A Nixon Administration spokesman reaffirmed today that the United States efforts to free the hijack victims held by Arab terrorists in Jordan are “directed toward the release of all passengers without any distinction whatsoever.” In a letter to Dr. William A. Wexler. chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Harold H. Saunders, a senior member of the National Security Council wrote: “As a senior official responsible for Middle East affairs, I would like to say that we share in your concern over the seriousness of the present situation and are strenuously engaged in measures to secure the release of all passengers involved in the hijacking. I would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm–despite whatever other reports may be circulating–that our efforts are directed toward the release of all passengers without any discrimination whatsoever. Any implication to the contrary is inaccurate.” Dr. Wexler said he was gratified with Mr. Saunder’s “assurances.” He expressed “appreciation and support” for the White House’s efforts to secure the prompt release of all the hijack victims without regard to race, religion, national origin or citizenship.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
