LEBANON: PROSPECTS FOR HIGGINS RESCUE GROWING DIM

Created: 2/26/1988

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

LEO ANON:

lor Higgins Rescue Growing Dim

confrontation w

mmM

Is unlikely thai hig

0.

Jit Is unlikely that higgins will be found soon. Hirbailan .caoers and Iran are now aware heormer member of Secrelary Wemaerger's staff and no doubi assume he has detailed knowledge of US programs and plans In Lebanon and the Middle East. Amaf will probablyursory search lor Higgins but will (ry lo avoid fashes with Hizballah lhal could expose Its weakness in the south.

le abduction seems lo be partarger effort to Intensify pressure oo the US. France, and the UNnd their presence in Lebanon, to resolve hostage Issues on Iranian and Hizballah lerms. and probably to obtain ihe release o< Snia terrorists Imprisoned In Kuwait. HWljiah's leaders and their Iranian patrons evidently think the US and France are partieuUrfy vulnerable because of their coming eiecl.ors.parts ofprobably try more kidnapirgs. release videos, possiblyostage, and wek other pub.ioiy to iosne the political process in both Washington and Parts.