77. Telegram 5465 From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1 2
Amman, September 30, 1970,
1210Z.
Subj: Hijack List
- 1.
- At 1215 local September 30, UAR Second Secretary turned over list of names of detainees to be released as quid pro quo for release hostages. Names being sent septel.
- 2.
- Interlocutor made following points as arguments for compliance
with fedayeen demands this subject:
- A.
- He (the interlocutor) who spoke in name of Fedayeen Central Committee said that if demands are met fedayeen movement will give word of honor that there will be no future hijackings.
- B.
- Number of detainees to be released is 56—same as number of hostages released. German, Swiss and British Governments have already announced willingness to release “seven.” GOI has agreed to release Algerians.
- C.
- Ten Lebanese plus two Algerians are not members of [Page 2] fedayeen organizatlons. Total number of fedayeen to be released is 44.
- D.
- Interlocutor stressed that if demands are met, this would be strong weapon to use in convincing fedayeen that goal can best be reached through negotiation. frustration of this effort might have opposite effect—i.e., that escalating violence is only way to achieve results.
- 3.
- Embassy comment: We are skeptical about value of pledge re no future hijackings. At same time, public statement eschewing such activity would be of such obvious value that efforts to obtain it worth considerable risk. Although interlocutor hardly in position to speak for fedayeen movement, we must give him credit for qte bringing home the bacon unqte on final hostage release.
Brown