NCJ Number
62744
Date Published
1970
Length
30 pages
Annotation
THIS TRANSCRIPT PRESENTS TESTIMONY BEFORE A U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE CONCERNING A PROPOSED LAW TO FUND ARMED GUARDS ON U.S. PASSENGER AIRCRAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT HIJACKING.
Abstract
THE SECURITY GUARDS WOULD BE FINANCED BY AN INCREASE IN THE TAX LEVIED ON PASSENGER TICKETS. THE TICKETS WOULD STATE THE TAX SEPARATELY FROM THE FARE. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION JOHN VOLPE TESTIFIED IN FAVOR OF THE BILL, ARGUING THAT ARMED GUARDS ARE THE BEST SHORT RUN DETERRENT TO HIJACKING. HE ALSO REPORTED THAT INTERNATIONAL ACTION ON HIJACKING IS UNDERWAY. AT U.S. REQUEST, THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION IS CONSIDERING DEVELOPING AN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION REQUIRING EXTRADITION OR PROSECUTION OF HIJACKERS AS WELL AS MULTILATERAL SANCTIONS AGAINST STATES PROVIDING HAVENS FOR HIJACKERS. THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA TESTIFIED AGAINST THE BILL ARGUING THAT THE PROPOSED TAXES ARE PREMATURE AND DISCRIMINATORY AND THAT ANTIHIJACKING EFFORTS SHOULD FOCUS ON PREVENTING HIJACKERS FROM BOARDING THE PLANE. THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRAVEL AGENTS SAID HIS ASSOCIATION RELUCTANTLY ENDORSED THE USE OF ARMED GUARDS, BUT OPPOSED INCREASING USER TAXES TO PAY FOR THEM. ALSO INCLUDED ARE LETTERS FROM U.S. SENATORS, AND SPOKESMEN FOR THE NATIONAL BUSINESS AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION, THE AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION, AND THE AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSOCIATION. (CFW)