Israeli and Arab police leaders apparently concurred in an American-sponsored resolution unanimously approved at the Interpol conference in Frankfurt yesterday urging the 110 members of the international police organization to intensify their efforts to combat “non-political” terrorism. According to Martin Pollner, director of law enforcement for the US Treasury Department, the resolution, adopted by a vote of 58-0, had been worked out with Israeli and Arab police officials and was “acceptable to all.”
The resolution was adopted shortly before US Secretary of State William P. Rogers addressed the UN General Assembly urging that it act without delay in undertaking global measures against international terrorism. Rogers’ proposals were embodied in draft treaties calling for the extradition and punishment of terrorist perpetrators and sanctions against countries aiding them.
CABINET COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH TERRORISM
While Rogers spoke, the White House disclosed that President Nixon had established a high-level Cabinet committee “to deal quickly and effectively” with terrorism. The committee, to be headed by Rogers, will coordinate government activities to prevent terrorism at home and abroad and to set up procedures to “take appropriate action quickly and effectively” should terrorism occur.
It was reported from Frankfurt that according to Interpol’s Secretary General Jean Nepot, a criminal act combined with what some countries might regard as a political act would still be classified by Interpol as a criminal act. The adoption of the resolution was announced by Rogers during his General Assembly address.
It reportedly cited “certain aspects of modern international criminality, such as the holding of hostages with the intention of perpetrating blackmail or other forms of extortion.” The resolution called on member countries to take appropriate measures within the limits of articles 2-3 of the Interpol constitution. Those articles bar the organization from involvement in political, religious or military matters.
Pollner said there “might be differences over what Interpol would regard as a political crime.” But he cited Rogers’ statement to the Assembly that “political passion however deeply held, cannot be a justification for criminal violence against innocent persons.”
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