Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Current status of hijacked Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro reported; reports that some American hostages have been killed said unconfirmed. Terrorists recalled demanding Israel release Palestinian prisoners. [Voice of HIJACKER - issues demands, threats; remarks transcribed in part on screen.] Apparent circumstances of hijacking and its odyssey since takeover reviewed, illustrated on map. [Former PASSENGER - is angered at United States government's lack of backbone in dealing with terrorism.] PLO chairperson Yasir Arafat said denying organization's involvement; details given. [Voice of Captain Gerardo DeROSA - warns against rescue attempt; claims all aboard are in good condition; remarks transcribed on screen.]
REPORTER: Dan Rather

(Rome, Italy) Italian government's handling of hijacking examined; remarks of foreign minister Giulio Andreotti and defense minister quoted, outlined. [Pol. analyst Paolo GARIMBERTI - notes government hopes for diplomacy solution with aid of Arafat.] Possible link between hijacking and recent terrorist attacks in Rome discussed.
REPORTER: Richard Roth

(Studio) Questions remaining unanswered listed on screen, discussed.
REPORTER: Dan Rather

(DC) President Reagan's response to crisis examined. [REAGAN - notes number countries involved.] United States diplomacy goal in affair outlined on screen. [Assistant secretary state Richard MURPHY - cites United States policy against negotiating with terrorists.] Admin.'s perception of terrorists' motives, include replication of Trans World Airlines, Inc. (TWA) hijacking outcome in Lebanon, listed on screen. [MURPHY - explains terrorists' possible motive in disrupting Mideast peace process.] [Former undersecretary state Joseph SISCO - considers need for United States to alter its policy on terrorism due to its failure.] Admin. mentioned looking to Italy to take lead in ending crisis.
REPORTER: Lesley Stahl