THE CONCERN expressed by three foreign missions about the political violence leading up to Wednesday's general election is extraordinary and, as a public initiative, without precedent. The message of concern appears to have been initiated by Britain, supported by Canada, and endorsed by the United States.

Personally delivered by the British and Canadian envoys to Jamaica House and the office of the Opposition Leader, the message was cloaked in the language of diplomacy. It noted that both political leaders had themselves expressed commitment to make this the most peaceful election in Jamaica's history; and it went on:

"The British Government urges you to do all in your power to ensure that your supporters follow your example through to election day and beyond."

In plain language the three metropolitan powers, on whom Jamaica relies for economic and technical support, have told our leaders to bring their activist supporters to heel.

This comes in the wake of calls from civil society, including the church and business leaders, and other interests to curb the violence; and also after the electoral authorities with police support have banned some aspects of the campaigning.

Both Mr. Patterson and Mr. Seaga have since issued a statement condemning the violence and threatening to report offending supporters to the police for appropriate action.

Even so we are sceptical about the degree of control the party leaders do exercise over the more rabid elements among their supporters. It is noteworthy, for example, that some of the street demonstrations in Kingston are in garrison communities displaying the strongest loyalties to "area leaders" detained by the police. In short, some of the current tension may be traced to agendas outside of electoral politics.

Be that as it may, the fact that Britain, Canada and the United States have ignored diplomatic niceties in sending a message to Jamaica puts the elections in the international spotlight.

It will remain so as newly elevated Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter leads an observer mission here as he did for the previous general election. Altogether the stakes are too high to squander in mindless political violence.

THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.