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Most European governments have stepped up security for their public officials, enacted new laws, tightened up police forces. A European antiterrorism convention, already ratified by three countries, will provide for international cooperation and ease extradition procedures. But there is a growing realization that new laws alone are not the answer: the social grievances that provide the breeding grounds for terrorists must also be assuaged. Above all, say government officials, it is essential for the state to keep public opinion on its side. Britain, for example, was forced to abandon its policy of internment in Northern Ireland because its violation of basic human rights alienated the population.
That lesson may give the brigaiisii themselves pause. After hailing the execution of Moro as an act of "revolutionary justice." Renato Curcio, now on trial in Turin for armed insurrection, shouted to those assembled in the crowded courtroom last week: "Perhaps you have not understood what has happened in these days or what will happen in the coming months for Italy!" In fact, everyone understood only too well. In murdering a man dedicated to the principle that people who differ could find common cause. Moro's assassins had neither divided nor conquered but united the nation in a new determination to preserve that vision.