Diplomats, Specialists at UN Predict Increase in International Terrorism

An increase in International terrorism is forecast by diplomats at the United Nations and by specialists in extremist forms of political and class warfare. Their prediction is based on several factors, including the relatively low cost and high effectiveness of terrorist acts and the emergence of a Palestinian state as one of the main ingredients of a Middle East peace settlement, the United Nations Association of the U.S. reported in an article in its monthly magazine, “The Inter Dependent.”

“Palestine terrorists are credited with having awakened world opinion to the cause (of a Palestinian state) just as Israeli terrorists helped to convince the United Nations in 1948 to create a state for their coreligionists,” the article said. It listed among other elements leading to an upsurge of terrorism the expectations of African liberation movements for Arab support in return for the African nations’ abandonment of Israel; world-wide inflation; and the massive swing against the Left in South America.

According to the article, the U.S. will renew its efforts for anti-terrorist statutes at the UN only if and when there is permanent peace in the Middle East. “For the moment, neither African nor Arab states will allow any effective action to be taken,” The Inter Dependent said.

The article cited statistics compiled by an eminent specialist, Brian Jenkins of Santa Monica Calif. showing that in the six years ending Dec. 31, 1973, the casualty toll in all acts of International terrorism was 268 dead and 571 wounded. The cost in measurable destruction in the same period was $163 million plus $32 million paid in ransom to terrorists in addition to millions more spent on counter-terrorist measures. “Yet only three Arab terrorists are held in Europe; none has been severely punished,” the article said.