Suspicious Mail to Congress, Particularly to Jewish Members, Scrutinized by Special Equipment

Suspicious mail received at the nation’s capital, particularly items addressed to Jewish members of Congress, is being X-rayed by special equipment installed in the Congressional postal facilities, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learned today. An aide to Robert Roa, Postmaster for the House of Representatives, confirmed that “anything that looks suspicious” is X-rayed before it is delivered. “We are especially concerned with Jewish members,” the aide said, but added that all mail for all members is being given more attention than previously.

The precautions, she said, began more than a week ago after letter bombs had killed an Israeli diplomat in London and others popped up in numerous other cities. The Black September gang of Arab terrorists has taken credit for the “death by mail” campaign. Similar precautions were reported in effect in the Senate’s post office but officials there declined to discuss them. The House has 12 Jewish members and the Senate two.