◆ SpookStack

o | b. We may be playing into the hands of kidnapers or terrorists =_ ~~ 2s_their_ original intent may have been to obtain a Bureau official as a hostage. c. Kidnapers or terrorists might'be more likely to killa — Bureau official being held as hostage rather than original victim. . The Bureau official represents the establishment. It would also be realized that he would be more of a threat to them if released after demands were met. The Bureau official would probably have no sympathy from the kidnapers whereas the original victim may have gained some sympathy — due to age or innocence from being involved with the establishment. d. A Bureau official would have valuable knowledge of the Bureau and classified-type information which might result in the use of torture to gain this information for terrorism within the United States or — even perhaps on behalf of a foreign government, e. Kidnapers or terrorists may feel that having a Bureau official . . as hostage would give them a better bargaining position and may lead to” more harsh demands. f. If money is or continues to become a goal of the kidnapers or terrorists, would there be legal complications if the Federal Govern-~ ment provides ransom money? g. There would be a problem of liability of the Federal Govern- .ment if a Bureau official were injured or killed. h. There might also be the legal question of whether the Bureau would be violating law by "cooperating" with kidnapers or terrorists. i. Morale of FBI personnel may suffer from the result of permitting an FBI official to volunteer to be exchanged as a hostage. With regard to any other exchange of hostages except’ one . involving Bureau personnel we are in a position where we gain no advantage but risk the loss of a prominent individual. Accordingly, the Bureau would seem to be in the position of having to recommend against such an exchange. ~g--