Reagan Cites Terms of U.N. Charter

Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, invoked Monday night by President Reagan in partial justification for the American bombing of Libya, recognizes the inherent right of self-defense in the event of an armed attack, until the U.N. Security Council takes measures to maintain peace and security.

Reagan said the United States was defending itself against terrorist attacks organized by Libya.

A country that exercises its right of self-defense under Article 51 is required to report the act immediately to the Security Council.

The United States did so soon after it attacked Libyan targets last month in retaliation for Libya’s firing of missiles at U.S. planes flying over the disputed Gulf of Sidra.