Offer of ransom

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33386, 19 November 1973, Page 16

Offer of ransom

IX.Z.P.A Reuter— h L'opynghO ROME, Nov. 18. A ransom offer by the father of Paul Getty 111, the 17-year-old grandson of the American oil millionaire, started hopes here today that it might lead to the youth's return. Paul Getty 11, in his first public action since his son disappeared more than four months ago. announced in London last night that he was willing to pay an undisclosed ransom to young Paul's presumed kidnappers. A statement issued on behalf of Paul Getty 11. who is divorced from his son’s mother, the former film actress. Gail Harris, said that he would require the boy to be released simultaneously with the payment of the ransom, de-.-■cribed as the maximum he could raise. Last week a human ear, claimed by the purported kidnappers to have been lernoved from young Paul, arrived in the post at Rome's "Il Messaggero” newspaper office. Forensic experts had said it seemed probable that it had belonged to the boy. The macabre package was followed on Friday by a letter threatening to cut off one of Paul's feet unless a ransom was paid within five days. But both "Il Messaggero” and the police have cast doubts on its authenticity. Container work.—Normal work resumed at the Wellington maritime container terminal on Saturday morning after negotiations between the Wellington Wateride Worker*' Union and employers. — (P.A.)