U.S. Urged to Set Policy on Terrorism : Adm. Inman Says Arguing Should End, Implementation Start

The former deputy director of the CIA today said the Reagan Administration should stop arguing about how to deal with terrorism and settle on a clear policy.

Adm. Bobby Inman told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the panel he headed on reviewing security at U.S. diplomatic posts did not specifically consider retaliation against terrorists.

But the group sent a letter to Secretary of State George P. Shultz expressing its thoughts on the subject and while it is classified, Inman summarized it.

“We believe the Administration should place a high priority on developing a clear policy,” Inman said.

Policy Should Be Set

“It should announce that policy, stop arguing publicly about what the policy should be and get on with implementing it.”

Shultz and Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger have differing views on whether retaliation or striking in advance at known terrorists and their bases is the better means--and that has left the Administration with no clear policy.

President Reagan has often warned of swift and effective retaliation against terrorists, but there has been no known strike.

Inman, former deputy to CIA Director William J. Casey, headed a panel of government officials and private citizens that reviewed the vulnerability of U.S. embassies and other facilities to terrorist attacks.

Inadequate and Vulnerable

The report, released last month, found that 126 diplomatic facilities are inadequate to provide protection against attacks by terrorists. Another 50 facilities are vulnerable.

Inman said many diplomatic posts were built or acquired on the basis of cost alone “without any regard to vulnerability to possible attacks.” The facilities are often in easily accessible locations.

The report estimated it will cost $3.5 billion to $4 billion to relocate or upgrade security at the posts to adequately reduce the threat against individuals and property. But it said Americans will still be at risk.