Due to the decentralized structure of government in the United States, local authorities have developed expertise in dealing with hostage incidents. In addition, the Department of Justice oversees such cases in the event that the crime comes under Federal jurisdiction. In hostage situations which occur abroad and involve Americans, the Department of State is the site of task forces which are set up on a moment's notice. When foreign citizens are involved in cases within the United States, the Department of State sets up an informal task force, with law enforcement agency participation, to support the operational commander at the scene and stand by to handle foreign affairs aspects. In September 1972, a presidential cabinet committee was established to consider the most effective means by which terrorism at home and abroad could be prevented. Members included the Secretaries of Defense, Treasury, and Transportation; the Attorney General; the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; the Directors of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the President's assistants for national security and domestic policy. A working group composed of the committee members' senior representatives meets as issues arise and incidents occur. The committee produced guidelines which propose the Federal Government response to acts of violence with international ramifications. For the preattack phase, the guidelines foresee the spreading of publicity regarding the U.S. response to terrorist activities, the improvement of intelligence gathering capabilities and security measures, and the international exchange of information. For the attack phase, a list of action options has been prepared. Finally, for the postattack period, the guidelines call for exhaustive efforts to apprehend the criminals and for full sentences for convicted offenders. A reference list is not included.