Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
will letting you contact your loved ones as soon as possible. You also can
expect to be extensively debriefed by law enforcement and intelligence
personnel, especially if you have not been freed as a result of a crisis-
ending assault but have been released through negotiated efforts while
others are still being held. Your duty will be to assist officials and provide
as much detailed information as you possibly can. It may well be that
something you remember or noticed while you were held will facilitate the
release of others.
If the hijacking leads to a drawn-out situation where passengers are
being held for a long period of time, try to remain as calm and clear-
headed as possible. Everything is being done to facilitate your release. The
U.S. government's policy is firm: It will negotiate but not make conces-
sions. It is the responsibility of the host government to deal with the sit-
uation. This may or may not be good news. If you are in Britain, Germany,
or Israel, you will be in good shape. The governments there are respon-
sible, and they possess the ability to mount a rescue operation if neces-
sary. If you are being held in Lebanon or Uruguay, however, you may be
in trouble.
Avoid resistance and sudden or threatening movements. Do not strug-
gle or try to escape unless you are certain of being successful. You should
weigh many factors carefully before making such a decision. You must take
into account your personal ability and physical condition. Have you had
any training in unarmed combat or escape techniques?
If you are being held, prepare yourself for the possibility of a long
ordeal. Now is the time to follow the State Department's suggestions and
remain inconspicuous. If addressed, speak normally. Do not be argumen-
tative or belligerent, and comply with all orders and instructions. If the
hijackers' interrogate you, cooperate and answer their questions as briefly
as you can. We go into further detail on this subject in Chapter 18.
NOTE
1.
Testimony to the Committee on International Relations, House of Represen-
tatives, by Ambassador Francis X. Taylor, Coordinator for Counterterrorism,
U.S. Department of State, September 25, 2002.
