France prepares ransom
<A.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copj/rttfhO PARIS. September 26. France is preparing to pay rebels in Chad a 10; million franc (S2m) ransom for the release of French archaeologist hostage. Francoise Claustre. in spite of growing signs that Chad might sever diplomatic links with Paris over the deal.
Yesterday, a French Government envoy, Mr Louis Morel, opened direct talks with the rebel chief (Hissene Habre) at his Tibesti Desert hideout in the former French colony.
His mission is to organise Mrs Claustre’s release and work out ways of delivering six million francs (sl.2m) in jeeps, trucks and other equipment forming part of the ransom.
Mr Morel once helped to train Hissene Habre in Governm e n t administration, according to a spokesman for President Giscard D’Estaing. An expert on Africa and former senior member of France’s intelligence service, Mr Morel apparently landed at a rebel-made airstrip to continue moves to end the 17-month captivity of 38-year-old Mrs Claustre.
She was threatened with execution last Tuesday, but the rebels dropped the ultimatum.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33959, 27 September 1975, Page 15
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169France prepares ransom Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33959, 27 September 1975, Page 15
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