The general assembly of Interpol, the international police organization, meeting in Mexico City, was expected today to shelve its secretariat’s recommendations for measures to combat aerial hijacking. The measures advocated include changing of laws governing extradition of hijackers and preventive measures such as pre-embarkation screening of airline passengers to detect firearms.
Many nations at the meeting feel that international action is urgently needed. But Interpol is reluctant to become involved in political issues. The organization’s rules specifically preclude its intervention in court investigation or discussions in cases “which have a political, religious or racial character.”
This reasoning is not accepted by all of the police delegates, particularly those from South America. Some believe that unless an organization like Interpol seeks a solution, the problem of hijacking will grow. The general assembly is not likely to pass a resolution for transmission to individual governments. But informal discussions between national police forces are continuing and are seen by some delegates as being more useful than debates.
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