold or delivered to any belligerent nation, or to an agent,
officer, or citizen of such nation, by them or any of them, within
the jurisdiction of the United States, or upon the high seas.
(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.
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