PUBLIC LAW 95-393—SEPT. 30, 1978
92 STAT. 8()9
AUTHORITY TO EXTEND MORE FAVORABLE OR LESS FAVORABLE TREATMENT
SEC. 4. The President may, on the basis of reciprocity and under 22 USC 254c. such terms and conditions as he may determine, specify privileges and immunities for members of the mission, their families, and the diplomatic couriers of any sending state which result in more favorable treatment or less favorable treatment than is provided under the Vienna Convention. DISMISSAL OF ACTIONS AGAINST INDIVIDUALS ENTITLED TO I M M U N I l T f
SEC. 5. Any action or proceeding brought against an individual who 22 USC 254d. is entitled to immunity with respect to such action or proceeding under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, under section 3(b) or 4 of this Act, or under any other laws extending diplomatic privileges and immunities, shall be dismissed. Such immunity may be established upon motion or suggestion by or on behalf of the individual, or as otherwise permitted by law or applicable rules of procedure. REQUIREMENT
FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE
SEC. 6. (a) E a c h mission, members of the mission and their families, 22 USC 254e. and individuals described in section 19 of the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of February 13, 1946, shall comply with any requirement imposed by the regulations promulgated by the President pursuant to subsection (b). (b) The President shall, by regulation, establish liability insurance Regulations, requirements to be met by each mission, members of the mission and their families, and individuals described in section 19 of the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of February 13, 1946, relating to risks arising from the operation in the United States of any motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft. (c) The President shall take such steps as he may deem necessary to insure that each mission, members of the mission and their families, and individuals described in section 19 of the Convention on Privileges t^.-j: and Immunities of the United Nations of February 13, 1946, who operate motor vehicles, vessels, or aircraft in the United States comply with the requirements established pursuant to subsection (b). SEC. 7. (a) That chapter 85 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by the addition of the following new section: "§ 1364. Direct actions against insurers of members of diplomatic 28 USC 1364. missions and their families " (a) The district courts shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy, of any civil action commenced by any person against an insurer who by contract has insured an individual, who is a member of a mission (as defined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations) or a member of the family of such a member of a mission, or an individual described in section 19 of the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of February 13, 1946, against liability for personal injury, death, or damage to property. " (b) Any direct action brought against an insurer under subsection (a) shall be tried without a jury, but shall not be subject to the defense that the insured is immune from suit, that the insured is an indispensabllB party, or in the absence of fraud or collusion, that the insured has violated a term of the contract, unless the contract was cancelled before the claim arose.".
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