Cab Head Charged with ‘undermining’ Pilots’ Plan to Boycott Nations

The American Jewish Congress today charged the chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board with “undermining” action by the Air Line Pilots Association to end air terrorism by boycotting countries that protect hijackers. Phil Baum, AJCongress assistant executive director, rejected the position reportedly taken yesterday by CAB chief Secor D. Browne that “international diplomacy should be left to government officials.” Baum said governmental action “could take years” while “the decisive action” of the pilots association could end “most air terrorism” quickly, especially if backed up by “comparable action” by airline management.

Baum added that Browne’s “hesitancy demonstrates the lack of resourcefulness and determination which accounts for the failure of our government to devise any effective steps to counter air terrorism.” He said the AJCongress was calling on the airlines and international civil aviation groups to follow the lead of the pilots and establish “an industry-wide policy to seal off any country that refuses to cooperate in the prosecution and punishment of those who endanger the lives and safety of air passengers.”