The World : Canal Security Tightened

Amid rumors that top-level American Panama Canal employees might be targeted as hostages, the Canal Commission has increased security for about two dozen managers, an official said in Panama City. “I have felt the need to provide certain security measures for some top managers as a result of rumors of threats of hostage-taking,” Canal Administrator Dennis McAuliffe said. “I do not personally believe there is a real hostage threat here. But I feel that the perception of a threat is disruptive. The (security) measures provide reassurance.” The rumors surround a reported list of Americans who would be taken hostage by followers of strongman Manuel A. Noriega in the event that U.S. forces moved against the general.