DOCUMENTSSUBMITTEDTO THE COURT
AFTERTHE FILINGOF THMEMORIAL
DOCUMENTS PRESENTESÀLA COUR
APRÈSLEDÉPOT DU MEMOIRE Washington, 14March 1980.
In response to your inquiry, the following information is provided to assist in
establishing the reportoriai accuracand authenticitg of the Foreign Broadwsi
Information Service(FBIS) Daily Report itemscited in the US Memorial filedin
the litigation berore the International Court of Justice. We have attcmpted to
provide a more detailed description of the FBIS Daily Report as well as some
insighi into the manner in which the reporting is collected, assemblcd and
disseminated.
FBIS may be described as follows: the Foreign Broadcast Information
Service,withsome minor changes in titlehas nionitored foreign media on bchalf
of the US Government since the spring of 1941.Duririg World War II it was the
prirnary source of information from the Axis radios, first from Germany and
Itüty, and aller Deccmbcr 1941from Japan and the areas under their control. In
addition to monitoring foreign radio broadcasts, televisioand press agcncies,
FRJS also has had the rcsponsihility since 1967for translating foreign publica-
tions as a service of common concern to US departmcnts and agencies. FBIS
disseminates its product to al1interested agencics of the US Governrnent. Its
publications are available iothe public in the United States andabroad by
subscription through the National Technical Information Service(NTIS)of the
US Department of Commerce.
The FBIS Daily Repurf is a compilation of significant material monitored
from foreign newsmedia selectedinitially on the basis of potential inlcrcst to the
US Gaverninent. It includestranslations of foreign leilderspeeches,government
statements, officialcommuniquésand interviews; major editorials, articles and
commentaries; und ncws reports on significant political, cconomic, cultural and
scientific developmcnts. It is published daily Mondily through Friday and is
divided into eight gcographic volumes-People's Republic of China, Eastern
Europe, Soviet Union, Asia and Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Latin
America, Western Europc, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Together the eight volumes
carry about 210,000words in 400pageseach dey. Thcy are printed overnight for
distribution the ncxt rnorning in more than 7,000copies distributed throughout
the Government. Both paper and microfiche versionsare available to the public
in the US and abroad by subscription through NTIS. NTIS distributes more
than 1,000copies of the Doily Report.The Dail yeport has a widercputation as
a reliableand accurate source of current information on international affairs and
institutions and librarics.the US Government as well as the press, academic
FBIS mat.eriats, including those used in theBaily Report, are derived from
public radio and tclcvision broadcasts that are elecironically recordcd, press
agency news rcports, and printed media such as newspapers and magazines.
Audio recordings of radio and television news broadcasts are normally trans-
lated into English direct from the original tapat the facility which madc the
recording. The English language version of the item is then transmitted to
'See p. 513infra.330 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
Washington, DC, where the formalized daily publications of the FBIS are
produced and disseminated. Given the high volume of recorded matter, it is not
economically feasible to store the tapes for more than a temporary period.
Typicallythey are erased and re-uscd within 30 days. Beingable to retneve the
original recordingsof the FBIS items citedin thernorialthus isproblematical
at best. Becauseof their dates it is not reasonable to cxpect that many, if any.
have not been re-usedby this date.
(Signed) John F. PEREIRA. 1.Student Staterncnt No. 91
LD111750Tehran Domestic Service in Persian, 1630GMT, I1Jan. 80 LD.
[Statemcnt No. 91issucd "on the eve of the first lslamic Iranian presidential
clcction'",by the Muslim Student Followers ofthe Imam's Policy;datenot givcn
-read by announcer.]
[Text] In the name of God, the merciïul, the compassionate. The aleri and
revolutionary lranian nation: The lslamic Revolution of Iran, iedby the Imam of
thenation,the great Khorneini,put an end to monarchy initsfirsttriumphant step
strengthen the Islamic Revolution,k onelof the greatest aspects of whichiissthe
succcsfully formulated and changed the constitution dunng its second vital and
sensitive stage,espite al\ plots and atiacks. Now ihat the dear nation isin the
proccss of electing its first president with own haiids, crirninal America has
cxpanded the dimension of itsplots to suchan extent that it has eveninterfcred in
thework ofpresidential candidates. Fortunately, theinterferenceand plots bythe
great enemy, thecriminal America, airncdutdisgracingkhelsiamieRepuMicwere
discovered and then foiled by the Iranian pcoplc and exposed to the world.
2. Latin: Gotbzadeh Sends "Intransigcnt" Messages to the United Nations
PA132022 Buenos Aires Latin in Spanish, 1919GMT, 13Jan. 80, PA.
[ByPaul Taylor.]
[Texî]Tehran, 13Jan. (Latin-Rcutcr)-ln an iniransigent message to United
Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim, lran stated that not even the
formation of a committee by that international organization to study the charges
against the deposed Shah would end the crisisbetweenTehran and Washington.
The texi of lranian Foreign Minister Sadeq Gotbzadeh's messageto Waldheim
was published today by the Tehran daily Bamdad Informed sources have
confirmed its authenticity.
The message, which last night postponed a vote on economic sanctions
against lran in the Security Council, made no reference to ihe 50 US hostagcs
imprisoned in the US Embüssy in Tehran, which arc the cause of the request for
sanctions.
The group of Muslim students occupying the US Embassy for the pas1 10
weekssaid it had no knowledgc of the Gotbzadeh message,but that its position
isunchanged.
"Our demands have not bccn modificd.The hostagcs willnot be released until
the Shah and his money are returned to Iran", a stiident spokesman told this
agency. He added ihat lhey are sure that rcvolutionary leader Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini has not changed his position on the problem.
The lranian Foreign Minister's lettcr made rcference to proposais discussed
with Waldheim during his visit 10lran 10days ago to the effectthat the United332 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULARSTAFF
Nations would invcstigate the violation of human nghts under the Shah's
government. "The only solution is that we talk about this. Naturally, the mere
formation of this committee or the outlining of its views willnot in itsclf solve
any problem", stated the lelter.
"Our demands for the extradition of the Shah and his properties must be
confronted in a legal way", he said.
He did not mention the releaseof the hostages.
The letter concluded on a chaliengingnote: "Therefore, 1once again declare
that if the decisionsof the SecurityCouncil arenot based on the acceptanceand
implementation of our desires,they willbe consideredempty from our point of
view."
3. Gotbzadeh on Hostages' Release
OW140516Hong Kong AFP in English, 0512GMT, 14Jan. 80 OW.
[Text]'Tehran, 14 Jan. (AFPjlranian Foreign Minister SadeqGotbzadeh
said here today that the American hostages held by militants at the Tehran
Embassy could bc released only after total acceptance of three demands
presented by Iran to United Nations Secretary-GeneralKurt Waldheim.
He said the three points were:
Creation of an international committee to investigatethe "crimes" committed
by the Shah of lran during his reign.
-Recognition by the United Nations of Iran's rightto demand extradition of
the Shah (who is currently livingout his exileon the Panamanian island of
Contadora).
-Recognition ofIran's claim to theimperial family's wealthand property.
Mr.Gotbzadeh, who held a brief press conferenceat Tehran airport before
flying to thesouth of the country, said that inquiry into the Shah's "crimes"
would not in itselfbe enough to obtain freedom for the hostageswho have been
held at the US Embassy inTehran since4 November.The Foreign Ministersaid
that if sanctions wereapplied against his country, they "would have no efect",
and that if the United Statespersisted intrying to have sanctionsimposed, the
result would be contrary to what Washington was trying to obtain.
Asked about possible Iranian reprisaisagainst countries which voted for
sanctions, Mr. Gotbzadeh would only say that "the question would have to be
studied".
4. Gotbzadeh Press Conference
JN140935Tehran International Servicein Arabic, 0800GMT, 14Jan. 80JN.
[Text]Speaking about the United Nations Security Council resolutionsat a
press conference held at Mehrabad International Airport, Foreign Minister
Sadeq Gotbzadeh has said: 1have often told United Nations Secretary-General
Waldheimthat if the Security Council votesin favour of imposingan economic
boycott on Iran, it would havemarched in a directioncontrary to the solutionof
the crisis, and that the United States pressuresagainst Iran will aggravate the
situation,
The Iranian Foreign Minister deniedreports whichhave been reitcrated, that
Iran is ready to enter into negotiations on the release of the hostages. süid
international news agencies under the control of dirty Zionism are distorting
facts and that certain domestic news media are falsifyingreports.
The Foreign Minister added: The issueof the hostages releaselosesitscontcxt
without the extradition of the deposed Shah. DOCUMENTS 333
5. Unaccepiability of United Nations Decisions
LD141058Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1030GMT, 14Jan. 80 LD.
[Text] According to the central ncws burcau, the Foreign Miniçtry of thc
Islamic Republic has callcd on other govcrnmcnts not to get involved in
America'spriliticalgames. The statement signcd by the Foreign Minister says:
As weinformed thc United Nations officiaiat0200that rulings by the Security
Councilor any other United Nations organs are not acceptableto us if they arc
not in cornpliance with the Iranian nation's dcmands and that they would be
recognized as nuIl and void, and now thai the prcsent senselessand obstinate
attempts by PImcricaarc defeated. WCsironglycal1 on other governmentsnot io
gct involved in the United States political games and to refrain from any
measure which may lead toa delerioration ofour relations with them.
6. Revolution Council,Ministers hlceting
LD142140Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 2030 GMT, 14Jan. 80 Ln.
ITcxt]Ajoint scssionof the Revolution Councilancithe Council of Ministcrs
wüsheldtonight and discussedand exchangcdvicwson variousStatc issues.One
of the decisionsadoptcd was to cxpel al1US mass mediacorrespondents frorn
Iran.Accortiing to a correspondent of the PARS Ncws Agency, followingthe
session,which lasicd until 2100, Mr. Mo'infarthe oil ministerin an interview
with correspondents, discussingthe position offorcignmedia correspondents in
iran said: in viewof the constant adversepropaganda of US media and thosc of
some other countries, the tendcntious rolc played by the correspondents of
certain foreignnews agencies,and karing in mind the fact that thcsc people
convey a distorted version ofreports on 1.anand thai they insult Iran's Islamic
Rcvolution and those we hold sacred in their press and other media, the
govcrnment has deemed it no longer appropriate to tolerate such agency
correspondcnts and adopted certain decisions in thisregard. Mo'infar added:
The following dccisions wereadopted at the joint session of the Revolution
Council ana thc Council of Minisiers:
1.Al1thc agcncy,press, radio and televisioncorresy>ondcntof the aggrcssivc
Slate of Amcrica willbe expelledfrom Iran.
2. Other agency. press and other media correspondcnts, such as the German
and Britishmedia and other countries are würncd that should thcy in the future
pursue a tendentious attitude toward Iran's Revolution,distort reports on Iran
and make falsa ellegations againsi the lranian Islamic Republic they willbe
cxpelledimmediately from theState of Iran.
3. Ifthe agencies whosecorrespondcnts have beenexpelledfrom Iran because
of their tendcntious attitude send another correspondent to Iran, and if the
rcplaocrnentpursues the same attitude, such agencies wilt be banned from
operating in Iran iind willnot be allowed to send coi-respondentsto Irün.
7. Deadlinc for Mcdia Departuce
LD15t733Tchran Domestic Service inPcrsian, 1630GMT, 15Jan. 80 LD.
[Text] Pars Ncws Agency reports lhat the Gcneral Depaitment of Foreign
Media in the Miniçtryof National Guidance has beguncarryingout the decision
of al1theUSghmassmediacorrespondentsandl conihas announced that this decision
covers al1Amcrican mass media, includingncws agencies, pressand radio and
televisionorganizations. Furthermore, al1foreignerswho wereassociatedin any334 DlPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
way withthe Americanmedia-there are 86 ofthem-must leavethe territoryof
Iran as quickly as possible.
In this context, it willbe forbidden for any ofeseorganizations to dispatch
any kind of newsafter midnight tonight, 15 January. The deadline for the
departure of these persons from Iran willbe midnight Friday, 18January.
In veryspecialcircumstancesand for reasons that are very convincing,when
an individual cannot meet the deadline for leaving Iran, he must report at the
latest by 1200on Wednesday in person to the General Department of Foreign
Media of the Ministry of National Guidance in order to present the necessary
cxplanations. Likewise,no on-ither officiallyor unoficially-has permission
to gather news for the American mediaorganizations and this will be the case
until further notice.
8. PossibleMovement of Hostages
LD151900Paris Domestic Servicein French, 1800GMT, 15Jan. 80 LD.
[Yves Loiseau dispatch from Tehran.]
[Excerpt] There is again room for doubt this evening on the true place of
detention of the American hostages.The revolutionary authonties of Tehran
took draconian securitymeasuresto reinforcesecrecyaround the Evin prison to
the north of theIranian capital severalhours ago. There is a formal prohibition
on parking any closer than 500metres to the prison, of traflic at night, and al1
gatheringsare formally prohibited.Asfor the armyand gendarmerie, theyare to
work together with the Revolution Guards to see that al1those provisions are
respected. In short, thereis almost a state of emergencyaround the Evin.
1would remind you that a few days before Christmas a Revolution Council
figureaffirmedthat someAmericanshas already beentransferred to that prison.
The lslamicstudents are denying itthis evening,and thus the news isto be taken
with reservations. But such a step would further aggravate the dispute between
Iran and the United States.
9. Denial of Waldheim Mediation Role
LD161114Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1030GMT, 16Jan. 80 LD.
[Text] According to the Pars News Agency, the Foreign Ministry of the
lranian Islamic Republic has denied an AP report regarding the acting of
Waldheim as a mediator. The text of the Foreign Ministry denial, which was
made available to the Pars News Agencytoday, is as follows:
In Hisexalted name.One of the American news agencieshas as usualengaged
in falsifying newsreports and has quoted United Nations officialsas sayingthat
the Iranian Foreign Minister has won Imam Khomeini's agreement on Dr.
Waldheim acting as a mediator in resolvingthe present crisis.
It isdeemednecessaryto note that at no timeand under no circumstanceswas
a singleword uttcred regarding mediationand, in principle, such a thing has
never been acwpted or will be accepted by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.This
report is an absolute lie and one which, unfortunately, Zionist elements have
these days given greater dimensions to by falsifyingnews.
Meanwhile, Dr. Waldheim is requested to exercisegreater control over his
associates,Forthis is the thirdimethat his associateshave been quoted on such
t-umours.Thus the interests of the United Nations in the context of the present
crisis dictate that such false reports be immediately denied by the United
Nations Secretariat.
[Signed] The Foreign Minister of the lranian Islarnic Rcpublic. DOCUMENTS 335
IO.Gotbpadeh on Hostages, Shah
LD181056Tehran Domestic Service inPersian, 1030GMT, 18Jan. 80 LD.
[Text]Followingrurnoursabout Iran'sreadinessfor talks on the release ofthe
hostages, the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministerof Foreign Atfairs said in an
interview today: No shift has taken place in Iran's stand pcrtaining to the
extradition of the traitor Mohammad Reza and the return of his wealth.
I1.Gotbzadeh on Hostages, Soviets
LD181220Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1030GMT, 18Jan. 80 LD.
[Text] At a press conference this morning the Islamic Republic of Iran's
Ministerof Foreign Affairsdeclaredthat noshift has taken place in Iran'sstand
on theextradition of Mohammad RezaPahlaviand the return of hiswealth.The
Minister of Forcign Afl'airswüs speaking following rumours about Iran's
readiness for talks on the release ofthe hostages. In reply to a question by the
Pars correspondent about the outcome of his talks wiih Waldheim in Tehran
and negotiations on the release of the hostages, he said: The conclusion we
reachedafter declaringour ideasand demands, at Ourtalks with Waldheim,was
that the issue of Iranian-US relations and the crisis which has corne about
consistedof three parts: firstly,the extradition of thc deposed [Shah];secondly,
the return ofhis wealth;andthirdly, the releaseof the hostagcs.Thcre werealso
talks about the ract that the United Nations and the Securiiy Council have
already discusscd ihc ihird subjcct, that is, the releofthe hostages. This is
coHe added: jFin;illy,it was agreed that the United Nations Secretary-General,
in accordaricewiih his powers, willset up a commissionmade up of acceptable
individuals whose neuirality und honour is irreproachable so that they can
investigatethe crimes and deeds of Mohammad Re7a Pahlavi in Iran and then
place the results of their work at the disposal of the Seeretary-Gencral. The
report on the work oc this commissionshould trdeebated by either the kurity
Council or the Ceneral Assembly.Similarly,should the United States have any
probtem, then that too should be debated and a resoiution,whichcouldembrace
the said three parts, shouldbeadopied. In that caseone couldsay that everyone
would be duty-bound to implemental1aspects of that resolution. This was al\
that he discusscdwith Waldheimand constitutesthe results which weachieved.
Unfortunately, however, the Zionists and imperialists are endcavouring to
interpret that differently.whiteour stand has not changed in the least and the
problem is the same as il was.
In reply to the question whether Waldheim wouldor would not make a
stopover in Tehran tomorrow the Minister of Foreign Afairs said: 1,too, have
heard lhis report, but I haveno officialinformation on it. was thought that
Waldheim wouldset up an international commissionto investigatethe violation
ofhuman rights by, and the unlawîulmeasures of,the former régimein Iran but
so Farhe has not donc so and apparently his efforts have beenblocked by the US
authorities.
Referring to another question about the hostages the Minister of Foreign
AKairssaid:Everytimewedecideto anafyzethe fundamental issues inihiscrisis
al1the moves,whether theybepositionsadopted or propagandahere and there,
are intended toconccntrate the issueon the hostagesand to avoid other issues.
As a result we constantly reject talks on this issue and believethat this crisis
should be tliscussedkaring in mind al1its aspects and the way out of the crisis
should thereby be sought. The moment the United States and its friends
understand what the issueat stakeisand accept that it should besolvedthe crisis
will be ended.336 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
In reply to a question by the Pars correspondent on his talks with the
Panamanian authorities, the Minister of Foreign Affairssaid: There are talks in
progress with the Panamanian authoiities on our demand for the arrest of the
traitor Mohammad Reza.This has no connection whatsoever with theunbridled
propaganda launched by certain newspaperson public opinion about the
deposed Shah'swealth. This is becausethe question of public opinion does not
arise here.
12.Gotbzadeh Interview
OW191008Paris, AFP in English, 1004GMT, 19Jan. 80 OW.
Turning to the question of the American hostages being held inTehran, Mr.
Gotbzadeh repeated the lranian stand ihat once the United Stateshad returned
the Shah and his fortune the hostages wouldbe released.
He said that he had had a telephane conversation with the President of
Panama, wherethe Shah was currently livingin exile.He said the President had
asked for details on Iran's demand for the Shah's extraditionbut had made no
decision.
Le Figaro'scorrespondent comrnentedthat Mr. Gotbzadehdid not appear to
harbour any illusions about Panama's attitude to the Shah.
13. Student on Hostages'Condition
0W191249 Paris, AFP in English, 1220GMT, 19Jan. 80OW.
[Textj Tchran, 19 Jan. (AFP)-A spokesman of the "lslamic studenis"
holding 50 American hosfages here said today not a single hostagc would bc
freed until "the Shah sets foot in Tehran and his possessionsarc rcturncd to
Iran".
In a two-hour interview withan Agence France-Pressecorrespondent inside
the US Embassy, the spokesman, a Mr. Habib, claimed the hostages, entering
their 75th day of capiivity ioday, werewelltreated, "according to the traditions
of Islam". Mr. Habib said the Americans, "about 50", were in good physical
and mental health, were well fed, not tied and had access to fresh air and
exercise.He added that they could write and receivefetters.
The lslamic militants'spokesman ruled out any separate releaseof hostages.
He said that though some had becn classed as "less compromised", al1 the
Amencans "were part of the systemand contributed to the spying" in one way
or anotber.
Mr. Habib gave the impression the hostages had bcen interrogated
indThe Young,slow-speaking,spokesmàn confirmed that if the Shah, currenily
exiledin Panama, wasnot cxtradited to Tehran al1the hostageswould be tricd in
Islamic tribunals.He added that no deadline had been set by when thcy would
havAsked about their relationship with the Iranian Government, Mr. Habib
claimed the "students" saw "no reüson for contact with any arganizaiion
whatsoever". Heexplainedthe government was "part of the administration with
thesame weakness and strengths" and that the students "dealt directly" with
reMr. Habibadsaid the students did not fear the United States would attempt a
military operation to free the hostages. "The Imam says the US would not
dare", he explained, adding that in any case the Embassygrounds were mined
and captors, hostages and their liberators would al1die.
The students feltthe hostageoperation wasa successas "now everyoneknows DOCUMENTS 337
the Shah is a criminal and the United States does not rcülly dcfend human
rights".
Their spokesmanexplained Iran "had put so much pressure on Washington"
the UShad been forcedto "impose theShah on their Panamanian stooge". He
added that "Iranians had also been rallied ag-inst our main enemy, the
Arnericans".
Speaking in an embassy office, plastered with photos of "martyrs of the
revolution", Mr. Habib dehned the students' aim as "eradicating al\foreian
domination; pursuing thc revolution until Islarnic values are wdl and trdy
established".
14.Revclation Statement No. 26
Li3100048Tehran Domcstic Scrviccin Persian, 1630GMT, 19Jan. 80 LD.
[Revelation Statement No. 26 issucd 19 January by the Muslirn Student
Followers of the Imam's Policy.]
[Textj[beginrecording]In the naine of God, the merciful,the compassionatc.
As you know the programme revealingthe documents discoveredin the den of
espionage was intcrrupicd aftcr the last revelation programme and its resump-
tion was left to the peopleto decide. If the people agrecd with the continuation
of theserevelations,then theywouldcontinue. During the periodsincethen, the
people have announced their support for these expositions by demonstraiions,
marches, and by telegrams, telephone calls and letlers to us. And thcy have
asked theseexpositionstocontinue. During this period, the nation hasexpresscd
itsafection and lovc for thc student followers ofthe Imam'spolicy,more than
what wereallydeserved.WCarereallyunableto respond to thisextremeshowof
loveand affectionand feelembarrassed. We do not consideroursclvesworthyof
thispure sentiment from this honest and sincere nation. But we try within the
Limitsof our powerand capability to perform our duty and Cod willing,in spite
of the delay, our revelationswillcontinue from now on.
explainedhbefore, is related to the incident which[word indistinct] and thise
incident was against the Imam's policy. Generally we can recognize three
movementsand separatc them ïrom each other. One is the movcmcntbelieving
that in ordzr to stay alive we should favour or lean toward one of the two
superpowerçin the world, and thut without this relationship with one of these
powers,beit East or West,wecannot continue to live.The incidentwearc about
to reveal sliows an inclination to the West and tliat WC should have close
relations with America.
If we considcr the Imam's speeches before,during and after the rcvolution,
and remind oursclvcsof hisstancewith regard to Americri,wesecthat the Imam
has always confrontcd America,saying that our relations with Americaare the
relations betwcen the oppresscd and the oppressor, the relations bctween the
plunderer and the plundercd and examples like these. But ihis incidcnt, in a
society in which aerson who wnsduty-bound to followthe policyof the Imam,
in spiteof al1this and in spite of the nation'swill,which isthe willof the Imam,
was increasinglygetting close to America.
15.Gotbzadch Interview
LD 201556Pans DomesiicScrviccin French, 1200 GMT, 20 Jan. 80 LD.
[Interview with lranian Ministcr of Foreign Afiirs Südcq Gotbzadeh,
speaking from Tehran, by Paris correspondent Yves Mourosi from Cannes-
live.]338 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
[Quesrion] Mr. Minister, Mr. Kurt Waldheim,the United Nations Secretary-
General, has arrived in NewDelhi. He said this morning that during his talks in
Tehtan he had worked together with ltdnian authorities on an overall solution
which could make possible the release of the American hostages. Now, Mr.
Minister,this releaseof the Amcricanhostagesheldsince 4 November insidethe
embassy in Tehran, are we getting closer to it?
fAnswerj (?Ifyou allowme), 1want to rccallto someextent the historyof Mr.
Waldheim'svisithere. It was at Mr. Waldheim's request,for what iscalled fact-
finding [inEnglish] that he came here, in an unofficialcapacity. But we have
portrayed this visit as anfficialone. 1welcomed him at the airport. We had
talks together lasting about six hours. Hewas received by the plenum of the
Council of the Revolution. This wasthe firstirnethat a foreignerwasreccived
by the Council of the Revolution, and we reached agreement on three esscntial
points. First ofall, was the establishmentof an international commissionby Mr.
Waldheimwhichwouldinquire into the violationof human rightsby theformer
régime in Irar. as well as its illegalactions. Right.
At that moment, regarding what will follow [as heard], the decision of this
commission will be voted on either by the Security Council or the Gcneral
Assembly.Of course, that which the Americans'dernand,too, could eventually
'bein the same resolution. Right.
We havewaitedsome time for Mr. Waldheimto appoint this commission but
unfortunatelyup till now this commissionhas not beenset up. 1do not know if
Mr. Waldheimis the one who feelsthat the timeisnot ripetodo so, or, ifthere is
American pressure on him, as I believe there is, then this international
commission will actually not be established.
[Quesrion] Yes.
[Answer] At any rate, we are waiting for the moment when Mr. Waldheim
willin factecideto appoint this commission,becauseat that moment there will
besomemovementin the rnatter and wehope that weshall reachan appropriate
and just solution to thisrisis.
16.Militants Issue Statement on Khomeini's Hospitalization
LD231424Tehran Domestic Servicein Rrsian, 1030GMT, 23 Jan. 80 LD.
["Text" of statement issued by Student Followers of the Imam's Policy
followinga report concerning illnessof lmam Khomeini; date not given-read
by ünnouncer.]
[Text]In the name of God, the compassionatc, the merciful.That is because
Cod would never change his favour that he conferred on a people until they
changed what was within themselves[Koran verse].
VictoriousIslamicnation, valiant Iranian nation, the lmam of the nation, the
idol-smasher Khomeini, rose with al1his resolute strength and, in continuing in
thepath oTGod's prophets, took the palh of the Imam of martyrs and lord of
freedom-lovers,Husayn ibn'Ali, peace be upon him. He brought about such a
movementin the Muslimand sufferingpeoplethat in the shortest time necessary
theytriumphed overa 2,500-year-oldimperialrégime, this greatanti-God barrier,
and theyare nowconfronting thcir enemy numberone,the great Satan, America.
Yes, thisblood-sonked nation, ihanks to the leadershipof its soul, the sou1of
God, and thanks to hisuprising and bencfitsderived from his uncompromising
position againstal1the roots of oppression and polytheism, of blasphemy and
division,opened the great gatesof Islam's victoryto it. Greetingsto thel and
spirit of the nation, Imam Khomeini: greetingsto the idol-smasherof history. - DOCUMENTS 339
It would perhaps be nothing more difficult to bear for this dear nation and
follower of the Imam's policy than to hear the newsof the illnessof ils sou1and
its Imam. Evenmore difficultand grave it would be to learn that it isthe pressure
of al1these divisions, disagreements and disputes that bas brought such pain to
bear upon its Imam's heart. Truly, let us hope thütthe Imam's illness does not
stem from the unpleasant and crushing pressures owing to our behaviour and to
divisions which stem from our selfishnessand (?wiiywardness).
1sit right, at this crucial moment when Ournation is facing its greatest blood-
thirstyenemy, An~erica,for us to jeopardize the foundation and secret of our
O ye, the boiling blood in the body of religion; O ye, the fabric of the lslamic?
nation; O ye, the fit of Cod to the oppressed; O ye, tlie Imam of the nation, the
great Khomeini: what can iveoffer exccpt Ourhumble life as a sacrifice to your
message, which is a cal1for justice, which is Islam and unity of word?
Our nation has no choice but to repcnt and redress the miçtakes and our
complacency to this God-given gift. Our nation has raised its hands inprayer
before the great and glorious altar of God. We pray to the merciful, blessed
Cod, to grant our deprived and oppressed nation its Imam'slong lifeand heallh,
this truc embodiment of Islam and the nation. It is to be hoped that we realize
our neglect and desist from our open and latent (lispules and differences.
In this connection we ask al1 the struggling and faithful in the nation to
prepare themselves tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, to hold prayers across the
land. It is expected from al1the different classes and strita of the people in al1
parts of the country, to take part in the prayers and thanksgiving ceremonies,
and, with their monotheistic and (?sure)voice, pray to the mighty, exalted God
for the health of the Imam of the nation and for continuation of his much
blessed lire.
O Cod, keep the Imam of the nation healthy so that he nlay lead and guide
this revolutionand the onnressed in the world. and so that he mav DrotectIslam.
O Cod, reinforce the unity of word which wai the secret of the irinian nation's
victory and which is needed now more than ever bcfore. O God, protect our
Islamic revolution against domestic and external plotters, particularly against
the great Satan, criminal America.
[Signrdj Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy.
17. Foreign Ministry: US Making "Big Mistake" on Shah
LD232046Tehran in English to Europe, 1930 GMT, 23 Jan 80. LD.
[TextjThe Foreign Ministry of the lslamic Republic of Iran in a statemont has
said that thc United States is now making another big mistake which isdelaying
decision-making and the extradition of the deposed Shah of Iran.
The statement liiriher says that if the United States does not tükea timely
decision, not only will it not be able to help scilvethe existing crisis in the area,
but it will create other issues as well.
In the stütement issued by thc Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic of
Iran, ithas been pointcd out that in the recent developments, the Arnericans-
due to lack of recognition of the Islamic Revolution of Iran-are making
mistakes again and again, whereas they should come to their sensesand come to
thc conclusion that without the extradition of the deposed Shah, the existing
crIn the statement published by the Foreign Ministry of the lslamic Republic of
Iran, countries that are members of the European Economic Community have
been asked not to bc eniangled in the trap set by the Americans, but to thwart
the expansionist America and to quickly put an end 1.0the existing crisis by the
extradition of the deposed Shah to Iran. DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULARSTAFF
- 18.Gotbzadeh Interview
LD240046Tehran Dornestic Service inPersian, 1735GMT, 23 Jan. 80 LD.
[Interview granted by Sadeq Gotbzadeh, Iranian Foreign Minister and
presidential candidate, to unnamed Tehran radio presenter-live or recorded.]
[Excerpts][Question] 1would liketo thank Mr. Gotbzadeh for taking part in
this interview.So that theListenersmay get to know the presidential candidates
better, weare goingto aska number of questions,most of whichthe people have
asked us by telephoneand someof whichhave becndrafted by ourselves,so that
the political and social character and position of the candidates may become
clearer.
As the firstquestion,1want to ask you about foreign affairs,as at present you
are officiallyin charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.ese days a number
of issueshave becn uppermost, such as the questions of America, the hostages,
the deposed Shiih, his extradition and the trial of the hostages; also the [word
indistinct] which has arisen in relation with this problem; because when the
problem of the hostagescame about you were inthe post of supervisor of radio
and television,and radio and television wereaccused of creating, in some ways,
through certain actions, a certainamount of confusion in relation to a correct
action, for instance in issuesraised in connection withthe Security Council.
Would it have been possibleto go to the Security Council,and through the
assistance of the Security Council to extraditetheShah or to change the world
climate or public opinion in favour [wordsindistinct]which 1 referredto before,
that in your officialposition first inthe Ministry of Foreign Affairsand second
as a presidentialcandidate, if you achievethis position through the votes ofthe
people how wil1you act, what are your viewsconcerningthe variousissues?The
other question in connection with foreign policyis that of Iran's positionvis-a-
vis the SovietUnion, after what the SovietUnion has done in Afghanistan and
bearing in mind the clear policyof the Imam on this issue.The other question 1
want to raise, so that you may answer al1of them together, is the relationship
between Iran's foreign policies and the liberation rnovements in the world,
especiallywith the Islamicmovements which existin the world. We would like
you to explain these issues.
[Answer] In the narne of Cod, the compassionate, the.merciful. 1 am vcry
grateful for this comprehensive question which you have put, because my
answers can cfarify some of the obscure issues for the people with this final
opportunity before the peoplemake their choice.First of al],what are the goals
of foreign policy as far as1am concerned?Our foreign policy, as well as Our
domesticpolicies,our social,economicpolicies,must be based on our ideology,
must be based on our intellectualphilosophy, if we believein and are interested
in our philosophy. ln rny opinion, the failure of the communist countries on
the world scene, despite al1 the military power which they have had and
which they still have, has been due to the fact that their foreign policies in
particular have not been based on their ideology.The Machiavellian principle,
that the end justifies themeans, prevails in thcir policiesAs we have made
a new revolution in the world and have begun a new order in the world, if we
believethat this systern is a world systernand should prevail throughout the
world,wehave no choicebut to base our foreignand domesticpoliciesupon out"
ideology.
However, let us go back to the points that you raised. First, the issueof the
SecurityCouncil;and before that, kt us go back to the issueof the students. At
that time 1was incharge of radio and televisionand they began a movement. 1
did not have the slightest information about the movement which they started.
Mr. Mosavi Kho'ini telephonedme-it was about 1100, 1130or 1200-and hc
told me that this movement waç a genuine movcment. They are our own
children; therefore, you must assist thern.At that time 1was his colleague;weworked together and 1 had confidencein him. Just becausc of what he said 1
decided that the students should be supported.
The interesting thingisthat radio and television, infact,made this issueinto a
public issue. It was radio and televisionwhichtook this issueout to the masses
owing ro tlie wide publicityit gave it. This is a fact, as they chose the Imam's
policyand made this part of their name-if you remember, from the firstday 1
adopted the Imam's policy, and in fact 1 kept referring to the Imam's policy.
Many people outside thought that 1led these studcnts, as radio and television
weresupporting them, that 1Icd thesc people,that 1aroused them and scnt thern
there, andthat 1did al1the work. While-and I havc said this bcfore but now 1
Sayit clearly-while 1 had no role in their action, 1neverthclcsssupported their
action totally. Meanwhile,on that day-it was a Sunday, 1remcmbervery wcll;
what 1am now going to wy 1am sayingfor the first time and it is right that the
people should hear this, becauscthcy may not have another opportunity-on
that day there was a Revolution Council meeting,and Engineer Bazargan and
Mr. Katira'i were therc.Although many people uscd to say that1 was against
Mr. Bazargan and (?prevented) his government from functioning, such talk
which was not really true. They were lies. 1tried to reform that government, 1
triedro give it a vision,1tried to make that government adopt more decisive
policies.This was what 1tried to do.
Unfortutiately they had thcir own policiesand their own methods. It is up to
history to passjudgrnent on the good points and had points of thesepolicies,on
the gainful and gainless featurcs. On that day, 1 told Engineer Bazarganand
EngineerKatira'i that ihiwu agenuinemovement[thestudents' action],thatit
was the dueyof the govcrnmcnt and it wasin its interesttotake the leadin this
issueand to followtheissuewithdecisiveness.WCgot involvcd intheconflietwith
the United States whichwe werebound to have sooiier or latcr. It was possible
that in two or three months'tirnethe governmentmight have bccnobtigedto do
this, but nowthepeoplethcmselveshad done it.Thereforc, 1tald thcm,becarcful
that you do not show wcakncss,be careful that ynu do not lake slow steps.
EngineerKatira'iturned and said:We arethe government.Thegovernment must
observeinternational lawsand regulations.Isaid:In any case,internationallaws
and regularions havecorne to an end with this action. International laws and
regulations cannot prevent it. You should not stand in the path of the flood or
you,too, may bedestroyed.Theygot up and left.Incidentally,thecouncildid not
meet that day because it did not have a quorum.
What happened latcr? Thcre wcre the announcements of the instructors of
Qom Seminary,of the studentsof religiousstudies,ofthe spiritual leaders,of the
rude swear words against the government.They contüined heavyattacks. veryWe
discardedsomcof them, and alsoweonly refcrrcd to the narnesofsomeof them.
Wepracticnllydid not read more than 70percent of them. First of all, therewas
no time. Secondly, itwas not proper to read these swear words on the radio.
However, the goverornent was so weak and had adopted such a defensiverole
that it disintegrated as thc result of the very firstatiacks. In this respect, radio
and televisionpurely reficctcda general atmosphere which hüd cmanated from
the people. Everybody,especiallythe membersof the governrnent,said this was
the plan of Sadcq Gotbzüdeh to destroy the Bazargan governmcnt which he
opposed.
/Question] My question in the main was in connection with the Security
Council.
[Answerj 1took this opportunity to explain a histonc fact, for if 1did not,
then you wouldmisssomevaluableinformation concrrned with the future.Well,
the government felland left the scenewith (?me)taking the blame.As for ihose
opposing the govcrnment,theynever gave me anycredit; only those supporting
the government tried to discredit me. Those who opposed the government342 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
claimed responsibility. Well, this was yet another point we had to tolerate. We
did not respond, so 1want to take this opportunity to respond, for there is a
connection between this and the second point, namely the Security Council.
As for the SecurityCouncil, 1did not believein it, for al1the propaganda we
had hoped to make in the SecurityCouncil 1managed to achieveafter a week. 1
helda 30-minuteinterviewwith three Arnerican(?networks).Even ifthe Security
Council had met, we would not have had such an opportunity. After all, I was
fully aware of the situation, whereas the then foreign minister [Bani-Sadr]was
not, for he could not speak directly to the Amencan people. In any case, the
propaganda media are so strange, they are so much uoder the influenceof the
Zionists that[wordsindistinct].The measures taken sincethen and those that are
being taken, the results of whichyouwillshortly notice, substantiate the decision
which shouldacome and attend to Ourinterests. God willing,you willseethis foril
yourself, 1promise you.
The whofeproblem centreson this point: now that wehavecornethis far, now
that we have been dealt al1the possible blows . . . [he does not finish sentence].
Frorn the very first day, I kept arguing at the Foreign Minisiry that either we
should not have startedsomething or, now that wehave, wemust seeit through,
so that [words indistinct].
19.Spanish Deputy Recounts Visit to US Embassy
PA231901Madrid EFE in Spanish, 1739GMT, 23 Jan. 80 PA.
[Byspecial correspondent Nemesio Rodriguez.]
[Text] Tehran, 23 Jan. (EFE+A Spanish deputy who went into the US
Ernbassy today told EFE that the Islamic students informed him that the US
hostages are being treated well.
Miguel Angel Arredonda, a deputy representing the Socialist Party of
Andalucia, said the students told him that the treatrnent given the hostages is
"absolutely correct".
Arredonda ate with 15 Islamic students-7 of then1women-with whom he
discussed the international situation. The deputyaid that the Islamic students
told him that the captives eat separately.
The studentshave formed a specialcornmitteewhusemission is tu insurethat
the hostages are treated welland to investigatetheir complaints sothat they may
be remedied. They told Arredonda that one of the hostages had oncc com-
plained that the person delivering hisfoodwas placingit on a chair instead of on
the table.
Arredonda said the people that are in the embassy are being fed from the
suppliesin the ernbassy'scold storage rooms. The students said enough food for
six months was stored in the embassy.
The students occupied the embassy on 4 November last year.
The Spanishdeputy said the students showedhim photographs ofthe tortures
inflicted on theIranians by the SAVAK, the Shah's secret police. Arredonda
said the pictures were "shocking".
Arredonda is currently visiting Tehran asa guest of the son of Ayatollah
Montazeri [narne and title as received], a member of the Council of the
Revolution.
20. Carter "Agents" Charged with Forging Letters from Captives
PA2521 18 Madrid EFE in Spanish, 2018 GMT, 25 Jan. 80 PA.
[BySpecialCorrespondent Nemesio Rodriguez.] DOCUMENTS 343
[Text] Tehran, 25 Jan. (EFE)-The Islamic students occupying the US
Embassy today accused Presidcnt Carter of "forging" the lettcrs sent by the
hostages to thc United States. Inan EFE interview,a stiident spokesman stated
that "specialagents" of Carter forgedthe lettersto "distort the truth about the
hostages' situation and mske the American people "fail to understand thc
Iranian Revolution".
The spokesman, named Rahimi, noted that the Islamic students have "good
relations" with the hostages because "Islam teaches it", and the hosta-es are
comfortable.
He added that the lettcrswerctakcn to the United States by the delegationf
US Indians who participated in the conferenceof liberation movementsheld in
Tehran in Jünuary so that the US people "would know the truth".
Rahimi, who sa1at a desk withKhomeini picturcs on a board behind him,
said the lranian insistenceon requesting the extradition of the Shah from the
United Statcs prompted Washington to send the former emperor to Panama, "a
puppet" ofthe UnitedStates.The student, reciiinghisanswers,said the hostagcs
"will be pardoned" when the rormer Shah and his holdings are returned to the
lranian people.
"Wecontinue to demand the Shah'sextraditionfromthe UnitedStates." If the
Shah is not returned, he addcd, the hostageswillbe iried. This trial willbe "thc
trial of the imperialismand al1the crimesof imperialismwillbe presentedinit".
He constantly referred to the hostages as "spics" and said no visits are
authorized becauseof "security rcasons". Rahimisaid thc students occupiedthe
embassywhen they confirmed that ii was "a centre of espionage" to plan and
directconspiraciesagainstthc IslarnicRevolution."The UnitedStatesisafraidof
Islam", he added, "because Islam tcaches the peopleto confront oppression."
Regarding the Soviet intervention in Afghanista~i,Rahimi said the super-
powers cannoi interfere in the domesiic affairs of the nations. The spokesman
added that the Iranian peoplewill fight against the Soviet Union if it threatens
Iran.
The USSR invaded Afghanistan, he continued, becausethe superpowers are
afraid thai the rcvoluiions for independence "will spread throughout the
world".
The Islarnic student, approximately 28 years old, described the external
problems-caused by the superpowersand the "reactionary governmentsof the
region-and thc domestic problems:pouerty, ruin and the econorniccollapse
inheriied from the previous régimeas the most important problems for Iran.
Regarding the health of Imam Khomeini, Rahimi siiid the students hope he
willrecoverin a week"in order toliberate the oppressed peoplefrom the crimes
and pressure of the United States".
He added that Islam is not an ideology basedon i~idividualsbut a rnovement
willbe more in the future.any Imamsin the history of Iran, he said, and there
The Islarnic students displayeda book of picturcs faund in the SAVAK files
of the Shah.Theiemangled bodiesof men and womenwith woundsaIIover them police
appeared in the pictures.
"SAVAK," they said, "usedthe mast sophisticated methods of torture of the
CTA and the Jcwish secretpolice."
21. Ayatollah Beheshtilnferview
DWZSI156Bonn Die Welt in Geman, 25Jan. 80, pp. 1,7 DW.
[Clay Bienfaliundated interview withAyatollah Heheshti inTehran.]
[Tex(]The chairman of the Iranian Revolutionary Council, Ayatollah Mo-344 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
hammad Beheshti,exertsinfluenceon al1important decisionsat the point where
the political and the religious leaderships corne togethcr. Shortly before the
presidential elections he granted an interview to Die Weil in the senate in
Tehran. His rnost important utterancc was the clear threat to sever diplornatic
relations with Bonn in the event the Federal Republicsupports the ptanned
economic sanctions against Iran.
[IVe/rj Mr. Bchcshti,who will bcnum berone in Iran after the elections, the
ncw president or,as before, Imam Khomeini?
jBeheshriJ Only one man can be the leader. And in any casc the Imam is the
number one, and not only hereand now.
[Welr] Mowindependent are the lranian politicians from the Ayatollah?
[Beheshri] Our politiciansare fairly independent from Khomeini. Theylook
into everymatter, discussit and make the decisions.But if Ayatollah Khomeini
voices hisopinion about certain topics, the politiciansdiscuss the rnatter with
him as well. In this case Iwo things rnay happen. Either Khorneini leaves the
decision-makingto the politiciansor, and this happens veryrarely, he makesthe
decisionhimself.If and when he sayswhat ought to bedone, then the politicians
have to do as he says.
/Weltj The peoplein the OS Embassyhave bcenhrld captive for nearly three
months now. Wheredo you go from here?
[Beheshti] There may besomemotion outside Iran. Mankindhas expericnced
sudden changes tirne and again. This matter is not, however, on the agenda of
every meetingof the Revolution Council. We havea lot to discuss, and this is
not Iran's only first-rate problem.
/Welt] Could the Revolution Councilorder a releaseof the hostagesor would
the student occupiers of the embassy resist such an order?
[Beheshtij It is the Imam exclusively who can make a decision in this
particular mattcr.
22. Bani-Sadr Reuter lntervirw
JN261931Tehran International Service inArabic, 1730GMT, 26Jan. 80JN.
pext] Dr. Abol Hassan Bani-Sadr,who isthus far ahead of ihe candidates in
the presidentialelectionsof the lslamicRepublicof Iran, has stressedthat he will
seekto rebuifd the Iranian economv and resolvethe issue betweenIran and the
UniIn an interview withReuter, Abol Hassan Bani-Sadrexplainedthe philosophy
of national indepcndenceand nonalignment, as well as his policy of rebuilding
the national economy.
Referringto the US hostagesdetained at the US Embassysince 4 November,
he said thal he will exert his efforts to put an end to this issue within the
framework that guarantees Iran's independence.He rrafirmed that priority will
be given to rebuilding the economy.
23. Bani-Sadr Le Malin Interview
LD3OIII I Paris Lc Matin in French, 26-27Jan. 80, p. 12 LD.
[Bernard Poulet 25 January "exclusive" interview with lranian Finance
Minister Abol Hassan Bani-Sadr: "We Will Help the Afghan People with al1
Means"-place not specified.]
[Text]IPAbol Hassan Bani-Sadr is elected presideiit of the IslarnicRepublic
on Monday he has no intention of merclyplaying a ceremonial role. True, the
Constitution seriously Iimits the prcsidcnt's powers but Rani-Sadr does not
overlook the fact that hc will be elcctcd by the entire nation rathcr than by aparliament. "A parliament willhave to be electedwithin one month", he stated,
"but 1hopc that it wilfbe favorüblydisposed toward mebecause otherwiscthc
country could well becomc paralyzed. The presidcnt's roleas defined by the
Constitution is limited. However, ihisapplies to ordinary situations, not ta
crisis period whenthere is no political structure, when there are no parties and
when iherc isa necd for someonewho would be able to prevent any breakup or
splitup. As soon as a parliamcnt is elected the Rcvolution Council will be
djssolved.However,1feelconfidentbccausethepeople have shownthat theyare
unlike the image presented of them-that of people who vote like sheep.
Contacts must bc maintained with the people and this is why 1intend to spcnd
one month in cvcry province in succession instead of setting up presidential
hcadquarters in Tehran. The first measure which 1iritend to take is abolishing
radio and tclevisioncensowhip to enable free parliamentary elections."
As far as foreign policy is concerned, he indeed intcndsto continue what hc
started during his shorl tem of office as Iranian foreign minister and has
pursued sincehisappointment as cconomyand finance minister. "We can reüch
agreementwith Europeand Japan. This will bcmoredifficultto achieve withthe
two superpowcrs-the SovietUnion and the United States-because they
remain supcrpowers and, consequently ,expansionist", hestated.
"For instance, with regard to lhe USSR,we willhelp the Afghan people, who
arepart of Irün [qui faitpartie dc l'Iran],byal1means, includingmilitarymeans.
1hopc thüt thc Russians will bc prudent. They alrcady havc lost their image in
lran where no one belicvesany longer in noninterventionism.
As forthe United States,lhereare also manyproblcms, but the hostagesafFair
could be seitled almost naturally. Oncethe peopleshow that they trust me there
will no longerbc any major dificultics because this ia minor matter."
24. Bani-Sadr DiscussesPolicies,Cabinet Makeup
LD30f203 Tchran Barncladin Pcrsian, 27 Jan. 80, pp. 1,3 LD.
[Bamdud correspondent Mohsen Mahmudi interview with president-elect of
Iran Abol 1-IassanBani-Sadr: "1 Guarantee the Fundemental Freedoms": date
and place no1given.]
[Text] In an exclusive interviewwith Bamdad correspondent Mohsen Mah-•
mudi on the eve of his assumotion of officeas first ~resident of the republic,
electedby the Muslimand revolutionary nation of ~rah,Dr. Ab01~assarÎ ~ani-
Sadr gave Iiisviews on how thc country would be administcrcd, his choice of
prime minisler, the makeup of the cabinet and other issuesof State.
The text or oiir correspondent's taped interview with the country's first
presidentis as follows:
/Bamdud/ What isyour programmeas regards thehoslages?Do you consider
it in the country's interests to put them on trial or to set them Trek?
(Dr. Bani-SridrjThe importance of this issueisthat thc attack on the embassy
proves that this nation seesindependence, ireedom and lslamas one and docs
not want to sec the shadow of domination by any power hovcring overhead.In
itself,the trial of the hostages is of no importance. No inethe world doubts
that wehave the abilityto tryand convict50Americancmployees.ln my view,it
was the Amcricans'intention thüt these hostages would bc ill-treated, so that
they could spread their propagiinda throughout the widc world, alienate the
Iranisn Rcvolution and prcvcnt such a explosive incidcnt from recurring in
other couniries.
However, our problem is to regain the confidenceof the present generation,
and for that reasonthe returnof the Shah isimportant. if it wcrenot for this,rny
viewis that the punishment of the Shah itself isnot of great importance. He is346 DlPLOMATlC AND CONSULARSTAFF
now a wretchedman: If he is brought from Panama, tried and punished, it will
hardly merit an entry in the history books, wherehewillgo down as a tyrannical
ruler who was captured and punished.
What is of vital importance toran is howa nation stood up and rcndered the
superpowersof theday powerlessto resisttheir dernands.That iswhy, whenIwas
at the Foreign Ministry,tried to make,or rather 1initiated arrangementsforthe
deposed Shah to be returned. That was not possible, and it isill not possible
unlcsswe can make him, his crimes and his corruption the main issue.
When this becomesthe main issue, evenif we are unable to bring him back,
our primary aim isattained; wherever heisand for as longas he lives,he willbe
the manifestation of the Justiceofour cause.hen we willhave no further need
of the hostages; but if we do notsucceed in this purpose, we willhave these
hostages on our hands and we willnot know what to do with them.
25. Bani-Sadr PolicyToward West
LD271817Tchran Domestic Service inPersian, 1630GMT, 27 Jan. 80 LD.
[Tcxt]At a press conferencein the presence of local and foreign correspon-
dents Ab01Hassan Bani-Sadr said today that our policy is to live outside the
domination of superpowers and to CO-operatcfor the general progress of
mankind with European countries and other countries who want to have equal
relations with us.We now draw your attention 10 a part of Mr. Bani-Sadr's
interview [bcginrecording].
[Bani-Sad rhe gentleman's question concernswhat Ourpolicy willbe with
regard to the West,particularly WestEurope, and with regard to the issorthe
hostages. WC have answered ihis question ana number of occasions, and rny
electionas prcsidentwillnot changethis policy.Our policy isbased on livingfree
from superpower domination and to CO-operatewith European countries and
other countries which want to have CO-operationwith us on an cqual basis for
thegeneralprogress of mankind.This isdifficultforthesuperpowersbecausethe
essence of power is expansionism, for powcr becomes meaningless without
expansionism. Thus as longas they pursue an expansionistpolicyour policywill
be ta confront and resist their expansionist policy.
As regard the hostages, our position is that thc report filed by Reuter
yesterdaydid no1properly reflectmyviewson the mattcr. We regardthis issueas
one depending upon ihe main issue, namely US domination of Iran. Thus our
main expectation is no1only that the United States definitelychange its attitude
on its domination in Iran but that adequate safeguards be brought about to
insurethat ii will (?inno way)interferein Ourinterna1affairsin the futureeither.
The moment the United States desists frorn its cxpansionist policy it willbe a
differentrnatter, andhen things will be set inmotion! making it possibleto say
that a solution will be attainable.
It hasbeenasked howweareto resolvethe US Embassycrisis.The solution to
the crisisis not entirelyup to us;it concernsthe Iranian Government only partly,
the major part of the solutionsin the hands of the US Covernment. It depends
on when the US Government decidesto tell the Americannation and the people
of the worid thailisgoingfodesistfromitsexpansionistpolicyand domination
over other nations, and when it concedes the right to Our people to pursue
criminalsanywhere in the world. At that moment the ground for the problem's
solution willalso have beenprepared.
At any rate, 1 hope that the formation of the govcrnment within theframework of the newconstitution willmake it clear to theUS Govcrnment chat
the detemination of our nation 10dcfend itsfreedornand independence is fim
and that the proper way to solve problems lies inaccepting and conceding the
right-scckingexpectations of the Iranian people [end recording].
26. "Studcnt" Stiltemeni No. 98 Calls for Marches Against US
LD282306Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 2030 GMT, 28 Jan. 80 LD.
[Text] On thc occasion of ihc anniversary of the birih ofthe mosi noble
Prophet, rnay God's blessing bc upon him and his descendants, and the
annivcrsary of the birth of Imam Sadcq, may God's peace be upon him, the
Muslim Siudcni Followers of thc Imam's Policy have issued thcir 98th state-
ment. The text OF this siatement, which was issued tonight, is as follows:
In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful.
Oncc again, 1repeat that you should know that you are facing such a power
ihat if any negligence is shown our cuuritry will be lost. Thcre must bc no
negligcncc. Nol being negligcnt mcans that you should combine al1your forces
and that you should raise your voiccagainst America. All your dcmonstrations
should be against America. You should mobilizeyour forcesand should receive
military training and provide military cquipment and should train your friends
-Imam Khomeini.
The 4th of Fcbruary iç the annivcrsary of the birth of the illustrious Prophet,
the messengerof truth, justice, jihad and peace; the great and irue founder of
humanity; the founder of Islamic brotherhood. Itiçalso the anniversary of the
birth of ihc sixth leader, Imam Sadeq, may Cod's peace be upon him, who was
the cmbodiment of Islamic spirit and culture.We expressour grcetings to al1on
this occasion.
More than 1,400yearî havc passed sincç the blissful birth of the most noble
Prophet-the Prophet who workcd a basic transformation in order to advance
humanity toward victory and light and to bring about the onencss of humanity
bascd on exalted values and divine thoughts, and to turn humanity against
inhuman values,against idotatry, biiasphernyand irreligion.The blissfulbirth of
the most noble Prophet became the cause of the downfall of tyrannical
monarchs andthe destruction of the foundations of the palaces of oppression
and tvranny. It extinguishedthe fircof hatredand anirnosityand changed it into
brotticrho6d. - -
Todav. Ourvaliant nation. undcr the lcadershivof the Imam of the nation. the
grcai Khomeini, and in the light of thedivineteaihings of the illustriousProphet
of Islam,and in emulation of theearly Islamicsociety,ismovingtoward the goal
of rubbing the back of the world dcvourers with dust.The lranian nation has
inherited this ancientlcgacy from the bleçsedpersonality of the founder of its
ideology, the most noble Prophet, and the Islamictcachings of his descendant,
ImamSadcq. If our enemies knew that our movemcnt and our uprising for the
sakc of unity and brokhcrhood havc bcen kneaded with the fleshand blood of
this nation, and if they knew that the men oflslamic ideologyand thc followers
of the school of monotheism arc the champions of ihe fieldof battle and jihad,
perhaps they would refrain from bullying and would reform their wnys.
Thcoriginal and revolulionary Islamicideology thal has becomeenshnnedin
the hcart and sou1of this ariscn nation willai everymoment make the fireof the
lslarnicRcvolution blaze and will add to the rnovement and mobility of the
nation's uprising. We honour the anniversary of thc birth of the precious
Prophet of Islam, whichis a blessedday for the Muslimsof the worldand for al\
humanity, and in its honour we proclaim a day of public marches throughout
Iran.
Thesemarcheswilldemonstratc thc mobilization of al1the forcesand strata of348 DIPLOMATJCAND ÇONSULAR STAFF
the Islamicnation and communityand willmanifest thegreatness of the uprising
and the depth of thewakefuinessof the distinguishedlranian nation against the
plots and conspiraciesof the great Satan, thecriminal America. The mobiliza-
lion of the valiant lranian nation on this blcssed feast will take the form of a
publicmarch that will frighten America,this enemyof humanity, and wiIldispel
the ignorance of the enemiesas ta the scenesof the enchanting and epic-making
uprising of the belovedand brave nation of Iran.
We invite al!the beloved strata and the valiant Iranian nation-young men
and children, workers, farmers, shopkeepers,students, rnembersof the clergy,
the young and the old, men and women-to honour this blissfui day in
rernembranceof the rnost noble Prophet and in commemoration of his blessed
nativity. Let ustry to repulçeour dangerousenemywith the divineand powcrful
weapon of unity, whosesharp end ispointed al the hearl of the enemyand that
willset ablaze the mighty oceansof humanity. Let us wrestthe executionerShah
from the supportive hands of Ournumber one enemy, the plundering America.
and prepare ourselvesfor histrial followcdbythe trial of the criminal leadersof
America. Letus al1unite together in obcdienceto,the cal1of our Imam and rise
together so that wecan expelthis gcm of corruption, America,from the faceof
history.May God make firm Oursteps against thetyrants and idolators of the
world and may He make us victorious over them.
[Signed] The Muslim Studenr Followers of the Imam's Policy.
27. Bani-Sadr PressConference
LD311609Tehran Keyhan in Persian, 28 Jan. 80, p.3 LD.
[Unattributable report: "Within the Framework of the Constitution, Bani-
Sadr Guarantces Political Precdom".]
IText]"As regards prime minister, thereare two passibilities. Eithcr we can
choose hirn wilhout waiting for the Majles to convene or, since the prime
minister hasto work with the Majles,wecould wait for the Majlcsdection and
let the Majles choose hirn, having regard toits composition and inctination in
the matter.
Sinceitwoufdscernsensibleto allow the Majles to convene first, the election
of the ptime minister should be postponed until after the Majleselection, whcn
the Majles may bctter reflcctthe mood of the clectoratc."
At apress conferenceattended by numerous local and Foreigncorrespondents
yesterday, Dr. Bani-Sadr gave the above reply to a question from KeyirwrS
political correspondent.
ReluticmsWiik flacLearler.
In reply to the question "what will be your relations or those of another
president be with the leader?", Bani-Sadrsaid: "The functionof the rclationship
between the president and the religiousleader has been detemincd, and 1shall
act within that framework. ln addition, givetnhe situation in whichjtis placed,
the country is obliged to mobilize al1its forces to solve the problems which
confront it.For many years 1 have held the view-a view which has enjoycd
successin Iran-that an infomed clergyshould unite withcommitted intellectu-
alsand that they shauld apply thernselvesto the pressingdemands and issuesof
~heday and participate in solving problems. 1hope that during my period in
officasepresident this unity will attain perfection and that we shall be able to
eradicatcentirely the great problems which besetIran."
The StudentsFr,lfowingthe Imam S Pulicy.
In rcply to the question: "What do you think of the students following the
Imam's policy and do you approve of them?", Bani-Sadr said: DOCUMENTS 349
One grcat truth underlies whütthcy accomplished:They have becomethe
manifestation of the peopleinexpressingthe truth that Iran doesnot wishto live
under the domination of the superpower Arnerica; there is no conflict of
conscience as regards the external independence of a country and rreedom
withinthe countrybothof them togetherconstitutc the one important factthat a
country uiider the hegemony of another foreign powcr cannot enjoy interna1
freedom al home. Seen frorn this viewpoint, theiractions ernbody the desire of
al1 Our people, and this iswhy they have received support. Now as for my
approving of al1their views-no! 1would not liketo live that sort of life.
Human beings must bc Freeio have different approaches and hold,different
opinions. l<cgirnentationmay seemright to somc, but others consider itwrong.
The right thingisfor thesediffcrcnccsto be rcconcileby freediscussionand it is
wrong that they should be uscd as weapons with which to crush one anothcr. 1
hope that weshall choose the right way.
28. Resolution'simpact an Wostagcs
LD291834Tehran Domcstic Servicein Persian. 1653GMT, 29 Jan. 80 LD.
[Text]Kamal Kharrazi, political under secrettiryof the Foreign Ministry of
the IçlamicRepublicof Iran, who hcadsthe Iranian delegationatthe Islamabad
conferencc, today said about the resolution of ttie lslamic conference with
regard to the existing disputes bctwccn lran and the United States that the
resolution willmakc no differcnceto the Americünhostages in Tehran. He said
there would be no cornpromisc. The United States must return the deposed
Shah, and after that the hostagcs will be releascd. KamalKharrazi said about
the conferencc'sresolution: We expected the United States to be condemned.
The resolutionexpressesthe hopc that lran and the United States wouldbe able
to end thcir disputes throughpcaccful means.
29. LRMonde lnterviews Presideni-ElectBani-Sadr
LD291619Paris Le Monde in French, 29 Jan. 80, pp. 1, 3 LD.
[Eric Rouleau interview withIranian president-eleclAbol Hassan Bani-Sadr
in Tehran: "Iran Must Give Multifaceted and Particularly Military Aid to the
'Afghan people"'4ate not spccified.]
[Text] Tehran-Although the final,complete resultsof the 25January election
have not yet been officiallyannounccd Mr. Abol Hassan Bani-Sadr is alrcady
considered here as elected to the presidency of the republic. Moreover he is
bchavingas hcad ofState without waitingfor hisinvcstiiurcby Imam Khomeini,
by whom hc must be sworn in: since Saturday evening he has issued many
communiquesand staterncnts;on the eveningofSunday, 21January, he gavehis
first press conference toeveral hundrcd lranian and foreignjournalists.
fQlles~irinJAre you going to help the normalization of relations between
Tehran and Washington by releasing the hostages?
ing the criinesit committed in Iran through the imperial rkgirneand our rig t to
take proceedings against the Shah and his acolytes. II must also promise to
he[Quesrii~n]sYout would then cxpel the Amencan diplomats?
[AnsrrlerjThe problem of the hostages codd thcn bc easilysolved ...350 DIPLOMATI CND CONSULAR STAFF
[Question] Several weeks ago you repeatedly said that you regarded the
seizure ofhostages as immoral from the lslamic viewpoint and harmful from
the political viewpoint. However, younow imposeconditions on the releaseof
the captives. Couldthese be contradictory stances?
[Answerj I have always demanded that the US Government should issue a
staternent adrnittings crimes against us but il is true that 1did not previously
link it to the release of the hostages. Since then, lranian opinion has decided
othenvise and it is impossiblefor us to separate the two matters.
[Question Did the Revolution Council, of which you are a member, not
agree to avery differentsolution with Mr. Kurt Waldheim: theformation ofan
internationalcommittee of inquiry in exchange for the American diplomats?
[Answer] 1 do not remember such a compromise, This rnay have been
envisaged during talks between the UN Secretary and Mr. Gotbzadeh (the
outgoing foreign minister).ersonally, 1do not likesuch deals whichare based
on blackmail. However, 1cannot say anything definite on this question before
consulting Imam Khomeini; however he isin no state to worry about this
question.
[QuestionT ]he expulsion of American journalists from lran has been
interpreted asa measure aimedat reducing the publicity given to the hostags
and, hence, to calm Americanopinion. Canyou confirrn that evaluation?
[Answcrj l suspect that the lranian authorities' intentionswerc iess pure.
Somepeople perhaps hoped to rig the electionsand prevent mefrom becoming
president; hence theytried to removeembarrassing witnesses.In any case I am
on principle opposed to any limitation on freedom of speech. It was 1 who
opened wideIran's doors to thejournalists and 1intend to rcopen them soon to
representatives of the American press. Of course many of them have written
abominable or ridiculous things about us but others have donc their job
honestly. Howeveron the whole 1 think the experimenthas been positivfor us
and for world opinion which understands better what is happening in lran
[answerends].
[Question] What will becorne of the Imam's Islamic student followersnfter
the Arnericanhostages are released?
[Answerj "They will continue to follow the Imam in their respective
universities" (knowing smile). In other words, the new president would not
tolerate decision-making bodiesoutside the State.
30.Militants on Wostages'Fate
TA300638 London BBC World Service in English,0500CMT, 30Jan. 80TA.
[Frorn "Newsdesk".]
[Text]In Iran, a spokesmanfor the militant students holding theEmbassy
has said the escape of six Americans from the country will not affect the
treatment of the50 Americans still held at the Embassy.Six Americans-four
diplomats and the wives of two of them-were smuggled out of the country,
posing as Canadian diplomatic staff.They left lran lastweckcndjust before the
Canadian Embassyctoseddown on Monday. The sixhad been hidingsincethe
students seized the Amencan Embassy nearly three months ago. They have
spent most of the interveningmonths at theCanadian Embassyor in the homes
of Canadian diplomats in Tehran. There has so far been no officialreactions
from the lranian Government, but the Foreign Minister, Mr. Gotbzadeh, has
cailed a newsconferencefor later today. DOCUMENTS
NC301000Paris AFP in English,0957 GMT, 30Jan. 80 NC.
[Text] Tehran, 30 Jan. (AFPbIranian Revolution Council Sccretary Aya-
tollah Mohammad Reheshtisaid today that the fateof the Amencan hostages
held here since4 November was "entirely in American hands".
Adding that Iran did not expcct to "solve al1 its problems through the
hostagcs", the Ayatollah sajd that the action of the Canadian ambassador to
Tehran in smugglingout of the country sixAmericanswho avoidedking taken
hostage "could" affect Canadian-lranian refations.
Canada lias "temporarily" closed its Ernbassyin Tehran and withdrawn al1
staff.
Turning io domesticproblcms,Ayatollah Bcheshtisaid that "some peoplenot
exactly in line with the lslamic Revolution" were leading peopleastray.
This wassccnas vcilcd criticismof ncwly-electedpresidentAbol Hassan Bani-
Sadr, known to disagree with the militants occupying the Amcrican Embassy
over the hostages issuc.
The Revolution Councilsecrctary told journalists that once the council was
dissolved, f'ollowingparliamentary elections duc itiMarch, he would leavc
politics to "teilch the new generations".
32. Gotbzadeh on Diplomats' Escape
LD301146Tchran Domestic Servicein Pcrsian, 1102GMT, 30 Jan. 80 LD.
[Text]Sadeq Gotbzadeh, the Foreign Ministerof ihe Iranian Islamic Repub-
lic,hasdeclared in an interviewthat the Foreign Ministryofthe Iranian Islamic
Republicdid not have the slightestidca about the sixAmericansseekingasylum
at the Canadian Embassy. Sadeq Gotbzadeh said: Last night we received a
messagefrom thc Canadinn Prime Ministerthrough a third country in whichthe
Canadian Government apologized to the lranian Government for taking six
Amcricans out of Iran. Gokbzadeh added: The message stressd that the
Canadian Government look out the Americans withCanadian passports and
lorged lranian çtamps. The Iranian Foreign Minister provided some explana-
tions in this regard to our colleague. We draw your attention to this interview
Ibegin recording]:
[Question] 1sthis the Foreign Ministry?
/ Ansiver)Yes.
[Quesrion] 1sthis Mr. Gotbzadeh?
[Answerj Yes.
[Ques~ionj We have heard in the news th;it six Americans have been
clandestinelytaken out of our country with Canadiari passportsAs the Foreign
Minister, I would like ta ask yau how this cauld happen and whether the
Foreign Ministry was aware of the matter.
[Answerj First of a111should saythat wedid not havethe slightest ideaabout
the presence of the Americans at the Canadian Embassy. And this was
something nobody ever publicizcdItseerns-it has iiaw transpired-that when
a number of people werccaptured at the dcn of espionagea nurnber of othcrs
managed to cscape.
Apparently those who escaped went to the Canadian Embassy. We did not
have the slightestdea of thcir presencthcreac any time. Meanwhile,there has
been a problem here, narnelythat this is election time in Canada and that this
action has been taken to help the ruling party win the elections.This was even
cornmunicated to us last night wilh the apologies. Another point is that the
presence of these individuëls should have ken a mütter for the country's352 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
security oficials, and this has nothing to do with the Foreign Ministry. Their
departure also took place with Canadian passports and with forged Iranian
siampç. Border officiaisdid not realize ~his-of course we do not know from
which border crossing they were taken out.
Today 1 made a couple of points to international correspondents. One was
that the Canadian Governrnent, by its very action, has engaged in an act of
espionage in Iran.
They referred to this act of espionageas somethingto be proud of.This shows
that so far our viewswith regard to international agreements, which are solely
for the purposes of great powersand industrial countries, havebeentrue. That is
to saythesecountries, unfortunately,perpetrate al1kinds ofcrimeson earth,and
cven pridc themselveson thedirty things theydo, but not a whispercan be heard
about it anywhere in the world. However,as soon as a nurnber of American
diplornats are arrested here,hen this is regarded as a violation of international
conventions. Thus the leastwecould gain from what has happened is that, as far
as we are concerned, these gentlemen ean no longer tell us we have violated
international conventions.Thiswewillbring to the attention of the wholeworld;
wewillmake it clear rhat they have alwaysbeen violatinginternational law.This
is one thing.
Another point isthat by its action the Canadian Government has proved that
for the sake of its internal elections it is prepared to fan the flames of
international crisis. The crisis that was going to end with a victory for the
lranian nation, they are trying, on the orders of their Zionist masters who,
unfortunately, have a great deal of influencein Canada, to fan the flamesof this
crisis once again. Thus, as far as they are concerned nothing matters to thern,
even the greatest crime on earth. This is the character of these people.
Furthermore, 1 have stated that because of what they have done here the
Canadian Governrnent will be directly responsiblefor any harsh treatrnent
meted out against the hostages. There is yet another point, narnelythat 1once
again gave an assurance today and told the foreign correspondents that the
Canadian Governrnent willsooneror later pay for its interferencein out internal
affairs for this duplicity and cheating.
33. Envoy to Canada Comments
LD011210Tehran Domestic Servicein Pcrsian, 1050GMT, I Feb. 80 LD.
[Tcxt]Accordingto a report from the Ernbassy ofthe lslamic Republicof lran
in Canada,after rnanydaysofexpectation by domesticand foreignreporters, Dr.
SeyyedMohammad Hoseyn'Adeli,Chargéd'Affaires ofthe Idamic Republicof
lran in Canada, eventuallygave a press,radio and televisionconferenceat 1200
today [as heard] which was attended by more than 50 reporters.
Dr. 'Adclisaid: Once again the world has witnessed ashameful violationof
international laws and norms by imperialism and Zionism whose hand has,
unfortunately, reached out of Canada this time. This irresponsible action by
Canada whichwascarried out accordingto the plan of American imperialism is
nothing but the violation of the lawswhichthis country has pledgedto observe.
It is obvious that not only was this action not carried out on the basis of
safeguarding Canadian interests, but it has harmed them, and was in the
illSoiFar,lran has tried to show to the world that imperialism ncver has any
Canada hasr iconfirmed Iran's claim. Once again,westrongly condemninterna-,
tional imperialismand blamethe Canadian Government whichisresponsiblefor
this action for submitting to Arnerican pressures to violate Iran's sovereignty DOCUMENTS 353
and the Vienna Convention. It is better for Canada to defend its own national
interests and toadopt an independent policy for itsclf.
Iran'sChargi:d'ARaircs in Canada,who is at thc niomcnt the onlychannel of
communication bctwecnthe two countries, said: Can anyone deny the effcctsof
ihis foolishaction by Canada on the foreign rclations of this country, especially
with the Muslim world?
Will the Canadian diplomats continue to enjoytheir former support and
respect in the world?Can they now be even called Canadian? lran and Canada
uscd to have good relations and Iran's greatIslamic Revolution which aims at
the creation of a grcat monotheisticsocietyin which the rightsand personalitics
of individuals arc rcspcctcdisnot in conflict with Canadian intercstsOn the
contrary itis fighting against Zionism and intcrnational imperialism.
In conclusjon, whilcexpressinghis regret that thc Canadian diplomats have
abused the warm hospitality of the Iraniaris, Dr. Adeli said: Our Islamic
Revolution, under the leadership of the grcat man of history, Our Imam
Khomeini, has brought Anierican imperialism to its knees; and such actions
cannot create a barricr in the path of the continuation of our strugglc and
revolulion.
MORE ON ENVOY'SCOMMENTS
Li3312251Montreal DomesticServicein English,2200GMT, 31Jan. 80LD.
[Text] Canadu h;is once again rcceived strong praise and equally strong
criticismfor smugglingsix Amcricansout of the Canadian Embassyin Tehran.
President Carter telephoned the Prime Minister to Say that Canada had
performed aheroicact, but Iran'sactingambassador in Canada angnly charged
thüt the Canadian action would delay the rcleasc ofthe 50 hostages at the US
Embassy iti Tehran. The acting ambassador made the comment at a news
conferencein Ottawa. David Roberts was there:
Mohammad 'Adeli, Iran's senior representative in Canada, began his news
conference byreadinga prepared statement. Hesaid hisGovernment wasdeeply
shockedthat Canada had hiddenthe American diplornatsand then smugglcdthe
sixOUI ofthe country. He saidthe planwas obviously organizedby theCIA with
Canada a willingstooge.Theforgingofexit visasand passportsfortheAmcricans
was a scandalous violation of international law, one that would hurt Canada's
relationswith the whole of the Muslim world[begin 'Adelirecording].
This regrettable action does not servc the intcrests of Canada. Evenmore, it
has certainly damaged these, and on the contrary it has served the illegitimate
intercsts of international imperialismand Zionist [eridrecording].
After his statement Mr. 'Adeli answered.reportersi questions. He said the
Americans who wcrc hiding in the CanadianEmbassy would probably have
been allowcd to lcavc Iran if they'dgone to Iranian ~iuthorities.He maintained,
despite denials [rom Prime MinisterClark. that Canada has apologized for the
incident. The apology was delivered,he said, by a third Party, but hewouldn'l
say if he'd actually seen such an apology.
Mr. 'Adeli's niain point was that the Canadian action had dclaycd an
arrangemeritthat was undcr way 10bring the rcleaseof the Americansstillbcing
held at theUS Embüssyin Tehran, but he wouldn'tSaywhat that arrangement
was,when iwould havccorneinto effect,or how long it'sbeen delayed[passage
inMr. 'Adeli said the arrangement involved an international tribunal, the
American and Iranian Governments, the Unitcd Nations, the Red Cross and
Amnesty Iiiternritional. At times the Iranian cnvoy showedanger at reporters'
questions, questionsthat related thelegalityof Canxida'sactions in lran to the
legality ofholding50 people at the American Embassy.354 DlPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
34. Students Issue "Lamentation" Addressedto Khomeini
LD011838Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1702GMT, 1Feb. 80 LD.
YText" of "lamentation" issued by the Muslim Student Followers of the
Imam's Policy for the "Imam of the nationw-read by announcer.]
[Text] In the name of Cod, the merciful, the compassionate. To the great
Tslamicleader, His Great EminenceImam Khomeini. Wk do not seeany need to
reiterate the depth of the sorrows and the abundance of grief felt by your
children. No, there is no need to verbalizethem, for everyoneisaware of them:
The mountains, the deserts, the seas and the oceans; the sky and the earth and
everything under it and on it; they al1know. No, indced, there is no need for
them to know; Torus it only sufficesthat God knows. Indeed, only He knows
what goes on in our hearts. The only consolation for these anxious and restless
hearts are the daily reports issued by the doctors treating you about the
improvernent about our Imam's condition.
Indeed, O you leader. You told us not to be afraid of Arnerica, for there is
nothing Americacan do.You proclaimed to Ourpeople that a greater revolution
had bcen launched; that we must try to eradicate America, this source of
corruption of the century, from the pages of history. You warned Arnerica: Do
not scare us with the threat of military invasion, for we are men of war ready to
be martyred. Do not threaten us with an economic boycott, for we will go on
Tastingand will not submit to indignity.
Tndeed,oh you leader. We sawthat Americacould not achieveanything atall.
However, oh you leader, oh you Imam; oh you guardian of the oppressed in
whose absencewe have to take Ourgrief and pain to the God of the oppressed,
can wetellyou, willthe doctors treating you allow usto tellyou, that during this
brief period, when we have had no accessto you what sort of attacks have been
launched by those lying in wait?
Inthc chaotic worfd of politics, whereinsome individuals entertain ideas of
leadership, at tirnes they accuse us of anti-divinity tendencies and at others of
affiliation with this or that process. Their objective istoay that we are not
adhering to the Imam's policy. Some of these ignoble people,whose ugly faces
have been revealed to our nation as a result of our revelations, are shamelessly
and idiotically threatening us with manhandling, as if they are descendants of
Genghiz and Reza Khan.
Those who havecreated for themselves a falsepersonality behind the cloak of
hypocrisy and deviousness have presented the revelationdocuments issued frum
this espionageden as baselessdocuments. What is more painful is lhat when US
agents, who after the revolution, have taken the oath of allegiance,as before, to
their overlords, are introduced to the people through evidence, the authorities
feel no responsibility about the .revelations made in connection with these
mercenaries and continue to let them continue with their treacheries.
In the aftermath of your order, we have alwayssaid and willcontinue to Say,
that America must return the deposed and criminal Shah, as wellas the wealth
he has plundered, to the Iranian nation. Only then the nation, reducing the
sentenceby one degree,willagree not to put the hostageson trial and willrelease
them.
Indeed, oh you leader, you Imam, oh you great Khorneini. It is only your
order which should result in the extradition of the Shah, however, not through
compromise, but rather in a revolutionary manner. For by applying attitudes of
compromise, it is alwaysthe enemy which willvanquish us. The Iranian nation,
both through the process of revolution and following the victory of the
revolution, has repeatedly and decisivelycondemned these methods.
Oh you great leader of the revolution, we swear in your presence to God
we possess, that we will fight against compromise methods, so that ethe Iranian356 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
of Iran, haç reported that the people of Tehran will march from the rnosques
towards the den of CIA spiesto mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad.
The march has been called by the students following the policy of Imam
Khomeini who have occupied the former American Embassyin Tehran.
Tehran Times has reported that Bani-Sadr yesterday called on the United
Statesto return the wealthof the Shah'sfamilyto Iran as a gestureof good will
to end the deadlock of the hostages held at the US Embassy in Tehran. The
afternoon daily has quoted Bani-Sadr as saying that the US must block the
wealthof that familyas soon as possibleso that theproblem of the extradition of
the Shah can enter into a more seriousphase. words indistinct]that there could
be no progress on the crisisin relations betweenIran and the United States until
the United States Government changed its policy the way that the Iranian
peoplecould seeit wasmeaningful.Bani-Sadrsaid that if the studentshad taken
the US diplomats hostage in spite of their diplomatic immunity, there was
equally no tradition or contract in the world that enabled any country not to
return to his country of origin someone who has committed genocide.The first
president of the Islamic Republic of Iran told E~tela'atalso that the United
States must [words indistinct].
37. Militants Interviewedon Hostages,'Shah
LD040046Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 2112 GMT, 3 Feb. 80 LD.
[Interviewwith anonyrnous Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy
by announcer: date not given-recorded.]
[Text][Ques~iun] It is now preciselythree months since your revolutionary
the hostagcs,and,hin principle,what conditionsshould be brought about so that
the hostages rnay be released.
(Answer] In the nameof God. the compassionate,the merciful.Followingthe
occupation of the den of American espionage by the hluslim Student Followers
of the Imam's Policy, the demands that we enunciated stated our intention,
namely, that the hostages, who are none other than Amcrican spies, should be
held. They shall remain our hostages until the Shah and his assets are delivcred
to our nation by America. This action, in fact, was arrest and detention of a
number of spies and traitors to the lranian nation who wcre operating in our
country under diplomatic cover. Sincewehad observedthe signsof their crimes
against our nation in our country for years, and sincetheir hands were stiHat
work in various ways to strikea blow at our revolution and to (?reçumetheir
domination), we resortedto thisaction and arrestedthesespies.The objectivewe
stated wasthat if theUnited Statesreturns the Shah and hisassetsto our nation
then, as the Imam has said, wewillreleasethe spiesby granting them a reprieve
by one degree. From our point of view,they are the truetraitors and murderers
of Our nation's martyrs. They are the same peoplc who rendered our nation
hovel-dwellersinstead of being able to rely on itself and stand on its own feet.
They subjugated our nation to America. Thcy must be [wordindistinct].They
havc been arrested for trial.
But if America returns the Shah and his assets, if the Shah, this symbol of
cnminality and corruption, is returned to Ournation, so that the Shah may be
tried in Iran-an open trial under the republican régime-then, even though
they are spies,they wiIlbe reprieved and may be returned to their country.
America must first bring the Shah and his assetçback to Iran and then they
will bereleased.To say that they shouldfirstbereleasedand then waysbe found
enabling us to get the Shah and his assets is not a policy worthy of this
movernent.If America failsto deliverthe Shahand hisassetsto our nation, they
will betried. A trial ofthese spies will, infact, be tantamount to exposing the DOCUMENTS 357
nature of America, not only to our nation but also to al1the nations the world
over. It willdentifythe main enemy ofour nation and al1the depnvcd nations.
JftheShahand hisassetsarc returned toIran the Shah willbctricd, and then the
nature of those who didinjustice to this oppressednation for years, who threw
Ourcountry to the winds,and, as the Imam has said, who destroyed our villages
but developed our cemeteries, will be recognized. So, thc release of these
hostages is contingent upon the condition stated in the first place, namelythat
Amenca must deliver thc Shah ;andhis assets to our nation.
A matter 1must again state herc is that our nation wants thc Shah and his
assetsfrom America,not from another country. ASthc Imam has said, Ourmain
enemyand the Satan of the century isnone other thaii America. If America has
taken the Shah to Panama, this has beendone thanks toour nation'smovernent
and pressure.Arnericawasforcedto accept thisdefeat,otherwisc, what America
wantcd was to keep him by its side in return for his services.But Ournation's
movcment does not allow ilto do what it desires.So Amcrica takes the Shah to
Panama. Panama isa puppet of Arnerica.The State of Panama is ineffecione of
the American stales. Panama occupies exactly the same position that Iran did
under the Shah'srégime.That is to say, whatever Ainerica wanted she carried
out. This pointisperfectlyclear to usand theIranian nation.WC do not demand
the Shah from Panama, but wewant the Shahand hisassetsfrom America.And
the condition for releasingthehostagesisthat AmericadeliverstheShah and his
asscts to our nation in Iran.
[Question] Another question that is raised is whp you have not tilken any
speedy action to get thc Shah from Americs.
[~lnsiuerj in the namc of Cod, the compassionate, the merciful. It is for
Carter to take a range of spcedy and crash rneasures in thc dcadlock hc finds
hirnsclfnow, a deadlock in which lies hisdeath. If Carter does not subrnit to the
dernandof the Jranian nation, byvirtueofholdingthe hoslages,are enjoyingfull
initiative,and weare in a position of strength vis-à-visAmerica.This ispatently
clear, namely, that first, ife United States refuses to submit to the nation's
demand and triesto sidestepit somehow,then naturally the trialof thc spieswill
be started. The trial of the hostages is not something new. This is something
Amenca greatly fears becausepreciselywjth the start of the trial of the hostages
America willbe cxposed.The antihurnan and antimankind policiesof America
willbe clear 10 the peoplc of the world. For one thirig, il will become clear to
everyone that despite its resources, al1its military might, al1its vast economic
resourccs and, particularly, al1ils Zionist propaganda apparatus, America is
unableto get the hostages back from thelranian nation. Furthemore, its nature
willbecorneclear to everyone. Its traitorous nature, itç ugly faitsplundering
nature, itsmurderous nature-ail this wilfbecome clearto the peoplc,and this is
somethingcxtremelycostly to America.Thus, by holding the hostagcs we have
the initiativeand we arc ina position of strength. So, we should not, that is to
say, there is no reason forus toLakeany speedymeasurcs.
Jt isCarter w'hois losing because, on the one hand, the movcmcnts in the
region, thanks to Iran's mavernent and Islamic Revulution, are revolutionary
rnovementsin a consciousmanner and they are on the vergeof ending the vital
intcrcstîofAmericain the tegion. Thus,Americais Icisingon this sooreas wcll,
that isto say, America'svital interests in the rcgiare facing aseriousdanger.
Well, the Carter administration must somehow control this process so as to
prevent it from spreading andendangering ils interests. So, this is yet another
matter, namely,that Carter is compelledto this crisis in relations between Iran
and Amenca.
Of course, from Ourpoint of viewthere is no crisisbccausewhat we Sayisthe
same,it isconstant and weare firm on it, namely,the extradition of the Shah. It
isAmesicawhich has to bc anxious, and is anxious, tryingtosettle the rnatter
somehow.358 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
Weshould bear in mind the Koranic command that if our confrontation with
America should result in actual fighting and killing, wewould win. We shall
continue this path, continue with decisiveness, and, in accordancc with the
out at the hands of the fighting nation to the criminal American Government
and the Muslimnation's victory are al1none other than what Cod has promised
and divinetradition. With thisbeliefweshallstand on our word.We remain firm
on our word and weare ready to giveOurlives inthis path, in the sameway that
during the revolution to get the Shah out of the country and to overthrow the
satanical régimemany of the Muslim brothcrs and sisters gave theirblood. The
same applies today. Nothing has changed. The lranian nation has not changed
at all. And the Imam will continue his leadership from the hospital with great
firmnessand decisiveness. Thus it is Carter who must evaluate his position and
seriously think about what he is to do. WChave thc initiative.
which you mentioned that a revolutionary style wtiuld bc crnployed for the
return of the Shah. What do you mean by revolutionary style?
[Answer] In the narne of God, the compassionate, the merciful. During this
proposed: The revolutionary style ofatthose who really follow the path of the
way.The battling nation of Iran, byntaking the Imam'spath-the trurevolutionary
style that certainly the Imam has expressed against the régimeand against
America-has benefited and advanced to this point. It is certain that non-
revolutionary styles, which are in fact paths by which America can again
penetrate our countryand return again to itsold bases, havenot bcensupportcd
by the nation. The revolutionary stylesarethose that are displayedby the Imam.
WCdeclare that our tie to America has been the tie of the oppressed to the
oppressor. The declaration that wewant to make to America is that therc is no
room for negotiations in our relationship with America, becausethe solution or
this issue simplydoes not require negotiations.
The revolutionary style is different from that. It is a style that Arnerica,Our
nation's No. 1enerny,does not recognize.
America,the fundamental enemyof Islam, does not recognizeit. Weembrace
the theory of the Imam'sway. In this strugglewithAmerica (?wemust al1follow
the revolutionary style). In fact, non-revolutionaryraçtice permits Americato
penetrate and it may beable to re-establishitsinterestsin thiscountry. The thing
that America believes in, what it likes to employ, is something that will not
diminish the status of Americaand not cause it to lose face.This involvessuch
thingsas sending Mohammad Reza to Panama, sothat the investigationof him
has to be done by way of Panama, and international institutions and courts
convenedby Americato investigatethe shortcomingsof Mohammad Rcza.This
is the style that America has in mind and for this reason the nation of lran will
no1use il. The nation of Iran willuse the revolutionarystyle,the one shown by
the Imam. And that means that Ameiica must return to lran Mohammad Reza
and the things that he took with him. Thcn, aftcr this return, the spy hostages
who are at the disposa1of the nation will be given a one-step reprieve and be
returned.
[Question] Another question in the same vein concerns the impact of this
revolutionary style.That is, to what extent are you interferingin administrative
affairs bycarrying out your revolutionary style?
/Ansnlcr] We are not interferingin theadministration of affairs.Wesimplydo
not believein interferingin the administration of the country. In fact,weare no1
a group or special organization that for reasons of special interest tries to
inierfere in administration. [Words indistinct] the position of the Student
Followersof the Imam's Policy,the directionof theireffortand the basisof their WCUM ENTS 359
vicwsstemsfrom the principleofnot interferingin administrativeaffairs.Wesec
this as our duty and this is our understanding of the matter.
(Quesfion] The next question: While you have decided not to interferc in
administrative aflairs, weren't your objections to the participation in the
Pakistan conferencea sort of interference?
[Amwerj There has bcen no thought that the expressionof opinion based on
our contacw, out knowledgeand out understanding of this matter-this is in no
way interference. Since we-well, look: the Revolutionary Councildecided to
send arepresentative to the Islamic ministers'confercnce; then we decided to
prepare an announcement and in tactwewerenot in agreementwith the decision
of the Revolutionary Council. But this cannotbe called interference.was just
the declaration of another point of view. As we have said, we should make it
known when we are in favour of or opposed to sumcthing;such matters should
be airedso that the issueswillbckttter understood and belterdecisionswill be
made.
The reason for this confcrencewas basicallythat Amcrica was very afraid of
the peaking of the demonstration, the peakingof the strugglesof the oppressed
nations, especiallythe Muslim nations of this region.
All the attacks in this region were directed toward the United States. You
know that the US Embassyin Pakistan wasset on fireandother USembassiesin
the regionparlly closeddown, with reducedor no activities.In countries suchas
Saudi Arahia a revolution similar to that of Iran's is peiikingin protest against
the country's Puppet régime.There are similar signs in Pakistan and Iraq. In
order to control these anti-Amcrican movements, ttie United States planned a
very complex tactic by employinga deceivingstyle.
This style involved findinga way to change the public's anti-American
opinion to an anti-Sovietone. Now the Soviet Union has providedgrounds for
this byitsmilitary interventionin AfghanistanWe must mention herethat from
our point of view the Soviet military interventioand the military takeover of
OurAfghan brothers iscompletelywrongand wecondemnit.Our revolutionis a
school,it is a revolution againsttyranny and it should engageagainst any figure
or any government in whatever part of the worldthey happen to be iTthey are
cruel and decidenot to respccthumane standards. The Sovietmilitary interven-
tion in Afghanistan is one example and we coridemn it.
The problem is to identifyOurmain enemy. Asthe Imam has said, Ourmain
and No. 1enemy is the United States. The United States is trying to shift the
strugglesof the nations of theegion against the Soviet Union. This conference
was in factorganizcd for this main purpose. This confercnce was arranged on
China's recornmcndation and Bangladesh invited the lslamic countries io
participate. The conference was held in Pakistan, wherc the atrack against the
US Ernbassy took place, in order to destroy the elrccts of the anti-American
movement. If you sce the resolution issued after this conference, there is no
mention of the Unitcd States. All the articles in this conference are conccrned
with the Soviet Union and its military occupition of Afghanistan. Well, our
duty now isto support the movcmentof our (?Muslitnbrothers) in Afghanistan,
but WC must not forget our main enemy, who is dctemined to destroy us
somchow. 'Thereis no reason to forget our main enemyand aim our attacks ai a
different target while the main enemyis in a safe position.
Besidesthe conference, there was Waldheim's trip to Iran; he thought there
were some changes taking placein Iran at the iimeiind pcrhaps heeould solve
the problem, direct these changcs towards a compromise. Al1these moves are
connccted with each other; that is,first, the United States wants to solve the
mattcr betweenIran and itsejfpcacefutlyand, second,ii wants to shift the anti-
Amcricanstrugglesto strugglesagainst the SovietUnion. Our nation isfirmand
is kecping itsword and,as theImam iscontrolling the matter from the hospital,
we are sure none of ihese plots wilbe successfutand we willreach our goal.360 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULARSTAFF
[Question] The next question isabout the documents that have beenexposed
by you so far. Has the exposure of these documents been fruitful and to what
extent have they been able to prornotc the goals of Ourlslamic Revolution?
[A~airler] Naturally, by taking over the espionage den some documents
indicating theUS plots and interventions against our Islamic Revolution were
discovered.As we have said rnany timesbefore in Ourinterviews,most of these
filcsand documents had been destroyed. One of the hostage spies was saying
that he himselfhad destroyed many documents concerning theUS intervention
in Kordestan.
Asforthedocuments that remained, wcstartedto translateand toexposethern.
WeH,while starting on its new course in continuation of its lslamic Revolution
under the leadershipof imam Khorneini,our nation isgoingto knock the United
Statesdown;the revelationofthcscdocuments wiIlassistthe strugglebyexposing
the American bases in Iran and the points through which the United States
pcnctratcd our countryand was goingio control our Fdteby governingus. Wiih
theexposure ofthesedocurncntsOurnation willrecognizeAmericanconnections
among the lranian people and the nation willfightWagainsstuch agents.
One of the important points discovered against the struggle of Our nation
involved the compromise affair, which wasperhaps the greatest blow to the
United States during Our revolution. Becausethcy, unfortunately, are not co-
operating with us in the revelation ofthcse documents. Afier all, by exposing
thesedocuments weare trying to increasethe awarenessand knowledgeof our
people so as to progress toward the final victory of the revolution as fast as
possible, as this is the Imam's opinion. Croups and parties which are Islamic
ought to assistin the analysisand expansionof theserevelationsbecausethis isa
struggle against the United States but they do not help.
For example,weexposedthe Bamdadnewspaperand showedhowthe United
Statcs was taking advantage in that affair. Croups, parties and individuals do
not show arevolutionary response towardtheexposureof thesedocuments. We
expectedal1the lslamicgroups especiallythosc forces whichare the future hope
of the nationQom Seminary,Qom Tcachcrs' Societyand other groups-not
to allowthe establishment of such affairsas wereexposed;weexpectedal1these
groups not to permit publication of Burndrrd again.
As for the groups that clairtno be anti-irnpcrialistexperts ando not see us,
the Muslirns,as peoplewho cari stand up to the Unitcd States and continue to
accuseus,if thesegroups are so much against the UnitcdStateswhy are not they
joining us in this fight?Perhaps they are not sufficientlyable to recognizeanti-
American affairs as 10come on and prohibit Bumdudnewspaper. Or perhaps
there is a trick involved and they themselveshave their hands in such afairs as
that of Bamdad.
There were people who criticizcd us when Ayandegan newspaper was in-
volved;nowthey haveseenthat Bamdadisan American newspaperbut whyare
theynot saying so? It iscertain-or weare nearly sure-that if Ournation isnot
taking action itself to close Bamdad'soffice it is only because they want to
on this matter and to act in a revolutionary manner.sibleauthorities to decide
please state your opinion?estion about the escapeof sixAmencans. Would you
[AnswerJ This isanother of Carter's actions. As the Amencan policydepends
on this sort of inhumane and espionageact,each individualspyhas a valuedrole
and talentedfspieswere taken hostage by oui-nation. Therefore, he arranged the
escapeof scveralof thesespies,who at thc timeof the takeover of the espionagc
den wcrenot thcrc, had hidden somcwhcrc,so as to use.them again to earry on
with his inhumane policies. Basically,this is the way that the imperialist United
States effectivelyuses its spies-to divert revolutions. and oppress national WCUM ENTS 361
uprisings. If we remcmber the role playcd by US spies in Latin American
countries, Iverealizc how important thcsc spies are to the United States.
[Quesrion] Thc ncxt question isabout 1i[prcsidential]candidate, about whom
you issued a revealingstatement 48 hours bcfore the start of the voting. There
are sevcralquestions: whctherthis exposure was pcrformed by you, or was it a
shock, as somc pcoplc Say?Also, why did you make that announcement so tate
and why was your statement not broadcast by the radio and tclevision?There
arc iilot more questions, such as why you do not go through (?channels).
[Answerj We say clearly that if a document is round and providcd we can
figurcout the code, if there is one, then whcn it is translatWC announce it to
the nation. If a fileiscomplete,hen weannounce ~t.There is no question about
this. As for the document conceming one of the presidential candidates-we
have clearly stated that a document which iscornpleteis usuallyexposed to the
public irrespective of the time. It might be midnight or morning when a
documcnt iscomplctedand thenitisannounced immediately.Somepcoplchave
said that this documcnt was forged.Whena document ise~posed,if il isabout a
particular person thcre is nothing that person can say about it. The only option
open to the relativesofsuch rtparticular pcrsonisto deny thc document, to Say
that it was forgcd. None of usis a forger.Neithcr is the nation. This matter was
(?tao trivial to involve forgery). Tosay that fiIç was forged is a calurnny; a
Muslim [words indistinct].
As forwhy theexposurewasnot announced by the radio and television,this is
also a question we have asked. Apparently, there were some regulations
concerning campaigning Torthe candidates thatdid not permitthe broadcasting
of thedocument. Anyway,it is not up to usto answerthat question. You should
ask the radio and tclcvisionauthorities about it.
[Ques~ion] Thc last question concernsrumours that somc of the students in
the US Embassy arenot Muslims or tha\,thcy are c<rmmunists.Willyou pleasc
explain?
[Aiiswer] This is also a calumny, such an accusation against the Muslim
student followersof the Imam'spolicy. Becauseof Ourmovement,some circles
in theUnited Statesand Carier himselfarc lrying 10isolateus by spreadingsuch
accusations. The firstcalumny uttered byCarter wasto süythat those who have
occupied ttie Embassy, this centre of diplomacy, are a handful of terrorists.
Whenour movementwas supported by al1our nation and the oppressednations
of the world and artet thc seminarsof the world liberationmovcmentsand their
clcar dcclarationof support for us the world rcalizedthat a tcrrorisl group could
not haveso much support. Then [wordsindistinct]it wasasked whctheral1these
people were wrong und Carter was right'?The answer to this question was
obvious. Carter ihcn accused us of being communists or non-Muslims. This
followsCarter's same sinister aim of turning the Muslim peopleof Iran against
their youth. And other peoplewho seeany movement againstthemselves-they
blamc cominunists for it. The biggestand most dangerous cncmyof Carter and
the imperialistsis Islam. lt islslarn that condcmns both the opprcssor and those
who surrender to opprcssion; it is Islam that gives the oppressed nations
suficient strength to sacrificetheir wealth and livesin their struggle;it is Islam
lhat says:Lifeis beliefand holy war.Theydo not know Islamand think that the
enemy is only communism, while the rcal enemy, the one that will certainly
defeat the imperialist Americathrough means of n revolutionary culture, is
Islam. It was Islam that brought together rilthe believers and made them
revolutionaries so as tocrridicatean old and powerful régimein a short time.
This sort of accusation is made by Carter to isofate out movement. Nis
accusation willhave no effect.
/Announi:er] Thank you for participating in this interviewWc hope that you
willbe able to continue your way to finalvictory with assistancefrom God and
the struggling nation of Iran.362 DIPLOMAT1C.AND CONSULARSTAFF
38. Message from Urumiyeh Guards
LD031337Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1030 GMT, 3 Feb. 80 LD.
[Statemcnt issued by the Urumiyeh Cuards Corps in connection with the
letter of lamentation released by the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's
Policy-read by announcer.]
frext] In the name of Cod, thecompassionate, the merciful.Student brothers
and sisters followingImam'spolicystationed in the US den of espionage:your
message of grievance to Imam Khomeini, helper of the oppressed, has touched
the heartsofall the nation of Iran and Ourown. For a long timethe whispersof
opportunists and traitors has beenheard behind theirpseudoclericaland pseudo
revolutionary utterances against you, brothers and sisters. Thcy have takcn
advantage of the Imam's illness and have intensified these cowardly attacks.
These arc the profiteers who took no part in the victory of the Islamic
Revolutionof Iran but are reaping the fruits of the nation's revolution. Theyare
in no way foilowingthe Imam'spolicyand do not abide by hiswords or act on
them. They are severely frightened by your brave revelations which directly
endanger the interestsof world-devouringAmericaand theopportunist compro-
misers.
Wesupport your rightfuleffortsto crcate an Islamicrevolutionary movement
and to expose the traitors and deviationists with al1our might. Weask you to
refrain from individualism,from being influencedby high-ranking officiaisand
from falling when you should react [as heard]. We ask you to continue your
Khomeini, the following of his guidelines withawarcncss and diligence. Mayast
God assist you.
39. Khuzestan Guards Corps' Support
LD032044Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1630CMT, 3 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text] The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps oî Khuzestan issued an an-
nouncement today following publication of the text of the lamentation state-
ment of the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy and followingthe
televisedinterviewwith representativesof the Muslim Student Followersof the
Imam's Policy. The text of the announcement is as follows:
In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. Brothers: We have
heard your message so full of pain and feeling. This message recalled the
complaint with whichwewereso hard ressedformonths. Many timesand with
various prcsentations wing the hca$nc of "under the domcsiic agents of
impcrialism", wereminded the responsibleauthorities that thesedescendantsof
Reza Khan, these inheritors of Ghengiz Khan, harassed OurKhuzestan during
the days of their authority. They also tried to tie us up in knots, becausewehad
recognizedtheir anti-lslamic nature.
Yes,your disclosureshaverevcaledthe uglyfaceof thesedespicablepeoplefor
Ournation. Persons who would compare the çtrugglefor devclopment withthe
nation buildingcamps [during the Shah'stime]can be expected to describe the
documents revealed inthe American espionagecentre as unfounded.
Yes,the most painfulissueisthat the agents who have sold out toAmenca-
and who even after the victoryof the revolution swore an oath of allegianceto
their masters-are being identifiedto the people through the citations in the
their responsibility,and the authoritiestill give them permission for treason.
Thisisa warning to the Muslirnnation of Iran that ifyou are not attentive'on
a continuing basisto the institutionsof the revolution, andif youdo not demand DOCUMENTS 363
the Fulfilment of duty, then our revolution will draw more blood. With
widespread publicity, thcsemercenaryagents willcovcr theirugly faces,and they
will introduce thcirmercenarics as the hope of Iran.
On the atiniversary of the return of the Imam and the birthday of the greateçt
prophet and the anniversary of the revolution's victory. let us undertake even
more disclosures of these dcvil-like forces. The responsible authorities should
takc their responsibilities more seriously and take the matter in hand.
Death to the great dcvil, America!
Glory to the only champion of the underdogs, thc great Khomeini!
Rise to overthrow the elcments that have sold out to imperialism!
40. Students on Hostages' Releasc
NC041012 Doha QNA in Arabic, 0925 GMT, 4 17eb.80 NC.
[Test] Abu Dhabi, 4 February-Leaders of the lranian students have
emphasized that, regarding the fate of the US hostages, lhey take orders only
from Ayatollah Khomeini.
They said that the Ayatollah still supports them and will continue to do so
until their just demands for the return of the Shah for trial are met.
The sludent leaders expressed appreciation for president-elect Ab01 Hassan
Bani-Sadrand voicedtheir willingncssto helphim within the limitsof his duties,
whichare listedin the constitution and which,according to them, do not include
the question of the hostages. This issue, rheysaid, is not one of the numerous
tasks and responsibilities of the president of the republic.
In an interview with the Abu Dhabi newspaper Al-Iltihad,published today,
Ihe student leaders announccd their absolute and categorical rejection of any
prescnt or future idea about the formation OC an international commission
übroad to investigate the crimes committed by thc Shah. Thcy stress that the
Shah mus1be tried on Iranian territory and by an Islamic court.
They also Saythat they will not release the hostages, whatever the justifica-
tions or the consequences,uniil the Shah is handcd ovcr for triaand the funds
which he smuggled abroad are returned.
In lheir interview withAl-Jltihad,the lranian students say that if the United
Siatcs insiston ils position of not handing the Shah over and not returning his
funds,then the US hostagcswillbebroughtto trial asspies.We have documents
which prove this and which incriminate them strongly, thcy maintain.
Mcanwhile, thepaper saysthat lranian president-elcct Bani-Sadrisverymuch
in favour of settling this problcm but he is not in a hurry to do so. It adds that
the Revolution Council mcrnbcrs have agreed on a number of alternative
solutions to this problem, taking into account focaland international considera-
tions, and that thcy will submit thern to Ayatollah Khomeini.
Al-ltlilIadalso saysthat Bani-Sadr is tryinIO avoid aconfrontation with the
students holding the hostages, but such a confrontation may becorne inevitabte
if Ayatollah Khorneini declares suppgrt for the position of the president-elect
and the students reject it.
41. Etfela'AtPublishcs Interview withStudcnts on Hostages
JN052012Tehran Internalional Servicein Arabic, 1915GMT, 5 Feb. 80 JN.
[From the press rcvicw.]
[Text] Et~elu'Arnewspaper hrispublished the tex1of the press interviewwith
the Muslirn Student Followers of the Imam's Policy in which they spoke about
thcir invitations to 50 well-known US correspondents and professors of
universitiesand educational centres to become acquainted with the facts about
the lslamic Revolution and to listen to the oppressed lranian people.364 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULARSTAFF
One of the students said: After the occupation of the den of espionage in
Tehran, the Unitcd Statcs disrcgarded Ourcal1for liberation and the issue of
handing over the deposed Shah and spokc only about the hostages. Unfortu-
nately, there came the Soviet military occupation of Afghanistan and the
convocation of the Pakistan conference, checking to a certain exlent the
sensitivityand actualimportancc ofour revolutionary action. Thereforc,and in
order to reflectthe picturc of our rcvolutionarymarch and make Ourvoicc reach
the US people, we decided to invite a number of university professors and
experts of theUS community to corne to Iran in order to become acquainted
with our revolution and to brief the unaware massesin the United Stateson the
nature and originality of Ourrcvoliition.
Ettela'At adds: Despitc thc dangers they may be exposed to frorn their
Government, these personalities havc acccpted theinvitation.
One of the studentssaid: The subjecthas nothing ai al1todo with the issucof
the hostages.
Ettela'Ar publishcd a story on the international committee and said: The
members of the international committee, which will be forrned in Tehran with
the approval of the Revolution Council to look into the deposed Shah, will be
electedunder United Nations Secretary-GeneralKurt Waldheim's supervision.
The number of membersand the date of lhis cornmittee'smeetingwillbe chosen
from lawyersand well-knowninternational personalities.
The Foreign Ministry official spokesman said that if Waldheim wünts to
choose a number of Americansfor this committee, then the matter is up to him.
hostages.that the formation of the cornmittee will influencethe issuc of the
He said: There is a strong probability that the committee will beable io
restorea partof the Iranian peoples'wealth,which wasplundered by the ousted
Shah.
42. Revelation StaternentNo. 30
LD052133Tehran Domestic Servicein Pcrsian, 1720GMT. 5 Feb. 80 LD.
[Excerpts]As announced in the course of this bulletin. the Muslim Student
Followers of the Imam's Policy in their Revelation Statement No. 30 tonight
disclosed documents relating to contact between Naser Minatchi and the
American denof espionage. We draw your attention to thcdisclosures by the
Muslim student followersof the Imam's line [beginrecording-al1 unidentified
male speakers].
In the namc ofGod, the cornpassionate.the merciful.One of the resultsof the
capture of the den of espionage was the capture of certain documents which
show America'sinterferenceand thechannelsthroughwhichAmerica infiltratcd
into matters concerning our country's interna1affairsAs we have explainedto
the dear lranian nation on several occasions, we regard these documents as
belonging to the lranian nation, and we regard it as our duty to make al1these
documentsavailableto the heroicIfilnian nation. So kir, through thc docurncnts
we have disclosed WC havc bccn able to expose a series of events which wcrc
rnovingagainst the courscof the revolution and against the Imam's revolution-
ary path. The documents discloscd indicated the fact that these developments
were necessarilyrnovingin Amcrica'sfavour and direction, or were goingto do
so, iftheseevents wcre not eliminatcd and thrown offthe revolutionary path of
the lranian nation.
One of the documents wediscloscdconcerned Mr. Abbas Amir-Entezamand
the related rnatters which, unfortunately,prevailed after the [words indistinct]
was controlling the revolution, as it were. DOCUMENTS 365
Tonight, too, we havc scvcraldocuments whichconcern Mr. Naser Minatchi
and which could be said to concern the continuation of a situation which is
contrary to the Imam's line and that of ihc revolution. In addition to the
documents which are the matter in question now, we should infom the dear
nation that, in continuation of [words indistinct] press which were disclosed
earlier,C rame acrossa documcnt rccently whichagilinconcernsthe newspa er
Bamdad.This document will bc disclosed tonight. Heforedisclosing the ot er
documents, the one conccrningthe newspapcr Bamdlldwill be read firsland the
other ones later.
The document that concernsthe newspaper Bnmdudissomethingto the effect
that the Deputy Prime Ministcr [Bazargan]made contact with [nameindistinct]
and placesat thedisposalof this newspapera document on behaffof Mr. [namc
of titlc indistinct]. The papcr then procecds to publish thc document and
subsequently the United States or the deof cspionageobjecls toit. According
to the ~Ricialsof the newspaperthemselves,[wordsindistinct]but bccauseof thc
fact that the newspaper itsclf confirms that it was compellcd to publish the
matter and then apologizc to thc American Embassyfor publishing it.Now we
will draw Sour attention to this document. [Passage omitted containing pur-
ported iextof US documents.]
Well,thc Forcgoingwas a document concerning the newlipaperBamdadand a
follow-up on previous disclosures. As for the documents relating to Mr.
Minatchi: t.he first document is one which WC have caplured from the CIA
central rcfcrcnccbureau [daftar-c markazi-yc morae'at-e CIA].
This isa spccialCIA bureau (?in) the Amcricanden of espionage.As you can
see,this1sthe Englishtext ofthe document and thename underlined asthat of
Mr. Naser Minatchi. On thc righthand sidc you can see the spccialernblcrnof
the CIA. {Passageomitted containingpurportcd text of US documents.]
In the namc of Cod, the cornpassionatc, the merciful. Hcrr:is another
document from the US Embassy,Tehran, to theStateDepartment, Washington.
[Passageoniittcdçontaining purported text ofcxcliange ofrncssagesbetwecnthc
US Embassyin Tehran and the State Departmeilt.]
Here isanother document, whichyou can scc,rroni thc US Ernbassy,Tehrün,
to the State Department, Washington DC. [Passage omitted containing pur-
ported textoîcxchange of messages betweenthe US Embassyin Tehran and the
State Department.]
Here is a document regarding the reports supplied by Mr. Minatchi to the
American Embassyabout the Imam'sschcdulc for arriving in Iran and [words
indistinct].hc document reads something to the effect that Minatchi said
Khorncini'skrnily willarrivc on thsame planeas the Ayatollah, and that they
will residcin a house in Dowlüt Street, as rcported earlier.
There is a question here, namelythat one must asMr. Minatchiwhether the
arriva1 of Khomeini's family in Iran has anything to do with the American
Embassy for him to discuss thc matter with the American Embassy. It is not
clear to us whatmotive he has had in discussingthe matter with the American
Embassy [herebegins voiccof another malc spcakcr].
Hcre is yct another document from the US Embassyin Tehran to the Statc
Department, Washington DC. [Passage omittcd containing purported tcxt of
exchange of messages betwcen the US Embassy in Tehran and the Statc
Department.]
43. Bani-Sadr Keylian lntcrview
LD081743Tehran Keyhanin Persian, 6 Feb. 80, p. IZ'LD.
[Unattributed report: "President Dr. Bani-Sadr:The Sludent Followerol the
Imam's Policy HaveCreated a Government Wiihin a Govcrnment."]366 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
[Text] In a conversation with Keyhan concerning thc disclosures by the
Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy and the arrest of National
Guidance Minister Dr. Naser Minatchi, first president Dr. SeyyedAbolhassan
Bani-Sadrcondemned the students' action, which he termed "egoistic".
In this connection, Bani-Sadrsaid: "How can one govern a country when a
number of individuals who go by the name of the 'Students Followingthe
Imam's Policy'act in a self-centred manner and createa situation in whicha
goAnyone who considershimself aisfollowerof the Imam'spolicyshould toe the
Imam's line.
proven, [words indistinct] beingruled by chaos, which at thisjuncture is to thc
detriment of the State and the revolution.
Butit may bethat thesechildrenare actingas theydo withgood intention, but
the resultisthat wefind a number of them who harbour il1willand play havoc
with people'sreputations.
With the situation thathas beencreated, how can one expectacivilservant to
work diligently,with confidenceand in safety?"
In the discussion with Keyhun,Dr. Bani-Sadralso said: "When the judiciary
of the country enjoys no security, it will face chaos. They (the Students
Following the Imam's Policy) have failed even to show respect for the
Revolulion CounciI,by not even going as far as to Say:'Hereare some reports;
would you decidewhat should be done'-no; they knock on a minister'sdoor at
midnight and arrest him."
Concluding the discussion, the president criticizedthe behaviour of the radio
and televisionthus:
"The radio and television organization, which showed such inability in
broadcasting the great and historic ceremony (the swearing-inof the president
before the Imam Khomeini): How is it thal it regularly makes radio and
televisiontime available to these children (Muslim Students Following the
Imam's Policy) without the permission of the State authorities?"
44. Bazargan Criticizes "Students" inMinatchi Affair
LD11115 5 ehran Keyhan in Rrsian, 6 Feb. 80, p.12LD.
[Unattributed report: "Bazargan: The Revolution Council Was Aware of
Amir-Entezarn'sand Minatchi's Work."]
[Excerpt]Minister of National Guidance Naser Minatchi was arrested ai his
home at 0200 hours today after the disclosure by the Students Following the
Imam's Policy.
In an exclusive interviewwith aeyhancorrespondent this morning, Revolu-
tion Council rnember and Freedom Movement leadcr Mehdi Bazargan once
again expressed his views on the disclosures by the Students Following the
Imam's Policy.
(Question] In their recent disclosure the Students Following the Imam's
Policy mentioned again and again meetings [at the US Embassy]attended by
Freedom Movement leadersand their relations with the American Embassy,
and the narnesof Arnir-Entezamand Minatchi appear in this connection. What
have you to Sayabout this?
Bazargan said:
"My viewis as 1 said in an interview ashort tirneago and as appeared in two
letters1passed to Keyhan, including one from Shaykh 'AliAqa. The action of
thesegentlemen[thestudents] isquite illegaland anti-Islamicin that they corne DOCUMENTS 367
and make unilateral disclosuresand cast unwar.rantcdaspersions. Thcy do this
by their own process ofdeduction and justification, whilethe other party is not
present to defend himsclf.As the Revolution Council has said in its statement,
such disdosures should first be sent to a law court, and if the law court should
decide that a person is a criminal, it should summon him and he should derend
himself.Al'terthis the public should be informcd."
EISewherein the discussion EngineerBazargan said:
"Now klr. Amir-Entezam has sent in a defencc, having secured permission
fram the prosecutorto do this, and I shall bc passing this on ta the radio and
televisionorganization; if it is allowed, it will be read out, and Mr. Amir-
Entczamwillappear in person to speak in hisown dcfcnce,or he müyrecord his
defenceand itwill bebroadcast. If radio and telcvisionrefuse to broadcast the
defence, 1shall make it available to the press."
45. Bani-Sadr'sSpokesman Denies Reports on Releaseof Hostages
NC071150Paris AFP in English, 1148GMT, 7 FCb.80 NC.
[ExccrptJTehran, 7 Feb. (AFPPReports that the 50American hostagcshere
were aboui to be released weredeniedtoday by aspokesman of ihe new lranian
President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr and by the Islamie "students" holding theUS
Embassy.
But the spokesman said the prisoners "might pcrhaps be freed in the future".
46. "Students" Denial of lnvolvement
LI3071056Tehran DomcsticServicein Pcrsian, 1030GMT, 7 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text] The Public Relations Office of the Muslini Student Followers of the
Imam'sPolicyhas staled that thestudents had nothing to do with the arrestand
deiention of Mr. Naser Minalchi, lhat they have never interfered or will ever
intcrfcrein the executiveaffairs of the countryand that they regard it as a mere
allegation that theyinterfere in the Government'saffairs.
The students have placedat the disposal of the Prosecutor'Officedocuments
relatingto Mr. Minalchi available ai the den of espionage.
47. Beheshtion Hostages
LD061206Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1030GMT, 6 Feb. 80 LD.
[TcxtJAyatollah Dr. Beheshti, the secretary of the Revolution Council, this
morning gave an interview to local and foreign correspondents and answered
theirvarious questions. ln answer to a question as to whether he thinks the
hostageswillbereleasedwithout theShah beingrcturned Dr. Beheshtisaid: 1do
not think so, and my beliefin this regard has still not changed.
In answerto a question as to what willbe thc duty of the Revolution Council
and that oi'its members afterthe election of the president and the formation of
his government, Dr. Beheshti said: Once the president has fomed his cabinet
and government and once the parliament has becn formed the Revolution
Council willno longer have any job to do.
Thus it will be dissolvedwith the permission ofthe Imam, and the council's
membershavemany duties to perform;as was the casein the past, everyonewill
perform hisduty. We do not regard the dutiesweperform as merely a job; rathcr
we regard ourselves as responsible. At this point a correspondent asked: Will
you also bc politically active?Ilr. Beheshtisaid in reply: Of course.368 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
48. Bani-Sadr on Power Centres
LI3131029Tehran Keyhanin Persian, 7 Feb. 80, p. 1,2 LD.
[Article by Prcsident Abolhassan Bani-Sadr: "Who 1s In Charge of the
Country: The President or the Revolution Council?"]
[Excerpts]Prcsidcnt Abolhassan Bani-Sadr has made available to Keylianthe
followingimportant article dealing with important State issues.Let us read the
president'sarticle together:
There are groups in existencewhichare bent on stirring up trouble, but in the
midst of al1this the people haveelectedtheir president with a decisivemajority.
Now the question arisesas to who isin charge of State affairs:The president or
the Revolution Council. The president can act within the framework of the
constitution. The period before theMajles isconvenedcannot be consideredan
interregnum sincethis term is definedin the constitution as the period between
two terms of office; but during this period the government may administer
within the limits set out in the constitution. It is an exceptional period and,
coming as it does after the Revolution Council has ken in charge, the
Revolution Councilshould agree to continue to function and undertake to run
the administration,whilethe presidentshould becontent to act as overseer.The
president shorrldbc put in charge, in viewof presencexceptionalcircumstances.
The prevailinglimbo situation whereanything goesisnot in the best interestsof
the country.
However,whicheverof these two rnethodsare chosen, responsibiliticsshould
be delineated and cveryone's taskshould be clearly defined.The basis of the
Revolution Council's weakness lies within the Revolution Council itselk its
approach in thc past wasone of indecisivenessand involvedsubmittingto cvents
and to the decisions ofal1and sundry. There is not a singlecase to be f~undof
anyone havingbeen punished for evasionof ilsdecisions.The most obviousand
recent exampleof this is the behaviour of the radio and televisionorganization
and the unlawful arrest of a serving minister at 0100, contrary to the law
approved by the council itself. If radio and televisionpersonnel had behaved so
disgracefullyanywhere else in the world, particularly ala time when a page is
beingturned in the longhistoty of a countryand quite the most important event
in the history of this great nation is occurring, sucofficiaiwould have been
dismissedand prosecuted. If a minister was arrestcd anywhere elsein the world
simply after somelhing had been said about him on television,most assuredly
those responsible for such a deed would be prosecuted.
1sour revolution Islamicor not? Ifit is, then itsmost important distinguishing
feature isthe observanceof morality. One of thegreat crises facingIran todliyis
that of morality. With which Islamicprecept is such behaviour congruent?To
which of the ways and traditions of the Prophet isilattributable? How is it
possibleto haveorder in the country when withouithe slighteststudy of the case
or prior investigationa servingminister isarrcstcd at one o'clockat night, when
the radio and televisionorganization allows a nurnber of individuals to act in a
one-sidedmanncr and giveno right of defence to the victim,and whento act in a
"revolutionary" manner means to crush others with no preliminaries,merelyon
a page [of accusations] being read out. Why shouldn't this spread? Why
shouldn't everyonc beallowed to do this? Is this the Islamic approach, or
Stalin'smethod? Ii is for the judiciary to investigatethe action taken, and to see
if in truth therc was corrupt relationship with Americaor not. The issueisone
involvingthe defenceof individuals'esteem,that is,the legalrights and dutiesof
each Iranian wiihin the limits of the consritution.
There are more than one or two instancesof suchcontraventions. Therc is the
threat to the newspaper Barnda&-and they Saythat they have made only half
their disclosures.Subsequently, theyprevented the newspaperpublishing-with- DOCUMEIVTS 369
out any legalorder from a court and contrary to ihe ravisionsof the constitu-
tion and the press law-through coercivemethods o fintimidation.
Another exampleisthat of the invitation to Iran extcndedto the 50Americans
without the knowledgeof the Foreign Ministry. Thc significanceof this isthat a
nurnbcr of individuals have dccidcd in thc narne of"the Imam's policy" to
discrcdiitotally at home and abroad the lslamic Revolution government,which
functions wiih the approval of the Imam himsclf: People making such an
invitation anywhere else in the world wherc there is no lslamic government
would be severely punished, Ict alone a country where the government is an
lslamic onc.
At any rate, thereshouldbe an earlydecisionmade to clarifywho isin charge
of Statcaffairs and the person so dctermined should assume responsibility with
total dccisiveness.The country cannot be leftfurther to the dictales of events.
49. Studenls Reject Hostages' Releasc Unless Shah 1sReturncd
JN04215 8ehran lnternaiional Service inArabic. 1905 GMT, 7 Feb. 80 JN.
[From the press review.]
[Excerpts]Regardingthe deposed Shah'srate, Keyhanpointed to the Rcvolu-
tion Council's session to studv and review the arrangements concerning the
formation of an intcrnaiionaf committee to investigate the deposed Shah's
crimes and the former régime.The outcome ofthe commission's investigation
might end inthe releaseof the hostages.
ln a staternent to AFP, the Student Follriwers of the Imam's Policy
announceciiheir rejectionof thc releaseof the hostages, whether the commission
isformedor not. They repeated theirdemands for thecxtradition and trial ofthe
deposcd Shah.
50. Tape of Hostages'Telephone Calls
NC0--642Pans AFP in Enelish.L . , GMT. 7 Fcb. 80 NC.
[Nick Phythian.)
[Tcxt]Tehran, 7 Feb. (AFP)-Three hostages at the Arnerican Ernbassyhere
told relatives in the United States bv teleohone oii Mondav .igh- that thev
would not be freed until the Shah w& retuEnedto Iran.
According to a tape relcüsed by their pro-Khomeini student captors here
today, the three, Kathryn Koob, Frederick L. Kupke and BruceCcrman, told
theirfamiliesalso that they could now phonc thc embassy directly.
The three said that the students woufd tape thc calls and latcr allow the
hostagcs ta listen.
The hostages,who süid the students let them cal1homcon the occasionof the
Prophet Mohammad's birthday, al1stressed thai they wcre beingwcll ireated
and kccping fit.
Mr. Kupkeand Kathryn Koob both askcdfor books but stressedtheywanted
nothing political.MT.Kupke and Mr. German rcquested cookies to bcsent to
them.
Mr. Kupke asked his father to pass messageson from two other hostages,
Mike Kennedy and John Gravcs. The messagefrom Mr. Graves suggestedthat
his familyand friends campaign "actively" for thc rclcascof thc hostages.
But Mr. German told his children Debbie, Matthew and Chnstopher that it
[word indistinct] lookas if il would "be too soon" hefore he was home.
Kathy Koob's parents, Mr. Kupke'smother [wordsindistinct]German'swife
wereal1in Washingtonat a State Department briefingat the timeand missedthe
calls, which weremade latc at night.370 DrPtOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
Kathy Koob, who spoke to her brothcr-in-law David Vogts, her sister
Anabeth and nephew and niece,said "a couple of us were selected at random to
make phone calls to let everybody know that we are OK".
"Wcll, at Icast as far as I am concerned, 1am being treated very well. 1get
good food and too much, although 1have been very careful what 1eat and so 1
have lost a little weight", she (?added).
In a conversation in whichshesounded in good spirits, she sai"1am going to
send one of the sisters (girl students) who takes care of me (?out) for newclothes
pretty soon because these are getting too big for me".
She read a clipping from the Tehran Timesnewspaper quotingthe students as
saying that the hostages would only be relcased when the Shah and his wcalth
had been returned to Tehran.
Mr. German asked his children to tell his wife that he wanted letlers and
sports news. "Forgct the little books", he said.
He added "this is very important, the Moslem students have issucd a
statement that we must stay until the Shah is extradited back to Iran".
Mt-.German asked hischildren to telltheir mother to watch out for a letter he
had sent to the Washington Post newspaper in wtiich he offered "possible
solutions".
On his generalhealth he said:"1 (?am) fine physically, 1gel meals rcgularly,
have a place to sleep, 1 am warm, fairly cornfortable [word indistinct] mis-
treated." But he added "it is hard to be separated like this; wewilljus1 have to
make the best of il".
Mr. Kupke told his father "the students are serious, they are religious and
they treat us very, very well.They aredoing every effort to make this asasant
underthe circumstancesas possible."
But he added "1 am anxious to corne home. 1am anxious to see you. We can
corne home as soon as they deliver the Shah back here."
51.Ahmad Khomeini's Visit to Ernbassy
LDO81745Tehran Domestic Service in Pcrsian, 1658GMT, 8 Feb. 80 LW.
[Text]This afternoon SeyyedAhmad Khomeini, Imam Khomeini's son, went
to a gathering of the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy in the
Amencan den of espionage and talked to them.
Hojjat 01-Eslam Haj Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini, while visiting the hostages,
talked to some of them. In his meeting with the hostages, he said: Thc American
Government has not regained its senses yet; otherwise it would have extradited
the criminal Mohammad Reza and would have handed over his plundered
wealth sothat the nation of Iranwould grant the hostages one degree of pardon
and set them free. Hojjat 01-EslarnSeyyed Ahmad Khomeini, addressing the
hostages, stated: Compare the Islamic treatment you receive from the lranian
students with the way the American Government trcats Iranians residing in
America or blacks and Indians in America and make your own judgment.
Hojjat 01-EslamSeyyed Mehdi Jamarani was atso present at the meeting.
Archbishop Capucci, the struggling Christian bishop, also went to the
American den of espionage this afternoon and met the Muslim Student
Followers of the Imam's Policy. He also paid a visit to the Arnerican hoslages.
Archbishop Capucci in the meeting said: Contrary to the poisonous propaganda
launched by the Amcrican Government, the hostages are healthy and are living
in good conditions.
Today a huge crowd of those who look part in the Friday prayers marched
towards the den of espionage and asked for the continuation of revelation
statements by the Muslim Student Followcrs of the Imam's Policy over the
Profileof the Islamic Republic of han. The demonstrators asked the students tocontinue their revolutionary behaviour until the rcturn of the Shah and,
following the Imam's linc,not to acceptany compromise.Personnel of the Air
Force of thelslamicRepublicof Iran and familiesof those whoweredisabledor
rnartyrcd during the revolution wereamong the demonstrators.
52. "Students" Meeting
PA081349Buenos Aires Latin in Spanish, 1310CMT, 8 Fcb. 80 PA.
[By Paul Taylor.]
[Excerptl Tehran, 8 Feb. (Latin-Reuter)-The students occupying the US
Embaçsyherc held an urgentmeeting with their spiritual leader last night after
being the targei ofa virulent attack by President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr.
A studcnt spokesman told this agencythat they discusçedtheir role in Iran's
political lifcwith Hojjat 01-EsliimSeyyed Mohammad Mosavi Kho'inijtitle as
received]and reached conclusionsthat will bc releasedto the press in due time.
The spokcsmansaid, however,that therehas bcenno change in the attitude of
thc students regarding the 49 US hostages, whom they have refusedto releasc
until the deposed Mohammad RezaPahlavi isreturned to Iran together with his
assets.
"Our pcisition in regard to the hostages has not changed and will never
changc": the spokesman said.
53. Khomeini Confirms Bani-Sadras Rcvolution CouncilHead
LD08053 8ehran DomcsticServicein Persian, 0430GMT, 8 Feb. 80 LD.
[TextjAt the end of last night'sRevolution Councilsessionit was announced
that, withthe consent of the Imam and the üpproval of the RcvolutionCouncil,
Dr. Abolh:issan Bani-Sadr,our country's prcsidcnt,has becn appointed as thc
head of thc Revolution Council.
Accordirigto a Pars NewsAgencycorrespondent, the Rcvolution Council met
last night in the presenceof thepresidentanddixussed the nation's important
issues.
MT, Hassan Habibi, the Revolution Councilspokesman, said in an interview
afterlas1night's session[read by announcer]:
In this scssion,discussionswcreheldconccrning two alternatives:First, that
Mr. Bani-Sadr should form a government and that the Revolution Council
should consider its mission complete and that Mr. Bani-Sadr should run the
country until theMajlesis formed;second, that the Revolution Councilshould
remainin its~rcscnlform with Mr. Bani-Sadrbecornineh-ad of the Revoluiion
Council.
He added: These alternatives were brought to the Imam's attentionand he
decided that the Revolution Council shouldcontinue its activitics until the
formation of the Majles and ihat Mr, Bani-Sadr, with the approval of the
Revolution Council, should be appointed 3s the head of the council. In
accordance with this decision, Mr. Bani-Sadr willchair the council sessions.In
addition, in viewof the fact that the head of the Rcvolution Councilhas both
legislativeand executivepowers and sinceexccutivepower is an activity of the
ministersuthoare not membersof the Revolution Council,therefore,in order io
ensure that the procedures opcrate harmoniously, Mr. Bani-Sadr may hold
sessionswith the ministcrs in addition to attcnding the various sessionsof the
Revolution Councilso that hc may bc morc active in the issues.
Habibi sdded: If during this time, some of the rninisters arc changed, Mr.
Bani-Sadr willinfom the councilof thesechangesand theywiHbeimplemented
upon approval of the Revolution Council.372 DIPLOMAT~CAND CONSULARSTAFF
54. BBC: Bani-Sadr Wants Council to "Stand Up" to "Students"
TA080642London BBCWorld Serviccin English,0600 GMT, 8 Feb. 80TA.
[Frorn "News Desk".]
[Excerpt] In Iranitself,Mr. Bani-Sadr, whohas stronglycriticizedthe militant
students, has been named head of the country's Revolutionary Council which
has wide-rangingpowers.Mr. Bani-Sadrrcccntlyattacked the councilfor failing
to stand up to the students.
In another move the council announced that it is liniitingthe students'access
to the State television and radio. The council is reported to have decided the
students wiHnot be free to broadcast accusations against publicfiguresas they
have done in the past.
55.Gotbzadeh Reportedly Wants Hostages Released Soon
TA090712Jerusalem DomesticService inHebrew,0700GMT, 9 Feb. 80TA.
pext] Iranian Foreign MinisterGotbzadehhas saidthat ifit isnecessaryforce
willbe used to make the extremists holding the US Embassy in Tehran release
the hostages.Gotbzüdeh was speaking to a British televisionstation and these
are themost sevcreremarks by an Iranian politician againstthe students holding
the hostages.
He said that at first the authorities would try and persuade the extremists
politely; however, if the Revolution Council makes the decision, force will ix
used. At the sarne time, the students yesterday received firm support for their
position from Ayatollah Khomeini's sonwho visited the hostages yesterday.
Upon leaving,Khorneinijunior said that the hostageswillbereleasedonly after
the deposed Shah is extradited to Iran togcther with his money.
56. Bani-Sadr AI-Itlif~adInterview
LD091038Kuwait KUNA in Arabic, 0838GMT, 9 Feb. 80 LD.
next] Abu Dhabi-New Iranian President Abdolhassan Bani-Sadris quoted
here as saying that Iran has not changed its attitude on the question of the
Arnerican hostages in Tehran in spite of the continucd talks on this crisis. The
semi-officialAbu Dhabi paper Al-Itrihutialsosays he believesthat one of the
direct reasonsfor the Sovietinterventionin Afghanistan isthe Kremlin's anxiety
as a result of thc lsiarnic Revolution in Iran.
In the interview carried by the paper, the President of Iran ruled out the
possibility of differencesbetween hirn and the spiritual leader of Iran, Imam
Khomeini.
Concerning the 50 hostages who have been held since las1November, the
President said his country's position remained unchangedin spite of his
continuing discussionof the matter in the ruling Revolution Council.He added
that thecouncilhasnot yettaken afinaldecisionto reconsidertheIranian attitude
on the problem. He pointed out that Iran wanted to be ccrtain that Arnerican
publicopinion realizcdthatthe policyof theirgovernrnenttoward Iran wasnot in
theirinterestand that the United Stateswasstillpursuing thesamepolicytoward
the lranian people that it had during the régimeof the dcposed Shah.
57. Foreign Ministry on Gotbzadeh Staternent
LD091529Hamburg DPA in German, 1317 GMT, 9 Feb. 80 LD.
[Excerpts] Tehran-The lranian Foreign Ministrywas üt pains today to tone DOCUMENTS 373
down the public statement by its hcad,Gotbzadeh, that the lranian Government
would if necessary use force to clcar the occupants from the US Embassy.
Gotbzadeh's spokesman, Nasir Salami, told DPA that in hjs interview wiih
[British]Indepcndent Telcvision news hisminister did not use the tem "force".
"This is an arbitrary interpretationby the journalists", Salami said.
Salami said that there are no prospects yet ofan early release of the hostages.
Asked about the worldwide diplomatic efforts and clear signs that thcir releascis
imminent, hc rcplied: "1 shall make inquiries as to how you can arrive a1 that
conclusion." Salami refuscd to Sayanything about the negotiations behind the
scenes between the lranian Government and the United Nations.
58. "Students" Interview
LD100029Tehran Domestic Service in Persian, 2125 CMT, 9 Feb. 80 LD.
[Interview granted to reporter 9 February by unidentificd Student Followcrs
of the Imam's Policy-recorded.]
[Texil [Quesfinn] Having in mind thewords of hlr. Bani-Sadr regarding the
lack of informed dccision-making centres, what is the future programme of the
students, and what willtheir relation be with the government of Mr. Bani-Sadr?
[Answerj In the name of Cod, the compassionatc, the merciful. [Words
indistinct] they accused us of having interfered with the [words indistinct] afîairs
of the government. 1sthis true or not? We ask you this question-is expressing
one's point of view, although it may be against that of the government, in an
atmosphere which should maintain frecdom of speech, considered as a govern-
ment within a govcrnment? If our points are correct, then they should accept it.
Ifour points are wrong, then they should not make the government departments
feelthat we have intcrfered in thework. We have tried, many times, not to deal
blowsby our words to the workings and decisionsof'theexecuiivepowers of the
country. When weasked the Ministry of Foreign AKairsto hand overthechargé
d'affaires to us so that we could ask him some questions, unfortunately we
observed that our minister of Foreignaffairs put the issue forward in such a way
that it appearcd thaWC meant to intcrfcre with the affairs of the country. This is
whywedid not pursue the matter further. Evcnthe (luestion of the employeesof
the Embassy, thc den of espionage-when theycanie 10us and askcd for thcir
wages, asked what will happen to their jobswe sent them to the Ministry of
Foreign AFdirs since the chargéd'araires was being held in the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, and he was the person to decide what to do about them.
[Quesiion] Pars: Iî ~hePresidcnt makcsa decision about the hostagcs, will
you follow his viewsand decisions, and those of his fegalgovernment, or have
you any other views?
[Ansiver] In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. In our view
any Iranian suhjectand al1 Muslim people are duty boundto follow the
guidelinesof the Imam, whichare the most revolutionary and ideological oncsat
present, arid allthc cxecutiveorganizations and alt yrcrsonaliticsfrom beginning
to end are responsible for following this path and implemcnting these guidelines
in the society. The Imam's view about the American spies is quite clear. He
himself saidthat these American spies will not be released under any circum-
stances until the extradition of the treacherous Shah, When the Shah has bccn
handcd over to Iran, then it will bcpossible for the nation of Iran to release the
hostages after granting them a pardon.Our viewon the election of the president
is the same as that dictated by the Imam. The Imam said: The entire nation374 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
should support Mr. Bani-Sadr, and should not weaken his position. Our view,
followingthe sayingof the Imam, is the sameas his,and cannot bedifferent.But
the president and anybody else holding any officeis dutybound to follow the
policy of the Imam, and to followthe viewand the guidelinesprovided by the
Imam.
/Ques~ion] Have the students formed a cabinet, and is that why Mr. Bani-
Sadrand other membersof the RevolutionCounciloppose them?If yes,what is
that government?
[Answerj WChave saidthat our movementis not aimedat interferingwith the
affairs of the country or introducing a cabinet.
[Question] Have your viewson releasing thehostages changed?
[Answer] As the Imam has repeatedly announced-and the brave and
strugglingnation of Iran has followedthe behestof themam and hasexpressed
ilssupport bymarches,dcmonstrations and oiher waysand manners-our views
with regard to the hostages, these American spies, will not change until the
treacherous Shah has been handed over to Iran by America and [words
indistinct]. We cannot interfere in any way in this matter by announcing
anything contrary to theabove. Naturally, Ourviewsare those of the Imam and
the nation, and will not change.
[Question] Keyhan newspaper:If the newgovernment exerts pressure on you
not to interfere in the issue of theostages and to leave the solving of the
problem to the responsiblc officiaiswhat willyour response be?
[Answer] As mcntioned before, the guidelinesregarding the move to occupy
the Embassy and the continued holding of the hostages have repeatedlybeen
delineated,and itis the guidelinwhich remain unchanged,and the responsible
organizations of the country andexecutiveorganizations should implement the
guidelines ofthe Imam. The opposition we experienccnow in connection with
the occupation of the den of espionage, and the pressures beingexerted on us
haveno basis. EvenwhentheImam \vasenjoyinggoodhealth,they cxeriedihese
pressures, but they were not quite clear or recognizable.
Let me read you sorne sentences from a speech by the Imam, dated 6
November 1979;we have been informed that the centre which Ouryouth have
taken over isa centre of espionage and conspiracy. America expectsto take the
Shah there, so that together theyn conspireand have a baseinsideTehran for
their conspiracies.Our youths should sit and watch. Some of the rotten roots
started working to rnakc us interfere and tellese young people to come out.
Thcre have beenpressuresand movementsagainst theoccupation of the den of
espionage and the taking of hostages. We think the best way to expose these
movementsisthatthe responsibleorganizationsshould followthe Imam'spolicy
and the guidelineshe has provided on thisissuc.
[Quesrion] AFP: Yesterday SeyyedAhmad Khomeini paida visit here. Has
the total support of the Imam been declared for your actions?
[Answer] Sometimes,the strugglingbrothers and SeyyedAhmad Khomeini,
the son of the Imam, pay visits to the den of American espionage, as an
expression of their gcnerosity toward the brothers and sisters in the den of
espionage. And the topics that he discussed and his views-and thosc of the
Imam as well-are those expressedearlier in his speechesconcerningthe den of
espionage.
[Queslion] Azadegan: What is your view on the prohibition of the use of
telcvisionwhich was announced by thc Revolution Council?
[Answer] On the topic of the revelation statements we should speak in
somewhatmore detail. Aslongaswecan remember,the disclosureofdocuments
and the revelationofthose papers whichwerethe [wordindistinct]of our nation
has been a strange procedure in our press. Many times we have seen that
SAVAK documents have been published in the press-even in sensitive mo-
ments when such documents can be secn to be dangerous for everyone in our DOCUMENTS 375
country. Elut the prosecutor general has not criticizcd or protested such
disclosurcs inthe press. Likcwise,they werenot subjcct to criticismor protest by
the people. who were satisfiedwith the procedures in the press.
The question which isposed at îhis time on the topicof revelationsiswhether
the disclosures are .interferencc in the judicial policy, and, in gencral, in the
procedures of the country's judicial institutions.In Ouropinion, this is entirely
different from the revelations themselves.By our revelationsand our presenta-
tion of the facts to the people, we in no way intend to de~troy the judicial
apparatus of the country. They tell us to give the documents to the public
prosecutor. But what is the purpose of giving the documents to the public
prosecutor? Either the public prosecutor wants to correct this matter or he does
not want to. Ifhe daesnot want ta Correctit, thenthe nation and the peoplewill
bedissatisfied.And ifhe wants to correct it, (?whntdifferencedoesit makc)if we
correct il?
As for the question of whether the failure to givcthe documents to the public
proswutor iscorrect or mistaken:thesedocumentsare in fact the demoastration
of the wayof thinkingand the (?positions) which weretaken by Arnericaduring
the rcvoluiion. They do not suit the needsof the publicprosecutor. Whal is the
public prosecutor going to do with documents (?that shows that the prime
minisier wasthe only) [words indistinct]? 1she goirigto have a trial? Or when
sornebodycame to this Ernbassy,this den of espion;igeand establishedcontact,
passed intelligence (?saying) ihat his ideas werc such and such. What is the
public prosecutor goingto do with such documents?
Thesedixuments are in factonly for the court of the people,that istSay they
are only good for public opinion. and they rnust be presented 10the people. In
our opinion it is not verycorrect to neglectthis kind of document, whichcan in
truth clarifythe truth for the people.The public prcisecutoris not able to make
correct use of them jwoids indistinct]public opinion is in fact the fundamental
public prosecutor for these documents.
Concernjng these revelations, they point out that wejudge; we have tricd-
exccpt in ihat case; thatwas judged and the MiislimStudent Followers of the
Imam'sPolicyhaveapologizedto the generous lranian nation; in other cases it
has bccn tried-not to judge [sentenceas receivcd].
But, unlbrtunately, you see a group is deceptivelgtrying to show thc issueof
the revelations insuch a light that they willbe discreditedin the eyesof society
and public opinion and he stopped.
They corne forward and say that after exposing Minatchi those who had
exposcd him had gone and arrested him. Thcy present it in such a way that
everybodythinks that wehave done this. We havc repeatedlysaid that wedo not
inierfcreiiithe country's execuiiveaffairs. Minatchi'sarrestwas carried out by
the deputy public prosecutor. Now, if the deputy publicprosecutor has made a
rnistake, it is he that again and again has ordered the confiscation of some
people'sproperties, the arrest of others.His ordcrs werecarried out. If he did
righi, thenwhy do you no1tell the truth. If he has been in error, again,why do
you not corneforward and tell the truth. In so lar as the Prosecutor'sOfficehas
(?arrested)this man and we sec that the Revolution Council, as the representa-
tivc of the legislative,executivethat rulesthecountry, interferesin the affairsof
the Prosecutor's OAiceand in faci interfereswith the judicial power and orders
the releaseof Minatchi; that is more regrettable.
As we said, if Minatchi has been arrested by the Prosecutor'sOfficeand the
judicial power has ordered his arrest, his relcase should also be by the same
Prosccutor's Officeand thejudicialpower. Other powers shouldnot interfere.
If the actions of the responsibleofficiaishad bcen suchthat they had revealed
the SAVAK documents, the documents of thc lranian Embassicsabroad, the
documents that generally show thc connections of the previous régimeto the
pcople, about what they did, perhapsthese problems would not have arisen.376 DIPLOMATICAND COSSULAR STAFF
That iswhy the people are in favour of the revelations.They seethat many of
the SAVAK documents, many of the documents that should have bcen
publicized,havc not been.
(Question] Keyhnn: The Student Followers of the Imam's Policy havetaken
the form of a revolutionary structure of our country and are supported by the
various and giganticstrata of the nation. During the past month, sorneof your
revelations haveencountered the objection and criticism of some people and
groups. Therefore,what elementor factor do you think has led to the increase of
this waveof propaganda against you and where do you see it finaliy lcading?
Have your actions been erroneous or arc some people intent on ruining your
reptation?
[Answer] Bcfore this is explained, if brother journalists mention us, "the
student followers of Imam's policy" isnot correct. lt is "the Muslim studcnt
followers of the Imam's policy". If in future they refer to this point in their
papers, it should be correct.
[Another studcnt spcaks] From the first days of the occupationof the den of
espionage by the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy,the opposi-
tion started.II was on the second, third or fourth day that a group went to the
Imam and asked him to havethe studentsthrown out of the den of espionage. In
reply, the Imam siiid:The place thai our youths have taken, as they havc said,
had been the centrc of espionage and conspiracy. The United States cxpcctsto
take the Shah to the United Statesin order that they may start plotting and also
create a base for conspiracies in Iran and that you youths should just sit and
watch. Some of these roots of corruption wcre activeso that Khomeini would
interfere and tell theouths to come out of the Embassy.
Sometimes the wave of opposition against us was to the effect that the
occupation of an embassy, although it had bccn a centre of conspiracies. the
haunt of US international spies,although, in spiie of the kct that this cmbassy
should have had diplornaticactivities,they had turned it into a place for spying
against Iran and the lranian nation's right of sovereignty;they [theopposition]
still believedin international lawsbeing applied to it and that an embassyis the
territory of a country and thatnobody has a right to do such things.
Other timcs the waveof opposition was to the efiectthat the documents that
are here are forgeries.The public knowsfull wellwhat kind of documents they
are.
Someiimes the point was made with accusations of seeking self-intercst. If
seeking self-interesteans that we havc occupieda centre of conspiracies and
hold spiesas hostages-and, as the Imam has decreed, thcywillnot bc relerised
until the Shah is extradited-is insisting upon thc Shah's return sceking sclf-
interest?
In al1these cases our efforts have been toward implementation of al1 the
Imam'sinstructions and points of viewon this issueand if,at some time he were
to deem otherwise, that willalso be followed.
[Ques~ion] Will you be present in court in ordcr to answer Minatchi's
charges?
[Ansiver] ConcerningMr. Minatchi'srequest that wehold a televisiondebate
with him, webelievethat il would be bestthat he should discussthe issueswith
the people by himself.
[Question] Why isit that most of the revelationshaveconcernedthe members
of the freedom movement [nehzat-e azadi]? And, do you have documents
concerning people outside this group?
[Ansn~er] About the other namesin the documentsand the namesof the other
groups in the documents, weshall publish the documentssoon. Before WC let any
rumours sprcad or any judgments be madeon these documents we had better
wait for publication of these documents.
[Another studcnt speaks] Of course, some of the groups and individuals havc DOCUMENTS 377
rcgardcd strmeof thc points that have bccn revealedas showingü bias toward a
particular group, party or org-anization.WCfranklv declüre our view on such
comrnents, that thcy arc completely untrue and, as a rule, çuch comments
resemblechildish talk.
/QucsfionfWhat is your viewon not broadcasting the revctarionsover radio
and television? And, willyou continue checking the files and publishing (the
secrets?].
(Ansrver] About continuing the revelalions. as Our brother has stated: We
shallcontinue to do so. The stance ofhc radio and televisionis an independent
one. Thcy could eithcrdecide to obey thcoiders of the RevolutionCouncil, as
was announced in the papers-that is one stance-or they could announce: We
willpublish the afïairofthosein the dcn of espionageover radio and television
as the nation wishes. That is a stancc that isthe concern of the radio and
television, not us. We shall carry on revealing, somehow. If al\ possible
restriciions were to be imposed on us we would ask the people to corne to the
den of espionage and. if possible, we would piiblish the documents through
loudspeakers. In any case, we shall not stop doing this.
[Queslion] That is ail of the questions, pcrhüps çomeof thequestions have
not been read, but gcncrally, that is the drift of the questions. Therefore, the
meeting is adjourned.
59. Minatchi on "Students" Charges
LD092024Tehran Domestic Service inPcrsian, 1703GMT, 9 Feb. 80 LD.
jTcxt]Dr. Nascr Minatchi, followingthcrcccntrevelationsialement issuedby
the Muslini Student Followcrs of the Imam'sPolicyand his arrest and release,
wentto the WoseyniyhErshad mosqueand ~alkedabout the accusationslevelled
ai him, which you will now hear:
At first he talked in dctail about the strugglcsof HoseyniyhErshad and then
süid: Now 1willrefcr to lhe issueof thcseaccusations. Fir1should ask what is
the method of judgrnent in this country? Are we Muslirns and do we judge
according to the principlcs and laws of Islam or do we pass judgment by
ourselves?If wc rely on thc Koran we should show the world that we are the
manifestationof the iusticof the -.presscdand weshould not allow Islamto be
disgraccd.
Can one be accuscd so easily on radio and television and his honour be
quesiioned? 1spunishment by trial possible?The worst thing mentionedin Islam
isforthe honour of the pcrson who hassuch a record ofserviceand has suffered
so much to be tarnishcd; and then when 1want to read thedossier to be able to
deîend rnyself,to bcrefused permission. Whcn,by confusing issuesand mixing
up the article in the newspaper withanothcr accuscd person they put forward
somcaccusations. howcan 1trust thcm?Arc thesebasedon Islamicjustice? 1do
not inlend to defend myself.The same night when theycame to my house 1said
that 1have seenSAVAKprisonsand do not fear thesethings. 1 am not the kind
of person to run away and leavethe arena like those who have done so.
During the past year 1 have worked vcry hard and twice, because of heart
troublc, 1was takcn io (?the hospital). Hu1I did not cornplain and did not
publicize the matter. 1 worked 16 to 17 hours every day, and bccause 1 was
cornrnittedand Teltthat1had a religiousduty, 1continued myefforts1 asked the
gentlemenwho came to my house whàt their evidcncewas but they had brought
along an crnpty file.1sai1 am ajudgc and do not intend to findfault with you
young people since it would be like spitting in the wind but you cannot
interrogatcsomeone with an empty filc.Thcir answerwasthat thcyweretalking
about what the radio had said. DOCUMENTS 379
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of our country told us during a telephone
conversation that: "The expressionas quoted by the AssociatcdPressemployed '
the word 'force'."However,hesaid hedid not usethisword.The real opinion of
the Ministcr of Foreign Aflairs of the Iranian lslamic Republicis that there will
be no need IO have rccourse to force in circurnstances where the issuean bc
solved by means of discussionand thc mutualunderstanding ihat exiçtbetween
officialsand the students.
The Associatcd Press reported from London that Sadeq Gotbzadeh, the
Minister of Foreign Affairsof the Iranian lslamic Republic,during a conversü-
tion that was broadcast from London on Friday, announced that lranian
officialswoutd have recoursc to forceshould it be necessaryin order to free the
Amencan hostages. Gotzbadeh was askcd ifat the present hcintendcd to use
force inorïler to take back the American Embassy. He replied that there is no
need for such an action and that the matter can bc pursued through discussions,
encouragenient and persuasion.
61.Bani-Sadr lntcrvicw
LD101841Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1705GMT, 10 Feb. 80 LD.
IText]Dr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, thefirst president oftheIslarnicRepublicof
Iran, has stated:We do not want to live undcr US domination; we regard as a
comprornisc any policy that accepts such a domination as a reality, and we
strongly condemn il.
In an interviewwith Pars NewsAgency,Dr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadrexpresscd
his views rcgarding the way in which the Muslim Student Followers of the
Imam's Policyoperate, theelectionsand the outlook for activities relativeto the
electionOC the Majlesand the issue of prices.
Dr. Bani-Sadr stated:1havccommentedon this rnatter agreat dcal: themovc
on the US Embassy and thc occupation of it were iifact thc expression of the
people's dcmand that we not live undcr US domination, that we regard as a
compromiseany policy lhal accepissuch a domination as orealityand that we
condemn it. Thus, to this extcnt and in this context the occupation of ihe
Embassy is something that deserves to bc praised, and something that has
satisfiedour people.
Bani-Sadradded: Ofcourse,in their interviewthe students havesaid:Wehave
not interfered in aFdirs andwc have onlv exnressedan o~inion. But it must bc
said that inviting 50 Americans to 1r:n is'not voicing an opinion. This is
something t'orthe Foreign Ministry to do, and, even if one wants to do such a
thing, it isfor one's governmentto do it.One shouldo this through the Foreign
Ministry, and not bring 50guests to the airport wlithoutthe slightestknowledge
of the Forcign Ministry. This is the way they behaved when they invited
reprcsentativcs of world libpration movcments to Iran without bothering to
inform the Foreign Ministry.Of course, the Foreign Minister claims that thc
students cvcnissueorders to Foreignembassics.Ifthis situation wereto continue
and if they wcre to interfere and intervenc not by expressing opinions, but by
executivcofficials,then this willcreate a newcentre of government.And this is
somethingwhich I cannot accept, and if thcy are followersof the Imam'spolicy
-and they are, Cod willing-they should not allow themselves to bccome
involved in such matters.
We now have a country in which we havc many problems here and there.
Those who followthe Imam'spolicyshould unifythe decision-making centresas
Faras possible so that others would fear this unity of cornmand and unity of
decision-makingand thus would beunable to hatch a plot everyday. Ther,eare
10to 15decision-makingcentres in Tehran. There are several in the provinces,
and no one would give thern two cents. Dr. Bani-Sadr added: The best380 UIPL0,VATIC AND CONSULARSTAFF
cncouragcment we could offcr those following the Imam's policy would bc to
invitc them to exercise discipline.They themselvesshould submit to revolution-
ary discipline, so thaWC may bc able to extridite thc country from criscs.
62. Further Rcportagc on Military Parade, "Studcnts" Position
NCI 11757PaRs AFP in English, 1749GMT, I1 Feb. 80 NC.
[Tcxt] Tehran, II Feb. (AFP)-Thrcc people dicd and several others were
injurcd whcnthcy were accidentally crushed by a tank in the huge crowd during
ioday's militaryparade to mark thc first annivcrsary of the Islamic Revolution,
Pürs News Agency reportcd.
A furthcr 67 peoplc werc injurcd when a grandstand coflapsed dong the
proçcssionül route, the radio addcd.
The massive parade. which was postponed frorn this morning becausc
hundreds of thousands of lranians crushed into Azadi Square, making it
impossible for troops and vehiclcs to move, was finally cancelled aftcr the
collapsc of the grandstand holding government guesis.
Thestand, sitcd near the ofiîcialplatform for President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr
and his gucst, Palestineiberalion Qrganization leader Yasir 'Arafat, containcd
Islamic experts frorn al1ovcr thc world, somc of thcm Amcrican.
Othcr Americans hcrc wereguests of the lslamic studcnts holding 50hostagcs
at thc US Embassy, but thcrc wcrc no1thought to have bccn any serious injuries
among thc visitors.
Trouble startedatAzadi (Freedom) Square with thc arriva1of President Bani-
Sadr and Mr. 'Arafat. The crowd surged forward 10 ereet the two men and
security guards had to fight a way throÜgh to the platf6rm for them.
There thcy appeared to withdraw in an attempt to cülm the crowd but
reiurncd into viewseveral minutes later to hear a message rrom spiritual leader
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, rcad by his son Seyycd Ahmad.
The military parade hüd to bccancelledafter fcwerthan severaldozen soldicrs
had marched past, leaving a long line of British Chieftain tanks, armourcd
pcrsonnel carriers and rockct Iriunchcrsstretching beyond the crowds out of thc
city.
The Islamic students holding the US Embassy hostagcs rcpeated today that
their stance had not changcd and thcy werestilldemaoding theextradition of the
Shah and the return of his wcalth. "We will only frec the hostages on the order
of Ayatollah Khomeini", a spokcsman said.
The siudent declaration was in rcsponse to Mr. Bani-Sadr's statement in an
interviewwith the French ncwspapcr Le Monde today thai the hostages could be
freed "shortly, perhaps in the ncxt fcw days".
Thc spokcsman said that was Mr. Bani-Sadr's "pcrsonal opinion". Hc had
nothing to do with the hostuges, and the studcnts' only represcntative was
Ayatollah Khomeini, hc üddcd.
63. BBC on Goibzadeh Remarks
Ln112238 London BBCTelevision Network in English, 2100GMT, 1I Feb.
80 LD.
[Text] The 50 hmericans being held hostage in their Tchran Embassy have
now complcted IO0 days in captivity and their releasc appeêrsto be still weeks
away. Iran's Foreign Minister, Mr. Sadcq Gotbzadch, who is considered to
refcct thc views of Ayatollah Khomeini, says nothing can be done bcforc the
results of the international commission on lranian grievances proposed by the
United Nations Secretary-Gcnerül. Our correspondent Kcith Graves asked Mr. DOCUMENTS 381
Gotbzadeh if the students holding the hostages would accept the commission's
report [begin recordingj.
[Gorbzadeh]Well, wewill see to it, that il works.
/Qucsiiorij You Say you will see to it. You mean you could impose the
Revolutionary Council'swill upon the [Qotbzadeh interrupts].
[Answer] In the finalanalysisthe Revolutionary Councilisthe supremebody
governingthis nation and 1think with persuasion, understanding, reasoningand
djscussionsthe problcm willbe resolved.
[Questiori] But the Waldheim plan, if we may cal1it that, does not appear to
include the return or the Shah. Now, does this mcan if you arc prcpared to
discuss or LOapprove thc Waldheim plan, that the Revolutionary Council is
acccpting that the Shah isnot going to be brought hack to stand trial here,or
does that still remain parof your dernands for the releüseof the hostages?
[Answer] No, it is a part of our demands, nothing has changcd in that. The
fact iwe are speculatingagain.1 mean this iswhat Iwordsindistinct]spcculating
on the results of the report of the commission.
[Questiotr] Dr. Waldheimsaid a couple of daysago that he was hoperul that
this whole incident mightbe concluded beforethe elcctions,whichare scheduled
1 think for four or fiveweeks.You do no1seem that optimiçtic.
(Ans~verj No, 1 am not that optirnistic, but it does no1 mcan that 1 am
pcssimisticeither [end recording].
64. Fars Guards Chicf on LIS
GF121200 Shiraz Domestic Servicein Persian, 1500GMT, II Feb. 80 CF.
[Messagefrom Engineer(Rajiab 'AliTaheri), chiefof the Revolution Guards
of Fars Province, on firstanniversary of Iranian Rcvolution-read by announ-
cer.]
vext] In the narne of Cod, the merciful,the compassionate. Thanks 10 Cod,
this revolution in favour ofjustice, under the leadershipof Imam Khomciniand
with the struggling Muslim peoplc of Iran, was able to survivc thc sensitive
period of the last year andsever the hands of the United States, meaning the
impcrialrégimein Iran.The victoryof the revolution hadio comcabout because
the Shah's hatedirnpcrial régimewas blocking the evolution and üdvancement
of ihe lranian nation.
As WC al1know, afier the Shah's hated imperial régimewas endcd, cssential
and fundamental changestook placein our country, destroyinga 2,500-year-ofd
régimethat had bad cffcctson the thoughts of the people, havingtaught them to
followfalseidcas and to advocatethe use of force in their [ivWc.willnecd a
long period to correct thcse problems.We will succt~dwhen we uproot al1the
corruptionlal1the manifestations of the pollution in Oursociety,and eliminate
the roots of al1the corruption, the United States, that world-devouringcountry.
Fortunaiely, wehave been sucçessfulin our strugglcagainst imprialism over
the last yearWc can list the steps wehave taken in this regard: the cancellingof
the military and exploitativeagreementsand, even more important, thc occupa-
tion of the den of spies, which was a grcat blow to the United States.WCwill
continue iodeal theseblows.Their continuation ensuresthe continuation of our
lsfamic Revolution. The lranian nation hopes thai thisrevolution willrcsult in
great progress throughout the world, and particularly in Iran.
The rnost important messageof the Revolution Guards of Shiraz [as heard]
isOur request that the people co-opcrate withus in continuingthe revolution.
Thcy rnusi not bc satisfied with talk alone; thcy should transforrn words
into deeds and expose al1of the enemy'sintrigues and conspiraciesand destroy
them.382 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
65. Bcheshti lnterviewed on Demand for Shah's Return
LDI515 11Kuwait As-Siyasah in Arabic,12 Feb. 80, p. 21 LD.
[Interview grantcd by former Revolution Council Chairman Ayatollah
Mohammad Beheshti to Mahmud an-Naiir in Tehran on 5 February.]
[Que.~tion]In your capacity aschairman of the Revolution Council are you in
a position to talk about the fate of thc Amcrican Embassy hostages, and the
studcnts' stand on thismatter or your attitude towards the studcnts?
[Ansir+er]On this subject, there are severalpoints whic1wish ro makc cleür:
1.The siudent movement at the Embassy is part of the popular movement
and itdid not take placeforthe sake of the Government, the Revolution Council
or Imam Khomeini. Since our revolution is a popular one, I believe that the
studcnts should not be opposed. We must givethem the opportunity to express
thcmselves like the rcst of the people.
2. Naiiirally, the future of the hostages and the wholc operation in al1 its
magnitude have been and willcontinueto bc the subject ofconstant concern and
discussion by the Revolution Council.
3. The Revolution Council has not yet made any decision on the future of the
hostagcs. When it makcs a decision, it will announce thcn and there.
4. As the mattcr now stands it means that there has been no change with
rcgard to our demands that the Shah be returned to stand trial for the crimes
committed against the people and that the rnoney hc smuggled abroad bc
returncd becausc it bclongs to the people.
5. Nobody expects a dccision to be made on this sensitive issue without
refercnce to Imam Khomeini and his approval.
6. In the event of Imam Khomeini'sapproval being obtaincd on any measure,
the students,al1of whom followthe course taken by the Imam, willimmediately
abide by it and irnplement it. lt is certain that they will implement it by
themselveswithout any need to exert pressure on them, as long as they are sure
that it is the wish and the dccision of the Imam himsclf. Otherwise, 1do not
know how anyone can rcsolve the issue with them.
[Quc~tionj Now that Bani-Sadr has bcen elected Prcsident of the Republic
and has succeeded you as chairman of the Revolution Council, as has been
reported in your newspaperç, what is your primary task?
/Ansii*erAs for Bani-Sadr's assumplion of the chairmanship of the Revolu-
tion Council asmysuccessor,thishasnot yethappened despite ncwspaper reports
to thiseffcct. Howcver. this is expectcd and wc will discuss it at the counçil's
mecting tomorrow. (Note: At this mecting, the council approved the granting of
chüirmanship of thc council to Bani-Sadr. As president and Revolution Council
chairman, Bani-Sadr becomesthe strongesl man after thc Imam.)
The prirnary question to which Bani-Sadr is devoting his attention is the
appointmeni of a prime minister and the selcction of ministers, because this
matter is in the best interest of the society in the prcscnt circumstances.
Naturally, this is donc aftcr Imam Khomeini's opinion is sought and his
approval obtained, bearing in mind that the government to be cstablished by
Bani-Sadr in this manner wilf bc different from the governrnent that is
established according to the constitution,ihough ilwifl neither be contrary to
nor in accordance with the constiiution; ils basis and source will not be thc
constitution but the Imam himself, exactly as the case is with regard to the
Revolution Council. A governmcnt that is baçed on the constitution and is
actually a constitutional government will be established,in my opinion, after
about three months-that is, after the eleçtion of the Consultative Council
(parliament) and the nomination and appointment of a prime ministcr by the
Imam and then the nomination of the ministers by Bani-Sadr and thcir
appointment with thc üpproval of the Imam. DOCUMENTS 383
Ayatollah Beheshtisaid: Beinga man of religion, I believethat the best way
for Bani-Sadr at present is to appoint a provisioniil governrnent to manage
thingsuntil a permanentconstitutional governrnentisappointcd. Wewillhelp in
this.-
Ayatollah Beheshtithen asked: In your opinion, isn't this proof that the men
of religion dono1monopolize power?
[Question] Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, the RevolutionCommand
Council will be dissolved, ratherit will dissolve itselfto give way to the ncw
government,What willbe the roleof the mernbers ofthe Revolution Council(14
rnembcrsexcluding Bani-Sadr)in the poliiical and public dornains afterthat?
(Answer] The Revolution Council will not dissolvc itself OT be dissolved
under any circumstancesexceptby Imam Khomeini'sdccision.When nothing is
left for the Revolution Council to do-that is, when thcre is no need for it to
exist any longer and it is dissolved-its mernberswill find something to do to
serve the pcople, exactly as they did before the council was formed. WCwill
always put al1Our capabilities at the disposa1of the revolution. God is the
vouchsaler of success.
66. Bani-Sadr Cives Interview to French Radio
LD12lll8 Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1040CMT, 12Feb. 80 LD.
[Text]Dr. Bani-Sadr, Ourcountry's President, in telephone interview with
French radio and telcvision this morning answered their questions. Dr. Bani-
Sadr, the President of the lranian Islamic Republic, in answeto the question,
what are your problems, said: Above all, high prices, unemployment, lack of
securityand the absenceoi"adecision-makingcentreare the greatestproblemsat
presenl.
Inanswer to a question as to whether he wouldbe able to make decisionsand
implement them on his own, Dr. Bani-Sadr said: We have not stagcd a
revolution so that a president could make a decision singlc-handed; rather
decisionsare made collectively.
In answer to a question as to which source would be making decisions
regarding the hostages, our country's Presidentsaid: Imam Khomeini and the
Revolution Council.
Our country's president was asked: In the interviewyou had with Le Monde
you said the hostages might bereleasedin the next fewdays.1sthis possible? Dr.
Bani-Sadr said: If Arnericaagrees to our view this n~aybe possible.
67. Bani-Sadr on Rcvolution CouncilSession
LD122304Tehran DornesticServicein Persian, 21347 GMT, 12 Feb. 80 LD.
vext] The Revolution Councilheld a sessiontonight withthe participation of
Mr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, the president of the lslamic Republic of Iran.
During this sessionvariousissues af Siale were discussed. Accordingto a Pars
correspondent, Mr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadr said at the conclusion of tonight's
sessionregardingthe facl that the student followersof the Imam'spolicydo not
uphold respect for the Rcvolution Council: the Revolution Council was
appointcd by the Imam-whether 1agrec or not--for the administration of the
country prior to the application of the ideas proposcd in the constitution.
Therefore, when it adopts certain decisions they should be carried out, and
naturally tliose who arc in the first rank-thestudents-arc expected to carry
out the decisions. And these people refer to them~elvesas followers of the
Imam's policy,since those whooppose the Imam'spolicy are in opposition and
do not implement his line. And al1 said was that the Revolution Council had384 DlPLOMATt CND CONSULAR STAFF
endorsed the idca that no government officialshould be arrested without prior
information beine ~ivcnto the Government. let alone a minister. To which thev
reply: This issuhv; had nothing to do with us, whichis right. But as to the fait
of their inviiing ccrtain pcoplc to lran without prior information king given to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and carrying out certain actions without
informing ihe [words indistinct], rhis is in fact tantamount to discrediting the
Government and rhe Revoiuiion Council. And ihis isa criticism which should
not be elaborated on.
In this conneciion thc Presidcnt said:The students issuedtheir invitations, and
when the Forcign Ministcr came to the Rcvolution Council, he said that these
people arc already at thc airport. But siWCc do not believein balancing forces
whcrebyweshould rnectforccwith force,wcdid not wish10repcat the samemove
sinccthe studentsare both young and our brothers and alsodisplay goodwill. But
the lawsand thc rulcs should bc rcspcctcd by thcm. This iswhy wedid not repcat
what ihcy did and gave permission for these guests to enter the country.
Regarding the interview with Le Mont/(! in which he was quoted as saying:
Should the United States accept Our demands thc release of the hostages has
nothing to do with the cxtridition of the Shah, Mr. Bani-Sadr said: "1 said no
such thing. All 1said wüs that thesc two issues should not bc linked together,
that is, wc willcontinue to scck thc cxtradition of the Shah until doomsday and
not that we will rcleasc thcsc pcoplc while that gentleman enjoys himself where
he is. And let me ernphasizc thc point that the question of his cxtradition is a
strategic issue to us, and as Farawe can we willstrivc to achieve it.
68. Bani-Sadr Le Monde lntcrview
LDI2105 1Paris Le Monde in French, 12Feb. 80, pp. 1, 5 LD.
[Eric Rouleau interview with Iranian President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr in
Tehran on the night of Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 February: "Iran Apparently
No Longer Demands Shah's Extradition Bcfore Releasing Hostages".]
uext] Tehran-The American hostages could be releasedsoon, "pcrhaps even
in the nex( few days", if Imam Khomeini ratifies the compromise drawn up to
this end by the Revolution Council and ifthe United Statcs subscribes to it in its
turn. The new solution proposcd by the lranian Republic's supreme body no
longer includes thc demand for the Shah'sextradition and the restoration of his
fortune to thc Iranian State. Nonetheless, it is designed in such a way as to
enablc Tehran to attain that objective after rather thün before rhc expulsion of
the Amcrican hostages. This isoneof the esscntial points to emerge from a long
interview we had duriog the night of SaturdaylSunday with the President of the
Iranian Republic following a mccting of the Revolution Council.
Rcferring to the optimism of ihe American Press with regard to the hostages'
imminent release, Mr. Bani-Sadr told us:
The United Statcs has noi understood Our rcvoluiion at all. It attributed the
seizure of the hostags to thc "barbarity" and "Fanaticism" of the lranians.11
thcn interprctcd my clcction as Presidcnt as a victory against the clergy by a
"pro-Wcsterner" rnoulded by French liberalism. It was wrong in both cases. It
has not yst understood that ihc studcnts' occupation of the Arnerican Embassy
and my election are thc two sidcs of one coin: our people's dcsire for
indepcndencç. If it acccpts this facl it would beeasy fto rcleasethe hostages
shortly, perhaps cvcn in thc next few days.
/Ques~ion] What exactly arc you asking of the Unitcd States?
[Answerj A formal sclf-criticism conccrning thc crimes it has committed in
lran for some 25 years and ihc rccognition of Our right to obtain the Shah's
extradition and thc restoration of his fortune. WCare ço ccrtain of being provcd DOCUMENTS 385
right that we are prepared in advance to açcept the conclusions of an
international inquiry.
[Question] Would you wait until thc inquiry had been completed and the
Shah extradited before releasingthe hostages?
[Answ~er] The two affairsare not connected1 repeat that it would sufficefor
the United States to admit itses~onsibilitiesand promise never tu interfere in
OUT affairs again.
[Question] Two typesof inquiry have beenput to you. One submitted by MT.
K'urtWaldheimenvisaainga United Nations committeecornprisingrepresenta-
tives of certain Third k&ld governments. The other, proposed Gy Mr. Sean
MacBride(former Irish foreignminister)and Mr. Nuri Albala (Pans lawyer),is
considerabiy differentA "court" formed of non-governmental people would
"try American imperialism", and would lx the "Nuremberg OFthe Third
World", toquote Mr. Albala. Which ofthese solutions attracts you most?
[Ansiver] 1prefer the second. However,some Revolution Councilmembers
lean toward the Waldheimcommittee. The ideal solution would be a combina-
tion of the two. In any case we have submitted Ourproposais-the fruit of a
consensus-to Imam Khomeini who is alone capable of taking a decision. We
hope to obtain thatdecisionin the next two days. If he acceptsour proposals it
willihen be up to President Carter to givehis verdict.
[QuestionM ]eanwhile do you intend to replace the students guarding the
hostages by State representatives?
[Answer] That is a possibilitywhic1am conçideringfor the next fewdays.
However, irthis case too, the Revolution Counciland then the Imam would
have to approve rnyproposal . . .
[Question] Haveyou not beengranted increasedpowersto restore Stateorder
in the country?
[Answer] No, 1 have simply been appointed Revolution Councilchairman,
Over the next fewdavs there will~robablbe a ministerialrcshufflcaridchangeswers.
will necessarilyhave to obtain the priar approvat of the Rcvolution Council.ct
fQuestio~i]Foreign Minister Gotbzadeh has said that the expulsion of the
lslamicstudents from the USEmbassycornpound, by forceifnecessary,has not
been ruled out . . .
(Ansiver]At theprcsent.timeit isnota questionofsucha stepbeingtaken. We
will neveruse violenceagainst young patriots whosesincerityand revolutionary
feelingsare above suspicion.Ifthere isanydifferenceof opinion 1wouldpossibly
go to theUS Embassyto persuade themto corneover to myviewpoint. 1merely
criticize thernfor meddlinginmatters whichdo not concernthem. Iftheywant to
denounce a particular politician they would henceforth onlybe abto use the
radio and televisionafter obtaining the Revolution Council'spermission.
The students must stop slandering their political opponents. Like thernI
regard men such as Mehdi Bazargan, Amir Entezam, Naser Minachi as
reformistsand pro-Arnerican. However, until 1have proof to the contrary, 1do
not think they arc spiea in the CIA's pay. Waging a battle against political
opponents is one thing, slandering themis a differentmatter. Like.France, Iran
has its "American Party" and its "Russian Party". The Tudeh isthe instrument
of Moscow'spolicyin our country. That is not a good enough reason to ban il
or accuse it of coliaborating with the enerny.
69. Gotbzadeh on Hostages' Release
LD121140Tehran DomesticService inPersian, t104GMT, 12Feb. 80 LD.
[Text]Iranian Foreign Minister SadeqGotbzadeh, stated inaninterviewwith386 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
the ABC television network: An international commission to investigate the
Shah's crimes will probablybe convened in Tehran within a week.Gotbzadeh
said: Our demands are the same as before, but he declined to state a lime
schedulefor the releaseof the hostages, even after the convocation of a United
Nations international commission.
Regarding the end of the periodof hostage-taking, Gotbzadeh said he hoped
the crisis would end soon. Gotbzadeh also said al1this depends on diplomatic
moves. We will CO-operatewith United Nations Secretary-General Kurt
Waldheimin this regard. Gotbzadeh said: Our main complaint is that whilethe
Shah wascommitting many crimesand plundering our country'swealth he was
backed by America.
70. AFP Interview withGotbzadeh
NC121255Paris AFP in English, 1250GMT, 12Feb. 80 NC.
[Text]Tehran, 12 Feb. (AFPjIranian Foreign Minister Sadeq Gotbzadeh
today confirrned things were starting to move towards frecing the American
hostages held by Moslem extremists, but insisted an international inquiry into
the former régimewas part and parcel of any deal.
In an exclusive interview with Agence France Presse, Mr. Gotbzadeh
confirmed President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr's views stated in an interview
ycsterday withthe French h Monde, but added that the kcyword wascaution.
Mr. Bani-Sadr told Le Monde that release of the hostages was no longer
dependent on the international inquiry and on the extradition of the Shah.
Mr. Gotbzadeh said he preferred to act than make forecasts, but that the
intensetalks on the hostages,now over 100daysin captivity, would"accelerate"
things.
He said the whole process to free the 50 Americans would soon be set in
motion, including thc work of an international committee to investigate alleged
crimesof the ousted Shah'srégime.
Mr. Gotbzadeh tord AFP he was in touch with United Nations Secretary- -
General Kurt Waldheim,whois to selectcommitteemembers, acoupleof limes
a week. He added that the commission wouldlikely have fivemembers.
Mr. Gotbzadeh Aiesto Athens tomorrow on the first legof a tour to include
Rome and Paris. In Athens and Rome he was to meet foreign ministers and
today the minister wouldbe away fivedays in all. known, but Radio Tehran said
Turning to the Afghanistan crisis, Mr. Gotbzadeh told AFP that lran had
"prepared" measuresto aid Afghan rebelsbut wouldonly implementthem ifthe
Soviet Union failed topull ils troops out in the near future.
He added no aid had yetbeen channelledand when asked if any aid would be
military, replied"WC will see."
The Iranian Foreign Minister said there had ben no strengthening or
rnobilizationof lranian forcesalong the country'sborders with either Afghani-
stan or the SovietUnion as the Sovietshad "reassured usand told usthere isnot
the slightest problem".
He added: "1 believethat the Soviet Union will not occupy lran but in the
hypothesisof a Sovietadvance,certainlywewillnot confront them at the border
but in each house in the country."
Mr. Gotbzadeh, cornmentingon Mr. Bani-Sadr'sinterview with Le Monde,
said that the liberation of the hostageswas tied to the start of the whole process
of settling the differencesbetween Iran and the United States.
PresidentBani-Sadrwasquoted as sayingthat liberation of the hostagescould
dependjust on the United States acknowledgingallegedpast crimesin Iran and
recognizingthe right of Iranto seek extradition of the Shah. DOCUMENTS 387
Mr. Gotbzadeh said that the plan under discussion with Mr. Waldheim
envisaged a five-nlemberoornmiçsion to examine üllcgationsagainst the Shah.
He however counselled "prudence" and said that it was "best to begin the
process" and to do things one after the other without speculation on the
outcome.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also said that Iraninnkgal experts were busy
preparing dossiersagainsr the Shah and that he hoped these would be ready to
send IO Panama before the end of the month.
71. Ayatollah Bcheshti on Hostages
NC13lO53 Paris AFP in English, 1038GMT, 13 Feb. 80 NC.
IText] Tehran, 13 Feb. (AFP)-Iran wants the problem of the 50 hostages
held at the US Ernbassy here to be resolved quickly, Revolutionary Council
Secretary Ayatollah Mohammed Behcshti said today.
The Ayatollah told newsmen that the release of the hostages need no1 be
preceded by theextradition ofthe ex-Shah, provided that lranian public opinion
agreed.
lraninn President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr made similar staternents yesterday,
describing the extradition of the Shah a"a strategiç problem".
The Ayatollah Beheshti also left open the possibility that the hostages could
be released by the lslamic students before the lranian Iegislativeelections on 14
March. There were however difierences of opinion on the hastage issue within
the cauncil. hesaid.
He said the Revolutionary Council has not yet envisioned Mr. Bani-Sadr's
suggestion that the ~merican hostages could be entrusted to government
rewresentativesinstead ofthe students. He said in anv casethe students' opinions
would have to be takeninto consideration.
The Ayatollah also said that the council has not "totally accepted" al1the
arringements for a United Nations investigatory commission examining the
charges against the ex-Shah.
"lt isa goodplan, but it mightnot be eoough to reçoive the crisis", hsaid.
72. Bani-Sadr, 'Arafat Interview
LD131932 Paris Domestic Servicein French. l8IO GMT, 13Feb. 80 LD.
["Face the Public" programme, in which programme moderator Claude
Guillaumin and journalists Christian Billmanof Paris Radio, Gerard Saint-Paul
of French television channel 1, Albert Zarka of Figaro magazine, Dominique
Barry of 1,'Humanité and Benoit Raisky of France-Suir in Paris interview
Iraniad President Bani-Sadr and PL0 leader Yasir 'Arafat via live linkup with
Tehran-individual questioners not ideniified.)
[Quesrion] As regards the centres of decision, Mr. President, can you explain
precisely what are your relations with Ayatollah Khorneini. Who takes the
decisions. l'or exampre, can you take a decision without referring to him?
[Boni-Sadr] To be alone in taking a decision is not a good thing. We carried
out the revolution so that the President would not bealone in takiagdecision.
We want to settle problems together. Therefore, as previously, there will
continue to be consultations follawed by a decision. 1 will irnplement the
decision.
[QuestionJ But is it possible that you would not agree with Ayatollah
Khorneini?
[Bani-Surir] lîthere isno agreement between usarid Ayatollah Khomeini, we
will respect his will.388 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULARSTAFF
[Question] But there is not only Ayatollah Khomeini. In the case of the
hostagcs who rnakes the dccisions: You, the President, the council of the
revolution, Ayatollah Khomeinior the Islamic students?
[Bani Sadr] As regards the hostages it is the Revolution Council, with the
agreement of lmam Khorneini, which decides.
[Question] Mr. President, as regards the hostages, which is after al1 the
essentialquestion, inhe longtermare you not goingto findyourself, if1mayso
put itin the positionof a hostagewitb regard to the hostages?Let meclarifmy
question: In so far as the United States now rejectsal1criticism, what are the
prospects for the releasc of these hostages? You arc not going to keep them
forevcr?
[Buni-Sdr] Neither will the United States lx able to refuse self-criticism
forever. Becauseit is a fact that Iran was under their direct domination, and the
revolution was against this domination. They have only to accept (?this);and
this is not to humiliate the Arnericanpeople.uite the contrary. It is to make
rnankind aware that something has changed throtigh our revolution, and that
the man of today may nurture a hop for another world perspective.
/Question] Mr. President, can you tell me precisely what may be the
procedure between the Arnericansand you for the releaseof the hostages?
[Bani-Sarirj That they accept self-criticism,that they accept that the posses-
sions and the crimes of the former Shah and his family and entourage, can be
proceeded against by Iran, and salvaged and returned. And that they accept
never againto interfere inOur affairs. You see they are simpIeconditions.
[Question] Mr. President,does the presence nextto you of Mr. Yasir 'Arafat,
mean that one day the PL0 and Mr. Yasir 'Arafat could play the role of
interrnediaries,as was envisagedat the beginning with the Americans, between
you and the Americans?
[Bani-Sadr] An intermediary; you know, it is not a good thing for a
movernentto play the rote of an intermediary.1do not think that it isready to
accept this role. Afterall, intermediaries are not needed to settle something
which is clear and simple.
[Question] Mr. President, US State Department Spokesman Mr. Hodding
Carter said yesterday evening,and 1 quote, that it is absolutely out of the
question for the United States to accept self-criticism about alleged crimes
against Iran. What do you think, Mr. President, about thisAmerican attitude?
[Bani-Sadr] IIis a pity. It ia pity becauseself-criticismis the best way for
enemiesto become friends. If they do not accept this self-criticismhow can you
expeci us to agree to act before our people in theit interest?
[Ques~ion]Mt. President,wehear you speakingabout self-criticisrn.But until
your election the condition for the release ofthe hostages was alwaysthat the
Shah be returned to Iran. Does it mean that your attitude has changed?
[Bani-Sadr] Well,you know the return, the extradition of the Shah remains
valid forus.We have taken stepsand we willpursue them. But even when 1was
Ministerof Foreign Affairs1neverlinkedthesetwo matters. Whatever happens,
we musl prosecute criminals.
[Ques~ion] Mr. President, naturally there arc principles and, as you have
recalled,thereare alsopossibilitiesof a compromise.Apparently, thesepossibili-
tiesstill exist.After all, as sornebodywho intends to revitalizethe country, who
hostages constitute a burden or an obstacle to your political action in Iran?
it would seemthat there is no other problem but the problem of hostages. But
it is not the problem here. 1 travelled throughout the country during the
presidentialelections and nobody asked whether the hostages will be freed or
not. Here, in this country, it does not constitatmajor problem. Even on the
international planeit does not constitute a problem of importance. The United mCUM ENTS 389
States, before the Afghanistan affair, wanted to usc the affair of the hostages to
attack us, to carry out propaganda against our revolution, to say: it is a
revolution of fanatics, ando on, and so on. And, after the Afghanistan affair
and the elections in Iran, which have shown ihat a conscientious people has
takena gnp on ils destiny, the Western press, both you and the Arnericanbas
changed itstone, saying:(?Weil),he [Bani-Sadr]has been educated in the West.
He will arrange things, and so on. Its not true. 1am a person chosen by this
people.It is a people whichwants to create anew culturefor itçelf anFor its
efforts and crcativity. (?cm) settle problerns but only while respecting my
people, the independenceof Iran and (?theinterests)of the oppressed peopleof
the world. Not the interests ofhe United States.
[Question] Mr President, coming back to a qucstion of purely political
policy.You said that the Ayatollah Khameini, in the event of a disagreement,
would take thedecision and that you would respect itIf thestudents refuseto
releasethe hostages, even if you yourself decidedto, what then? What willthe
finaldecision be,and can you tell us if the hostages are stiHin the US Embassy,
or dispersed around lranian territory?
[Boni-Sadr] Well,if wedecide,if we takethe decisionone day, it willbewith
the agreement of Imam Khomeini.So, if everyone is in agreement, whyshould
the students in theUS Embassy beopposed?
[Queslionl Does that mean, Mr. President, that with the agreementof Iniüm
Khomeini, as Foreign Minister Mr. Gotbzadeh said the day before yesterday,
Iran might possibly resort to force to get the students out theEmbassy?
/Bani-Sadr] With the agreementof the Imam, therc is no need for force. It is
the determining force.
/Question] What isthe viewof the Imam Khomeinion thisquestion precisely?
[Bani-Sadr] When we presented an action plan to hirn, he accepted it.
[Question] What action pian?
[Bani-Sadr] Well,unfortunately, Iam unableto revealthe details.1hope that
the plan willbe implemenied.
[Question] Ifa decisionin principleistaken on areleasecould it happen from
one day to the other, in a fewhours?
[Bani-Sadr] From one day to another, in a few hours;that depends on the
United States.You know, a miracle is always possible.
73. Bani-Sadr Decries Multiplicity of DecisionCentres
[TextJDr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, the President of the Islamic Republic of
Iran, today came over to the Voiceand Profile of thc lslamic Republicof Iran
where,in an interview by wayof satellite,he replied lo questions put to hby
Rome radio and TV correspondents.
In reply to a question on whether Iran'scurrent attitude toward the United
States was not contrary to the Vienna agreements the President said: The
onslaughi was noi initiaied by us. Iwas initiatedby the US Government by
means of the 1953coup d'étatduring Mossadeq's time.
Mr. Bani-Sadr added: Our men and WOIrtedwere then dragged into torture
chambers. Therefore, whenthe people staged arevolution against such a course
of events, how coiilconetell them to remain at home, to notmove and tonat
take up a position?The Presidentsaid:TheArnericansshould leaveusalone and
then they willseehow the peopte, whether theybe Muslims,Christians or Jews,
could live together withlinderstanding.390 DlPLOMATlC AND CONSULAR STAFF
Our country's President wasasked about the Muslim Student Followers of the
the others, which are connected with the Government and are part and parcel of
thMr. Bani-Sadr added: So long oasnthere are a multiplicity of decision-making
centres. the couniry will nobe able to emerge frorn the crisis.
74. Gotbzadeh Discusses Hostages, Other Issues
AT141330 Athens News in English 14Feb. 80, pp. 1.4 AT.
[Text] lranian Foreign Ministcr Sadeq Gotbzadeh said Wednesday his
Government's original dernandfor the return of the deposed Shah in exchange
for the release of the American hostages held in the US Embassy in Tehran
rernains unchanged.
"Our demands are legitimate und right and the Shah must be extradited",
Gotbzadeh said.
He clairned that Iran's newly electcd President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr has
denied thai hesaid the question of the hostages' releaseis no longer related to
Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi'sextradition to Iran.
However, there was no indication Bani-Sadr had repudiated statementsmade
Tuesday in Tehran that Iran no longer demandsthe Shah's return as-the price
for freeing the 50 Americans now held hostage in the embassy by militant
students for over 100days.
Gotbzadeh said that statementsattributed to him that force might be used on
the student militants if they did not free the hostages following government
orders, was a "reporter's trick".
"There isno need for such circumstance", Gotbzadeh said: "1 cannot imagine
such a situation will arise. The Imam (Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini) must be
obeyed" if he says thehostages should be set free.
Asked ai ü newsconference what he believedis a realistic period of time far
solution to be found to the hostage probtem, Gotbzadeh replied: "Confusion
exists within the United Statescreated by contradictory reports. To resolve the
crisis you must get to the root of the problem which means an international
investigatory commission as proposed by United Nations Secretary-General
Kurt Waldheim must be lormed. There is no timetable for releasing the
hostages. There isno timetablc for the work of the international commission."
75. Further Gotbzadeh Comments in Greece
AT141 332Athens I Kathimeriniin Greek, 14 Feb. 80, p.3 AT.
[Text]lranian Foreign Minister Gotbzadeh yesterday supported viewson ihe
hostage issue whichare diKerentthan those expressed by lranian President Bani-
Sadr. He said the hostages will be set free only when the international
commission to beset up to investigate the Shah's crimes reaches its conclusions.
76. AFP Report
NCl41930 Paris AFP in Engtish, 1926GMT, 14 Feb. 80 NC.
[Excerpts] Rome, 14 Feb. (AFPbRelease of the American hostages in
Tehran is "very rnuch in sight" and coutd bea "question of hours as much asa
question of months", Iranian Foreign Minister Sadeq Gotbzadeh said here
today.
Mr. Gotbzadeh's statement,made at a newsconferencehere echoed optimism DOCUMENTS 391
expressedin Tehran and Washington for an end sometimesoon to the hostage
crisis that is now in its 103rdday. He declined to comment on what arrange-
ments still had tbe made and what timetable was envisagedfor the releaseof
the estimated50hostages held by pro-Khomeini militants who stormed the US
Embassyin Tehran on 4 November.
Mr. Gotbzadeh said the return of the Shah to facelslamicjustice, the original
demand of the militants who took over the Embassy, woutd happen "not by
force but by the determination of the lranian people. This they have already
shown one time with the downfall of the ShahWhy nota second lime?"
The Foreign Minister said he would pursue the extradition of Mohammed
Reza Pahlavi, which Iran bas already requested oPanama.
(But Mr. Gotbzadeh told France-Inter Radio that he was sceptical of the
chancesof freeingthe hostages berore the lranian legislativeelections scheduled
for 14 March.)
The Minister,who will flyfrom Rome to Paris, deniedthat during bisabsence
from Tehran lranian authonties were taking a more flexibleapproach to their
dispute with the United States.
"It defined an independent policy supported by Imam Ayatollah Ruhollah
Khomeini and the Revolutionary Council", he said.
"My absence changes absolutety nothing. It will be thus as long as the
Revolutionary Councilexists."
77. Gotbzadeh on Commission'sInvestigation
LI3151922Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1630 GMT, 15 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text] According to news agency reports from Rome, Sadeq Gotbzadeh,
Iran's Foreign Minister, said today: the 49 American hostages will not be
releasedbeforethe publication of the resultsof the work of the committeewhich
has been proposed by the United Nations to investigate the crimes of the
deposed Shah.
Gotbzadeh added that United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim
informed him in a telephone conversation today that the investigatingcommit-
tee willbegin its work within the next two days.
Gotbzadeh added: Waldheim said that he is stillbusy contacling the vanous
peoplechosen for the comrnittee.
The lranian Foreign Minister pointedout that the most important pointsFar
the investigating cornmittee to kgin itwork. He said thst if the committee
embarks on seriousinvestigations,he iscertain that the releaseof the American
hostages willbe (?decided).
In response toa question on whether the relativesof the hostages should be
optimistic. Sadeq Gotbzadeh said: yes,certainly so.
78. PossibleQuestioning of Hostages
Li3161428Paris ~omesiic Service inFrench, 1400GMT, 16 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text]The American hostages in Tehran could bequestioned as witnessesby
the international commission ol inquiry of five magistrates. Iranian Foreign
Minister Sadeq Gotbzadeh gave this information this morning.
He added that in principle the commission will hold its meetingsin Tehran,
but itcould go toPans or other placesto studycertaindocuments. Theduration
-according to the Iranians-could the releaseof the hostagesdbeconsidered.hat392 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSUWR STAFF
79. Bani-SadrAthens Television Interview
AT162018Athens DomesticTelevision Servicein Greek, 1930CMT, 16Feb.
80 AT.
{Exclusive interviewof lranian President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr by Greek
national radio and televisioncorrespondent EvangelosBistikas;date and place
not given.Interviewconducted in French with simultaneous Greck translation;
translated frorn the Greek.]
[Text] (Question] Mr. President,you havejust celebrated thefirstanniversary
of the lslamic Revolution. What are the problems you hadto overcome?
[Answer] There are many problems-xonomic, political, there are cultural
problems, social problems.The economic problems touchupon industry, and
for us thisis a diseaçe.There are rnany agricultural probtems.Evenduring the
time of the Shah our economy was one of the most serious reasons for his
failure. The econorny was paralyzedand this cannot yet be overcome.In order
to solveal1theseproblems wemust firstof al1solvethe politicalproblem. There
are many decision-making centres.The situation does not permit a solution and
WC are unable to concentrate decisions,or if you wish, wecannot guarantee the
prerequisitesfor the solution of the problems.
[Quesrion] Yesterday,at the Revolution Councilyou said that it is extremely
basic from the point of view of policy that your country must be completely
independent from US influence,the influenceof the Soviet Union and that of
other countries. 1 wonder whether this policy will not lead you into total
isolation.and whetherthis wouldmake you more vulnerableto possiblethreats?
[Answerj There is no fate whichsaysthat acountry must bedependent or else
independence wouldmean isolation. lndependencedoes not mean isolation. It
rneansCO-operationbut at a levelof equality.
(Quesiion] Do you facea normalization of relationsof your country with the
West and the United States after solutionof the hostage issue, naturally under
the prerequisitesyou willenumerate?
[Ansnler/ My policy is always one of independence. The problem of the
hostagesisat the sametimea problemof humanitarianismand of politics.From
the humanitarian viewpoint,it is painful for uso hold hostages. From the legal
viewpointweagree that we have violatedthe agreements,but from the political
viewpoint this isentirely another thing.
We were not the ones who started violating international rules, This is the
consequenceof systematic violations bythe United States. Today the political
aspect is predominant. In order to overcome thesedifficultiesit isessentiafthat
certain prerequisites are first overcome. 1 hope the United States will do
whatevcr they have failed to do todate so that we willbe able to say that what
prevails today is the hurnanitarian issue,and that this problem mustbesolved.
You must certainlyknowthat might is might,authority isauthority and ifone is
to be independent it is much better not to refer to might except in essential
instances.1hope that the necessaryinstance wili never arise. [Word indistinct]
we have economic relations with the United States. It is far better that we
guarantee relations with you,withother Europeancountries so that both weand
you will beable to have more lieedom of movemenl.
(Quesrion] Mr. President, would you once again like to enumerate the
prerequisitesfor the liberation of the hostages?
[AnswerJ There are two phases:the liberation is the second one. First, there
must be a change in the current psychologicaland politicalclimate. In order to
change this climate the United States must condemn the policy of the past and
must undertake the obligation not to intervenein the present and inthe future,
and it mus1 officially accept not only to avoid raising obstacles to the
prosecution of criminais or the old régim~ifher in referencelo their corrup- DOCUMENTS 393 •
tion or their crimesor their treason [sentenceas heard]. If theseprerequisitesare
met, then the climate will change and we will then be able to enter the other
phase; ihat is,io the liberation of the hoslages.
[Question] This rnay take some time and yet there is the impression the
hostages will be freed very soon, in other words, within two or three days.
[Ansrerj This may be the impression,but wecannot adhere to impressions.1
do not believethai things willchange withintwo to three days.Ifhowever within
three days the Americans adopt the necessarymeasures, then the climate will
change und behaviour toward the hostages willalso change.
[Question] Does the United States have cven an indircct contact with the
Iranian authontics on thisproblem?
/Ansn~er] United Nations Secretary-General Waldheimis in contact with the
United States in the same way that he is in contact with us. From time to time
someambassador or someoneelseStatesthat the AmericansSayone thingor the
other. Whether this can be consideredcontact isanother matter. In other words,
this is not dialogue with the Americans, No, it is not.
[Quesiion] Tell me, Mr. President, whether theGotbzadeh visit to Athens,
Paris and Rome is related to this issue?
[Ansa'er] No, he went in order to attend some observancesin Athens and in
order to have discussionswith the European countries.
/Que,rtion/Will this international commission be ready within a few days?
[Answerj 1hope so, because there are strong hopes.
[Quesrion) How willthe freeingof the hostages be achieved? Willit bebefore
the findingsof the commissionor afterwards?
[Ansrver] You know, there is not much relation betwecnthe commissionand
the case ofihe hostages.
The commission was formed in order to study the crimes of the previous
régimein Iran and the crimes of the United States-in order to find out what
happencd in Iran. Assoon as they announce the resultsof theirinvestigationand
as soon as the Americans fulfiltheir responsibilities,then 1hope the climatewill
change and then we shall see.
There are other cases-with Panama, with the extradition of the Shah-but
the basicquestion isthat the climatemust change and wemust assure the people
that the past isover for good and that there isa certainty that the United States
will never again interfere in our affairs.
[Quesiion] Wilt the Revolution Council discuss the list of members on the
international commission?
[Answerj This has already been done.
[Quesrion] Was it approved?
[Ansiver] Approximately [as heard].
[Quesrion] How is the Imam, whom you visited the other day?
[Answer] Extremely well.
/Querriun] If ever the students refuse to follow your orders, then what will
happen?
[Ansiver) If there isan order, then this willbe approved by the Imam and by
the people and then the students cannot refuse.This will never happen.
80. Bani-Sadr on Students
NC161700Paris AFP in English, 1654GMT, 16Feb. 80 NC.
[Nick Phythian dispatch.]
[Text]Tehran, 16 Feb. (AFP)-The Islamic students holding 50 Amcricans
hostage at the US Embassy herc must return to their university facultiesand
must not interfereinaffairsof State, PresidentAbolhassan Bani-Sadrsaid today
in a hard-hitting statement to the Pars News Agency. "Theyare brothers and we394 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
love them well, but that is not in any way affectedwith affairs ofState. They
must not intervene", he said.
Hiscomments, reported inthe newspaper Keyhan, cornein the wake of a 20-
minute meeting he had yesterday with Iranian spiritual guide Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini, the man who holds the key to the releaseof the hostages.
The meetingwas the longesthehas had withthe 79-year-oldguideof the lranian
Revoiution sincehe was hospitalizedwith heart trouble more than three weeks
ago.
Thelranian Presidentsaidthatthe releaseof the hostages,whohave beenheld
since 4 November, depended on a favourable American response to three
conditions.
"1 have said it in French, English and Persian. When we have seen that the
United States is agreed to Ourproposais, we wiilbegin taking steps to prepare
for the releaseof the hostages", he added.
"When the United States has prepared the way, then the release of the
hostages will be possible", he said.
The lranian President's threeconditions are American recognition of past
interferencein lran and undertaking not to intetvene in the future and not to
raise obstacles to lranian attempts to secure the extradition of the Shah-now
exiledin Panama-and his wealth.
"The Americansmust drop their plot and wewillseearterwards what wecan
do then", he said. But he dismissed reports that he had a secret plan for the
releaseof thehostagesthat hehad discussedwith Ayatollah Khorneini."Al1that
we have said is out in the open. There are no secrets", he said.
XI. Protest Ladged over Canadian Embassy Activities
LDI61308Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1100GMT, 16 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text]Accordingto a dispatch frornthe representativeof the Voiceand Profile
of the Islamic Republicof Iran in Canada, Dr. 'Adeli,Chargéd'Affairesof the
IslarnicRepublic.of Iran in Canada, yesterday went to the Canadian Extemal
AfïairsSecretariatto hand over the lranian Government'sstrong officialprotest
against the activitiesof the Canadian Embassyin Tehran and whilemeetingand
having talks with the politicalunder-secretaries there, he handed over Iran's
strongly worded note, registered [presumably cabled] his own protest to the
rneaningless, offensivend scandalousaction as king tantarnount to an abuse ofs
sovereigntyand interference inIran's internalaffairs. In his note he identified
Canlran also rejectedCanada's excuseto the effectthat its Ernbassy'saction was
occupying the US Embassy was a reflection of its awareness and wrath andtion in
Iran,sbeginningwith the 1953coup d'état.aticinterferencein the internal affairsof
External Afïairs, Dr. 'Adeli took part in a press and radio and televisionof
conference, and said at the outset: Analysing this issue one ought to say that
Iranian-Canadian relations in the past have never been antagonistic and Iran's
Islarnic Revolution, which seeks to set up a just society, poses no danger
whatsoever to Canada although it has jeopardized the unlawful interests of the
supPertaining to Iranian-US relations, no one could deny that the United States
brought Mohammad Reza Pahlavito powerand isalso his partner in crime.No
onecould deny that the United Stateshas interferedin Iran'sinternal affairsand DOCUMENTS 395
has continued to do so after the revolution.Therefore, the lranian nation has
had to deal with thisrevolutionary issue and, in any case, these Iwocounln'es'
relations arc noi !ike relations with any other country and have nothing to do
with a country such as Canada.
meaninglessand offensiveactiond but has beenrepresented as heroicin order 10
dcceivethe Canadian nation, when as a matteof fiiiitonly provesthatCanada
elections, they do not cornprehend the negative rcsultsof the action.ith their
From now on, everyone should look on the Canadians as US spies. Itis
ncccssaryihat Canada shouldworry about itself.Canada willbr an enduring
black st.igmaof shame.
82. Bani-Sadr on Siudents' Ousier
Li3170220Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 0055 GMT, 17Feb. 80 LD.
[Text]Mr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, our country's Presgent [wordsindistinct].
AP today reported, quoting Al-Watan,that Iranian PresidentAbolhassan Bani-
Sadr has ohtained permission from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to oust the
students occupying the US Embassy from the Embassy compound and put
government soldiers in charge of guarding the hostüges.Al-Watan wrote thal
Bani-Sadr, because of the disobedience of the students in implementing the
orders of the President, was forced to go direct to Imam Khomeini, since the
students will accept hisrder.
Ai- Watairalso reported that the ruling Revolulion Councilpresided over by
Bani-Sadr has Faced(?difficultyinits efforts to end the US-Iran crisis.
The elected President of the Iranian nation tonighl said in a telephone
conversation with Pars News Agency that these reports are fabncated from
beginningto end and are strongly denied.
83. Bani-Sadron United Nations Commission
NC171927Paris AFP in English, 1915GMT. 17Feb. 80 NC.
[TextjTehran, 17Feb. (AFP)-The release of the US Embassyhostages here
will require more than a condemnalion by an international commission of the
ex-Shah and the role of the United States in supporting him, President
Abolhassan Bani-Sadr said today.
The Iranian President's comments came shortly after a United Nations
spokesman in New York announced that the composition of the international
commission to investigate lranian grievances against the Shah only needed
Iranian approval before it could be announced.
Mr. Bani-Sadr, speaking after a meetingof the ruling Revolutionary Council
here, however,avoided al1questions on Iran's attitude to the composition and
mandate of the commission.
84. Gotbzadeh Postpones Return Trip
LD182006Tehran in English to Europe, 1930GMT, 18 Feb.80 LD.
[Text]Iran's Foreign Minister, SadeqGotbzadeh, who is visiting Paris, has
postponed his return to Tehran for another day in order to rncet with some
unofficialpersonalities there. The spokesman {asheard] did not furthet elabo-
rate, but the postponement is related to the issue of the release of American
hostages in Tehran. Meanwhile,the spokesmanof the Revolutionary Council,396 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULARSTAFF
Hasan Habibi, has pointed out that the American hnstages' issue will be
discussed following the Cotbzadeh's return to Tehran. Habibi has further
emphasized that the investigation commission should, more than anything else,
look into the issueof the extradition of the ousted Shah to Iran. The commission
will also have theopportunity to cope with the release of the hostages.
Meanwhjle,Sadeq Gotbzadeh has said that the diiraticinfor the performance
of thiscommissionwillbe conlaincd to 15daysand the commissionrnay cal1the
hostages into hearings as witnesses.Hasan Habibi has confirmed the statement
by President Bani-Sadr that the issueof the Americanhostages being released is
not irrelevant to the duties of the investigating commission.
85. AFP on Gotbzadeh Remarks
NC182210Paris AFP in English, 2201 GMT, 18Feb. 80 NC.
uext] Paris, 18Feb. (AFPFIranian Foreign MinisterSadeqGotbzadeh said
today in a French television interview that he did not think the American
hostages in Tehran would bereleased withinthe next IWO weeks,as was implied
earlier by a United Nations spokesman in NewYork.
"In any event, we are not there yet", Mr. Gotbzadeh said.
"We mus1 not skip any stages. Let's tryto take a solid first step witthe
composition of the commission which is to begin the work", he added.
Mr. Gotbzadeh said that the investigatingcommissionon Iranian grievances
king setup at the initiative of UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim could go
to Tehran this week, "rnaybe al the end of the week, if all goes wefl, if the
commission really gets set up, if the announcement that it has been rormed is
official".
"A certain number of people at the United Nations talk a lot, sometimes
irresponsibly", he added. "The release of the hostages is not the goal of the
commission'swork."
Mr. Goibzadeh has been in Paris sincelasi Friday.
86. AFP on Composition of Commission
NC180850 Paris AFP in English. 0833GMT, 18Feb. 80 NC.
mick Phythian report.]
[Text]Tehran, 18 Feb. (AFP)-Iran has yet to make a final decision on the
composition of a United Nations sponsored commissionto investigate Iranian
grievances against the ousted Shah, Revolutionary Council spokesman Hasan
Habibi said today.
The Revolutionary Council, Iran's suprcmc governingbody, would considet
the matter again once ilhad received a report from Foreign Minister Sadeq
Gotbzadeh, he added. Mr. Gotbzadeh was expected to return here tomorrow
from Paris after a European tour that also took him to Athens and Rome.
A United Nations spokesman in New York said yesterday that Secretary-
General Kurt Waldheim had selected the five members of the commission, a
move seenas a steptowards the releaseof the Arnerican Embassyhostages here.
The US had agreed to the choice but Iran'sdecisionwasawaited, thespokesman
added.
Mr. Habibi said that the best placefor the commissionto convene,if it wanted
to cal1the hostages as witnesses, would be here in Tehran. The decision on
whether to cal1the hosta"es or not would rest with the commission itself. hc
added.
Mr. Habibi said that the mandate of the commission, as he understood it,
would be to make recommendations on three questions. These were the DOCUMENTS 397
extradition of the Shah, the return to Iranof his wealthand that of his family
from every country in the world, and "perhaps a recommendation" on the
rcleaseof the 50 hostages who have been in captivity since 4 November.
Mr. Habibi, however, drew a clcar distinction bctween the work of the
commissionand the resolution of the hostages crisis.Hestressed thal the release
of the hostages depended essentiallyon US acceptançe of conditions laid down
by President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr. Theseconditionscal1forAmerican recogni-
tion of past interference in Iran's interna1 affairs and undertakings not to
interfereinthe future and not to block lranian atternpts to secure the return of
the Shah and his wealth.
87. Khomeini Names Bani-Sadr Commander in Chier
LD190922Tehran DornesticServicein Persian, OS30GMT, 19 Feb. 80 LD.
IOrder issued 19 February by Imam Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic
Revolution of Iran, to Dr. Seyyed Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, the "lslamic Presi-
dent" of Iran-read by announcer.]
pextl In the name of God, the compassionate, the rnerciful.Your Excellency,
Mr. Bani-Sadr, President ofIran:At this sensitivestage whenthere ismore than
ever a needfor centralization, Your Excellencyis appointed to represent me as
the commander in chief of the armed forces, as defined by the Constitution of
ofethe country and the armed forces will continue working according to thes
cod1have asked Cod to bring you successin the service of the nation of Islam.
f Signed] Ruhollah Mosavi Khomeini, 19 February 1980.
88. Bani-Sadr Announcement on Approval
JN192117Tehran International Servicein Arabic, 3100GMT, 19Feb. 80 JN.
[Text]Dr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran,
has annouiiccd that Imam Khomeini has agreed to the formation of the
internation;ll investigation commission on the crimes Americd and the Shah
in Tehran.
President Bani-Sadr, who was talking 10journalists after an lranian Revolu-
lion Council session be!dlast night, Tuesday, added ihat the commission can
hold its mectingsinTehran 10investigatethe former Shah's crimes and the US
interferencein Iran. He added that ImamKhomeini has also agreed 10hold ihis
commission'smeetings in Tehran.
Dr. Bani-Sadr added that the way the above-mentioned commission will be
formed has alsobeen approved and that the Iranian IslarnicRevolution Council
has discusscd this rnatter and endorsed it.
89. More on Gotbzadeh Rernürks
LDZOM31'5 ïeh~anDomestic Servicein Persian, 2330GMT, 19Feb. 80 LD.
[Text]According to a Pars News Agcncy report, Sadeq Gotbzadeh, lranian
Ministerof Foreign Affairs. refrained from givinghis opinion about Iran's steps
followingthe conclusion of work by the investigation commissionon the Shah's
crimes. He said: These issucsshould be studied by the lr~nian authorities at the
nght tirne.
On his return from a tour in Europe, Sadeq Gotbzadeh was interviewed by a
Pars News Agcncy correspondent. Hesnid that for us the resultof the work of398 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
this commission are important. At any rate, the work of the commission in the
present circumstances is not in the least connected with the question of the
release of the hostages.
The Pars News Agencyreporter asked: Are Waldheim'sefforts also connected
with the composition of the commission investigating the Shah's crimesin Iran
and are they not connected with the issue of the crisis in Iranian-US relations?
Gotbzadeh answered: 1amnot interested inknowingWaldheim'sor the United
Statesreal motives. What is important to me, as a person who is responsible for
lranian diplomacy, isthe results toeobtainedfrom discussingan issue to Iran's
advantage; so that in a world wherepublic opinionhas been terriblyaroused and
provoked against us the justice of our cause might be proved.
In conclusion, the Iranian Foreign Minister, while protesting the reports of
foreign newsmenand remonstrating against domesticjournalists, said: Unfortu-
nately this issue has beenso portrayed as to make it appear that thestepstoward
holding the commission are contrary to the measures taken by the Muslim
Student Followers of the Imam's Policy,when as a matter of fact such a thing is
quite untrue.
Gotbzadeh also emphasized: We ought to prepare public opinion in Panama
for the extradition of the deposed Shah and we should bring domestic pressure
to bear on Panama for the return of the former Shah to Iran. This will only be
possible when we [words indistinct].
90. Bani-Sadr Message to Waldheim
LD201118Tehran Domestic Service in Persian, 1046 GMT, 20 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text]Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, the President of our country, in a telegram to
Kurt Waldheim, the United Nations Secretary-General, announced that the
members of the commission for the investigation of US past activities in the
internal affairs of Iran and the crimes, corruption and the treachery of
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and his régime,can come to Tehran. The text of the
President'scable to Waldheim is as follows:
Mr. Kurt Waldheim, Secretary-General of the United Nations: Now that the
demand of Imam Khomeini and the nation of Iran has been conceded regarding
the convocation of a court for the inquiry and investigation into past American
Shah, and investigation of their treachery, crimes and corruption, the commis-
sion, whose convocation and work have been agreed to by the Imam and the
Revolution Council of the lslarnic Republic of Iran, can come to Iran.
[Signed] President and President of the Revolution Council of the lslamic
Republic of Iran, Abolhassan Bani-Sadr.
91. Muslim Students Read US "Documents"
LD210011Tehran Domestic Service in Persian, 1908GMT, 20 Feb. 80 LD.
[Meetingof Muslim Student Followers of the Imani's Policy and newsmedia
representatives in Tehran on 20 February-recorded.]
[Excerpts]Now let us listen to a radio-television interviewconducted by the
Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Poticy. The film of this interview will
be carried tomorrow night by the television rollowing the news [begin uniden-
tified speaker recording]:
Today WC face an enemy that the Imam has named the great Satan and this
century's sourceof corruption. This is an enemy whose hands are stained with
the blood of Muslims and oppressed people of the world. DOCUMElQTS 399
The documents which willbe read out today concern US attempts to establish
contact with thc arrned counter-revolutionary forces in order to weaken and
ultimately topple theIslamic Republic. America and its mercenary agents have
been in contact abroad with the exiles-namely, the mercenaries of Mohammad
Reza Pahlavi's régimewho Red Iran-in order ta set up an opposition front.
Moreover, inside Iran, too, it wüs through separate actions doing the same
thing. Wewilldeal with these two separately, thai is,those operating abroad and
those active in Iran(passage indistinct].
We have certain documents dealing with external affairs. However, due to the
fact that thereis no time to deil with (hem, only one document will beread
[passage omitted containing purported text of US document].
Now a dociiment dealing with interna! üfTairs, chatis, contact with counter-
revolutionüries.Oneofthose involvedinthis matter, peoplewho,according to the
lranian people, rnust be prosecuted, even if they are in Arnerica, is Mr. Charles
(Moss), former USEmbassy chargéd'affaires inIran. He was a [wordindistinct]
diplornat [passage omitted containing purported texi of US document].
The fact is that they [the United States] will not give us our rights. We must
fight the Satan, especially the great Satan. We miist struggle; America must
return to us our rights: that is, the extradition of the crirninal Moharnmad Reza
Pahlavi and the (?astronomical) riches he has pluiidered, thus depriving this
poverty-stricken nation.
We cal1 on the responsible officials to summon for investigation those who
have been incontact with the Forqan group. In particular, in the course of trials
held in the case of Forqan group (Mr. Constant),who isat present working at
the US Stiite Department, mus1 attend the trials and answcr questions raised
during these investigations, so that we may sce who is responsible for al1the
bloodshed in this country. Naturally, we considet the United States as having
had a share in such bloodshed [end recording].
92. AFP on Revelations
NC201834 Paris AFP in English, 1808GMT, 20 Feb. 80 NC.
[Nick Phythianreport.]
[ExŒrpts] Tehran, 20 Feb. (AFP)-Islamic militants occupying the US
Embassy here today released "confidential" documents as evidence of attempts
by American diplornatic ernployees to unite counter-revolutionary elements
againsi Ayatollah Ruho\lah Khomeini.
The "students", who have been holding 50 Americans hostage since 4
November in an attempt to force the return of the ex-Shah and his wealth. said
the captives should be brought to court to testify on ~heactivities of people
responsible for bloodshed in Iran.
The Islamic"students", who handed photocopies of certain Embassy docu-
ments to newsmcn today, charged they showcd that the United States had been
engaging "a spectrum of antirevolutionarics" to work against 70-year-old
Ayatollah Khomeini.
The militants said embassy officials had worlied with political figures and
other factionsof society who, if found tobe pro-Amencan, were introduced to
the Central Intelligence Agency(CIA).
They would then be "handled" and "used" by the CIA, a spokesman for the
militants said.
The Embassy documents were reports of meetings held after the revalu-
tion betwcen Embassy officials and a number of people opposed to the new
régime.
One such person, Reydun Afshar, said it would be easy "to recruita force of400 DlPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
20-30,000 men in Azarbayjan (northwestern Iran) and train them in the no-
man's land along the Kurdish border" to "take over northwestern Iran".
Another document referred to a meetingin Paris betweena memberof the US
Ernbassythere and former housing and development minister Hushang Naha-
vandi, who spoke about an anticipated military coup to be launched from
Kordestan.
93. Khomeini Address io Nation
Li3202151Tehran DomesticService in Persian.2030 GMT, 20 Feb. 80 LD.
["Message" issued20 February to the lranian nation by Imam Khomeini,
"the leaderof the lslarnic Revolutionof Iran", inconnection with mobilization
week-read byannouncer.]
[Text]In the name of God, the compassionate, the mercifut.May 1 thank the
honorable lranian nation and the fruitful youth who havewelcomedthe general
mobilization. The defence of Islam and the lslamic State in times of danger
constitutesa religious,divineand national duty whichisbindingon al1strataand
groups.
At this sensitivejuncture the nationisconfronted by recalcitrant enemiesand
by the superpowers, particularlythe United States,which,thanks to its heinous
intervention throughout the unsurping monarchyof Mohammad Reza Pahlavi,
held back our nation from political,cultural and economic growth and pillagcd
the riches of thispoor nation. Should there be negligenceand should the nation
fail to prepare itself with al1 its might and perseverance against the foes of
humanity and should itrefuseto make itselfready witha general mobilization,
whichby the willof almightyGod no power on earth could resist,and to fail to
prepareitselffor thedefence of thecountry and Islamit would be draggingitsclf
and the country into destruction.
What has becn achieved so far thanks to the great efforts of honorable men
and women prompts me io hope that they will besuccessful inthe all-round
mobilization for military, ideological, moral and cultural training with the
succour of almighty God and willcompletethe practical military, partisan and
guerrilla training course in a manner worthy of a rising Islamic nation.
Strive to become increasinglypowerful in scienceand action and, trusting in
almighty God, arrn yoursetveswith weaponry and moral soundncss since the
great God is with you and since the powerful hand which crushed the satanic
powers isthe supporter of the divine society.
1hope that the general Islamic mobilization will become amode1for al1the
meekand Muslim nations in the world and ihat the 15thcentury of the Hegira
will become thecentury for srnashing great idols and substituting Islam and
monotheism for polythcism and atheism,justice and fairness for injustice and
unfairness and the century of devoted men instcadof uncultured cannibals.
O meek of the world, risc and rescueyoursclvesfrom the talons of nefarious
oppressors;and O zealous Muslimsin variouscountries in the world, wakefrom
your sleep of neglect and liberate Islam and the Islamic countries from the
clutches of the colonialists and those subservient to them.
O honorable lranian nation. continue your Istamic movement and do not
allowthe aliens, whoevertheymay be, to interferein your destiny,finallyput an
end to acts of pillage and decisivelydemand from the United States and any
other governmentwhichmay haverisenin defence ofMohammad Reza Pahlavi.
the criminalwho has wronged Islamand the nation, to return to us thiscriminal
and the tawful richesof the nation; and do not rest untilfinalvictory.
O God, be the support of Ournation and our dear youth, sincethese people
have risen in order to please you, and with their movement they have driven
from the arena the foesof the faith:"Thou art truly able to do anything!" [quote
from Koran]. A salute and wish of peace to the great nation and to the fighters along the
path of truth, independence and freedom!
/Signedl Ruhollah Mosavi Khomeini, 20 February 1980.
94. Bani-Sadr: Commission's Work noi Relaled to Release
JN21 1857 Tehran International Serviccin Arabic, 1730GMT, 21 Fcb. 110JN.
[Tcxi]Dr, Abolhassan Bani-Sadr. President ofthe Islamic Republic of Iran,
statcd today that the work of the internalionai commission investigating the
deposed Shah's crimesis not directly connected to the issueof the release of the
US hostagcs.
In a statement to Radio Canada, Dr. Bani-Sadr declined to give information
on thc releaseofthe hostages and on whcther they will be releasedbefore orafter
the publicalion of the international commission's report. Dr. Bani-Sadr stressed
that the lranian Govcrnment is determincd to bring the deposed Shah back for
trial in Iran.
95. Ekheshti on Hostages t
LD281022 Budapest MT1 in English, 0600 GMT, 28 Fcb. 80 LD.
[Text] Budapest, 27 February, MT1-lstvan Amhrus, MTI's special corre-
spondent reports from Tehran:
Truth is one and indivisible, thus the justice system also has to be unifiedand
indivisible, stated Ayatollah Beheshti, mernber of the Islam Revolutionary
Council in Tehran. At present Beheshtifulfilsthe dutics of prime ministcr and
was recently appointcd as president of the Supreme Court.
The Ayatollah stated that the revolulionüry courts, which have up until now
operatcd independently and frequently arbitrarily, which caused for mnny
criticisms, "will be integrated into a unifiedjustice system under the control of
the Supremc Court within a month or two". This system has to be Islamic from
the roots to the top,but this fwords indistinct]ofthe positiveelernentsof forcign
legal practice.
Thc answer to theouestion of MTl's corresnondent Bcheshtisaid: At least ten
week; are needed for the parliament to bigin discussions in the affair of the
American hostages.The Majleswill be formed sixweeksfrom now, he said, and
following thisfurther four weeksare needed by it for electing itspresident, vice-
presidents, Icading organs. Even ai the end of ten weeksii is not certain lhal the
Parliament already capable ofoperating willplacethedebate ofhostagequestion,
considered to beof small importance, on its agenda as the first point. Even if it
does. the debate willbe long andone cannot evenguesswhen afinaldecision will
be made concerning ihe fale of the American hosiages, said Beheshti.
Answering other questions Beheshti ernphasized that lran does not want to
isolate itself from the world, but it docs not have and willnot have in the future
either need for any kind of relations in connection with the United States. lran
can siand on its own feei and watchfuily guards its independence. Any sort of
relation with the Americans, however, will automatically and obviously mean
the violation of this independence.
96. Rafsanjani on Hostage Situation
LD271303Tehran Azadegon in Penian, 21 Feb. 80, p. 5 LD.
[YAradeganinterview" withacting Iranian Interior Minister HashemiRafsan-
jani; date and place not specified.]
[Excerpts][Queslion] As regards the Muslim students following the Imam's
line. do you agree or disagree with their disclosures?402 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
[Ansii,rr] As rcgards the students, I think that they have taken a great stride
along the rcvolution path. Of course, cvcr sincc ihcy went intoaction 1 have said
in interviews and spccchcs that Amcrica was not leaving us alonc but was
scriously continuing to annoy us with its aggression, going as far as io extend
protection to thc Shah.
If we disrcgardcd this, as happened in thc past, America would makc even
worse atternpts to dcsiroy Our rcvolution.
The action of ihc Students Following the Imam's Policy resulicd in the
repudiaiion of aII Amcrica's shameful plans. Fortunately. a11the plans ii made
wcrc of no avail.
The most intercsiing point is that this was al1accomplished by the people: if
the Government hlid intcrfcrcd and irnprisoncd ~hossspies, the matter would
not have bccn so important; after al], thc Govcrnment is the Government and
has the power to do that. The important point is that it was thc pcoplc who
carried out thc action,just as sincc the revolution hcgan they have bccn cürrying
out revolutionüry ncts; and we werc, wcll, CO-opcrlitirigwith public opinion. It
wüs a praiseworthy action, with the opprcsscd nation standing up to tyranny
and succccding in achieving something. Thcy have treated the hostages cx-
trcmely well. Thcy have maintained their position. This is onc dimension of the
task. We approvc this action, as wedid in the past, since it reprcscnts a naiional
and popular measurc carricd out by a young clüss of students.
This mattcr is not undcr the jurisdiction of the Revolution Council or the
Governmcni; ii was student action, and it is no1over yet.
As for the documcnis. yes, 1must say thai a series of documentsdocs cxist and
has becn made public. and WC must now scc how thc people willjudge them and
whcthcr the acçusiitions they contain are justificd or not.
It was also logical for the Rcvoluiion Council to say that the radio and
television should prevcnt the studcnts from making ihcir disclosurcs on radio
and television, since itis wrong for the Statc radio and television io bc made
availablc to onc group directly, regardless of the estccm in which thüt group is
held, and for documents to be publishcd if in the final analysis this is not
bcneficial,or wherc the prosecutorhas not yet staled his views.Thus it isillogical
for thcsc documcnts to bepublishcd beforc an investigation has takcn place. The
Revolution Council has said that thcre must bc some control over these
documents but did not goso far as to ban ihcir publication completely. Thcy can
bc published through media other than thc radio and television, which are not
thc sole means of communicating information. Thcre arc other channcls open
for ihc publication of thcse documenls.
[Quesiicin]Thc Prcsidcnt of the Rcpublic has spoken of the possibility of tnlks
with the Amcricans. after they have accepted the conditions, while the imam has
issued strict instructions that the only conditions for thhostages' releasc is the
return of the Shah. Whiit is your view of this'?
/A~i.sii~aThe Presidcnt also holds the vicw ihai therc should be talks leading
to the Shah's rcturn. Aftcr all. in order to obtüin thc Shah's return some talks are
ncccssary. if only tomake thcm understand that ihcy must return him and ~hat
there is no place for compromisc. Why should we compromise? Compromisc
means giving up thc nation's interests; no, that is not right.
[Quesrioii] Thc rcüson that this question was raised here is that the nation
docs not want such talks and relations. Thc nation wants to know whciher or
not thc contacts and talks to which Bani-Sadr rcfcrs are similar in nature to
iho'scof Mr. I3;iziirgiin.1s hc working for thc returri of the Shah dccisivcly,
îollowing the cxamplc set by the Imam?
[Ansii,erlWell, of course, since it would bc illogicül not to spcak to them al
all. we must spcak lo thcm. In so far as we want the rcturn of the Shah and Our
wcalth and wc wish to tcll thcm that WC intcnd to get our money back, we must
talk to them. As a rcsult of trilka committce of inquiry has been sct iipto gainmartyrdoin and imbucd its charüctcr with thc nature and character of lslam and
with its rcvolutionaryculturc, will bevictorious.
Yes, bcing militarily powcrful and having valour, bravcry and faith are thc
main conditions for ovcrcoming the encmy. Giving military trüining io the
unarmcd and incnpcricnccd oncs and arming thcm and imbuing thc skillcd and
ürmcd oncs with piety arc thc rnost fundamcntal of our dutics and pariicularly
thc dutics of the valiant and livclyyoung oncs.
Therc is nodoubt that thc highest priority in the programmc of mobilization,
which aims at dcfcnding Islam, the lslamic countries and the Muslim nation,
should bc focused on efforts, carricd out with cvcr grcater unity and cohcsion in
the solid ranks in the scrvicc of lslam and the rcvolution and the path of the
Imam. to honour the blood of the militant Iranian nation's martyrs.
Let us strivc in this mobilization to advancc our grcat lslamic movemcnt, led
by thc grcat leader. lmam Khomcini, until ail military, politicül and cultural
dcpcndcncc has bcen sevcred.
O Lord, our nation hüs tükcn up armsto march, group aftcr group, army after
army, in 11collectivewüy undcr thc Imam's lcadcrship and in thc püth of Imam,
who is a rcvolutionary and ü grcat sourcc of inspiration and who is uncompro-
mising. Grant us victory ovcr the enemy.
/Signell/ The Muslim Studcnt Followcrs of thc imam's Poficy.
98. Bani-Sadr Discusses Return of Shah, Hostagcs
Ln21 1104Tchran Domcstic Scrvice in Pcrsian, 1048GMT, 21 Fcb. 80 LD.
[Tcxi] Dr. Abolhassan Hüni-Sadr. Presidcnt of Irün, in an interview with
Canadian Radio last nighi. cmphasized that thc Government of the lslamic
Republic of Iran is firmlydctcrmincd to gct the deposed Shah back and put him
on trial.
Dr. 13ani-Sadr,the lranian President, also announced that thc work of the
international coinmission or investigation into the crimes of the dcposed Shah
has no dircct connection with the rclease of the hostagcs in thc US Embassy in
Tchran.
99.AFP: Unitcd Nations Envoy DiscussesInvestigating Commission -
NC221530 Paris AFP in English, 1521 GMT, 22 Feb. 80 NC.
[Tcxt] Gcneva, 22 Fcb. (AFP)-The Unitcd Nations commission investiga-
ting Iran's former impcrial rcgimcwillleavcGcncva this weekend, Iran's United
Nations Ambassador Mansour Farhang said hcre today. The commission, held
up [word indistinct] Wcdncsday, will leavc eithcr Saturday or, at the latest,
Sunday night, said Mt- . arhang, hcre for ihc 35thscssion of the Human Rights
Commission. Mr. Farhang dcnied therc was any political relison for the
commission's delay of in Gencvü [scntcncc as rcceived]. "WC wcre simply not
ready [O rcccive them." hc said, "and thcy would have lost scveral days in
Tchrün if they had comc right away."
The lrnnian diplornai blanicd the Amcrican Govcrnment for the delrry,noting
that lran hiidasked for thcconimission twomonthsügo. "lt isridiculousaf'ter two
monihs to rush things in ihisiifiir without cvcnawaiting an officialacceptaofe
lhc commission by the lranian Governmcnt", said Mr. Farhang.
Hc said hc did not know iTthe commission would mcet thc hostagcs at the
Amcriclin Embassy in Tchran, but said that did not sccm "important" to him.
The diptomai added, "thüt might bc importani from a humanitarian point of
view but that does no1mattcr".
Mr. Fürhüng stresscd that thcre is not a dircct trade-off bctwccn the cntry of DOCUMENTS 405
the commission into Iran and thc freeing of the hostages. Hc said the idea of
such a deal did not fit into "today's Iranian politics".
Mr. Farhang, who willrcturn ta New York Saturday, also stressed that lhe
commission[wordsindistinct]involvedinvestigatinginternational problcrns."It
isa question of crimescommitted by a régimeinstalled in 1953(?bythe) Unitcd
States and pcrpctuating itself with continued Arnerican assistance."
"It is a question of a problem which is largcr than Iran. That is why the
formation of an international invesiigating commissionis Icgitimate."
Mr. Farhang concluded that he did not doubt the Iranian-American crisis
would be,resolvcdand with it the rnatter of the hostages.
100. Khorneini Says Majles Must Decide Hostagcs' Fate
LD231134Tehran Dornestic Servicein Persian, 1030GMT, 23 Feb. 80 LD.
[Tcxt of message issued23 February by Imam Khomcini, the leader or the
tslamic RevoluPion,in connection with thc issue of taking hostages and the
importance of the tüsksof the IslarnicConsultativeAsscmbly-read by announ-
ccr.]
[Text]In the name of Cod, the compassionate, the merciful.The crimesof thc
dcposedShahare not sornethingthat havebcenor willbe forgottcn bythenation.
It ispatently clcar that Moharnmad Reza Pahlavi rendered ussubservientto the
UnitedStates fromeverypoint of view,whetherfrom theeconomicandpolitical,
thecultural and military,r from the moral and human viewpoints.Ifhehad had
thc chance, he would have dealt an irreparable btow to Islam.
Everyone knows lhat his hand and that of his father wcrc soaked with the
blood of young and old of this land. Massacres, imprisonmcnts, tortures iind
cxiles werc daily occurrences of that odious régime.Thanks to backing and
support from the US Governrnent, the Shah resorted to thesebarbarous crimcs
and bled our nation white.
Regarding this tilthydynasty and the United Statesand its agents, Ournation
will notgive up its righteous struggles.
Letthe lranian Government and His Excellcncythe Presidentor the Repiiblic
devote al1their cfiort to the retrieval of the traitorous andh the retrievalof
theIranian people'sriches [rom him, sincethe valiant nation isnotgivingup in
this, theirjust dernand, and will not take a singlestep backward.
One of the indications of the dcmand is the occupation of the den of
cspionage, an act which enjoys the support of thc nation, and this cannot bc
anything exccpt a reaction to the crimes of the US Government.
Now that the commissioninvcstigatingand studying past US interventionsin
Iran's intemal affairs through the bloodletting Shah régimeis being realizcd,
thanks to the efforts of his excellcncythe Isresidciitof the Rcpublic and ihc
IslamicRevolutionCouncilof Iran,thecrimes of the United Statesand the Shah
will bc proved.
On thal day it is essential that the dear invalids and thc heroes of our
revolution should attend the forum of the commission and that the familicsof
ihe martyrs should send their petition documenis on the crimesof the Shah and
thc United States to the court.
AsI have repcatcdlysaid, wedemand the return of the Shah and the richesor
ihe nation from him.The Muslirnand cornbatant studentswho occupiedthe dcn
of cspionage, have by their rcvotutionary dccd dealt a crushing body blow
against the world-devouring United Statcs and have thercby made the nation
proud.
But sincein the near future the representativesof the peoplewillmeet at ihc
lslamic Consultative Assembly,the issue of the hostages wilt be up to ihc
rcpresentatives ofthe people so that they can dccide about the release of the406 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
hostagcs and the concessions they should obtain in rcturn for their rclease, since it
is the Iranian people who should havc a voice in the coursc of political evcnts.
Of coursc, until the setting up of the lslamic Consultative Assembly, the
Rcvolution Council and His Excellency the Prcsidcnl of the Republic will
continuc thcir cfforts pcrtaining lo the return of the Shahand the nation's riches
and thc political coursc of evcnts that would pavc the ground for the
implemcntation of such demands.
1bcsecch almighty God to grant victory to Islam and defcüt the foes of Islam.
[Signd] Ruhollah Mosüvi Khomeini. [Datcd] 23 Fcbruary 1980.
101. Students' Reaction
LD231216Tehran Dorncstic Servicc in Pcrsian, 1030GMT, 23 Feb. 80 1-D.
[Tcxt] According to ihc public relations office of the Muslim Student
Followcrs oi' the Imam's Policy. the students stationcd ai the spy nest wcrc
jilbilan! and staged extcnsivs demonstratjons folJowing ihe broadcast of lhe
Imam's message at 1400and the cmphasis made by thc Imam on the question of
hostage taking. They wcrc ~~Isjo ubilant about his re-crnphasis of the will and
determinaiion of thc combative Iranian nation for tfie return of the deposed
Shah and his plundercd rissets from the hands of criminal Amcrica.
The studenis chanted slogans such as:"WC lire your soldicrs, O Khomeini;WC
abidc by your orders. O Khomcini!"; "Extrlidition ofthe crirninal Shah is tcry
of our-Gtian; Khomcini's !eadcrship is thc Foundation of our uniiy". and
"70,000 martyrs, hundrcds of thousands or wounded; cornpromise no more,
surrendcr no more".
At thc condusion of the dcmonstrntions, Hojjüt 01-Esliim Mosüvi Kho'ini,
who is stüying at the spy ncst with thc Muslim siudenis, explained and analysed
the Imam's historic messügc.
102. Student Statcmcnt No. 104
LD231756Tehran Dorncstic Scrvicc in Pcrsian, 1630GMT, 23 Feb: 80 LD.
[Statcmcnt No. 104(as hcard)of the Muslim Student Followers ofthe Imam's
Policy, date not given-read by announcer.]
[Tcxi] In the namc oTGod, thc compassionate, the merciful. Greetings to you,
the inheritor of Hoscyni! Grcetings to you, the inheriior of the blood shed for
God, the blood thiit wüs victorious ovcr thc sword! Grectings to you, oh Imam,
whosc mcssiige hüs brcathcd spirit into thc corpscs of the dead!
Grcetings to you, oh Icader, whosc guidance has led thc lost to the path and
who has dispclled from the mind of the encmy the tcmptation of attacking thc
nation's caravan! Oh hopc of üII the opprcssed, we havc heard your brave
rnessagc. and al1havc hcard if;fricnd. cncrnyüII havc listcncd. Theenemy has
once again bccn given to understand that they arc faccd with a nation that will
not take:isingle step back in reaching iis objectives.
The world-dcvouring Amcrica, the grcat dcvil and the ccntury's mothcr of
corruption, has understood that now as always Khomeini is fighting with a roar
and with powcr. The mind of the Islamic world is in tunc with Khomeini's
rhythm. Eveniually, this world-devourer must surrender in thc facc of the wiHof
this nation.
Oh ycs, ah inheritor of al1 thosc throughout history who have carricd
mcssagcs. WC have hcard the mcssagc of your order. and it is sufficient ihat
beforc God you have tcstified to Our Islamic nature [Eslamiyat]. [The sensc here
is that the Imam has approved of what the students arc doing.] This is despite
what thc satans and thcir fricnds may whispcr to the contrary. DOCUMENTS 407
America, the criminal and fundamental enemy,has understood that you h;ive
made ussoldiersin order to strike at it. The great and heroicnation of Iran, too,
has also tcstifiedIo this realityand willcontinue to do so. BeforeCod andbeforc
the martyr-nurturing nation of Iran, we testifythai we will enter into accord
'with you, thatWC will beyour obedient soldicrs.With the assistanceof God. WC
will be steadfast in this alliance.
You have ordered that the matter of the hostages is to be the concern of thc
represcniaiivesof the nation who will bc meeting in the IslümicConsultative
Assembly.Oh yes!The leader has alwayssaid that the decidingfactor is the votc
of the peopleand wehad no other expectationsfrom him. As for us, itmakes us
very proud that the nation is supporting our actions. We, too, shall always
submit to the decisionof our struggling and brave nations. Let us hope thatülf
segmentsof the nation, from the most humbleindividualto those responsiblefor
the nation, willbe able to be worthysoldicrsin the fuffilmentand rcalizationof
your ordcrs.
Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy.
103.Meeting with Gotbzadeh
LD241117Tehran Domcstic Service inPersian, 1055GMT, 24 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text] According to the Pars News Agency, the first mccting bctween ihc
United Nations commissionof inquiry and the Foreign Ministerof the Islarnic
Republicdcalt with the commission's work scheduleand working arrangements.
Following themeeting, a joint announcement was issued as follows:
The rnernbers of United Nations commission on inquiry met the Foreign
Minisier for 90 minutes. Thiswas thcir first meetingwith Iranian officiais.The
meeting b;isically dealt with the commissjon's work schedule and working
arrangements in Tehran. The commission was assured that there exists a
satisfactorybasisfor consideringsubstantial and practical issucs.Consequently,
thecornmirsionwill kgin its inquiry with regard to its assignment.
Assurances made by the Foreign Minister concerningCO-operationwith ihc
commissionarc a source of encouragement for the commission.
104.Student Intcrvicw
Li3215022Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 0112 GMT, 25 Feb. 80 LD.
(Interview with Student Followers of thc Imam's Policy in Tehran on 24
February; reporters, students not identified-recorded.]
[Text]Following the broadcast yesterdayof the messageof Imam Khorncini,
leader ofthe Islamic Revolution of Iran, whichwas mainly conccrned wiih the
takeover of the US den ofespionage by the Muslirn Student Followers of the
Imam's Policyand the problem of the hostagcs and which stresscd the policy
dernanding the return of the deposed Mohümmad Reza and his stolen asscts.
today our coHeagueshave interviewedseveralof the Muslim Student Followcrs
ofthe Imam%Policy,which we broadcast now at the end of our news bulletin.
fQuesricinj Let us start tonight's interviewwith the Imam's recent message,
which wüsbroadcast yesterday,and let usdiscussthe many accusaLionsbrought
against thc Muslim students and the den of cspioriage. I would like to know
[word indistinct]whenthis message wasbroadcast? WCknow that at the start of
your revolutionary rnove you were supported by the Imam.
[Answei.] In the name of Cod, the compassionate, the merciful.The Imam's
message provided a lot of guidance, as al1his messagesbefore. The Imam has
guided us with his messages. He has guidcd the entire nationand usas part of408 DlPLOMATlC AND CONSULAR STAFF
thc nation. Hc has solvcd our problcms and clarificd uncertaintics. But before
talking about thc Imam's rcccntmcssagc regarding the den of cspionage, it is
worth mentioning the matter confirmed by the Imam again. 1think the short
abscncc of thc Iniam during this pcriod has creatcd a situation in which the
Imiirnhrisspokcn vcry littlc and thc pcople have been lessable to takc üdvantagc
of his guidancc.
It was vcry difficult to acccpt suca problcm but it tüught us a great lesson,
and that is: thisshort absencc tcachcs us to bc afwaysready on the scene and the
people thcmsclvcs should al1 be the guardians oT the rcvolution and the
guardiüns of the path of the revolution, which is the path of the Imüm. This will
bc a strong guarantce for thc continuation of our revoluiion, and WC can be
ccrtain, thcn, that our revolution will continue and will not divcrt from the
Imam's policy.
Thc Imrtm'spolicy is the right way to govern thc rcvolution, bccüusc al1the
individutil mcmhers of the nation, ;il1the Muslim individuals and al1of those
who havc faith in the revolution arc the guürdians of this policy.They are al1the
guardians of this revolution. This is a great lesson whicWC should lcarn, God
willing.And WC should be responsiblc in cncountering al1the problcms. and we
must announcc our ideas and Seclicsponsible. But thc message or ~heImam
yestcrday had many points and subjccts, if WC want io talk about the Imam's
messügc in fulldetail it would no1 bcpossible. Therelorc WC willdiscuss points
which arc mort important and talk to Our brothers about thcsc points.
Therc is onc subjcct which WC come ~icrossinnllthe Imam'smessagcsand that
is the dccisivcness ofthe Imam. It shows in the slogans uscd against America in
the past. and in the dcmand about thc Shah, a criminal who bctïiiycd lran and
corninittcd crimes in this country Tormüny ycars. Now hc h;isescaped from the
grip of thc nation. but he should bc surrendered to this nation. The United
Statcs mus1surrcndcr to this right deniand of the nation and givc ihc Shah back
to thc nation of lran.
The Iniam has emphasized in his mcssage that the nation will not step back
from its dcmünd till it reaches its goal.
Thc ncxt problcm concerns thc IslaniicConsultative Açsembly.Thc lmam has
said that lran owcs its revolution to ihc nation, and that thc continuation of this
movcmcnt dcpcndson the pcoplc. Thcy have provcd thai what they said was not
only a slogan.and thcy fel rcsponsibfctowiirdthcir (word indistinct]. Thuçit is
up to tlic niiticin to dccidc. For this rcason the Imam snid: The dccision
rcgarding the Iàtc of the hostagcs will bc made by the reprcsentativcs of the
nation who will gnthcr in the Islamic Consultative Asscmbly in thc future.
Thc problcrn sccms tobe thüt becriuscof the American hard lincattitude in not
surrendering to the nation's willandno1 givingback the Shah, the lmam has left
thisproblcm to ihc Majlcs.Al1the rcccnt American hopes to savcthesespieshave
been shattcrcd as aresult of the Imam's reccntmessage. It bccamcclcar that the
hostagcswillrcmain at thedisposal ofthenation of Iran tillthe followingmonths
when the IslrimicConsultative Asscmbly convcnes, whenthc reprcsentatives of
the nation will gaihcr and makc a dceision about the hostugcs,
Aftcr lhcIslamic Consultative Asscrnblyis formed, as the Imüm has said, the
Majlcsshould rcvicwwhat concessionsit sliould receivefrom Anicriciiso that in
exchangc it may frce the hostagcs. Thc Majlcs should dccidc on this matter.
Naturally, thc dccisions ofthe Majles. whichconsistsof the rcprcscntatives of the
nation and which isa truc rcflcctioof thc nation, should be in accordance with
the nation's wishes.The nation's wisheshavealways beenthosc of the Imam.The
vicwsOCthc nation and the lmam arc inscparable and the Majlcs deputies will
decidc accordingly, and their decisions will bc carried out.
One of thcimportant points in thc Imam's mcssagewas the cxtrcmelyvital and
scnsitivc point that thc nation has dccrncd that it should bc involved in the
country's intcrnaliifTairsand political issuesand follow thcsc issuesas observers. DOCUMENTS 409
The duties of thc Revolution Counciland the Prcsidcnt. as outlined by the
Imam, were that thc issuc of the cxtradition OFthe Shah should be pursued
decisively,without the slightest hesitation, withcalcr momentum and with
unity ofexprcssion. The issueof the rolc of the pcoplc in political affairs is an
extremely important point, to which the Imam had rcfcrrcd cleai'tyin his
message.
Thc philosophybchind thc point that the nation arid the rcpresentativcsof the
peopleshould decidercgarding thehostagesand the right against Americacould
therefore bc (?cxplaincd) thus: that the people should take part in political
'affairs.know that this issue isextremely vital,because,ifa country'sbacking
and capital arc thc pcoplc, if the country relieson its pcople, then the country's
capital, thoscslum-dwellersand mountain-dwcllcrs, would no1 possibly allow
foreigncrsand plundercrs to forcean illegal,illegitirnateand irrclcvantissueon
the nation. They sce thcrnselves (?partof) al1the affairs of the country: they
would see that theirwishes arc granted. Other pcople do not decide for the
nation, they thcmselvcsdo. Thcy welcomemartyrdom; they fight the encmics;
they would not retreat in the slightcst in the faceof the enemy. All ihat could
only be succcssfuliFal1the nation is involvedin the afhirs of the country. The
most sensitivcgaug for al1the dangers and deviations is that of the nation,
responsibleto sccure and guarantee the future. Tlic nation would definitelyno1
stay silent in thraceof dangers and deviations.
Wbat 1should explain,in referenceto the Imain'smessage,is the direction of
the strugglc and thatf thc lranian Revolution againsi the murderous United
States, and the [word indistinct]that the Imam had in hismessage,to theeffcct
that the occupation of ihc den of espionagc, is in îact a blow to the world-
devouring Unitcd States.
The (?slogan)[word indistinct]that they put forward, that his stolen wealth
should be returncd, is in fact [words indistithe]angry slogan of the [words
indistinct]lranian ople against the United States, whoby shelteringMoham-
rnad Reza, and in Pritby protecting him, isinvolvcdin a conspiracyagainst the
lranian Islamic Revolution. When the nation st;itctl that the fugitiveMoham-
mad Rcza and thc wcalth that he has plundered fromthe lranian nation should
bc returned io the lranian nation by the US Governmcnt, it wüsin füci a [word
indistinct]and scholastic slruggle against Americli. With the same severity and
dccisivcnessthat it statcd that Mohammad Rezüshould Icrivclran and that the
monarchical rcgime should bc overthrown, the whole nation shouts that
Amcricü should return Mohammad Reza.
The returning of Mohammad Rezaand the wealthlhat hehas taken with him,
his trial and in fact cxposinghe criminal face of Americaand the (?Govcrn-
mentj of Arncricii,the exposingof the disgraccd facc of the previous régimc-
which was a puppct of the US Government-is a great victory of the Iranian
lslamic Revolution.
When this slogan was statcd, the lmam himselî pu1 forward the slogan. Hc
said that tlierc is a rcvolution in Iran aaagrcat revolution. Thequestion of
the return of Mohammad Reza, his trial and punishmeni is definitelyseparüic
Fromthis movenicnt of the islamic Revolution of lran toward establishing a
monotheistic systcm [words indistinct] the slogan ilself! the returning of
Mohammad RCZB is a (?grrat) blow to the criminal Unitcd States.
As the Imam has oftcn said in his messages the direction of this Iword
indistinct] and the direction of oui- revolution are toward the severence of
dependenccson thc Unitcd States.The criminnl Unitcd Statcswhich,during the
reign of the Pahlavi régime-that puppet of the United States, [passage
indistinct] thc rcturning of Mohamrnad Rem is ü slcp in thrit directionihe
ending of :ildcpcndenccs,as the lmam says,is the fact the continuation ofihc
movement [passageindistinct]. It is a slogan that hüs tüken shape again in ihe410 DIPLOMATIC AXD CONSULAR STAFF
hearts of'the world's oppresscd [words indistinct] that with their solidarity and
movement, rollowing the Iranian Islamic Revolution, they could decisively
deliver htül blows to the superpowers, especially the criminal United States, and
reach the goals they have bccn aiming for.
[Question) [Words indistinct] about differences of opinion bctween you and
Mr. Bani-Sadr, the President of Our country. It is that groups and individuals,
who are not unknown of coursc. try to magnify them. I would like to ask you
whcther thcre are any differenccs of opinion bctween you and Bani-Sadr?
[Answer] Concerning the issue of the prcsidency we bclicve that, due to the
siatus quo in our society, the President and the Government should havc com-
plete power. That is, we need a powerlùl central government that will race up to
thc many problcrns Ourrevolution is faced with at this stage, and ovcrcome them.
He has strcssed this point, too. The various problems we have in every corner of
thc country-on the borders, economic problems and or the fact that we are
dependcnt in some cases-should be ended by the revolution. Ail this requires a
powerrul çenlral government that will facc up to thesc problems. The way such a
governrnent could atiain powcr is, as our revolution has proved, the [word
indistinct] of thc victory of our revolu~ion,is thc Imam's policy;it is the Imam's
policy that prolonged the revolution and is the guarantor of the continuation of
the revolution. The Imam's policy iiself will bc the key to the victory of thc
rcvolution and the key to power. That is, as long as the governrnent or any
rcsponsiblc officialfollow the Imam's policy, thcy willattain the ncccssary power
to confront and solve the problems and advance the revolution. If this linc is not
followed, ihe necessary power to confront the problems willnot be attained. The
key to power and solidarity in our socicty is the Imam's policy.
About the diffcrcnccs of opinion that have bccn mentioned and [words
indistinct] we believe that if differcnces in opinion or taste exist between
(?bodies) who wish to serve the revolution earnestly and who have no intention
but to serve the revoluiion-as bctween the Muslim students following the
Imam's policy and the President-wc bclicve that such differences are small
differences bctwccn two brothers which candcfinitely be settled by the father of
the family, cspecially when al1of usl al1thc lranian nation, al1the responsible
officiaisand al1the [word indistinct] of the rcvolution havc îaith in and love for
the Iàther and serve him and follow his path with al1their might. When we have
such [word indistinct] our Imam, the fathcr of the family [words indistinct]
obedicncc and acccptance of the fathcr's views, the differences between the Lwo
brothcrs, and brothers in general, will be solved.
[Question] Would you be willing to have a debate with the President about
settling the differenccs?
[Ansiver] The occasion has not arisen, but there is no objection.
[Qu~stion] CouId you possibly express your view on the international
commission of inquiry into the crimes of Mohamrnztd Reza Pahlavi; [words
indistinct] the Imam has approved this. Your view is not different to that of the
Imam, but nevertheless, please state your view.
[Ans,r.pr]The commission which has becn formed to invcstigate the crimcs of
Mohammad Reza and the United Statcs [words indistinct] the issue of the crimes
of the Shah and the United States is not a small and (?unimportant) one; [words
indistinct]the crimes committed against the Iranian naiion by Mohammad Reza
on the orders of the United States, arc vast in dimension [word indistinct] so
clear to the lranian nation. that the denial of the issue nrovcs under cover lwords
indistinct].
When the commission comes to Iran, sees thecrimes of Mohammad Reza and
the United States, sccswhat he has done io thenation and seesitsextcnt, itcould
not fail to be aware. Even the lranian nationisnot aware of the fullextent ofthe
crimes. The Shah himself should come and explain. Thc crimes he has
committed should be recitcd by the Shah himself, in an Islamic court. DOCUMENTS 411
[Quesiiot~j Maybe the Shah could explain the [word indistinct]treacheries.
Maybc hc was [wordindistinct]but not aware of it.
[Ansivcr] [Words indistinct] al1 the orders for thc crimes, killings and
imprixrnmtnts were given hy him. Nabady else had the right taissueorders in
the country. [Words indistinct] and the naturiil conclusion of the commission
woutd beto condcrnn thcsecrimes, to relate the crimcsto the United Statesand
condemn them and [words indistinct] the crimes of this superpower and its
puppct for the nations.
Thc commission's investigation of the criines of thc Shah and the Unitcd
States has no conncction with the releasc of the hostages. The issue of the
hostnges has, on the wholc, been turned ovcr to the nation and the representa-
tivcs of the nation by the Imam. The commissionwill invcstigatc the crimesof
thc Shah aiid the United States.
[Quesfiuir] As thc Imam has bccn indisposed duc to illness ïor some time,
rumours have bccn spread about the students Collowingthe Imam's policy and
thc den of espionage which have, unfortunately, intcnsified. Some of the
problcms and ambiguities wcrc cleared as a result of the Imam'smessage. Do
you have aiiy explanations concerning the rumours?
[Ansiver] The source of most of the rumours shoiild be sough~in Ihe Whitc
Housc, a Iiouse contaminated by the nurneroiis crimes committed by the
American leaders. Arnericahas spread many rumours through itsagents in Iran.
who arc not few, who want to rcturn [words indistinct] Mohammad Reza to
powcr, or [words indistinct] SAVAK agents, forrner Rastakhizis! counter-
revolutionarics. They (?beg) America to break-up thc dccisiveness of self-
confidenceof the nation by spreading rumours and creating division.
If wc regard America asthe lmam does, (words indistinct]as thc grcat Satan,
[words indistinct] that tries to create division in any wriypossible, regains its
hases, if it reinfiltratcsin the vanous levclsof our society,strikes blowsagainst
Ourrevolution and tries to make it deviate, iWC recognizethis grcat Satan, we
willnot heed rurnours; we willtry to stop them and rcject them. In viewOFthe
Imam's rcitcrations, the source of these rumours is obvious.
Concerningthc Embassy,the den of cspionagc,und thc rumours spread about
herc: they arc not merelyrumours. We sometirnessce n scriesof actions whose
sourcc is agliirthe United States. A few nights iigû,bullets were fired from
iiround the den of espionage on the brother guards of the Revolution Guards
Corps, the lightingbrothers whoguard lhis placed;iyand night. Such thingsare
donc to lowcr morale, and destroy self-confidence.
[Queslion] Did this shooting create an incident?
/Answcr/ Fortunately not.
/Qiies~iorr/Were the perpetrators identified?
lAiisii7arjIn the pursuit that followed no tr:ice was round; but what we
definitclyknow, as you sawin the revelations,isthat Amcricanagents and those
who support Amenca are desperately tryingIO commit such attacks.
[Ques~ioii] This is done to lower the morale ofthe students stationed hcre?
/Ansiver/ Yes.
[Queslion] For my last question, lei us talk about the revelations.May Iask.
as you askcd the peopleto dcclarc if they are in favour of the revclations-and
thcy cürncstlydid byway of marches'telegramsand telcphone [words indistinct]
herc-the question anses why are the revelations not continued at spccd, and
why are they brief and not continuous? When the people encountcr brief
reveliitionsthey see the atrnosphere that is created iri society[as hcard] against
your revclations, and become anxious and [words indisiinctj.
[Ansrver] The point that is [words indistinct]this movcment was the issuc of
thc rcvelations. [Words indistinct) the issue lias pcrhaps bcen put forward
incorrcctly and [words indistinct] theyscc the wholc of thc movement in the
revelations,that is,as the movementisagainst the UnitcdStates, theyconsiderit412 IiIPLOiMATIC AND CONSUI.AR STAFF
activc and (?cffcctivc)as long as the revelations continue and the people are
informcd or thc documcntsthat arc hcrc. Whilc il is obvious Lhüithis is not the
wholc of thc issuc. the rcvelation issue is a small part of the movcment. If we
remembcr what thc lmam has repeatcdly said. [words indistinct] this is the
strugglc of our rcvolution against America. the strugglc of al1Islam ügainst al1
püganism: this is a grcat movcmeni our rcvolution has cmbarkcd on and has
placcd Arncrica-thc grcat dcmigod of the West, thc symbol of crime in thc
world-in a rnazc. It is a grcat movcment. To limit it Io thc rcvelütions alone is
definitellticithc correct thing to do. All the rcvclntions willbc finishedoneday
but the movcment willnot corne toan end. The movcnient willcontinue until thc
great dcmigod is brokcn and thc oppressed are saved.
/Qlres~i«ti/ Forgivc me, but 1 believe the pcoplc have recognizcd this
movement and this iswhy thcy demand a once and for al1rcvelation, sothat you
may, without any worry. gct on with your main movcmcnt.
[Ansii~erl As for ihcsc revelations they havc a positivc rcsult, for they identify
US bases in Oursocicty. There is nodoubt that continuing thcsc rcvelations will
culrninatc in our pcoplc having a better knowlcdgc or Amcrica, particularly the
cornplex opcrritions involvcd thcrein. Consequently, they will be in a bctter
position tosccthc cards the United States is holding and thcrcfore race it.This is
certain.Having said thal, wcbclicvethat ail ihcsc thingsshould bc made public,
so that wcas part of thc nation, may (?mainlain) control of the spy nest and the
spics,check al1thcir cvidcncc and then makc thcm public. WCconsidcr this Our
duty. a duty wc shall uphold.
As for thc problcms raiscd in this connection, the rcccnidillicultiesconccrned
with thc mcthod of' rcvclation and the qucslion thüt bcrorc making thcsc
rcvelations thcy should bc madc avaitable to thc authoritics-such as the public
prasccutor-wc hold the viewthat most of thescdocumcnts may not be of great
signifieancewithin thc çontext of thc public prosecutor's Iawsand criteria. ft is
possible that the man against whom evidcnce has bccn uncarthcd al the spy nest
could not beprosccutcd. I-iowever,webelievethat thcscdocuments areimportant
enough as Faras the people are concerned. The people must know what sort of
operatioris that America, thc Number 1 enemy of this nation and the main
perpetrator of the cri~nescornmitted in this country. has bccn involved in.
Morcovcr. thc pcoplc should know about relations bctwccn individuals and
Amcrica, Wc havc no intention of passing any judgrncnts as to whcther these
individualsshould bc punished or lefialone; or ifthcy rireto be punishcd how the
punishment should bc üdministcred. AI1 WC say isthai the nation should be
informcd.
For instançc. thc casc may involve the participation of an individual in a
rcccption givcn by thc US Einbassy, where hc has told somc US Embassy staff
thet hc is opposcd to Khomcini. Well, conçidcring our luws-our Islamic
Revolution laws-such an individual should not stand trial. Aftcr all, this is not
a dictatorship whcrc if somconc opposes the lmam hc should be exccutcd. for
this does not mcrit cvcna trial. That pcrson cannot bc surnmoncd by the public
prosccutor. I-lowevcr,wc bclieveour peoplc must rcalizc that such an individual
has gonc to ~hcUS Embassy and told the staff he was against Khomcini. Even if
the public prosccutor cünnot punish him, the peoplc should be informed of the
incideni. Conscqucntly. WC believe that these documents bclong to the nation,
that it is our duty to makc thcm public. Cod willing, al1 the documents
uncarihcd hcrc shall bc madc public.
105.Mobilization Headquartcrs Issues 9-Point Resolution
LD251854Tchran Domestic Servicc in Persian, 1640GMT, 25 Feb. 80 LD.
[Resolution of thc Iranian National Mobilization Hcadquarters read out at a
erernonq. on 25 Fchruary in front of the US Embassy in Tehrdn.] DOCUMENTS 413
[Text] 1. With the military mobilization dccrccdby Imam Khomciniwe shall
devclop oui-combat-readincss and are ready with al1our might to delivcr a
crushing ünswer to any superpower aggression against our country's national
sovereignty, independencc and territorial integrity.
2. With acultural and ideologicalmobilizationand the greatestjihad aimedat
bringing about fraternal relationships between and mercy toward one another
and üt the climination of the dccadcnt impcrial culture and Westoxication
[gh~irbzadegi], we shall strivc to cstablish the systeni of Islamicrule.
3.With ;in cconomic mobilization and with ernphasis on less consumption
and on efforts to increase output,ive shall tear awiiy the chüins of econornic
dcpcndencc.
4. With our politicalmobilization, which isnone other than relianceupon the
Imam's leadership and thc peoplc's sovereignty in State affairs and political
devclopments, as wcllas oversecingal1aspccts of the country's life,WC shall no
longer allow any dcviation to appear in the lslamic path.
5.We regard the Imam'smessageon the firstanniversary of the rcvoluiion as
a clcar manifestation of the domestic and forcign policy of the lslamic
Revolulionof Iran and cal1upon al1those in chargcitthe executiveorgans, with
their all-crnbracingmobilization, to move in thc path of the lmam and that of
the rcvoluiion.
6. Wc declare that thc lranian nation decisivctydemands the extradition of
the criminal Mohammad Rcza and the reiurn of the wcalth stolen from Iran
from thc criminal Government of Americaand that it willnot retreat one single
step in its hidtovindicait tseright.
7. WCexpress our support for the struggling lranian people's vote for ihe
presidencyof brorher Abolhasçan Bani-Sadrand stressthat as longas he moves
along [ticpath of the Imam, he shall not shirk from giving any assistance or
makingany sacrificesfor the achievement of his islamicobjectives.
8. While rencwingour support for the Muslirn Student Follawcrs of thc
Imam'sPolicy,wedemand that the documentsaviiilableat the den ofespionage,
whichare national documents, be revealcdso thut out militant nation can bcttcr
identify theracesof its encmics.
9.With an all-embracing rnobilization WC shall elec; committcd rcprcscnta-
tivcsto the IslamicConsultativeAssemblywho beiicvein the Imam's policyand
who willnot retreat onestcp in the struggleagainsi the enemiesof Islam, Icdby
world-devouring Arnerica.
106.Bani-Sadr Cives Interviewon Wostages,Foreign Relations
DW261141Hamburg ARD TelevisionNetwork in German, 2130GMT, 25
Feb. 80 DW.
[CorrcspondcntsEnkeand Danesh intcrvielvwith lranian President Abolhas-
san Bani-Sadr,in Tehran; original language unknown-recorded.]
[Tcxt] [Quesrion] Mr. President, the international investigating committcc
willnow bcgin its work. Will it rnerelyanalyse thc cvidcnce,will il intcrrogate
witnessesor willit also hand down a sort of verdict. and above all, whüt other
concrete pre-conditions must bc creatcd for puiiing an end to thc occupation of
the US Embassyin Tehran?
[Ansiver] 1 raised a condition during the prcsidcntial elections, namely ihat
' the US Government must condemn its past in Irari.1 further stated that the
specia lornmitmentofmankindioday means that those who are stronger forego
methods of oppression for moral reasons.The UnitedStatesmust admit itsguilt
and refrain from making this mistake again. Well,Chter has not acceptcd ihis
and thus creatcd a newsituation.This alsocalls for newmeasures. In ünycvcnt,414 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
it is the task of the cornmittee to investigate the crimes of the Shah and his
dependence on the United States and to make the results known to the world
public. The committce has no other mission.
[Question] Mr. Prcsident, Ayatollah Khomeini and the students stand by
their maximum demands, namely the extradition of theShah and the return of
his foreign assets. Haw do you propose to prevail with your concept?
[Ansit,rr/ Any solution to this problem must in any event be acceptable to
Ayatollah Khomeini. So if a solution is found it nieans that Khorneini has
accepted it, that al1of us have approved.
[Quesrion] Mr. President, how do you visualize Iran's relations with the West,
and above al1with the Federal Republic of Germany, after the solution of the
topical problems?
[Ansri,crf Whal we want to be is an independent country. The existing
dependencies arc impediments and dificulties for us which we rnust eliminate.
Therefore, we are compelled to enter into new relations with the countries ofthe
world. We do not sec any sound basis in the former relations between the Shah's
régimeand Europe, the United Statcs and the Far East, meaning Japan, so that
WC will noi resume this kind of relations. If Europe were yrcpared to purçuc a
policy independent from the superpowcrs wewould have an hisloric opportunity
for CO-opcratingwith the European States, and that in al1fields. The condition is
the independence from the superpower. But if the Europeans do not live up to
this precondition, for inslance, then therc is no econornic necessity for us to
purchase large-scalc industrial installations which are built only in the West and
to trade with them.
WCcan begin with small economic units and thus score headway slowly. We
are aware that thesc cxperiences have been gairied in the world. We are prepared
to gain this experience as well. We do not want to sacrifice our independence to
economic relations such as tliosc which forrncrly existed. So if Europe refuses to
respond to our concept we will establish relations with those countries which
wish to CO-operate with us likewise in independence from the superpowers-
relations which will not dcprive us of the chance for indcpendence.
107. Beheshti: Ten Weeks Before Release of Hostages Can Be Discussed
WA270724 London Reuter in English, 0717 GMT. 27 Feb. 80 WA.
[Text]Tchran, Iran, 27Feb. Reuter-Thesecretary ofIran's ruling Revolution-
ary Council said today it would take nearly ten weeks bcfore the Iranian parlia-
mentcould begin discussing the release of 50Americari hostages held inTchran.
Ayatollah Mohammad Bcheshti told reporters that even if the Islamic
Assembly. due for election next month, made the hostages its first business,
debate on the issue was unlikely to start for two-and-a-half rnonths.
"How much time thev then necd to reach the last conclusion, 1don't know".
Dr. Bcheshti said.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini handed over the f16-day-old hostage problcm
to the future ~arliament in a statcrnent last wcckend. saving that the asscmblv
would have iÔ dccide what concessions Iran should eipecï in return for thé
captives' releases.
Although the new iissembly is dueto sit for the first time around 7 April, Dr.
Bcheshti said it would take about a month for the body to organizc itself, efect a
speakcr and work out its procedures of business.
"Parliament will sit in six weeks' time but its session to discuss hostages
will perhaps be after ten wccks, because parliament necds nearly four wceks to
organize itselr', he said.
Asked whether he thought the parliamentary debate would be a long process,
Dr. Behcshti çaid "pcrhaps". DOCUMENTS 415
He also indicaied that it was still possible that Ayatollah Khomcini might
decidethe hostages'fatehimself,eventhough the ailingrevolutionary lcaderhad
passed an the problem to Iran's future deputies.
108.Vacating of Embassy
LD27175XTchrnn Domestic Servicein Pcrsian, 1630GMT, 27 Feb. 80 LD.
[Text] According to a Pars rcport, those who had occupied the Afghan
Embassyin Tehran left the Embassypremisesthis afternoon. According to this
report, the siudcnts' union and the struggling Afghanswho had occupied ihe
Afghan Embassyin Tehran this morning, as a protest against the prcsencc of
Sovietforces inAfghanistan and their activitiesthere, left the Embassybuilding
alter intervention by policeand security forces.
109.Gotbzadch lntcrview on Commission
JN27195 T9ehran InternationalSepicg in Arabic, 1730GMT, 27 Feb. 80 JN.
pehran "Arabic section" correspondent's intcrvicw with Iraniün Foreign
Minister Sadeq Gotbzadeh-datc not given;recordcd portions arc in Arabic.]
[Text] [Bcgin rccording][Qurirtionl 1would likc to ask His Excellencythe
Minister ifwccan bc tald about the contentafyour talks with the fivc-mcmber
commission invcstigatingthe dcposcd Shah'scrimes (end recording].
Regarding the Foreign Minister's talkswith the five-rnembercommission
investigating the deposed Shah's crimes,Gotbzadch said: Our talks dcalt with
the way this commissionis ta work in Iran and what this commissionrequircin
the way of documents in order to undcrtake its t~k.
On whetherthecommissionwilldeal withthecnmcs of the UnitedStatesin its
investigation,Gotbzadeh said: No one can investigatcthe Shah'scrimesin Iran
without dcaling with his crimes'rclationship with tha United States.Thcrcfore,
the commission will virtually tackle this subject. He added that making the
world hear of thesecrimesrepresents a large constructivestep fous along rhis
path.
The Foreign Minister said:The United Stateshas not welcomedthe formation
of this commission, but found itself forcetoaccept this matter.
Regardingthe hopesIran placesin thiscommission,Gotbzadeh said:Wehope
that the commissionwil!be neutral and indepcndent in order tobcable to carry
out a full investigationto the crimes that werc committed during the deposcd
Shah's era and then to announce its opinions and pi-oofsto the world public.
Our correspondent asked the Foreign Ministerabout the stepsto be takcn by
commission docs not achieve the required rcsults. Gotbzadeh said: Thismber
commission's work isneitherlinkcdwith the issueof thehostages riorthe subjcct
of cxtrliditing the dcposed Shah.
He addccl:This commission will submit the results of ils work to thc United
Nations Sccrctary-General. If therc is any hope thiit these rcsults will be
submitted at ihe United Nations or the Security Council, the Panamanian
Government crin benefit [rom ihesc results, in its capacity as a United Nations
mattcr. Wehavcembarked on thissubject through lcgalproceedings,wcllawarearate
of the lawscxisiingin Panama.WC havea goad Panamanian lawycrand WC seck
to commencework on putting the Shah on trial [ashcard]in Panama in order to
geOur corrcspondcnt asked:argIf thc United Statcs refused to hlind ovcr the
deposed Shah and the people'swealth,what willihc destinyof the hoslages bel416 DIPI.OMATIC AND CONSULARSTAFF
Thc Forcign Minister rcplicd: As the lmam said. lhe dcstiny of the hostages
will bc dctermincd by the IsliimicConsultative Council. As for rccovering the
Shah, wc arc vcry scriously and firmlyaftcr that.
110.Gotbzadch Discusscs Commission's Mceiingwith Hostagcs
LD281953Tchran in English to Europe, 1930 CMT, 28 Fcb. 80 LD.
[Exccrpt]A Pars News Agency rcport in Tehran says that thc mernbersof the
United Nations commission probing into the crimes of the ousted Shah will
probably mcct the US hostages. Irlin's Foreign Minister Sadcq Gotbzadch in a
telephonc contact told the ncws agcncy that he is prescntly holding a dialogue
with the Muslim students adhering (O the linc of the lmam Khorneini in his
capacity ils thc represcntriiivc of the Revolution Council for arranging the
commission's mcctingwith the US hostagcs.
Gotbzadch cmphasized that this mccting hasbccn a part of thc commission's
schedulc. tn çonncction with thc rcport on thc dcparture of onc of the
commission mcmbcrs, hc said that [word indistinct] Aguilar will bc leaving
Tehran todüy. In cüsc the commission's probe is [word indistinct], Aguilar will
rcturn to Tchran. Gotbzadchaddcd that Aguilar, the Vcnezuelanmcmbcr of the
five-man commission was originally schcduled to leave Tehran today.
Meanwhilc, a spokesrnan of thc Muslim sludents said that contacts arc
undcrway for arranging such a rncciing, but the students have so far takcn no
final dccision.
1I1.Studcnts' Keyhon tntcrvicw
LD041623Tchran K~yhan in Pcrsian, 28 Feb. 80, p. 14Ln.
{Exclusiveintcrvicw withstudcnts occupying US Tchran Embassy by Kcylian
correspondcnts Manuchehr Hcdayaipur and Isma'il Azimpur: "Muslirn Stu-
dents Following the Imam's Poticy:Those Who Suspcct That They Arc To Be
Exposcd Arc Sprcading Rumours."]
[Exccrptsj in an excIusivc intcrvicw with Kcyhirn, thc Muslim Students
Following thc Imam's Policy gave thcir views on various Statc issues.
Two Ktyliri~corrcspondents, Manuchehr Hedayatpur and Isma'il Azimpur,
sat oppositc two students and askcd questions frcely without restrüint.
Thc tcxt of the intcrvicw is as follows:
[Qriesîiot~Why do you not disclose the existcncc of the docurncnts ovcr a
fixedpcriod of tirne?Hesiiation in thc timing oîthc disclosurcs has givcn risc to
reservations.
[An.siter/Whcn tkc docurncnts fcllinto our hands and we began to translate
thcm wc dccidcd on a particular method by which we would disclosc their
contcnts, but owing to particuliir îactors and conditions somc dclays are
occurring. WCshall in due coursc cxplain what thcsc factors are, and thcy will
show thc cxtcnt of the decp considcration which wearc giving to the documents,
but rrom the outsct it has bccn our intention io continue the cxposurcs,
îollowing the mcihod decidcd on. and God willing WC shall in future continue to
do this. Thcrc has been no hcsitation on our part; it is that there arc certain
factors and problcms raised by the community and particular groups which
requirc a ccrtniri amountof considcration and rcflcction.
[Question/ Arc you awarc of whai these factors arc'?
[Atisiiw-jNaturally, when :i scrics of documents pertaining to particular
groups or individuals is publishcd, is not mcrcly a question of [the actions ofl
these groups or individuals, but concerns a scrics of cvenls, which are sharply
affectcd by what is discloscd, and this naturally cornpcls them to rcact against DOCUMENTS 417
us. They try in various ways to deflect the issue of occupation of the den of
cspionage-which represents the zenith of the anii-irnperialiststruggle-and to
turn it into anssueof conflicibctwccnthose individuals[thestudents]at the den
of cspionage, and ihose who are the suhjectof the disclosures.The groups *#ho
have bccn exposcd, or who suspcct that they are tibc exposed, begin to spread
rumours, and it isthis that creatcsa seriesof problcmçin thecommunity;it rnay
crcatc unrest and bring about agitation. There arc issues whichmust bc taken
, enough patienceto tolerate thedisclosures, thisnaturally has an effectupon the
manner in which WC make the disclosures.
[Question] ln defending himself on radio and television, Dr. Minatçhi
clairnedthal yourdocumentsarc forgeries.Hc afso said that you are Icd by onc
who does not belicve in the constitution and that "under thc former régimc,
when wewerecngagcdin the struggle,he [Mos;iviKho'ini]did not dare to ulter
a word, he did not suFer a single blow,he did not spend a day in prison; but
today he is more revolutionary than anyone else". What is your viewof this8?
[AnsrtserJWhat that gcntlernrin[Minaichi] said is quite wrong. The only
pcrson WC contactcd beforc the occupation of thc dcn of espionage and whom
WC consulted as to whetherthis occupation wasin linewiththe Imam's policyor
not was Mosavi Kho'ini. Itis people like Mosavi Kho'ini and the existing
revolution forces whom the people recognize.
Weconsulted him, and heconfirmedthat if WC carried out this action it would
be in line with the Imam'spolicy and would not harm the revolution.
[Question] Arc you in contact with or intcrferirig with the committec of
inquiry and what isyour position vis-à-visthc comniittee?
[Answerj In a mcssagewhich the Imam scnt to the Revolution Council hc
askcd rnembersto appoint two delegaiionsto invcstigatethe crimcsof the Shah
and America in Iran and to tell the world about them. On the &ccof it, onc of
the cornmitteeswhich the Revoiution Councii formedin conncction with ihis
rcccnt message from the Imam and at the request of the Pnsident of the
Republicis the self-samecornmittceof inquiry which has arrivcd in Iran, which
intends to invcstigatc the crimes of the Shah and America and Lcllthe world
about them.
In accordancc with what the Imam said, and in our own vicw, the duty or
the committee is: (1)to see first hand those crippledin thc rcvolution; (2)to
contact the familiesof themartyrsand seewhat theysuffer;(3) tosecthe ruin of
thc Shh, America'sagent, caused in Iran,fürniliarizeitselfwith this, and tellthc
nations of the world about il. Naturally if the committee secsüt closcrange thc
things mentioncd by the Imam, thcy will reach the conclusion desiredby thc
Iranian nation, namely that it was the Shah who introduced these inhunian
practiccsand causcd the massacres and the ruinsand that hernust bercturned to
lran and put on trial.
As for contact between ourselvesand this cornmittce,we belicvethat it should
followthe tlirectionsindicatcd by the Imam, approach the actual circumstanccs
as closclyand fulfilthe dcmands of the Iranian nation.
WCmay make available to the committee dociiments which havcfallen into
our hands emanating from the American spieç operating against the lslamic
Revolution of Iran so that it can followupAmcrica'scrimesbetter and acqunint
humanity with them; and let humanity bc the judge.
[Question] Do you operate on a council [showrajsystem?
[Ansiver] Our forces have bcen divided up on thc hasis of the diffcrent
uctivitiesundcrtakcn, and each organ and unit liasa council. In gcneral,work is
carricd out according toa council system.
[Question] Wheredo funds for yourselvesand for the hostagescomefrom'!If
from a privatc source, should the wages of lranian employcesat the Embassy
not be taken from this sourcc?418 DIPI.OMATIC AND CONSUI,AR STAFF
[Ansiiar] As far tisthe hostages arc concerncd, I musi say that the den of
cspionage contains enough food,drugs and facililicsfor sevcral years, and if this
den of cspionage wcre to bc undcr sicge. it could live for rnany years without
contacting thc outside world. Howevcr. funds for thc studcnts arc provided by
thc pcople. or populûr forccs such as the Guards Corps. As for the Iranian staffs
wagcs, in gencral cmbassies havc a system rccognizcd by international law
whcrcby the govcrnmcnt maintüining an cmbassy rcgards crnbassy prcmises as
part of its tcrritory, and that govcrnment mus( niccl the cost of expenses
incurred, employccs recruited. and building costs; and in truth, staff expenses
hcre must bc paid for by thc Arncrican Government. Having rcgard to the fact
thar the American Chargéd7Afîaircsis being held as a hostagc of the people by
thc Foreign Ministry, hc must ask thc American Govcrnment to scnd funds and
pay the lranian staff. If this is no1donc we must bc instructcd to dispose of, by
sale or other mcthod. American propcrty here, including property in American
houses and whatcvcr personal possessions they may own, to pay the staff.
[Qrrcstion] Have you corne undcr pressure from any political group'!
/A~~sII.P~I] principle no populist and original movemenl can corne under
prcssure from ü particular group. bu; it is clear that these groups rcact to
populist and original moverncnts. Thcy adopt an attitude toward ihcse move-
rnents. WChavc sccn up to now that those who claim to be acting in the public
interest do not corne and show svrne support for the occupation oî the den of
cspionagc, bu1 incrcly rcsort to uttcring warnings. Ir they are [indecd] Soviet
supportcrs. thcy shouid support thc occupation of thc den of cspionage-so
there must bc sornc other reason why they do no1 support us.
This stancc is iifact taken by groups and forccs which fcetthat theoccupation
of the den of espionage. and in pürticular the disclosurc of documents may lead
to their downfàll and exposc thcm ils they really arc, or result in the pcople
repudiüting ihcm. So they attempt to adopt thesc slanccs, confronting us with
rumours and harming our movcmcnt through r~irnour-mongering.
But as 1 hrivcsaid, no populisl and original movemcnts can bc pcrvertcd by
any political group. and although wc arc currenlly witnessing a scries of
rcscrvations circuliiting among public opinion against us in conncction with the
occupation of thc den of espionagc. when we sec the leader of the rcvolution
again in the forcfront of the movernent and [when wc have] lmam Khomcini's
support for a pcrson who rruly rcprcsents [our] school of thought and this
rcvolution, emhodics the pcoplc's dcsice and rcally does represcnt thcir will
[prcsumably a rcfcrcnccio Mosavi Kho'ini],many of thcsc rcservations will fade
fiom pcople's minds and ail the difliciilticswhich al1these groups arc trying to
makc for us hcrc and the pressures they are sceking 10bring to bear on us will
corne to an end.
~Qirr~.s/ioiRumours are circulating concerning those exposed in thc docu-
mcnts to thc cffcct that more important documents are in existence, but they
havc not bccn discloscd sincc thcy contain morc important names.
[AiisiverjAs thc question indicatcs, this is rnere rumour, and is inaccurate. If
Lherewere othcr docurncnts in cxisience WC would without doubt make them
public.
[Quesiion] You çaythat you do no1meddle in cxecutivematters, but ilisclear
that outsidc thc den of espionagc thcrc are certain cxcculivc üuthorities who at
the slightest sign from you go into action. An example of this isthe arrest of
Minatchi. How do you explain your "lack of interfcrence"?
The same brolhcr studcnt replicd: "First, we do not believe thal wc should
intcrfcre in thc busincss of the exccutivc,sincewedo not possess the abilitytodo
this. There arc so many revoluiion;iry forces in existenceSV many revolutionary
individuals. so many State officiaisin charge who are prcpared to support our
rcvolutionary move; many of thcsc populist îorccs cxist, for example the Guards
Corps, the Rcvotution Courts. the holy war for rccorislrliction, ihc lslarnic DOCUMENTS 419
societies and so forth. They are ready to sacrifice themselves to prevcnt ~hc
rcvolution from followinga wayward path, and thcy come forward every timc
they feel thatthere is division of strife.
The revolutionary forcesare not limited[rnerelyjto a numbcr of students who
have corne and occupied these premisrs."
[Question] On the subjcctof the chargéd'affairesand severülother personsat
the Foreign Ministry, would you please clarify the irtforrnationcommunicaicd
to the publicexplaining what actually happened, how it was that these pcople
WCrE taken thcre, howthey are being guarded, how long they willremain thcre,
and why up to now they have not been delivcred tu you alongside [fie o~hcr
hostages.
/Ansiver] As iegards the chargéd'affaires and tlie two persons with him,
Tornseth arid Howland-notable Amcrican spics in Iran-hcing held at the
Foreign Ministry, on the day we camc here and occupied thcscpremises thcy
were at the Foreign Ministry, and they wcre noi iransferred hcrc. You should
really ask the Foreign Ministry this question; and since measures we took to
havc them transferred herc wereintcrpreted as amounting to interferencein the
affairsof theexecutive,wedid not pursue the niatter. The Forcign Ministermiist
answer this, and similar questions.
As for our givinginformation about them: what is certain is that the people
are not concerned with just one person, with just one more spy. It is not the
extent of Laingen'scrimes that is thc point bcingstressed.
The be-al1and end-al1of our confrontation, and that of Our people, in lhe
matter of thc occupation of the den orcspionage of our strugglewith Amcricais
not to study thc true naturc of thesespics,or to discoverwhat cKectdisclosurcof
the documents willhavc; the more important issue isthe movcmentas a whole,
and the totiioutlook of this revolution, which regards America as the principal
enemy.
112. KhornciniAllows Italian 10 Act as Hostages' "Postman"
LD292208Rome Domestic Servicein Italian, 2130GMT, 29 Feb. 80 LD.
[Tcxt]Ayatollah Khomcinihas authorized an Italian Salesian, Don AITrdo
Picchioni,to üct as postman for the Americanhostrigesheld in the US Embassy
in Tchran. The Salesian,who speaks Persian, has already been to the Embassy
twice to dcliver mail and gift parccls to the American hostages, and vcry
probably will beable to do this again in the near future. The Salesiansuccccdcd
in speakingto a delegaiion of Iranian studenis, but not with the hostagcs.
t13.BBC Reports Consent for Commission Meetingwith Hostagcs
TA291538 London BBC World Scrvice in English, -500GMT, 29 Fcb. 80
TA.
I"Correspondcnt's report."]
[Text]The United Nations commission now visiting Tchrün to investigaie
Iran'sgrievances againstthc deposed Shah is stillcxpectedto mect the hosiagcs
ai the AmericanEmbassy.There was an carlier report on Tchran radio that the
meeting had alrcady taken place, but our Tehran correspondent, Alex Rrody,
says thisis not so.A[ the sarne time, hc says the Iranian Defcnce MinisterMr.
Gotbzadch [titleas heard] insiststhat a meeting bctwccnthe commissionand the
hostages is siill on.
[Begin Brody recording] Mr. Gotbzadch was reported by the official Pars
NcwsAgency IOhave süidcategoricüllythecommissionwillsecthe hostagcsand
the remark was said io have been made after las\ nighi's meeting of the420 DlPLOMATlC ANI) CONSULAR STAFF
Rcvolutioniiry Council, though thc implication is that the dccision has thc
authority of thc council. Mr. Gotbzadch. howcvcr. gave no indication when this
might h;ippcn, or whcthcr the condition thlit thc hostagcs would givc cvidcncc
had bccn dropped. This condition wns rcstated by the Revolutionary Council
spokesman Dr. Hasan Huhibi beforc the rnccting.Hc said thai if thccommission
wcre to secthe hostages. it must bcas witnesscsto thc crimesof the Shah and the
Unitcd Stiitcs.The comniission has al!alang çaid it cxpecied tosccthc hostagcs,
but on what tcrms was not clear, and the United States, beforc the commission
arrived hcrc in Tehran, siiid it did not want the hostagcs cross-cxamined.
Yestcrday, ;i spokcsniiin for thc studcnts occupying the Embassy said thc
commission would not scc their captives. That wrisnot its purpose. Rut today,
after Mr. Gotbzadch's rcmark, the studcnts were said to be still considcring the
matter.
Sourccs closeto thc commission sayii hüsvi~uülly finishcdthe frrst part of ils
work to examine Iran's gricvlinces,iind this was climaxed by an cxtraordinüry
rallyat thc HiIton Hotcl in Tchron ycstcrday. Morc~hen1,500pcople said 10 bc
citherdisüblcdduring strcct violence,thevictimsoCSAVAKtorture or relativesof
martyrs of ~hcrevolution, presenied themseivesto thc commission and receivcd,
in rcturn. an cmotional speechon its bchalf by the co-chairman,Mr. Mohammad
Rcdjaoui of Algeria. Hc promiscd to tell the world thc unimaginable lengths to
which violiitions of huninn rights havc hcen carricd out in Iran.
The sccond part of thc commission'swork is a sensitivepart. Açcording to ils
mandatc, it is to allow for an early solution of the crisis betwccn the United
States and Iran [end rccording].
114. Prosecutor Asks Forcign Ministry to Hnnd over Hostage
LD021744Tehran Ilomcsiic Service in Persian. 1722GMT, 2 Mar. 80 LD.
["Notice" issued 2 March by the lslamic Rcvolulion prosecutor general-
read by announccr.]
[Text]In thc namc of God. The Forcign Ministry, Mr. Sadeq Gotbzrideh, with
respcct, sincc thc trial of Forqan group membcrs is in progress and the Muslim
Student Followers of thc Imam's Policy havc, in thcir documcnls, prcscntcd
cvidenccconcerning links bctwccn the USespionagc den in Irrinand the Forqan
tcrrorisi group, pleax issue neccssüry instructions to have Mr. (Thompson), ri
hostagc hcld by the Muslim lranian nation, handcd over to the oflice of thc
lslarnic Rcvolution's public prosecutor.
l 15. Rani-Sadr Ber Spiexel Interview
DW031333 klamburg Der Spic~clin German. 3 Mar. 807pp. 134-138DW.
[Irani;iri journalisi Dr. Mostafa Dancsh undntcd interview with lranian
Presidcni Abolhassan Biini-Sadr in Tchran "on bchalf of Bpr Spii.gel".]
[Qirestionj Aftcr your clcction to the officc of Prcsidcnt you conditionally
advocatcd ihe release of ihe American hostages. What are thcsc conditions?
[Buni-Srrrlrj 1 did dot advocritc itconditionally. It is quite simple. The
Americhs say we arc holding the hostagcs in violation of the provisions or the
Vicnna Convention. WC say: Yes, this is true. The Embassy occupiers havc
violatcd thc convention. 1wüsagainst thc taking of the hostagcs from the outsct.
On the othcr hand, 1have hccn onc of the harshcst opponcnts of US hegemony
in Iran.Thc basis of that intrusion musi bc eliminalcd as quickly as possible in
order to solvc the hostagc problcm. WCU MENTS 42 1
[Buni-SrrdrjWe can also live without their spare parts, andWC did rcscue
thosc üffected.This is no1the problem. But how shouldWC understand the fitct
ihai ihc Americans and Europciins keep talking about humaneness toward the
hostages whiledeser~ingour compatriots in a flooddisastcr?So they are bound
to lie. What mattersiçnot at al1the value of man. The hostages are used as a
mcans of propaganda against our revolution. The conditions for the releaseof
ihc hostages are known. If thc United States fulfilsthcsc conditionWC shall
rclease them.
/QucstionJ What is the task of the commission for the investigationinto the
crimesof the Shah setup by thc United Nation9
/&ni-Sadrj The commissionis coming to investigatethe crimes, the treason
the Shah comrnitled and what his dependenccon the United Stateswas likc. 1
heard that Mr. Carter saidin the US Congress that the United States is not
prepared to criticizeits old policyin Iran and condeitWhat good does such
a commission then do anyway? If he does not acccpt this hc willhave created a
ncw situation.In ihis new situation we, too, woutd hav(O take Ourmeasurcs.
[Quesiion] Ayatollah Khomcini and the students in the US Embassystick to
their maximum demand: relcase of the hostages only aftcr the extradition of the
Shah and the return of his foreign assets. What will happcn iTthe commission
condcmns the Shah as udespot and murderer and also condemns US intrusion
but thisis not enough for cither the Ayatollah or the Embassyoccupiersor the
Rcvolutionary Council?
/Boni-Sadr] Any solution to thc problem in any case must be a solution
ricccptablctu Ayatollah Khomeini. Nor will 1raisc any condition that is not
acceptübleto the RevolutionaryCouncil. A solution mus1be supported by al!of
us. I shall act accordingly.
/Question] Who, then, makes the finaldecisionon the relcaseof the hostagcs?
[Hani-Sad Trhe finaldecision willx made by the pcopleand by Ayatollah
Khomcini. Thisisquitesimple.An individualhascoininittedmanycrimesin this
couniry. The people now wani to convict him, nieaningio put him on trial.
What do the Americansand Europeans want?Anyone advocatinghuman rights
must know that the Shah murdcred tensof thousands of people,not to mention
mlinyother crimes.Thisis ajus1dcmand. If you disagrccwith thisdemand, how
can you expcct us to rclcasc thc hostagcs?
116.Commiçsion's Announccrnenton Visit
NC031234Paris AFP in English, 1228GMT, 3 Mar. 80 NC.
ITexi] Tehran, 3 March (AFP)-Thc Iranian Revoluiionary Council hüs
voted unanirnously to allow the visitingUnited Nations inquiry commissionto
mcct the American Embassy hostages, the commissionannounccd today.
A spokesniansaid that mcasurcshavealso beentakcn for the five-manUnited
Nations tearn to be given by tomorrow night al1documents that the Iranian
authorities plan to hand over. Hc did not spccify when the Revolutionary
Council gavethe go-ahead for thc Embassyvisit.
Foreign klinistc~Südcq Gotbzadeh said yesterday lhal thç commission still
hüd work to do here which includcd studying Ccntral Bank documents about
cillegedembezzlementsby the cx-Shah.
The fivejurists earlier today had talks with Mr. Gotbzadeh lasting one hoiir.422 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
117. Studcnt Interview
DW031415 Hamburg Der Spiegel in German, 3 Mar. 80, pp. 138-139 DW.
[Undatcd interview by lranian journalist Mostafa Dancsh with unidentified
occupier of thc US Embassy in Tchran-datc not given.]
{Text] /Questi~~n] Reports are being disscminatcd in the West that the
hostagcs will bc rclcüscd soon. 1sihat right?
(Occupicr] The policy of Carter and thc ruling pcoplc in Amcrica consists of
kccping public opinion in America under conirol. Thal is supposed to avoid
having the Amcricrins concentrate on the crimes of the Shah and on his
exiradition. Dcpending on the concept, the Amcricün Governrnent uses a
particular problcm üs ü propagünda mcans. Sometiincs thcrc is talk of allcgcd
hostagcs, sornctimcs it is statcd that wc studcnts are communists and not
Muslims. WCare suspccicd of manipulating public opinion.
[Question] Oncc again: Will the Amcricans who arc bcing held be releascd
soon?
[Occi~pi~r]WCand our people have said ovcr and ovcr again thata release is
out. First Mohammid Kcza (the Shah) theone who commitied so many crimes,
mus1 be extraditcd to Iran together with his propcrty which has been removed
from the country. Aftcr thesc prcrequisitcs wc will rclcasc the hostages, as
Ayatollah Khomcini says, insicad of making them Facctrial.
[Quesii~iii]Who will make the final decision on the rclease, you or Ayatollah
Khonieini?
[Occztpior] That dccision will bc made by the lranian pcople, in fact by the
one who announces the dcmands, the needs and thc will of our pcople, in other
words, by Ayatollah Khomcini.
[Question] The ncw Statc President of the lslamic Republic of Iran, Bani-
Sadr, was from the vcry beginning opposcd to the taking of hostages. Can that
change your claim'?
[Occicpirr] Our aim is thecxtradition ofthe Shah and of his propcrty abroad.
Only undcr thrtt prercquisite we willreleasc thc hostages. Oihcrwise nothing will
change.
[Quesrion] Docs Ayatollah Khomeini agree with your opinion?
[Occiipier] In his staiements and announcemenis Ayatollah Khorneini has
rcpeatedly strcssed this line of solution. He bclicvcs that the hostages wilibe
rclcased whcn thc Shah and his foreign propcrty havc bcen cxtradited.
[Que.siioti] Rcccntly an international commission\vassct up to invcstigate the
crimes of the Shah and possibly also the policy pursued by Amcrica in Iran. Do
you recognizc the commission?
[Occupkr] Wc hiivc not formed an opinion about ihc authority of this
commission. lis activity and its decision willshow whcthcr it will bein a position
to sincerely fulfil iis tlisks or not.
fQ~e~ti(>n/And what is being sincere?
fOccupicr] If the commission accepts that thc fornicr Shah, the servant of the
United States. has commitied many crimes undcr the protcciion of the ruling
people of Amcrica. and if it will condemn the ruling pcoplc of America and
confirm thc cxtradiiion of the Shah and his property so thrit we will release the
hostages, it will be ctear that it has fulfilled its task correctly.
In this casc its opinion wbclin accordance with thc opinion of our people. In
the other casc it would have done an unnecessary job.
[Qu~stioii] So if thc commission condemns thc Shah rncrelyfor being a despot
and for hüving murdered 10,000patriots. it would no1speed up the release of the
hostages'?
[Occupi~r] No. The activity of the commission has nothing to do with the
rclcasc of thc hostagcs.
[Question] You have namcd as a prcrcquisitc for the rclcüsc of the hostages DOCUMENTS 423
the extradition of the Shah and his property. Can you hold fast to that
maximum demand?
[Occupier] Wecannot abandon that aim, otherwiscwewould bc punished by
the people.The lranian peoplehave set that larget. Wehere are nothing but the
representatives of the people who follow their dema~ids.
[QuestionJ You arc beingcharged in the Westwith exposingthe hostagcs to
physical and psychologicaltorture.
[Occupier] Thescare rumours of the ruling peoplein Arneriça.Thc movemcnt
of the Muslim studcnts in the American Ernbassyis not a tcrror organization.
Wehavedone nothing but hold thesespiesin the name of the people.Our people
do not pernlit us to torture the hostages or oppress them psychologically.The
letters written by theostages to their relatives, the filmsrhat havc bcen made
here and thc reports of the surprisevisitorsdernonstrate iWCtarc treating the
hostages vcry wcll.
[Question] Could some hostagesbe prepared to make stütements in court
against the Shah and the American policy in Iran?
[Occupier] Somc of the spicsare veryskilful.They are in a position to carry
out rnany activities.They speakPersian verywell,for example, they know vcry
muchabouiIJam and they havcgood information aboui ihe crimes ofihc Shah.
They have confirmed in letters to their relativeAmerica that the Shah was a
criminal. Tliey admit that the Embassy in fact was a centre of espionagc and
conspirdcy.
Many of the hostageç do not believein the human rights of Carter and his
Christian mission. Thcy are prepared in the future court procccdings to state
thcir opinion about the Shah and the American Government.
[Question] Do the occupiersof thc Embassy bclong to a particular political
organizatioii?
[Occupier] If we belongcd to a particular political organizütioWC would
have beenisolated very quickly. Since we do not belong to a particular group
and since we just followthe Lineof Ayatollah Khomeini, wehave the support of
the whole people.The people willsupport usonly as long aswedo not belongto
a particular organization.
118.Gotbzadeh: Commission's Meeting withHcistages"A Certainty"
LD0.50803Paris LR Figaro in French, 3 Mar. 80, p.4 LD.
[Serge Chauvel-Leroux dispütch: "Khomeini Agrees to Wostages Meeting
With United Nations Commission."]
[Excerpt]Tehran-Of course, the hostages are nor about to bc released yet,
though in fvlr.Gotbzadeh's viewthe United Nations commission'svisit and the
attentionit has givenover thc pa~tweekto the imperialrégime'scxlortions nicct
the heartfeli demand of many Iranians and have considerably altercd domestic
opinion, thiis raising barriers.
Having finalizedthe fast details of the imminent meeting one by one with the
commission and the Revolution Council and before presenting thern to the
Imam, Sadeq Gotbzadeh reccivedus. Hehas asportsman'sphysiqueand worca
ski sweatereven inthe sumptuous officesinhented from the imperialadministra-
tion; his hoarse voice wüs that of a heavy smoker. As we entcrcd a notice
requested that we leaveOurweapons at the door.
"The meeting withthe hostagesisa certainty", hesaid. "All that rernainstbe
donc is for the commission to cornpicte its inquiry. The visit aa whole is a
separate matter. When 1 was in Paris a fortnight ago I explaincd that this
commission's workhad nothing to do with the issue ofthc hostages'rcleaseIiis
the world press which has raised false hopes."
Despite the twofold mandate issued by the United Nations-to investigate424 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSUIAR STAFF
the imperial régime and to scttlc thc Iranian-US dispute, that is Srcc the
hostagcs-thc Minisler said thalhc ncver discusscd with Kurt Waldheim linking
thc rclcüsc to the commission's arrival: "If therc was any ambiguity and
rnisundcrstanding, it was not on our part", hc said. "1 mcrely hopcd that this
commission's work would make ii possible to crcatc a morc realistic atmosphcrc
in which to rcally rcsolvc the hostagcs issuc." "Our pcoplc," Sadcq Gotbzadch
continucd, "rcally arc dernandinginternational attcniion to the former rirgime's
crimes ;ind to its dcpendence on thc Uniicd Statcs. They know thai as thc
commission vcrifics thcsc atrociiics ii will bring thcm to thc attcntion OSthc
world."
"Win this crisis," he added, "the Forcign Minister has had to givc guarantccs
diingcrous to himself, in an atmosphcrc of tension and misunderstanding. Nor
has logic prcvailcd nt al1on thc Amcrican sidc. The çrcation of a Unitcd Nations
commission which nobody bclicvcd in could not achicvc üny rcsult. Firsl. thc
international organization's crcdibtliiy. which was lost in Iran, should havc bccn
rcstorcd so thai our people would acccpt ccrtiiin conditions for resolving the
problcm."
Hc docs not rcgard the visit as rutilc. The commission was wclcomc and
rcspcctcd: This is thc first positive thing that has happcncd since the star1 of the
crisis...
As for ihc dclay in releasing the hostagcs, following on from Ayatollah
Khomcini's statcmcnt a wcek ago as thc livc jurists sct off confidcntly fioni
Gcncvü, Mr. Gotbzlidch was not afraid 01'bcing cynical: "No tirnetables wcrc
dccidcd", hc süid. "Things were totülly ambiguous: no traps were set. 1 havc
done niy utmost to insure that when the commissioii's report is publishcd the
hostagcs can bc rcleascd."
Dcspitc the siudcnts' announccrncnts. the IZoreign Minister belicvcs thai.
according io thc Ictter of the Imam's dcclaraiion cntrusting a decision on thc
libcration to thc Futurc Parliament, thc hosiagcs' fatc is no1 linked to the Shah's
exiradition and that the hypothesis of proccedings against sorne or ihem
conflicts with the "envisaged directions" siticc, following the graduül dccrcs-
ccndo sincc Novcmbcr. thc work of thc commissioii currcntly in Tchran has
replaccd thc prcviously suggested idea of a tribunal.
At the samc timc, according to Gotbzüdch, thc dcmand for thc Shah's
cxtraditioii rcflccLIscrious political rcquircment, and he personally is in favour
ofguariintccing to thc Panamanian Stütc Lhatthc L'ormcrsovcrcign will no1 bc
exccutcd: "Ncvcr nrind", hc siid with a sfy look: "U'ewill get hint . .."
119.Gotbzadch Mesinirrini lntcrvicw
AT041619 Athens ~Mesintrriniin Grcck, 4 Mar. 80, p. 5 AT.
[Exdusivc intcrvicw grantcd by Irüniün Foreign Minister Sadcq Gotbzadch to
Mesit?irri!tiTehrün correspondent. Koannidhis, presumably on 3 March.]
[Exccrpts] Iran Forcign Ministcr Sadcq Gotbzadch is optimistic on thc
solution of ihc hostage issue. He bclicvcs thc Parliament to bc cicctcd carlyin
April will decidc to put an cnd io thc crisis. Thc studcnts themselves, howcvcr,
continuc to üppcar intransigent.
/Qultstiorl)1now comc to thc main and hurning qucstion of relations with ihc
Uniicd Siaics. 1have pcrsonally spokcn to thc students who hold thc hostagcs
and thcy told rnc that the hostagcs will not bc frccd until the Shah is extraditcd
and that this is the people's willand the linc laid down by the imam Khomcini.1
bclicvc ihis could lead to a state or "pcrmancnt hoslagcs". Do you sharc this
vicw of mine about "pcrmancnt hostagcs"'?
[d~isir.c~No. not pcrmancnt. [Qrrestioti]With "permanent", 1 mean long tcrm.
[Answer] No, it willno1be of a "long dura!ionV.ASsoon as the membcrsof
Parliament incct thcy willdccide.
[Qitestion] And iTthc pcoplc'swill ...
[Answer] The pcoplc'swill willbe expresscdihrough the Parliarncnt and not
through one person or through one group. This is also what the Imam rcccntly
stated. Itisthe rcprescntatives of the Iraniari pcoplcwha will dccideon thc
question of the hostages.
/Question] What if the Parliament decides to try somc of the hostagcs?
[Ansirerj 1 do not believeSO.Letus not make suppositions.
[Quesrion] 1am simply rcpcating what I hcard ai the Ernbassy about ihe
possibilityof a trial.
[Ansiver] No, therc will be no trial.
[Question]You most ccrtainly muçl read what foreign newspapers writc
about you. 'Thcyconsidcr President Bani-Sadr as ürnodcrate and you ashard.
Do you considcr yoursclî hard?
[Answer] It depcnds upon what al1ihcsc wordsmctin.1most certainlydo not
wish to make declarations or cornmentswhich 1will be iinable to implemcni.1
am trying to cxplain the truc situaiioand not to confuse my ideals with thc
rcality which cxists around me.We must look upon what we can and what we
cannot do rcalistical\y. The iem "hard" is :in adjective given to rnc by the
Westcrn press and ii is.oî no interesi to me. In rcfcrcncc to thc crisis of ~he
hostages, 1tried to solvc it right from the beginnin1.believcthat its solution
wiHbe benelicialto world peaccand to thc countries cifthe Third World. At the
same time it woiild also clcvate the prestige of' the United Nations and
îurthermore that it would be to the intcrcst of the countrwhich go[involved
in this crisis.
lQueslion) You arc, of course, referring tothe solution of the crisis?
fAnsiverj Yes, to the solution of this problcm.Ih;ivctried to havcilsolvcd
right from the stari1tricd to take stepsofstrütcgyinstead ofialking without my
words having any retation to the realitics which 1 have mentioned. In oiher
words 1 have tried io take the steps that cbc taken.
[Qîirstion] Do ihese realities providany hopcs for a speedysolution to the
question of hostages'?
/Answer] Irdcpends on what we mean by spccdy . . .
/Question/ [do not mean tomorrow.
[Ansiver] You must bcarin mind that the cfrortsfor the establishmcnt oî the
United Nations commission lasted forihree monthç. It was the United States
whichattemptcd to prevent itsformation. In thc end it realizedthat formation of
the commissionfor the purposc of conducting an investigationwas impcrative.
This is the first positive stcp.
[Questio jnDo you bclieve inthe prospects crcatcd bccausc of the commis-
sion?
[Answer] Most ccrtainly this is the only way to solve this problcm.
120.AFP: Students Agrcc to Visit
NC040950Paris AFP in English,0944 GMT, 4 Mar. 80 NC.
[Text]Tehran, 4 March (AFP)-The Islarnicmilitants occupyingthe Amcri-
can Embassy here said today that they will Ici the United Nations inquiry
commission visit the 50 Embassy hostages, the Iranian Pars News Agency
rcportcd.
The five United Nationsjurists would bcallowcd io rneeithe hostagesif they
simplywantcd to verifythat thcywerein good hcritth,the militants were yuotcd
as saying.426 DIPLO>IATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
Rut Pars said thcy added: "WC will not agrcc to lctting thcm sec thcm for
other rcasons."
121.Gotbzadch Lcaves Dccision on "Rci'ugee" up to Imam.+Council
Li3040453Tehran Domestic Servicc in Pcrsiün, 0338 GMT, 4 Mar. 80 LD.
[Tcxt] Thc centrril ncws burcau and Pars rcport: Foreign Minister Sadcq
Gobzadch hris lcft the dccision on hlinding over to the revolution public
prosccutor onc or a11of the Amcricans who arc staying in the Islamic Rcpublic
of lran Foreign Ministry up to the Imam and the Revolution Council.
Thctcx otfthe Iranian Foreign Ministcr's lctterof reply to 'Ali Qoddusi's
rncssagcof ycstcrday rcgarding the handovcr of Victor Tomseth for questioning
in conncction wilh the revelation statcmcnt of thc Muslim Student Followers of
the Imam's Policy and his relation with the 120rqangroup is as follows:
Rcspectfully it is announced that:
1.Thc thrcc Americans in this ministry were accepted as refugees al the time
of the govcrnment of Engineer Bazargan. This acccptancc was approvcd by the
lslamic Rcvolution Council of Iran and somc of the exalted ulema. The mütter
was iilso rcporicd to thc Imam of thc niitiiitthe süme time.
2. Sonic tirncago thc students stationcd in the UScspionage den wrotc a Icttcr
to thc Ministry of Forcign Afiirs summoning one of the three aforementioned
pcrsons. This lettcr was broadcast by the Voice and Profile of the lslamic
Rcpublic of lran before itreached thc Forcign Ministry. The reply to this lcttcr
was prcscnlcd to thc Imam of the nation in an open lctter by the samc mcans.
3. Las!lime. on bchalf of the revolution publicproseculor, one of thebrothers
came to question Mr. Victor Tomscth and we provided an interpreter with
facilitics for the questioning.
4. At prcscnt if the Revolution Court intcnds 10 summon one or al1of the
individuals ai this place.itmust makc a dircct request through the lslamic
Revolution Council because both the Ministry oi'Foreign Affairs and the Revo-
lution Court arc performing their dutics under the supervision of the Revolution
Council. Rcgarding the fatc of the thrce Americans in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. the decision rests first with the Imam of the natiin;case therc is no
clcar dcciçionby the Imam of the nation, thc Rcvolution Council wiHmakc a dc-
cision on this militer.
fSigirc~tSadcq Gotbrüdeh, Forcign Ministcr ofthe Islamic Republic of Iran.
122.Liit Rccport: Studcnts Say United Nations PanelCan Mcet Hoslagcs
LD041338 Tehran Domestic Service in Pcrsian, 1046GMT, 4 Mar. 80 LD.
[Text of statcmcnt by the Muslim Studcnt Followers of the Imam's Policy on
thc mccting bclwccn their two rcprcscntstivcs. four members of the Rcvolution
Council. and thc Prcsidcnt-rcad by announccr.]
[Text] In the namc of God, lhc compassionatc, the merciful. The public
relationsoficcr of the Muslim Studcnt Followers of the Imam's Policy stationcd
at the Amcricrinden oîespioniige announccd that üt 1800ycsterday, two Muslim
studcnt followcrs of the Imam's policy sialioncd üt the den of cspionagc met and
hcld talks with four members of thc Rcvolution Council and the Prcsidcnt about
thc proposed meetings between the mcmbcrs of the Unitcd Nations commission
invcstigiiting thc crimes of America in Iran and thc spying hostages.
At this mccting. which took placc in the officcof the Prime Minister, Hojjat ol-
Eslam Mosavi Ardabili, formcr supervisor of the Ministry of tnterior and the DOCUMENTS 427
presentsupervisorof theplan and budgetorganization, and Mr.Gotbzadeh were
present. After putting forward the issue of the meeting withthe hostages,r.
Gotbzadeh gave a short report on the history of the formation and dulies of the
commission, saying that the abovementioned commissionhas come to Iran to
investigate three issues: the violation ofan rights by America in Iran, the
crimesof Mohammad Reza Pahlaviin han, and meeting with thehostages.This
[presumablythe report] was approved by Imam Khomeini and the Revolution
CoThe two sidcs then discussed the position of the lranian Revolution, the
international prestigeof the lslarnicRevolution of Iran and howtostop America
from takingadvantage or thesituation and how to deala blow to Amcrica.
SadeqGotbzadehsaid: All themembersof lhc commissionwereeitherchosen
by us, or the Government of lran appraved them and most of them are known
for theirgood reputations [sentenceas heard].Carterand hisadministration had
no role in choosingthem. The formation of this commission was plannedduring
my discussions with Waldheimin Tehran.
He added: The formation of this commission in Tehran was the greatcst
victory afterthe occupation of the denof espionrige.
He added that communists and Zionists would like the commission to failin
carrying out its objectives.
Membersof the RevolutionCouncil put forward a three-pron ed plan for the
investigation of the crimes of Moharnmad Rem Pahlavi an 8 America and
visiting the hostages, andaid that the Governmcnt of Iran had promised the
commission this meeting and that the meeting should take place. If it did not
take place, the position of the Government ofIrun would be weakened.
The students put forward their views as i'ollows:We do not hüvc any
objections to the nature of this commission and it should carry out ils duty of
investigatingthe crimes of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and America sinccil has
ken approved by the Imam. But on the meeting bciween the members of the
commissionand the hostages it would have beenmore desirableif the studcnts
stationed in the den of espionage and who are holding hostages had bcen
consulted beforehand.
lran should continue, as always,to take thc initiatIfwelose the initiative
in any operation, the result will be that we willnot be able to control the
situationand wewill not know whether it willbe inthe interests of the lranian
Rcvolution and the nation of Iran or America.
According to our analysis of the situation, it is the Government of America
that has been insisting on a meeting betweenthe members of the commission
and the hostages and which is waiting for this mectirtotake place in order to
blow the event up using its propaganda organs al\ over the world and to
overshadow the main objective, narnely the investigation of the crimes of
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and America. Therefore, the investigationof the
crimes of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and America and the meeting with the
hostages should be separated in sucha wayas to deal another blow at America;
and the initiative regarding thisissue-which Americais waitingto blow up out
of al1proportion-should be held by Iran.
The reptation of the great lslarnic Revolution of Iran, which has shone the
light of hope into thc hearts of the deprivcd and oppressed peopleof the world,
should not beblemishedand only those steps should be taken that are directed
decisivelyagainst America and at preventing any psychological defeat of the
nation of Iran and other strugglersof the world.
As the Imam rnentioned in his recent message. the United Nations commis-
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and America, and to observe the destruction and by
those disabled during Iran's Revolution.
In addition to the above we are ready to arrange for a meeting betwcen a428 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
witnessesand living evidenceof the crimes committed by America in Iran.n
Al1this willserve toward insuring the main objective,which is the investiga-
tion of the crimes ofMohammad Reza Pahlavi and America,and that whatcver
Pahlavi and America, othenvise these steps will not beiin the interests of the
reIflany commitments have been undertaken by the Government of lran or the
President[to Letthe commission sccthe hostages],then thecommissionmus1first
finalizeitsinvestigations [intothe Shahand the United States],submit the results
and defend the results at the United Nations.
When the United Nations accepts the results and the nation of Iran sees the
results and is convinced that, in spite of the pressure by America, the
commissionhas been able to work along the correct lines,thcn the Revolution
Council of the Government of Iran-in possessionof the initiative-can invite
the same commissionor even other personalities to corne to Iran and visit the
hostagesin order to find out about their health, theirphysicalcondition and,the
way they are living.
This plan was rejccted by Dr. Bani-Sadr and Mr. Gotbzadeh and it was
ex~laincd that the members of this commission had been chosen and were
reiiable, and that such a plan would not be in accordance with [accepted]
standards, and rnight even bedarnaging.
The students emphasizedthat eversincethe arriva1of the commissionin Iran,
the White House and Washington spokesrnen haveinsistedthat the commission
had come here in order to resolvethe problem of the hostages and to visit them.
Mr. Bani-Sadr, the President, believed that this aas not true [presumably
meaningthat hedid not feelthis wasthe case]and the issuewas mentionedin the
[commission's] itinerary.
Hojat 01-EslamMosavi Ardabili and two other members of the Revolution
Council, emphasizingthispoint said:Thereare interestingand noteworthy points
in what the studentsSay.These should be considcrcd.They said that wcshould
come to some sort of conclusion and that the commission should not lcave
without any results, but that at the same time Iran's position shouldnot be
weakened.
During the session other plans were proposed, but the two sides did not
approve them.
123.Revolution Council'sApproval
LD042110Tehran Domestic Service inPersian, 2045 GMT, 4 Mar. 80 LD.
[Text]According to the report of Pars NewsAgency,the Revolution Council
had a sessiontonight with the participation of President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr.
At the end of this meeting, SadeqGotbzadeh,the Ministerof Foreign Affairs,in
an interview with the reporters announced that with the approval of the
Revolution Council the members of the commissionof inquiryinto the crimesof
the former Shah and the United States in lran wili meet with the hostages.
Gotbzadeh did not put any information at the disposal of the reporters
concerning the time and date of this meeting. He added that Imam Khomeini
has announced his approval concerning the meeting of the members of the
commissionof inquiry with the hostagcs.
124.Prosecutor General on Tomseth Sumrnons
LI3051146Tehran DomesticServicein Persian, 1050GMT, 5 Mar. 80LD.
[Text]The Prosecutor General of the islamic Revolution of lran announced430 I)IPLOMATIC AND CONSULARSTAFF
It sccmcd likelythat the Unitcd Nations commissioii, in Tehran lo conduct an
inquiry into the former Shah's rkgimc, would mcct the hostagcs over the
weckend.
lranian President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr also told Agence France-Presse
today that the fivc-man United Nations commission would be able to sec al1
hostagcs, but that the hostages mus1provide testimony.
The brcakthrough, ihe most dramatic sincc the hostages were seized on 4
November, occurred arter Mr. Bani-Sadr met with Iranian spiritual leader
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomcini. The meeting'sresults wereimmediately hailed as
a victory for Mr. Bani-Sadr.
127.Tchran on AFP Interview
LD070621 Tehian Domestic Service inPersian, 0430 GMT, 7 Mar. 80 LD.
[Text] Dr. Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, our country's President, in an interview
with AFP yesterday, said: The international commission of inquiry willmeet the
hostagcs: it should, however, await thcir testimony.
Rani-Sadr said: 1told them: You cün meet the hostüges but you should also
ask them to testify. Regarding the rcsponsc of the commission to these remarks,
Bani-Sadr said that the mcmbers of thc commission had agreed.
Thc President of Iran said: Normilizing the relations beiween Iran and
Unitcd States has nothing to do with the fate of the hostages but depends on the
US policy rcgarding Iran's dependencc.Bani-Sadr said: If the Amcricans change
their expansionist policy and notintcrfere in the affairs of others, relations will
be normalized.
Conccrning the three conditions for the release of the hostages on which,
according to Bani-Sadr, Iran's future Parliament would decide, the President
stressed that the fulfilmcnt of thcse three conditions could bring about the
possibility of the establishment of relations between the two countries.
WCpoint out that Büni-Sadr's thrcc condiiions were lhatthc United States
should confessto ils past crimes in Iran, guarantee lhüt it willno longer interfere
in Iran'saffairs and not disagree with the extradition of the deposcd Shah. Bani-
Sadr added: The Parliamen1 will no1 have any difficulty in deciding. The
Parliameni will bc the indicator of the alcrtness of the nation. The Parliament
will decide in favour of Iran and could not decide otherwise.
128.Studcnts' Statcmcnt on Handover
LD080754 Tehran Domesiic Service in Persian, 0730 GMT, 8 Mar. 80 LD.
[Statcmcnt issued today by the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's
Policy-read by announcer.]
[Tcxt] In the name of God, the compassionatc, the merciful. According to
information which has reached us, the publishcd report quoting Mr. Sadeq
Gotbzadch pcrtaining 10 the Imam's command on the handing over of thc
hostagcs is a tissue of lies. Meanwhilc, we regret that we cannohand over the
hostages to the Minister of Foreign AKairs. Itis essential, therefore, for the
Revotution Council to officiallyappoint another representative to takc delivery
of the hostüges.
129.Gotbzadeh Interview
LDO80945 Tehran Domestic Scrvicc in Persian, 0730 GMT, 8 Mar. 80 LD.
[Tcxt] In an intervicw lastnight Sadeq Gotbzadeh announecd that, by the
command of the Imam and with thc unanimous approval of the Revolution WCUMENTS 431
Council, he would go as the rcprcscntative of the rcvolution to the site of the
former US Embassy today to take delivery of the hostages from the Muslim
Student Fol)r>wersof the Imam's Policy [begin rwording].
/Quesiion] Mr. Gotbzadeh, during an interview you announced that by the
command of the lmam and by the unanimous approval of the Revolution
Council you arc duc togo to the USdenof espionügc:in order to take deliveryof
the hostages there from the students. 1would like to say that wwcncontacied
the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy, they said that the Imam
had not issued such an order. 1hg you to tell us what the purpose is behind
your statement that you would be taking delivery of the hostagcs by the
command of the Imam. Kindly provide an explan;ltion for the benefit of our
dear listeners.
[Answer] The repori given 10 the Revolution Council affirrned ihai ihc
students' proposal to hand over the hostagesto the Revolution Council hasbecn
sanctioned by the Imam. Therefore, the Revolution Council, too, on the samc
basis agreed ihat it should take dciiueryof the hostagcs.This is whatwholc
thing was about. The Imam has noi directly issued an order to myselî in this
connection. But it is fact that the lmam entrusted the issue to the Revolution
Council. What concems me at thc moment is that-since it is (?a fact) that the
students thernselvesproposed adoptingthat course, and the Revolution Council
agrced toil, and in viewof thc Imam'spromise to cntrust and bring this issucto
the attention of the Revolution Council-therefore,he responsibility for taking
deliveryhas bccn cntrusted to mysclf.It follows, thereforc, that to carry out the
decisionof the Revolution Counciland to solvethepresent crisis1shallgo Io the
den of cspionage. In the meantirne1 am forced to point out emphatically that
taking dcliveryof the hostages is under no circumstanccs aimat their relcasc.
That task, by the order of the Imam, is entrusted to the National Consultative
Assembly.
[Question] Thank you very much for your reply.
[Answer] Not at al1[end recording].
130.Khomeini Silent on Elostages
LDO80944 Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 0930 GMT, 8 Mar. 80 Ln.
[Siatemenl issued by the officeof lmam Khomcini-read by announeer.)
fïext II the name of God, the compassionate, the rnerciful. In connection
with the dclivery of theostages to the Revolution Council certain newspapcrs
have attriliutedthis to the Imam, but his holiness the Imam Khomeini, ihe
leader of the revolution and founder of the Islamic Rcpublicof Iran, prefers to
remain silcnt on this and has cntrusted the issue of the hostages to the Islamic
ConsultativeAssembly.
[Signedl The officeof lmam Khomeini, Qom.
131. Further Report
LDO81117Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1039GMT, 8 Mar. 80LD.
pext] Irian interview with a correspondent of F'arsNews Agency today.a
Revolutiori Council spokesman confirmed that the Revolution Council had
entrustedthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the tnsk of taking deliveryof the
hostages.
In reply to the question of wheiher tstudents'proposal had beenpresentcd
to the Imam and had not been placedal the disposa1of the Revolution Council,
the Revolution Council spokesman said:As you may wellknow, that proposal
was in effcci broadcast by the radio, which is hnw thc Revolution Council432 I>IPLOMATIC ANID CONSULAR STAFF
becamc aware of it.Based on past experience, and givingcredencc to reports by
the media. the ncws was rilso brought to the attention of the Imam.
ThePars News Agencycorrespondent asked: Doesit therefore follow that the
Imam has not issued a direct order to the Revolution Council?
Thc Rcvolution Council spokcsman answered: You should ask Mr. Bani-Sadr
about this. But as Faras thc Rcvolution Council is concerned, the Rcvolution
Council decided to approvc thc studcnts' proposa1 on taking delivery of the
hostages.
The question was thcn askcd: Has thc Revolution Council unanimously
approved Sadcq Gotbzadch as the council's reprcsentative?
The Revolution Council spokcsman answered: Yes. It was decided that the
responsibility for iaking delivery should be entrusted to the Ministry of Foreign
AFdirs and of course Mr. Gotbzadeh would therefore be responsible. The
Revoluiion Council spokcsman refused to express an opinion about the
vicwpoint of the Muslim Studcnt Followers of the Imam's Policy, who had
deemed a meeting between the members of the commission invesiigating the
crimes of the Shah with thc hostages as a deviation rrom the Imam's policy.
132.Foreign Ministry Statement
LD081207Tehran Domcstic Service in Pcrsian, I 112GMT, 8 Mar. 80 LD.
["Text" ofsiatement issucd by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Voiccof
the lslamic Republic of Irün-read by announcer.]
[Text] InHis cxaltcd namc. Regarding the statcrnent issued by thc Muslim
Student Followcrs of thc Imum's I'olicy stationed at the US den of espioniige
about the lack of the Imam's approval concerning the handing over of thc
hostages to the Rcvolution Council. in which the student followers called [as
heard] a tissue of lies, it is pointed out that:
1.Whatcvcr has bccn said quoting the Imam has been based on the report
submitted to the Revolution Council on Thursday.
2. The Revolution Council hüs declared its unanimous approval of the
handing over OFthe hostages.
3. On behalf of the council, I[Sadeq Cotbzadeh] have bcen assigncd to this
task, and willinform the brave Iranian nation of al1the matters in an interview
ionight. May a dark day behll the-deceitful.
/Signedl Sadeq Gotb?;ideh, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
133.Student Statemeni on Hostages
JN081958 Tehran International Servicein Arabic, 1900GMT, 8 Mar. 80JN.
istatement issued 8 March by the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's
Policy residing in the US "dcn of cspionage"-read by announccr.]
{Text]In thename of God, thc compassionate, the merciful. Noble, struggling
and maturc Iranian pcople: Within our expression of our completc apprcciation
und thanks for your sinccrc support, especially that of Our dear brother and
sister students of schools and universities,we would like to drüw your attention
CO the following points:
1.Thc destiny of the people and the homeland as wcll as the dcstiny of the
progress of the Grcat lranian Islarnicrenaissance in the faceof the superpowers,
particularly the colonialist oppressive United States-the first enemy, which is
the source of al1our catastrophcs-cannot be achieved except through the unity
and safeguarding of opinion under Imam Khorneini, leader of the nation and
founder of the Islamic Rcpublic of Iran. 2. WChumbly cal1on al1 thc people to carry on with thcir great revolution
undcr lmarn Khomeini and his decisivcand noncapitulatory lcadership and to
dircct their slaps to the lace of the United States, which is exposed and
colonialist, so thai it will learn thai any initiative toward releasing the hostages
willonly bcabortive efforts and that thc struggling Iranian peoplehave decided
to conlinue thcir strugglc in ordcr to cxtraditc the fleeingdeposcd Shah and the
wclilth hc plundcred until 311forms of subservience are uprooted. As Imam
Khomcini süid, thc destiny of thc hostages will be decidcd by thc lslarnic Shura
Council.
3. As long as we do not consider the issue of a mccting beiween the
investigationcommission and the hostages asa revolutionary stcp nor within the
Imam's trend' and as long as WC do no1 consider standing in the face of the
aficials and the executivc authorities and creating a govcrnmcni within a
governrnent as a revolutionary act nor inthe interest of the country, we decided
to hand over the hostagcs.
We condcmn, denouncc and rcjcct any sit-in, strike or any similar initiative
that miiy end in the intcrcst or ripportunists and plntlers.
134.Revolution Council Statcment on Transfcr
LDD81918Tehran Domestic Scrvice in Persian, 1830GMT, 8 Mar. 80 LD.
["Tcxt" or 8 March statemcnt by thc Revolution Council in conncction wilh
the transfcr of the hostages, "issued inordcr to cliipthe factsand rcmoveany
ambiguity"-read by announcer.]
[Tcxt]In the namc of God, the mcrciful, the compassionatc. Considering the
rumoursand discussions with rcgard to the handing over of thc US hostages to
the Rcvoliition Council and in view of the fact that, regrcttably, certain
clcmcnts, wittingly or unwiitingly, arc always trying to fiin rumours and thus
rcmove thc undcrstanding and cooperation whichare at prcscnt the sccrctof our
(?succcss),the Rcvolution Council dcems it necessary to inform the public of the
detailsor thc cvcnts, in ordcr to clcür up facts and removc üny ürnbiguity:
Whcn thc question of arriva1of thc commission of inquiry into the crimes of
thc oustcd Mohammad Rezü Pühlüvi\vas raised at the Revolution Council and
approvcd. Dr. Abolhassün Bani-Sadr. the chairman of the Rcvolulion Council,
raiscd ihc point with the Imam of the nation in order to seek his views. The
Imam agrced with the arriva1of thc mission in Iraii and its probable meeting
[prcsumably with the hostagcs].
Having been notified of the couneil'sdccision about the probable meeting of
thc mission, the hiIuslimstudentç stationcd at the former US Embassycxpressed
thcir opposilion. The Rcvoluiion Council which considcred thc opposition of
thcsc broihers and sisters, dcspitc cxplicit orders issiied hy the Imiim rgarding
thc nccd toobey the Revolution Councilas unacceptable,announccd itsdecision
as a rcsponsible source in a meeting hcldwith the participation of the President,
a numbcr of council members and thc represcntatives of the students. This was
on Monday, 3 March.
Sornc siudent representatives, during a long meeiing wiih Mr. Hashemi
Rafsanjani. a member of the Revolution Council, stated ihai they would hand
ovcr the hostages to the Revolution Council, thus relieving thcmselves of any
responsibilily.Mr. Hashcmi Rüfsanjani warned the brothers against îhis action.
This was on Wedneçday. 5 March.
Despitc al1 thcse, in a statemcnt scnt dircctly to the media on Thursdsy, 6
Miirch. the students announccd that thcy considered themselvesas having no
responsibility for keepingthc hostagcs and thüt they would hand thcm over to ihe
Rcvolution Council. The RevolutionCouncil held a meetingonThursday evening
to discussthe persistent dccision by thc studcn10 hand the hostngesover to the434 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
Revolution Council. The question was raised in this meeting concerning the
students continuing to have responsibility for theostages as the most suitable
way to dcal with the problem. However, as it appeared that the students were
determined to relievethemselvesof sucha responsibility,thequestion as to which
government organ should havethe responsibility was discussed.Ttwaseventually
decidcd that should the students pcrsist in their decision, then the .Foreign
Ministry should take delivery ofand keep the hostages, until such time whenthe
Islamic Consultative Assembly would make a final decision.
What hüs been and is the council's viewisthat the commission can meet the
hostages, unless the students continue to oppose such a meeting, in which case,
as ihey proposed, the hostages should be handed over and the Foreign Ministry
should then be responsible for the procedure.
In conclusion it isernphasizedthatany decisionabout the fate of the hostages,
asannounced by the Imam, is up to the nation's representativesand the Islamic
Consultative Assembly.
[Signedj The lslamic Republic Revolution Council; Saturday, 8 March 1980.
135.Guards Backing of Khomcini
LD091802Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1643GMT, 9 Mar. 80LD.
[Announcement issued bythe central headquarters of the Revolution Guards
Corps; date not given-read by announcer.]
[Text] It is written in the constitution of the corps and we have repcatcdly
announced that the Guards Corps considers the Velayat-eFaqih [vice-regencyof
the chief theologian]to be the most revolutionary articleand one which should
beadhercd toat al1costs, and isproud to deem itselfdutybound to followImam
Khomeini at al1times and under al1circumstances.
With regard to this issue, thereis nothing left to Saybut the decree of our
leader: the issue of thehostages is in the hands of the representatives of the
people and the Islamic Consultative Assembly.
136.Gotbzadch Communiquéon Negotiations
NC091720 Paris AFP in English, 1710GMT, 9 Mar. 80 NC.
[Text]Tehran, 9 March (AFP)-The "lslamicstudents" holding50Americans
hostageinthe UnitedStatesEmbassy haveset"ncw conditions" on handing thcm
over to the Revolutionary Council, Foreign Minister Sadeq Gotbzadeh said
today. Inacommuniquépublishedby Pars NewsAgency,Mr. Gotbzadeh said the
conditions had been submitted to his ministry after "lengthy negotiations", but
did not explain what the new demands were.
Mr. Gotbzadeh's communiquégave the following account of these negotia-
tions: "The representative of the Foreign Ministry went to the den of espionage
(the US Ernbassy) to take delivery of the American hostages.
conditions for the delivery of the hostages:udents proposed the following
1.The studentsmust be informed eight hours ahead about the timeof delivcry
and this tirneshould be sometime beforethe 8a.m., 2 p.m. and 8p.m. radio news
so that the public could be informed of the rneasure.
2.From the moment of the deliveryofthe hostages the responsibility for thcir
livesmust rest with those who take delivery of them."
"In viewof the above conditions it isclear that the students have no intention
them",ivthe statementssüid.do not wishthe United Nations commission to mcet DOCUMENTS 435
The statement declared: "II is clcar that (?the reasons) that prornpl the
students to (wanr to) publicize the precise timc OCthe hostages' .release will
pcrmit the 2.000-addpersons permanently üsscmbled before the embassy, and
whoseopinions are known ta 311:to prevent the handing over from taking place,
thus permitting the studcnts to proclaim that the nation has asked thcm to keep
the hostagcs."
The Foreign Ministry concluded by saying that the stand taken by the
students "clearly reveüls how the matier wouid end-no further comment is
nccdcd".
The militants must dccidc within the ncxt 24hours whether they willallow the
intcrnational commission io sec ihc hostagcs üt the Embass or whelher ihey
will hand thern over to the Rcvolutionary Counîil, Mr. ~otzzadeh said.
Spcaking after a council mccting, the krcign Minister said. "Nothing hüç
changcd, as far as we are conccrned. The essential thinisacommission visit to
al1thc hosiages."
The date for handing the hostages over to the Revolutionary Council will be
sct on Moiiday, Mr. Gotbrüdch said.
Council Spokesman Hassan Hübibi said mcanwhile chat the Foreign Minister
was still authorized to üccept the hostages' trünsîer, despite the faci that the
militants holding them had refused to go through hlr. Gotbzadeh.
137.Students on Commission Mecting, Handover
.IN090824Tehran International Scrvicein Atabic, 0800 GMT, 9 Mar. 80 JN.
[Tcxt]The Muslirn Studenr Followcrs of the Imam's Policy have announced
that the holding ofa mccting between the mcmbçrs of the United Nations fact-
finding cornmission iovcstigaliiig lhcrimes of the deposed Shah and al1 thc
hostagcs is impossible and is considcrcd a deviationist act.
In ü statement rcleased today and reported by the Pars News Agcncy,
thc students added that the US spy hostagcs are ready for delivery [Arabic:
n~uudrlunli ut-luslim] to the reprcscnta~ivc of the Islamic Revolutionary
Council who can corne to the den of US cspionage between 100 and 1700
[Tehran local time]today, providcd hc brings w~thhim an officialorder from the
couiicil.
138.Studcnts DcmandShah's Return
NC092032Paris AFP in English, 2026 GMT, 9 Mar. 80 NC.
[Exçcrpts] Tehran, 9 Mürch (AFP)-Mosleni militants holding about 50
American hostages said today that the hostages would not be îrced until the
former Shah returned to lran cvcn if they are turned over to Iran's ruling
Revolutionary Council. Thc militants, who reitcratcd threats that the captives
witl betricd as alleged spies, said ihat îriendly Irrinian-Arnerican relations are
"absolutcly out of thc question" and vowcd to continue hotding the US
Embassy here, site of the morc than four-month-long hostage afTdir.
"If the Shah isnoi rcturncd, ihc spics will not he liberaied", the militünis said
rcpeatedly in their first ncws confercncc sincc offering last wcek to turn thc
captives over to Iran's ruling Rcvoluiionary Council.
The militants also warncd that "Our peoplc will start a scrics of trials
against the hostagcs4irty spics-to exposc the dirty face of American
irnpcrialism".
The militants refuçed to confirm thc precise number of hosiages. They held
that there was no way lran and the Uniicd States could establish friendly
relationsirithe future.436 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
139.Mahdavi Kani lnterviewed on Handover of Hostages
LDt 21115 Tehran Keyhan in Persian, 9 Mar. 80, p. 2 LD.
[Unattributed report: "Mahdavi Kani: Revolution Council,not Gotbzadch,
1sTaking over the Hostages."]
[Excerpt]"If the questions of the handover of the hostages to the representa-
tiveof the Revolution Council, orthevisit bythe commissionof inquiryinto the
crimes ofthe Shah and America are not resolved,wewillresolvethis issuewith
the involvementof the lmam Khomeini, leaderof the revolution."
In an exclusiveinterview withKeyhanActingInterior Minister Mahdavi Kani
made the above comment, and in replyto a question by the Keyhan correspon-
dent,who said: "The students have said that theywillhand over the hostagesto
any represeniativeother than Gotbzadeh", he answered:
"The Revolution Council announced in a statement last night that the
hostages must be handed over to the Foreign Ministry,and lhis must be done,
with Gotbzadeh responsiblefor the actual handover arrangements; but itis the
Revolution Council itself which is taking over the hostages, not Gotbzadeh or
any other person."
The question was asked: "If the students refuseto hand them over, wheredo
you think the matter will end?"
Ayatollah Mahdavi Kani declared: "If this happens, the matter will be
resolved with the involvement of the Imam, leader of the revolution."
In reply to the question: "Won'tthe taking over of the hostages by the
RevolutionCouncil result in the Government and the Revolution Council being
stigrnatized for hostage taking and provoke a large-scale political attack by
America, with pressurebeing brought to bear on Iran by Amenca?", Ayatollah
Mahdavi Kani said:
"ln my viewthere willbe no change in America'spolicysinceAmericaknows
that, although the hostages are in the handsof the students, the leader of the
revolution, the Revolution Counciland the Government havein effectapproved
[their actions].hus under present circumstances the American Governrnent
knows that it is the Iranian Governrnent that is responçiblc,and there is no
difference whether the hostages are held by the students or by the Foreign
Ministry. The American Government knows that the Iranian Government
cannot make a decision which runs counter ta the wish of the leader of the
revolution and the nation or Iran. On this basis, Americawill not intensify its
measures more than before."
Ayatollah Mahdavi Kani then repliedto the question: "the Imam'sannounce-
ment makesthe hostage issuethe responsibilityof the national representativesin
the IslamicConsultativeAssembly.Can the students thereforetakeadvantage of
this to refuse toand ovcr the hostages?"
AyatollahMahdavi Kani said:"there aretwoissues:the releaseofthehostages,
andthe question of their beingvisitedand movedto a newlocation.The lmam has
delegatedonly the issueof their releaseto the Consulta~iveAssemblyrepresenta-
tives,not the question of their beingvisitedor that of where theyarc beingheld,
which has nothing to do with the Majles" [interviewends].
140.Students Interview
GF092030Tehran DomesticTelevision Service inPersian, 1810GMT, 9 Mar.
80 GF.
[Interviewwith three representativesof the students holding the hostages at
the Arnerican Embassy; unknown whether live or recorded-intercepted in
progress.]
[Excerpts][UnidentijedstuW dehentthis commissionissuesits findingsand DOCUMENTS 437
statcments rcgarding the hostagcs it will be thc words of the commission that
will bc listencd to around the world. What guaraiitcc do wc have that these
commission mcmbcrs have any sympathy for the Iranian nation and the Iranian
Revolutiori and al1the sufferings of our people. It is natural that they do no1
havethe slime kind of sympathy as the lranian people. We have no guarantcc
that thcsccommission mcmbcrs witlact the way weand Ourrevolution dcmand.
So, the only thing wecan do once the commission releasesits findingsis to offset
and neutralize its fatse propaganda, if any. against us.
[Qucsticin] 1want you to givc mc your vicws about this whole problem and
the rcaction of the officials inthis rcspect.
fA~rsrr.erOne of the most important mattcrs sincc the beginning of the
rcvolulion basbccn the way somcof our oficials and administrators have bccn
bchaving in this country. Whethcr or not their actions and bchaviour have bccn
in lincwith thc Imam'spolicy inthis respect,the Imam has repeatedly stated that
we must gct Mohammad Rezaand he must stand trial. Oiherwise, wewillbring
al1 the hostages to trial and by so doing will actuiilly bc bringing the United
Statcs to trial.
But as Taras Ourofficialsand those in charge of the administration and their
handling (if this problem, thcy have not always been in line with the Imam's
policy. Our execuiives have bcen following a differcnt policy. After al1il is thc
duty of thcsc otficials to recognizc and identify ihc actual linc and direction of
thc Imam's policy. We witnesscd this during the provisional governrnent. As
soon as they wcrc Facedwith any problem they would immcdiateiy threalen us
with thcir rcsignation. This was nothing but an attempt to use the threat of
resignatiotiüs a weapon agüinst us. against domcstic forces and against al1
propcr lincs and policies.
[Qires~ionj It has been said that ifthe hostriges wcrc in the hands of thc
Iranian Government it would mcün a declaration of war against the United
States. How would you answcr and justify this point?
/qtzsii~ei.From the very first day the hostüges wcrc taken by, in facl, ~hc
Iranian pcoplc. there werc many vicws concerning thc fact this act was in
violation of international law. Howcvcr Iran knows that the United States-thc
bloodthirsty and conspirütorial United States-ignores al1matters and that it
has violatcd the simplest rulesrcgiirding this nation. Therefore, for this nation
international laws and regulation have no meaning. The Imam immediately
confirmcd this act of hostage taking and the whole nation approved it. This was
a sevcre and irreparable blow to thc United States. This whole cpisode was
undcr the Imam's leadership and it was moving under his leadership. It was
moving decisivcly.We saw thai whenever there was:iny stritcmentor decision by
the United States, or by Carter himself, against Iran thc Imam would immedi-
ately respcindand rcfutc them. For cxample, the United States said it would use
force to frcc the hostagcs. Thc Imam replied that the United States would no1
dare to do iinything. When they thrcatened us with their cconamic sanctions, thc
Imam stliiccleariythat thecconomic sanctions woiild bcharmful to the Unitcd
Stiitcs, and not to Iran. Howevcr, the fact that the hostages are being turnçd
over to the Governmcnt, if the hostages should bc handed over to thc
Govcrnmcnt, this would be ss a dcclarütion of war against the United Statcs [as
heard].
But wc have to see undcr what conditions this wholc thing would no1 bc
çonsidercd as a declaration of wiir against the Unitcd Statcs. This is somcthing
that mus1bc made clear to the Irünian pcaplc. But in the international langwtge
it would naturally mean a declaration of wdr.
fQue.rtion/ Another question in this rcspect. Don't you think that this act of
itransfcrring the hostages] may bc in thc interest of the United Statesas wcll?
/Ansiibcr) Yes. We bclievc that in our confrontation with the United States
and in gencral in this wholc question of the occupation of the espionage den, it438 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULARSTAFF
has been clearly proven that the United States cannot do anything at all. Our
revolution proved this whole thing quite well and clearly. But if we should
deviate from the Imam's path and policy, then there can be anoiher (?story).
Obviously, the United States will be very pleased if this should happen. We
could have continued this whole thing as we had in the past. We could have
proven our dccisiveness and thus could have had a confrontation with the
United States by continuingthe policy that we had followed from the first day of
the takeover. Wowever, when WC arc faced with this other problem of govcrn-
ment officiatswanting to resign, and since thisaction would weaken them at this
rate, and we do not in any way wish to enter into any controversy and disputes
with the government oficials, we prcfer to hand them over to them. This way, if
there should be any deviation wc would not be a participant in it.
[Question] Could you tell us how the students are behaving and how their
activities will be conducted in the future?
[Answer] The students at the US Embassy were formerly active in the socicty
like everyonc else. But al1 their activities were in line with the Imam's policy.
When the rnatter of taking over the espionage den occurred ilwas an event that
was in accordancc with the nation's wishes. The entire nation approved and
supported thisaction. This was an action that enjoyed the Imam's full support.
Now that these students are handing the hostages over, it docs not mean that
these forccs are being elirninatcd. These forces will pursue their activities in
accordancc with the Imam's policy. In other words, transfer of the hostages does
not in any way mean these students will bercmoved from the scene. 1hope they
will follow and continue their activities in al1dimensionsof socicty.
(Question] What about al1these accusations against you and the rnattcr of the
revelations?
(Ansu~er] WChope we will, in one way or other, continue Our revelations. As
we announced previously, we consider itour duty to make al1documents and
papersobtained at the espionagc den available to the nation bccause they bclong
to the people. We will do this in whatcvcr way possible. If thc radio and
television networks are willing to carry them we will do it that way; or through
the use of the press; or through the Embassy-the espionage nest itself.
Othenvisc, if no other wayis available to us, we willpublish them in books and
make them available to the nation. Regarding the revelations and the accusa-
tions that thesc documents are forged and arenot genuine, it is only natural that
those who have been disgraced by these documents want to somehow acquit
thernselves.
The ironic thing is that the same people who try to say that thcsc are al1forged
and phony documents, try on thc other hand to justify why they have done al1
the things that we have reveated to them. Many of these spies we have been
holding were the ones who had been in contact with these flranian] individuals.
These papers anddocuments had ben prepared by these spics as a rcsult of their
conversations and contacts with these individuals. Wewould have brought these
spics on television so they could bc confronted by thcsc individuals. However,
now that these hostages are being handed over to the Rcvolution Council they
will bc the ones to decide what to do about this episode. But al1thosc documents
were seized îrom the espionage nest and there is no question about thcir
accuracy and authenticity.
[Question] As a last question, I would like to know what the outcome and
consequcnccs of your action would be in relation to the transfer of the hostages
to the Revolution Council?
[Anslrler]As followers of the Imam's policy we wanted to preserve the
ideological nature of our move and not give in to any kind of compromise or
reconciliation. The imam's linc and policy with al1 its prestige and grandeur
should not bc tainted or blernished in any way because of Our action. However,
our decision was actually in the direction of unity. That is, Our decision about DOCUMENTS 439
handing ovcr thc hostages to thc Rcvolution Council was in reality for the
purpose of prcserving our unity IcstWC should in any way-Cod forbid-be the
victims of our fcclings and scntimentality. We did not want to create any
situation or confrontation thatwould dcstroy the order of our society and that
siale of unity which is necessary for Our society. This actionperse does have
certain consequcnces and it will bring about ceriain worrics and despair-that
the question of Ihc hostages mightbc soivcdin some way Ioiher than theway we
wanted)-but the nation is wary and alcrt and wt)uldnot let the question of the
hostages, which the Imam has strcsscd, bc solved in any other way.
As a m;ittcr of fact, nobody can toy with the hostage problcm so easily,
especially thc hostages who are in Our hands as a result of perhaps a whole
centliry of tyriinny and oppression inflictcd upon this nation bycolonialism. No
one can kidnnp thcm or let them go so casily. Our aim is to face this whole
problem c;rlmlywiih rrasonand logie withouî becoming viclims of our own
persona1 fcclingsand sentiments.
/Qucsrionj Thank you for tüking part in this discussion.
141.Gotbzadeh Siatement on Situation
GF092330Tehran DomesticTelevisionScruicein Persian, 1830GMT, 9 Mar.
80 GF.
[Staterncnt by Irünian Foreign Ministcr Sadcq Gotbzadch on Y March-live
or recorded.]
[Tcxt]My thanks to the Almighty, and 1pray to the Almighty that he should
as soon as possible grant a speedy and total recovcry to Our beloved eminent
leader so that hc müy witness the good deeds and wrongdoings, dcviütions, acts
or honesty and evcnts that havc occurred this evening.
In rcsponsc to our student fricnds-the students who are stationed at the
espionagc ncst-a host of questions and points havc bccn mentioned and
discussed. ln ordcr to clear the public's quesiions about them, 1 have been
commissioncd by thc Rcvolution Council to answer them. 1hopc this statemenl,
which is bcing made for the first time. will provide some answcrs. I hope it will
answcr the pcoplc's questions and will draw the attention of Our brothers and
sisters to thc cammcnts and points which we hope wcrc unintcntionally
overlooked by them. However, this isbeing done primarily to answer people's
questions. For thisrcason, no efforts will bc made to employ the same toneand
manncr uscd by thcm. Beforeanything clsc, there is the question of the Imam's
policy. Ai Icüsi1.who had the honour of being his discipleforihc past 17years,
have obeycd his orders. 1 wüs also in charge of reporting what 1 was
commissioncd to do, which I always did and woutd always rcturn for further
orders. When they talk about the Imam's line and policy-and up unlil now
nobody has addrcssed nor clarifiedthis lineand policy-cverybody has a certain
way of spcaking about it. 1will discuss what 1havc undcrstood of it so we can
see how hr thcsc mattcrs are based on what we comprehend from it.
Ibelieve~hcImam's poliq speaks dccisively,honestly,clearlyand with moriil
honcsty void olany and al1kinds of politics and any other type of planning. It
does not blame sny one person or persons. It is based on knowledge,
perspicaciiy and wisdom and itwants to prescrvc al1our Muslim interests and
the interesis or our Fatherland. It respects and honours the Islam of the
oppresscd. When someone claims to be a follower ofthe Imam's policy, he rnust
not only kcep thcsc points in mind buthcshould also müke al1of these points his
guide in his dailylifeIt is on thibasisthat I should Likc10make explanations
tonight.
in an interview, in which three of the gcnilemen took part and made certain
comments and stüternents, the ccntrül point of the questioning was the440 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
commission. 1bclievecertain clearly inaccuratc statemcnts were made about this
commission. In fact, certainfalse accusations were made. These are in no way
parallel or compatible with the Imam's policy. 1would like to refer to thcse
accusations and regard them as having bcen made solely as a result of
unawareness so we can see what the futurc will bring.
Let mc first describe once and for al1the background of this commission.
Long ago, aftc1wasentrusted with thc rcsponsibilityof the Ministry of Forcign
AtTairs,therc was talk about selecting and bringing an international grand jury
to, on thc basis of documents and cvidcnce in Our possession, conduct an
investigation into theovernmeni of Reza Khan's son and his entourage as well
as the meddlings of the colonialist and criminal policiesof the United States in
Iran.
This plan was presented to the Imamand wasapproved by him.Sowe started
taking action in this direction. The Imam had made statements in this regard.
Naturally, this was first approved by the Revolution Council and was Iatcr
submitied to the Imam by the Revolution Council.
Unfortunatclv, in the course of implemeritinpthis plan, when we invited Mr.
MacBridc to come here, he came accompanied by'two attorneys who wcrc
members of the communist ~artv. ln the course of our discussions with thcrn we
were ioldthat they would be-willing to participate in such a commission
provided that the hostages were released. For, as they put it, no decent hunian
bcing would bc willingto takepart inthis commission without the releascor thc
hostages. They said that at the very least thc hostages should be releascd aftcr
thc commission had been formed and came to Iran. Not only did they tell me
this, but 1 reported it to the Revolution Council. The Revolution Council
assigned three mcmbers to discuss the matter with these gentlemen: Ayatollah
Montazeri; my brother, Mr. Habibi; and 1 attended the meeting. Naturally,
these wcrc unacceptable conditions. We could not actually accept thcm and
could not choose the members of an international grand jury from among those
personalities who could have had some international influence and impact,
unless,ofcourse, we wanted to simplyhave certain individuals who would come
and sit and talk but who would not have had any public relations impact around
the world.
Afier this incident,Mi- W. aldheim asked to corne to lran on two or three
occassions. We tutned down his rcquest every lime. After everything has bccn
discusscd Mr. Waldheim once again askcd to come to lran in order to obtiiin
first-hand inrorrnation and witness what had been happening in Iran. This
matter was discussed at the Revolution Council and was presented to the Imam.
When everyonc was present at the meeting of the Revolution Council the Imam
said he would not object to the idea and went on to Saythat he [the Imam] was
not an oficial person and would not mcet anyone on an officia1basItwas thcn
clear that Mr. Waldheim could come to Irün to obtain certain information and
immedia~clyreported to Mr. Waldheim. So he came and we, as much as wctter was
could, discusscd various matters. We talked about the crimes cornmitted hcre.
order to help him (Waldheim] understand what had bcen going on in IranhcmWCIn
arranged for hirnto visitboth the Behesht-eZahra Cemetery as welas to seethe
invalids [passage indistinct].
The question of an international commission was brought up in our discus-
sion with Waldheim. The commission was to be formed on three principlcs:
investigation of the Shah's crimes; investigation or the Shah's looting and thosc
or his farnily members; and a visit with the hostages. This was reportcd to ~hc
Revolution Council ata meeting attcnded by al1council members, among them
Ayatollah Montazeri, who also took part. The question was brought up and was
approved by every member of the council and the recording of that meeting's DOCUMENTS 441
procccdings is still available. lt was thcreforc ügrecd that Waldheim should takc
steps in this direction without dclay. Upon his return to the United States, thc
US Governrnent would not approve the plan for the commission unless the
hostages were releascd. They wcre insisting that in accordance with the Security
Council resolution, the hostagcs mus1be released inorder for the commission to
bc formcd. We resistcd and insisted that the question of the hostages' relcase
must be totally scparatc and divorccd (rom the matter (if the commission.
This was a point upon which we pcrsisted rroni the very beginning and UpQn
which wc arc stitl insisting. Our insistencc and resistance eventually rcsulted in
thc Lormationof ~hecommission. Now what kind of individuals arc the members
of thc commission'?Mr. (Banjavi) îrom Algicrs isan Algerian rcvolutionary and
a trustworrhy person who for years had bccn in opposition to thc rkgime. Mr.
Davoudi, ij a well-knownjudge in Syria and is one of the staunchest supporters
of Iran'sRcvolution and lword indistinct]. Mr. Peititi is a Frenchman who is a
prcsident of the French Bar Association. His statemcnts and comments over the
yeürs against the Shah arc innumerablc. In fact, in alt cascs whenever we had
sent any one of lawycrs. thcy would havc definitelyvoted for hirn[as hcard]. Mr.
[namc indistinct] from Venezuela studicd and investigatcd thc samc type of
crimcs in Chilc. And thc las1person, from Sri Lanka, is also iniercsted in events
in Asia. We accepted this commission whcn it w;isforrned and il came to Iran.
The Revolution Council was fullyinformcd about the details of the matter, and,
in fact, this whole question ofthe commission coming here to invcstigatematters
was also presented to thc Imam. After taking this matter into consideration the
Imam announced that the commission could corne and invcstigate the Shah's
crimcs and act accordingly. The Imam adviscd the whole nation that whoever
hüd any kind of documcnt and cvidencc concerning the Shah's crimes was
dutybound to go and discuss them with thc coinmission membcrs. In Fxt, there
wcrc times when one would be seized by a strange feeling upon sceing those
sccncs [passageindistinct]. All statements and documents givenby these victims
were prcparcd so thai not only the commission rnembers could study them but
WC could present them to the Panamanian court as well.But the fact isthat of al1
thcse students who claimed and still daim they have documents and evidence
agiiinst the Stiah'srégime-although the commission invited them and allhough
thc Panamanian lawyer invited them to prescnt and submit their cases-not one
of them came forwürd to submit their cvidcncc.
Wnwcver,therc wcre no promises or obligiitionsoii the part of thecommission
mcmbcrs. Rather, ii wasOurinitiative. Unfortunately, there are certain peoplein
this country who cannot believe that an lranian can usc his own initiative and
can show resistance and take action. Evcn now, these pcople still find the
American hand interrering in everything.
They still believethat the United States is alwriysmeddling. Inthepast there
W;~Salso a rimewhen if the meat in the stew was not cooked wclleveryone used
to say that the British hridsomething to do wiih it. Anyway, thwas ai our own
initiativc,twüs our own initiative from the vcry bcginning, and il was a right
and proper initiative. Some people are saying that this commission issuperviscd
byWaldheim or by lhe Uniied States. What docs thismean? Does this mean that
you are doubting the honour and honcsly of allthe members or this commis-
sion? Or, going ü slep further. that it isthe Imam's order thai wc should co-
operate with this commission? And now you are trying to say that even the
Imam is no1following his own policies?What kind oflogic is this?Why should
the truth be twisted? It is very illogical and unbecorning. Somc insist on saying
thüt this commission was prescnted undcr a diffcrcni.guise. First they said it was
cstablished to obtain thc purpose ofvisiting the hostnges. Yes,al1kinds of things
wcrc planned outsidc the country. Many things have becn said against our
rcvoluiion. Are we supposed to bc anunchanging subordinatc of the outside
world or are we to follow Ourown deeds and actions? Even al thüt time we did442 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
say that it was neither the question or condition of the hostages'rdease nor was
it thc question of solving the hostage problem. The commission's functionwas
what has beenexplainedand the question of the visitto theostageswaspart of
il.
Keeping al1the documents and evidence inyour possession for such a long
time and your reîusing to turn these documents over to the commission or to
submit them to the Panamanian lawyer for the Shah's extradition on the one
hand, and your refusalto let the commissionvisitthe hostageson theother hand
does not make any sense at all. During this television interview,they said the
commission wouldreport to the world about the condition of the hostages or
that they should be transferred to the hospital. Theire lranian nation isfully
aware that the condition of these hostages is verygood and that they livca far
better lirethan even the students themselves.Whyshould webe afraid of letting
them bevisitediîit isa fact that theircondition isgood and there isno causefor
concern or worry? Up until last week not even one member of the Revolution
Council had been abte to visit the hostages much less [word indistinct]. The
foreignerswere allowedto scethem but the membersof the Revolution Council
were not asked to corne and see them for themselvesor ask them about thcir
conditions. We only had reports saying that they were fine.Why on earth were
you afraidorlctting anyone seethem?Evena prisoner has visitation rights.Why
has there beenso much stubborn persistencein refusingto allowanyoneto see
them? Unless wcSaythat al1claimsabout their beingfineand wellare false,and
thisis something wedo not wish to say such a thing for the time being;not for
now anyway. However, it is no1 right that we should try to hinder someone
trying to prepare any kind of report about the condition of the hostages. The
students,on theothcr hand, belicvethat right fromthismoment weshould try to
hinder their action through some kind of propaganda! This is where we must
remember that the Imam is totally against any and al1 types of political
manoeuvring. We must Say that this is not the basis of our promises or
obligations.It is falseto Saythat there havebeen somc promisesmade and there
are certain sneaky things goingon. It falseto say thWC want to transfer them
to a hospital and thcn release them from the hospital! WChave always been
honest. Not one wrong word has everbeen uttered by the Imam's sacred tongue.
Thosewho followhis policymust not resort to thesetypesof tacticsfor theseare
tactics belying the Imam's policy and line. This is vcry important [passage
indistinct].Why istheresuddenlythequestion of havingthe initiative withinOur
powcrand control?The commission members shouldleavenowand return later!
Why? Why?If wehave had the initiative, we still have it.
Secondly, when the commission membershave been told that such a thing
[visitingthe hostages]is feasibleand they havecome here, and wethen back out
on our promise, isthis not enough reason for usto beashamedand embarrased?
they? Now, you cither have certain information and you should makchy shoulit
availableto them, or this wholethingcould be based on some falseimagination.
And false imagination bcforea Muslim brother is not worthy or dignified.
1 am addressing the strugglingMuslim peoplewho for many long years have
been tortured and opprcssed. How could they allow themselvesto think that al1
membersof the Revolution Council-who are al1devoted friendsor the Imam,
and some of whom have spent years in prison and some of whom have bcen
serving the imam for years-could be called conciliators? And now it is only
thesegentlemen[militant students]who are the followersof the Imam'spolicy?
What kind of a mature, wiseand unbiased pcrson could acccpt this?Our nation
isboth mature, wiseand unbiased. Concerningthe fact that the United States is
exerting pressure,1 discussed this matter with the other four members of the
councilin the presence ofDr. Bani-Sadrto determinewhetheror not thcre isany
proof or evidence for such a claim. So far, we have not obtained a single WCUM ENTS 443
document proving this. Such a thing does not exist.Therefore, this claim was not
correct either.
As Far as supporting thc Imam and using the Imam's words, who said the
Unitcd States would noi darc do anything? Yes, the Imam did çay thai the
Unitcd States would not darc do anything. The Imam süid WC wcrc flot afraid of
thcir ecoriomicblockadc. Ycs,he did say that. But wliat is our duiy? Our duty is
to takc the Imam'swords and turn thcm into deeds. In othcr words,WC must act
so the United Statcs will not dürdo such a thing.Our duty is not simply to sit
and shout slogans. Our duty is to actWC must convcrt the Imam's orders from
words into deeds. All our strugglcs have bccn aimed towurd this goal. This is
where the confrontations betwecn the responsible followersof ihe Imam and the
irresponsiblcones becornecvident. Hcre 1mus1 quite unfortunatcly mention that
ihe scope offalse accusaiions has bccomc so prevalent that evcn at this time we
hear that Our Foreign Ministcr went to Europe and the US Sccrctary of State
went to Europe and nobody knows what took place. Reports on my trip to
Europc are still availablc and arc clcar. The US Secrctary of State did not corne
to Europe at thai time. He wcnt there aftenvards. No\\: are you trying to say
that nobody should trüvel from any part of the world toany other placc simply
becauseyou can sit hcrc and say that ifthey do go it would mean that they [word
indistinct]?We went to 1taly to discuss the helicopters that wehave paid for, but
thcy would not dclivcr thcm to us because of this whole episode. WCncedcd and
do nccd these helicoptcrsWC nccdcd thc helicopterstocope with thc problem of
Khuzcstan flood. As for othcr agreerncnts and contracis with other countries,
the same thing occurred in France. One billion dollars of Ourassets are frozen
thcrc incoiinection with nuclclirenergy.Should we no1 do lhescthings? Arc we
not entitled? Don't we have a right? If we should take such a trip and later the
US Secretary of State should take a trip, docs this mean conciliation? This is
whcrc we can mention and rcmcmber that the Imam's policy is the guardian of
moral honesty.
As for this commission working under Waldheim's supervision, 1believe 1
have sufficientlyand adcquaiely explaincd how it started and where it is now.
What kind of a guarantec can we have that thcy should in any way be
sympathctic toward Iran? What kind of a guarantee? Guarantcc in its full sense
can never be providcd by ;inyonc in üny place in the world. A guarantee is
usuafly dependent on a person's actions.
It is our words and deeds that can guarantee our statcments in this world.
When a number of individuals enirusted with the responsibility ofour country's
administralion enter a clcar-cut agreement Torthe purpose of cxposing these
crimes and thissgreerneni is blockcd and hindered by a group, then who in this
world will considcr Our words of our Govcrnrnent worth a penny? Wowcvcr,
aftcr al1this and aftc811lhcsc cxplünations, one of the gcntlcmcn brought up
the question of whcthcr or not cxeculive bodies arc in line wiih Ihc Imam's
policy?This iswhere 1must mcntion that this suspicion and uncertainty do exist,
if ihey allow thernselvcs10have this kind of suspicion and uncerlainty. I will
mcntion somcthing hcrc so lhüt we cün get to its various cases latcr. Thc main
question is whcther or notWC actually want tafi&( against the criminal United
States or to wcakcn and desiroy ihc country's executivcpower?One isentitled to
such a question. These'arethe questions that it would not-rbad idea to debate
sorncday and bring thcsc matters up one at a tirne. Do notjust use the word
"mostly" hy saying that the cxecutive bodies are mostly not in line with thc
Imam's policy. What does this word "mostly" mean? Now, are we also going to
sit andbe told what Ourdutics and functions are supposed to be?Then they said
that we had threatcncd to resign. That was why wesaid it was not so and we
would give back the hostagcs [sentenceas heard]. This was not so.
The reality in the case of taking the hostages was that the Rcvolutionary
Council unanimously agrecd ihet the commission should cornpletc its work on ImCUM ENTS 445
matters to reach such a point. But day in and dayout accusations are slapped at
some pcoplc who have been toiling in this country For ycars and havc gone
through all types of miseries and misfortunes. They are called US spies, ils
affiliatcs. Unrortunately most OCthcm are candidates for the parliament or clse 1
would mcntion their names one by one. 1 will mention their names in the
newspapcrs. Aftcr all, whyshould they be so unjustly slandered. I am sayingihis
hcrc and now: il you have any single item or documcnt on me, go ahead and
publish it.Itdoes not matter what thcscdocuments rclatc to. 1 am not afraid 10
announce right hcre that as far as 1know the docuinents published so Far are
almosi al\ worthlcss and uselcss. Thereisno reason thal our decent men and
siatesmcn should be so slandcrcd and defamed.Why do you do this? For whosc
bcncfit?Why?
As for thc last rcmark that was madc here, and I must answer it right here and
now and stop it.Thcysaid theywould have likedto takc each and cvery one of
the hosiagcs one by one and show them these documentç Ior their authenticity.
And now that the hostages arc bcing handed over to the Kevolution Council, the
Council has to takc over this task. For four months you had these hostages and
atlradio and tclcvisionmediawcrcal your disposal. You hüvchad at least 50 or
60 interviews and statements. You wlouldhave donc something about them if
you had bccnable to do anyihing about theseso-ciillcddocuments. Now you arc
trying tosclü trap for thc Revolution Council!Why ilid you not take anyaction
al1this timcY
So 1 shall rcturn to the Imam's policy. The Imain's linc is the symbol and
indicaior of honcsty, frankncss. firrnncss,moral honcsty and is void of any and
al1type of politics and any othcr kind of strategy. 1t is void of any accusations
and slandcr againsi a person or pcrsons, and is bascd on wisdorn, perspicacity,
intelligenceand vision. It is for the protection of the Muslimsand Ourhomeland
and for the greatness and rcspcct of the Islam of the oppresscd throughout thc
world. Whcrevcr there is no honcsty, wherever there is no frankness, wherever
there is iiccusation and siandcr, thcn ihey are not acting in accordance with the
Imam's poliçy.
lt has bccn dccided that whencvcr thcrc are any similar interviewsthey will be
respondcd to cverystcp of the way and word for word so that the public may be
fullyawarc and cnlightencd. This was our discussion and answer. And as for the
hostages, their decisioIO hand thcm over 10 ihe Revoluiion Council, theway 1
undcrslaod ii?was nothing but a bluff. However, when ihey realizcd that the
Council would take [hemup on it, thcy started shouting and asking the people to
comeand not letthishappen, to comcand decidefor tlicmsclvcs.IfrhcRcvolution
Council is receiving andhns rcceivcd its legal standing and lcgitimacy from the
Imam, and if the Imam'sorder isto obcy the Council's resolutions,then any kind
of gamc playing with those dccisions and any type of opposition to thosc
rcsolutions would bc in violation of the Imam's ordcr. And it would be
unacccptiiblc.And noonecandürc say that heisinlincwiththe Imam'spolicybut
that he does not abide by thc Imam's decisions.This is vcry clear and explicil.
1hopc al1of these remarks hclpcd rnany dear compatriots to havc a clcarcr
mind. 1am perlcctly willing and readg to make many revelations by bringing
and prcscnting some of the dociiments and to make it clcar through theseface to
face dcbatcs so that-as 1 said in my staterneni yestcrday-whoever has any
falschoods in him can be disgraccd. May peace and Cod's mercy and blcssings
bc upoii al1of you.
142.Khomcini Message on Commission's Mccting
OW101008 Hong Kong AFP in English, 1057GMT, 10 Mar. 80OW.
[Tcxt] Tchran, 10 March (AFPFlranian rcvolutionary guide Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini today dashed hopes that the Unitcd Nations international446 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULARSTAFF
invcstigating commission could see al1 the American Embassy hostagcs.A
message published today said the commission could see only those hostages
implicated"in the crimesof the Shah and the United States in Iran". Once the
commissionhas given its opinion on the allegedcrimes it will beallowed to sec
the otherhostages held in the Embassysince 4 Noveniber, Ayatollah Khomeini
said.
A spokesman for the students holding the estimated 50hostagcssaid they had
accepted the Ayatollah's decision.
143.More on Khomeini Message
LD101200Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1036GMT, 10Mar. 80 LD.
[Text]FoHowingthe joint session ofthe Revolution Counciland the Council
at his temporarycresidence,the leaderof the revolution addressedan important
messageto the Iranian nation.
thc revolution addresseda messageto the Iranian nation as foflows:e leaderof
In the name of Cod, the merciful, the compassionatc. Nobleand struggling
nation of Iran. Crimes committed by the Shah and America necd no proof. The
Shah and America made us dependent in al1 fields. Murder, vilification,
imprisonmentand exilewere cornmonpracticefor thesecriminals.WCshall fight
the US Government to the end of our lives. We shall not rest until we put
Americain its place,cut offits hands from the region,helpal1liberation fightcrs
to dcfcat it and enable the lranianpeople to take over their own destiny.
To us thereisno difierencebctweenthe aggressiveEast and the criminalWest.
We shall fight and, as justice shall prevail, we shall triumph. US domination
entails calamity for al1the oppressed nations.The aggression committedby the
aggDeariIranian nation, beware,as wehave long yearsofstruggleahead of us.To
destroy you, the supcrpowers are engaged dailyin plots. The devil's mischief
hürms the oppressed [previous scntcncc in Arabic].The question raised nowa-
days is America and the American hostages and spies who are held by the
Muslim and struggling students. In this connection 1shall make a few points:
1.Copies of ail documents related to the US Government and the traitorous
Shah should bemade available to ,the commission of inquiry inio thc crimes
committed by the US Govcrnmcnt and the Shah. As for the Muslim students,
if they, too, have any evidencc, then they should provide copies to the com-
mission.
2. The meeting with the hostages involved in the dossier, on the crimes
cornmitted by the Shah and America, cdntake place for the purposc of their
interrogation.
3. If the commission of inquiry announces its views in Tehran about the
crimes committed by the oustedShah and the interferences by the aggressive
America, then a meeting with the hostagcs [as heard]can take place.
Once agztin 1 declare rny support for the Revolution Council and His
Excellencythe President and cal1on everyoneto help them and spare no efforts
in supporting them. 1 want al1strata to follow the praiseworthy lslamic ethics
and safeguard fraternal rights.
Mydcar sisters and brothers, today is thedayofunityand unanirnity;today is
the day when, if you fail in your unity, then you wilbe trapped either by the
East or the West. Never adhere to a single idea;do whatever serves the interest
of this land the Islamic nation. The movement of the noble nation of Iran
continues to cul off the hands of the enemies. So long as America and other DOCUMENTS 447
supcrpowcrs continue with their oppression and crimes our nation too will
continue its confrontation and struggle against thcm, while safeguarding its
comprehcnsivc independelice with al1ils might.
Itisup to thc intellectuals to incrcase their efforts in exposing the superpowcrs
and powers. 1 hope that Khomcini will never deviate from the strüight path of
Islam, which is fighting against the oppressive powers, and will never rest in
reaiizing Islamicgoals; as 1hope our Muslims, especially ihe struggling lranian
nation, will endeavour toward achicving this Islamic goal and continue thcir
struggle against thc oppressors of thc East and West.
1pray to Cod almighty for the victory of Islam and the Musiims. Cod blcss
you üII.
(Signed/ Ruhollah Moslivi Khomcini, 10 Mrirch 1980.
144.Students' Appeal for Marches
LD102305Tchran Domestic Scrviccin Persian, 2030 GMT, 10 Mar.80LD.
' [Textl Following the broadcasting of the mcssage tif lmam Khomeini, leader
of the Islamic Revolution, the Muslim Student Followcrs of the Imam's Policy
issued an aiinouncement toriight. The text of the anriouncement is as follows:
In the namc of God, thc compassionate, the merciful. "We will fight against
the US Govcrnrncnt to thc cnd of our lives. We will not rest until we put
America in its place, cut off its hands from the region, hclp al1the liberation
fightcrs to defeat it and enablc thc Iranian people to take over their own
destiny", as Imam Khomeini has said.
The Imam's roiising cal1iothe nation gives the loud and clear glad tidings of
long ycars of struggle to the dear and valiant nation and causes the two
supcrpowcrs of East and West-one of which has disgraccd history through its
aggression and thc other has suckcd the last drop of thc blood of the oppresscd
people through murders, pfundcrs and crimes-to treniblc.All the miseryof the
opprcsscd nations and all Ourdilfercnt Coms of political, military,economicand
cultural depcndence werecaused by the criminal Shah and arc due to hegemonist
America.
Re wakcful and vigilant so that you may neutralizc the plots of the traitors
and the superpowers, especially Amcrica. Don't stop struggling and fighting
until final victory which is the victory of truth. Taday is not a day when
superpowcrs and the criminal America can withstrind the tumultuous waves of
theboundlcss ocean of human beingswho have risen to regain their lost freedom
and independence; because, according to the orders of the Imam,todüy js the
day of blood and martyrdom and bccause uritil the banner of "There is no Cod
but Allah" is unîurled in thc world and the ~ill of "God is great" resounds the
struggle coiiiinues, and so long as the struggle continues we will be in it.
The straight path of Islam from which inconoclasi Khomeini said he hopes he
willnot deviate isstruggleagainst the oppressive powers and the achievernent of
Islam's goals.With al1our sou1wewill comply with the message of our lmam
when he said:
1.Copies of all documents rclüting to the US Govcrnrnent and the traitorous
Shah shoiild bc rnadc availablc to the commission of inquiry into the crimes
committcd by the USGovernmcnt and thc Shah.
2. Mcetirigwith the hostages involvcd in thc Shah'sand America'sdossiers of
crimes crin iake place forthe purposc of their interrogation.
3. If the commission of inquiry announces itsviews iiiTchrin on the crimes
committed by thc ousted Shah and thcinterferences byaggrcssiveAmerica, then
a meeting with the hostages may iake place.
We will iict decisivelyand expcditiously in accordancc with these orders.448 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
Wakeful and noble nation, your children, followingthe Imam of the nation,
declaretoday as the day of union, accord and brothcrhood. In thesecritical and
historic moments, complying withour cornmitmentand the heavy responsibility
which has bccn placed upon our shoulders, with an added strength and resolve
based on faith and by relying on and insisting on the great and life-giving
principlesof unity, accord, solidarity and harmony, wewillso persistin our task
untilwehave reinforcedthe divinecovenant of brotherhood, equality andjunice
among ourselvesand the oppressai nations so that, continuing our great battle
against the oppressiveand tyrannical worldpower, that arch-Satan, bloodthirsty
America, wemay successfullyachievevictory. As a crystallizationand rnanifcs-
tationof obedience tothe messageof the lmam when he says: "My dear sisters
and brothers, today is the day of unity and concord", as thanksgiving for his
recovery,and in order to preserve the strength of unity and cohesion of al1the
strata of the noblenation against bloodthirstymerica,and in order to prepare
the alert nation for united participation in the elections for the lslamic
Consultative Assemblywe declare-provided that this meets withthe approval
of the respectedsupervisorof the Ministry of Intcrior-Thursday a day of inass
marches throughout the country.
We humbly request al1the dear strata of the nation in al1citiesand villagcsto
take part inthese great marches which are the cmbodiment of obedienceto the
orders of the Imam concerning the maintenance of unity, accord and solidarity
and continuous struggleagainst America. Weshould mention that the routes of
the marches and their special programmes will be announced later.
[Signedl Muslim Student Followers ol'the Imam's Policy.
145.Revolution Councilon Hand Over
LD102144Tehran DomesticServicein Persion, 2030GMT, 10Mar. 80 LD.
[Text] Members of the Revolution Council and the Council of Ministcrs
tonight held ajoint session.uring the sessionvarious issues were discussedand
were subject 10 an exchange of views. According to a Pars Ncws Agcncy
correspondcnl, Ayatollah Mosavi-Ardabili, following tonight'ssession, said:
Foreign relations and harmonizing Iran's foreign policy with econornic and
non-economic issues were discussed during the session tonight. and it was
decidedto form a groupto pursue the matter. Problems of ministries werealso
discussed during the session and il was decided that these issues be discussed
with people in a round-table discussion.
The deputy education minister and another member of the Revolution
Council, in an interview withthe correspondent followingthe session, said, in
reply to the correspondent's question on what had been decidedon the fate of
the hostages:
The Imam has specified the future with his statcment, narnely that the
commission that has comc may contact those individuals from among the
hostageswhocan make a contribution to theirwork in preparing their dossier;in
other words, those who have been identifiedas spiesand whose interferencein
Iran'sbusinesshasbeenestablished. Themembersof thecommissionrnaycontact
these individuals. Another issue is that the commission must alsoinvestigaie
America'sinterferencein Iran and that if it should require any documents, these
should be placed at their disposal, whereverthis may be done. if there are any
documentsintheden ofcspionage indicatingAmerica's interferenccin Iran, thcse
rnust also be placcd at the disposal of the commission.After their investigation
regardingthe crimesof traitorous Mohammad Rcza and America'sinterferencc
in Iran, theyshould givetheir viewson thesematters here. Ifthey announce their
views theywill be entitled tomecl al1the hostages.
He added: Regarding taking delivcryof the hostages, mostof the RevolutionCouncil meinbers said: We do not want to takc dclivcry; they should remain in
the hands of thc studcnts. The Imam, too, didnot have any particular vicwson
this matter, either. and hc said that what is iniportant is that America's crimes
must be pronounccd hcrc and that the fatc of'the hostages must be clsirifiby
thc Majles, and thcrc is in no way any qucstion or releasing the hostages. Thus,
the Council willno1 tükc delivcryofihem, cithcr, and there was no insistcnccon
this matter from thc start either; it was somcthing thüt was proposed by the
students themselvcs. Thc majority of the meinbers of thc Council are also
opposed to taking delivery of the hostages.
He added: Anothcr point that was raised in the presence of the Imamtoday
concerned the qucstion of the disabled and crippled, and he ordcred that these
people should be afficiallytaken carc of individually, including theFamilies ,s
conccrned housing,jobs and al1other things.Thc samçüppliesto thesurvivors of
thc martyrs. He said that thesc should not in üny way be isolated from socicty;
thcy must definitcly be cmployed.
In answer toa qucstion as to whethcranything was said regarding the Muslim
Student Followers of thc Imam's Policy during the mccting today between the
members of the Rcvolution Council and the Imam, the deputy education
minister said: of course, ihere was nothing ncw and he insistedlhalihc uniiy of
the rcvolutionary ranks or the Muslims must be prcscrved; that there should bc
good relations and understanding between the Hevolution Council, the Muslim
Student Followers of the Imam's Policy and al1 the people, so that, with
cohcsion, solidarity and unity, they can fulfil theirduty.
146.Stiidents' Release 01'Docuinen~s
LDl10518 Tchran Domestic Scrvicein Pcrsian. 0430 GMT, II Mar. 80 LD.
[Text] The public relations office of the Muslirn Student Followers of the
Imam's Policyhas announced that following Imam Khomeini's messageyester-
day. the students today put somc documents conccrning the intervention of thc
US Government aithe disposal of the commission investigatingthe crimcs of thc
Shah and the Unitcd States. These documents include:
1.One hundrcd and cighty-five documcnts bclonging to the US Siatc
Department whidi show ihe American intervention in the internat a(füirs of
Iran.
2. Two hundrcd and eighty-three espionagc docurnents of the US cspionüge
organization in Iran. Thcse documents revcal the ways in which 103American
spies were active in Iran at the time of the deposcd Shah.
147.Commission's Departurc. Mccting with Students
NCI 10818Paris AFP in English, 0813 GMT, II ,Mar. 80 NC.
[Tcxt]Tehran, II March(AFPj-The fivc-man United Nations investigation
commission left hcrc today without secing any of the American hostages, but
they did sec some of thcir jailers. Thrcc of thc militants, who have held the 50
Americans since 4 Novcmbcr went to the Hilton Hotel, where the investigators
wcre staying, dcmanding to see the Algerian commission member Mohamad
Bedjaoui to hand him a number of documents.
The militants then followcd commission mernhcrs to the airpori wherc they
spoke for çeveral minutcs with the investigators iiithe presencc of Foreign
Minister Sadeq Gotbzadch, in the airport VII' lounge. The meeting was behind
closed doors, but it üppcared the cxchanges wcrc hcatcd. 450 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
Thc jurists then flewto New York to confer with United Nations Secretary-
General Kurt Waldheim on how to continue their assignment, which thcysaid
was "indivisiblem-a clear referenceto their mandate to inquire into the alleged
crimes during the Shah's régimeand to visit al1the embassy hostages.
148. Gotbzadeh on Commission'sDeparture
NC110936 Paris AFP in English, 0929 GMT, II Mar. 80 NC.
[Text]Tehran, 1 I March (AFP)-An unnamed membcrof the ruling Rcvolu-
tionary Council recentlyvisited the Unitcd States Embassyand saw each of the
50 hostages individually, Foreign Minister Sadcq Gotbzadeh said here today.
The visitwas"one more proof ihat the hostages are safeand in good health". hc
said at an improvised airport news conference aïter seeing off the Unitcd
Nations commission investigating the alleged crimes of the ex-Shah.
149.INA on Commission's Departure
JN110824 Baghdad INA in Arabic, 0818 GMT, 1I Mar. 80JN.
[Excerpt]Tehran, 1I March-The United Nations commission investigating
thecrimes of thc deposed Shah left Tehran for New York this morning. The
commission's spokesman made a short statcmcnt before departure, asserting
that the committee is incapable of compiling the requcsted report in light of the
current circumstances. He added that the commission has conveycd this
information to the lranian authorities.
The commission decided to leaveafter revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhol-
, lah Khomeini said they could see only those hostages jmplicated"inthe crimes
of the ex-Shah and the United States against Iran".
Mr. Gotbzadeh added that when the hostages were sick they had bcen
transportcd to hospital, but he gave no details.
"With a little more patience it (the commission)could have accomplished the
whole of its mandate without inrerruption", Mr. Gotbzadeh said. He addcd thai
the invcstigatorshad expressedthe desireto return. "Don't saytheir mission has
failed,t is simply suspended", hc added.
150.Broadcasting Officialon Departure
LDI 11112Tehran Domestic Servicein Persian, 1030GMT, II Mar. 80 LD.
lTextI The Imam's revresentative at the Voice and Profile of the Islamic
~e~ublk of lran in a pari interview today, gavehis viewson the performance of
the commission investi-ati-gthe crimescomrnittedin Iran by Mohammad Rczü
Pahlavi and America.
On the unexpected return of the members of the commission he said: In rny
viewthe nature of the commission and its mission necessitatedthis action and
therefore their return was not unexpected. They saw that they could not act
according to the message of the Imam. They could not do anything else. Hc
added: They did not come to condemn the crimes committed by Mohammad
Reza Pahlavi and America. Last night çtudents took some files they had
discovercd to hand them ovcr. The students cvcn took these documents to the
airport with them. But their efforts werefruitless. He said: One of the Iranian
officiaissaid that, since the occupation of the den of espionage is illegthe
commission cannot accept the documents.
The Imam'srepresentative at the Voiceand Profileof the Islamic Republicof
lran recusedto givethe name of this official.He said: Waldheimhas beenquoted
as saying that the commission is noiallowed to express its views inIran. DOCUMENTS
151.Commission's Communiqué onDeparturc
LDI 11056Tchran Domestic Serviccin Persilin, 1035GMT, II Mar. 80 LD.
[Text]According to the Pars News Agency. the commission investigating the
crimes of hlohammad Reza Pahlavi and Amcricil in Iran left Tehran for New
York ihis morning. Thc commission rcleaseda communiquébcfore departurc.
The text [as hcard] of the communiquk is as follows:
The invcstigiitivecommission carricd out its duty with regard to the invesliga-
tion and examination of al1Iran's complaints, and is ready to inspect and study
any othcr documents that Iranian officiaisrnight want to submit in connection
with the crimes of the Mohammad Rcza régimeand Americi. As for the
comrnis~ion'sparticipation in finding asolution to the international crisis, the
commission bclicvcs that; considering thc latcst developments on the continua-
tion of the commission's work, the rncmbcrs of this commission willgo back to
Ncw York and will have talks with Kurt Waldheim.
Al the end of this communiquéit is mcntioned thatthe commission is not able
to submit the rcsultor itsinquiriesand had communicated this to the Iranian
Government.
The commission investigating the crimes orMohammad RezüPahlavi and
America in Iran arrivcd in Tehran on 16 February pursuant to an invitation
cxtended by lraniiin oRicials.
152. 11 March Developments conccrning US Relations, Hostages
Blini-Sadron Stu(f~n!s,Coi~lmission
NCII ISOI Paris AFP in English, 1457GMT, Il Mar. 80 NC.
[Text] Piiris, II March (AFPblranian President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr
today deplorcd the obstruction by the "lslamic students" of the United Nations
inquiry inicithe ex-Shah's régimet,elling the Paris dailyMonde that "holding
hostages is no way to fight imperialism".
Mr. Bani-Sadr also quashed any lingering hopcs of an early release of the 50
hostages, hcld sincc Novcmber, saying they could ncit bc releascd before "mid-
May ilt the earliest" to give theplanncd lranian Parliament time to "study the
files".
Without qucstioning the good faith of the militants holdingthe hostages, the
President lold Lc. Moi?& that they were "influcnced at timcs by pro-Soviet
politicalcircles, suchasthe Tudeh cornmunisi Party, who havc evcrything to
gain from isolating Iran from the international cornmunity".
Mr. Rani-Sadr said he regretted the committec had been unable to complete
its mission "asal1its membcrs were anti-impcrialists and rebuffing them could
cut us offfrom world opinion, espcciiilly[rom the Third Warld".
Saying the committce's report would havc been of "capital importancc" to
Iran, hc addcd that any condemnation of a superpower was in itself "a turning
point in history", although "unfortunatcly the students did not realise this".
Mr. Bani-Sadr told Le Monde that in rejecting the cornmittee, the "students"
had unwittingly fultilled the Shah's prophecy that the United Nations mission
would fail.
Cnticizing the Rcvolutionary Council's "weakness and indecision", the
President cx~lained the committcc's mission as worked out betwcen United
Nations ~ecretar~-~eneral Kurt Waldheim and thc Iranian Government, with
"revolutionary giiidc" Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeiiii's approval.
"Oncc adoptcd by the Unitcd Nations Sccurity Council, WC would use the
cornmittee's rcport to force Panama to send us the Shah", Mr. Bani-Sadr said,
adding that thc report would give Iran the international backing la "put452 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
pressure on the United States and force it to recognize its Faultsand give up
opposing the Shah's extradition".
153.Students' Statement on Documents
LDI 1t814 Tehran Domestic Service inPersian, 1630 GMT, 11Mar. 80 LD.
[Text] The public relations office of the Muslim Student Followers of the
Imam's Policy, in connection with the delivcry of documents and proof
concerning the crimes of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the United States in
Iran to the members of the international investigation commission and in
connection with the manner in which the membersof the commissionrefusedto
rcccivethese documents, issued a staternent and placed it at the disposal of the
central newsbureau of the Voiceand Profileof the Islamic Republicof Iran, as
rollows:
In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. Following Imam
Khomeini'smessage, basedon showing copiesof the documents and proof to
the commission investigatingthe crimes of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the .
United States, the students prepared some 438 [as heard] pages ofdocuments
and proof whichwereat the spy nest.Thespokesman of the Rcvolution Council
also receiveda letter pertaining to the step acquiring an officialstatus. It was
thcn that the documents and proof, together with the introductory note of the
spokesman of the Revolution Council,were dispatched in order to bc received
by thc commission at the Hilton Hotet, the headquartcrs of the commission
membcrs during their stay.
Despiteal!the prevaricationsand the lackofsuccessdisplaycdby the members
of the commissionin meetingthe students and taking dcliveryof the documents
from ihem-each memberofthecommissionpassedthc buckto the nextman and
the next man refused to receive the documents-ai long last the question of
acceptingthc documents was not agreed to by the membersof the investigation
commission,who then refusedto acceptthe documentsin strongterms-so much
so that the students placed the documents and proof in the car thai wascarrying
the head of the commissionand was moving off toward the airport.
In the meantime, al1film cameramen and newsmcn,loo, took filmsof thcse
scenes. Neverthcless,the cars carrying the membersof the commission wcre
accompanied to the airport by the students in order to make sure that the
documents and proofs were with the members of the commission to thelast
moment and that they could take thcm with them.
Followingthc arriva1of the commission membersat the airport, the issue was
discussed with Mr. Gotbzadeh, who tiad gone to the airport to sec off the
commission members. It was then said that one of the rcasons for the
commission membersnot receivingthe documents and proofs was the fact that
since they deemed the occupation of the US den of'cspionage as illegal, they
thercîore deemedthe documents and proofs arising ihercfrom as worthlessfrom
the lcgalstnndpoint.
At long last, aftcrtirne had elapsed and the comniission members were on
their waccompanyingthe commission membershanded over the documents andf the
people
the commission-to one pof the Iranian employees of the airport and told himf
that after the flightof themembers of the commission thedocuments and proofs
would be taken deliveryof [as heard].
Thereby, the membersof the investigation commissionrefused to receivethe
documents placcd at the commission'sdisposal-documents and proofs already
at the disposa1of the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam'sPolicy who are
occupying the den of espionage. DOCUMENTS 453
154.Gotbzadeh on Commission'sRole
JN 122025Tehran International Servicein Arabic, 2000GMT, 12Mar. 80JN.
flexi] Foreign Ministcr Sadeq Gotbzadeh made statements to journalists in
which hc talked about thc rcsults of the work of ihe international commission
investigating the crimcs of the deposed Shah and Arnerica. Hc said: The US
Govcrnmcnt mus! noi imagine that the commissioncame to Iran to releasethe
hostages, bccause the release of the hostngcs was not discusscd with the
invcstigation commission at ail. Morcovcr, the statcmcnts issucd made no
mention at a11of the idca that the release of'ihehostageswilltake place through
lhc commission or that this subject is among its tasks.
The Foreign Ministcr said that the commission's task is to investigate the
deposcd Shah's crimesand the plundering heand his Fdmilyperpctratcd, as well
as to mcct with the hostagcs. Gotbzadeh affirmed that the commission has
accomplishedthe first and second paris, but was unsitccessfulin accomplishing
the ihird.
The [ranian Forcign Minister cxprcsscd the holie that the international
invcsligation commissionwillshortly visit Iran once again.
155.Bani-Sadr on Commission. Students
I,D121251Paris Le Munde in French, 12Mar. 80, pp. 1, 10LD.
[Eric Rouleau dispatch: "Failure of Commission of lnquiry in Iran."]
[TentjTehran-The "lslamic siudents"arejubihnt. In prompting the prema-
turc departlire of thc United Nations commission of inquiry they think thcy
havc thwarted the "plot" which was to lcad to the riormalizütionof relations
between Irariand thc UnitcdStates. Thcyarc moredciemined than cvcrto hold
the US diplomats until the Shah is extradikcd.
Iiwas withangermixcd withsadnessthat Prcsidcntof the RcpublicBani-Sadr
told us late in the cvcning of Monday,10 March: "Holding the hostages is no
wüy of strugglingügüinst impcrialism."
The head of State does not doubt the "students'" good faith: "They are
moiivaicd by a hatred of US policywhichthc United States itsclfengenderedin
our couiiiry", he said in thcir defence. However,he added: "Unfortunately they
somctimcs allow themsclvcsto be influencedby some politicalgroups favorable
to thc USSR, likc thcTudch Party, whichstands to gain rrom isolating Iran on
the intcrnational scenc in order to prevent Afghanistan [apparent line drop]."
Bani-Sadr replied indirectly to the arguments put forward by the "students"
in the pastfew daps: "The UnitedNations commissionof inquiry iscompletely
honourable in our eyessinccweapproved its composition. All its members are
anti-imperialists. Objccting to them is away of ciitting us off from world
opinion, especiallyThird World opinion."
Thc nature of the report which the commissionwas to draw up at the end of
its mission does not worry hirn. "We have provided the commission with
hundrcds of documenls irrefutably demonstrating the guilt of the Shah and of
the United States.Eventhough the fileswehavegivenit are incompfete-due to
thc destruction of evidenceby US agents before ~hemonarchy's fall-and cven
though the commission has no1been given enough time, the report it was to
writc isvitallyimportant for us. An indictmcnt made against a supcrpoweris in
itself a turning point in mankind's history-thedawn of a ncw age for al1the
oorircssed in the world. Unfortunately the Islamic studcnts have failed to
understand that."
The President of the Re~ublic also thinks that the occu~iers of the US
~rnbass~are mistaken whh tbey rnaintain that the procesi started by the
international commission runs caunter to their main objective-namely the454 DlPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
Shah's cxtradition. "The scenario drawn up jointly by United Nations Secre-
tary-General Kurt Waldheim and the lranian Government with lmam Kho-
meini'sexplicitapproval isnot inthe leastsecret,assomepeoplesuggest.Onceit
has beenadopied by the SecurityCouncil thecommission'sreport willbeusedto
demand that Panama hand over the Shah for trial. We will then enjoy the
support of the international community. It willalso put pressure on the United
States to rccognize their crimes and give up their opposition to the Shah's
extradition."
Aïter a moment'ssilence Bani-Sadradded: "By opposing the commissionof
inquiry the Islamicstudents have unintentionally proved theShah correct since
right (rom the start he predicted that the United Nations mission would fail."
However,the President of the Republic abovc al1attacked the "weakness" and
"indecision" of the Revoluiion Council which he accuses of having largely
conlributed to the crisis.
"If the Council had shown more determination, if it did not change its mind
every day at the instigation of particular pressureroups, we would not have
come to this pass", he said, beforeadding: "During our meetingSundayevening
1 told my colleagues that it was impossible to govern the country in thiway,
that wehaveto have thecourage to take, and above al1to implement,unpopular
decisions.1 said that the Iranian people are sick of measures which are never
carried out. Ithen told them that 1would not go with them Monday morning to
ask lmam Khomeini to arbitrate in the conflict whichhad arisen between the
Revolution Counciland the Islamic students."
Prcsident Bani-Sadr did indeed stay away from the meetings and consulta-
tions which took place throughout Monday. He did not attcnd either the
meetingwith ImamKhomeinior the meetings heldseparatelyby the Revolution
Council and the Government.
have a one-on-one meeting with one of itsationrnembers, Mohamed Bedjaoui, to
"proposals" putadforward that morning by lmam Khomeini. Accordingto Bani-
United Nations investigators.They would havebeen authorized togivemeet al1the
American hostages "after expressingtheir opinion on the former Shah's crimes
and the US aggressors'interference", to cite Imam Khomeini.
RcasonsforRemal
The only concessionwhichthe commissionwasprepared to make-Bani-Sadr
continued-wouid have been the following: "Before issuing a rcport in New
York it would have announced its initial impressions~in Tehran, thereby
reassuring the Islamicstudents as toits real intentions." It is being pointed out
here that two of the three measures advocalcd by Imam Khomeini in his
"message to the Iranian nation" were not binding on the commission. The
"revolution guide" stated that the documents found in the US Embassyshould
be "placed al the disposal" of the investigators. Thereforc they had the
opportunity to reject documents which some of them regard as "stolen".
The Imam alsostated thatthe commissionwas "free to question..someof the
hostages implicated in thc Shah's crimes". In other words, Mr. Waldheim's
represcntativeswereequally"free" to deemsuchinterviewswithmcnand women
held in violation of international lawstbe inappropriate. The onlycontentious
point in lmam Khorneini'smessagetherefore related to the appropriateness of a
statement by the investigators before theirreturn to New York on the lranian
Government'sgrievancesagainst theShah and the United States-an absolutely
vital precondition for their visit to the American hostages.
The commission immediately statedthat thisdistortion of the agreementswas
unacceptable. The pleas and exhortations of the chief of lranian diplomacy DOCUMENTS 455
Goibzlideh, who conferred at Icngth with thc United Nations rcprcsentatives
threc timcs on Monday, wcrc not enough to shakc thcir determination to Icave
Iran bcforc concluding thcir inquiry.
Thcir rcfiisal was motivütcd by at least two reasons. If they had agrced to
"announcc their initial impressions" in Tehran thcy would in fact havc given
way to Imam Khomeini's "blackmail". And evcn if they had given way thcy
would have run the risk of not being grantcd the other half of the bargain.
Indccd, who could guaranicc that the Islamic studcnts wcre not going to find
thcir condcmnation of the Shah and the United States to be sullicient or
adcquatc? Thc commission therefore left Tehran this Tuesday morning after
issuing a polite but firmcommunique. It will"pursue itstask" in New York but
will not draw up a report on the conclusions of an inquiry which it regards as
incornplctc. Indeed, undcr the terrns of its mandate it is not authorized to
seprirate Iran's grievances from ihe US grievances over the hostages.
ln good diplornatic fashion ihe United Nations investigators refrained from
talking of rupture or failure. This is a wise decision sinee nobody has any
alternative in the scenario laboriously dreamcd up to satisfy both lran and the
United Statcs. In any case Prcsident Bani-Sadr told us that the hostagcs could
not bc released until mid-May at the earliest since the future Iranian Parliament
would not have the chance of examining the q~icstion before that date.
Mcünwhile it is the lranian situation, rich in ncw developments, which will
ultimatcly dctcmine the fatc of thehostages and the I'uturof relations between
Tehran and Washington.
156. Slaternent by Secretary-Gencral OFthe Uniicd Nations on lnquiry
Commission to Iran
SG/SM/2869
20 February 1980.
Following is the textora statcment made today hy Secretary-General Kurt
Waldheim at the start of a press conference at United Nations Headquarters:
1wishto ;Innounce the establishment ofa commission of inquiry to undertake
a fat[-linding mission to Iran to hear Iran's grievancesand to allow for an early
solution or thccrisis betwecn lran and the United States.
Iran dcsires to havc thc commission spèakto cach of the hostages.
Thc commission willbccomposed of:Andres Aguillirof Venezuela,Mohamed
Bcdjaoui of Algeria, Adyb Daoudy of the Syrian Arab Republic, H. W.
Jayewardene of Sri Lanka and Louis-Edmond Pettiti of France. The members
from Algcria and Venczuclüwill serve as its Co-Chairmcn.
The commission, which will Icavefor Tehran ovcr th- week-end, willcomplete
its work as soon as possible and submitits rcpori to the Secretary-General.
157.White House Statement on Commission
Sccrctary-General Waldhcirn has announccd the establishment of a commis-
sion of inqiiiry to go to lran to hcar Iran's grievances and to allow an early
solution of thc crisis bstween Iran and the United States. He has statcd that the
commission will speak with cach of our people.
60th the United States and Iran have concurred in the establishment of the
commission as proposed by thc Secretary-Gcncral in mutually acceptable official
FcIn concurring, the United States has taken note of the Secretary-General's456 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
statement that the commission will undertake a fact-finding mission.It will not
be a tribunal. The United States understands that the Commission will hear the
grievancesof both sides and willreport to the Secretary-General. The American
people are deeply aggrieved that Iran, afteruaranteeing the protection of our
people, has takcn thcm hostagc and hcld them in intolcrable conditions for108
days. The United States has no desire to interf~rcin the interna1aEairs of Iran,
but itdoes insist on the prompt return of the 53Americansnow illegallyheld in
Tehran.
The United States has also made clear its position that the meeting of the
commission with our people must be consistent with international law and that
the hostages must under no circumstances be subjectcd to interrogation. II is
vital, however, for the commission to determine that they are al1present, and to
assess their condition.
We hope that the commission will,as the Secretary-General has said, achieve
an early resolution of the crisis between our two countries which requires the
rclease of the hostages.
158.Department of State, Spccial Press Briefing,Saturday, 23 February 1980
(excerpts)
(On the record unless otherwise noted.)
Mr. Carrer; Good ahernoon.
We have had a preliminary look at what the Ayatollah is reported to have
said. In response to it, 1 would like to make the following points for the
Administration.
We have stated our position repeatedly. The lranians arecontinuing to violate
the basic principlcs of international law and human rights by holding hostagcs
for ransom.
The purposes of the United Nations commission arc two-fold: not only to
hcar Iran's grievances, but also to bnng about an early end of the cnsis.
That, of course, requires the release of al1the hostages.
The United Nations commission of inquiry has arrived in Tehran today and
will irnmediatelydevote itsdf to carrying out its two-fold mission. While thal is
underway, 1am not going to have anything further for you on this.
[~ue~ii~??] Let's put ithi wsay,isthis the mandate of the commission? Does
il have two sides, because the White House has said that one of the things that
the commission will do would be to hear US grievances as well as Iranian
grievances?
This has not come out very clearly. 1sthat part of an officialmandate as given
to them by the Secrctary-Generai?
[Answer] The official mandate is as stated in the Secretary-General's own
release on this subject, and1really don't want [words indistinct].
159.Department of State, Daily Press Briefing,Tucsday, 26 February 1980
(cxcerpts)
[Question] You say there are two objectivesof the commission. And one is to
bring about a speedy resolution of the crisis.
1sthat the understanding of the lranian authorities astoone of the objectives
of the mission?
[Answer] The Secretary-General has outlined the objectives of the Commis-
sion that he put together and sent to Iran. He has projected what it is; we agree
with that. WCUM ENTS 457
160.Press Confcrcncc Held by Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock, Deputy
Prime Minister Hrian Talboys, and Secretary ofSlatc Cyrus R. Vanceat the
Conclusion of thc 29th A~zus Council Meeting, Washington, DC,
27 Fcbruary 1980
(exccrpts)
[Qzte~tioii] Mr. Sccrctiiry, could 1 follo~ip your first qucstion? Since the
issuance of ihc Sccrctary-Gcneral's statement on thc mandate for the
commission, which you pointed out had a two-f'old purpose, the Iranian
authorities have puhlicly at teastdenied thai ii had morc than the purpose of
hearing their grievanccs. And, secondly, since then there have been statements
by lranian authoritics, including the Ayatollah, suggesting that if thestages
are released-and it'sjust an "if-itwould not be any time before April, and
now todliy it's suggcstcd May."
The American people 1ihink would like to know: 1sthis a misunderstanding
by the United Nations and the United States of the role of the commission? Has
there been :iny chiingc in Iran? Or where do we stand on this?
[Secre~ary Vutic(>/Let me say that the understanding of the United Nations
and oursclves has been clearly set forth by the Sccretiiry-Gcneral. He was askcd
what the mandale was aftcr a question had been raised as to the nature of the
mandate and hc confirmcd it was as hc had originiilly siaicd it.
[Que.stioiiMr. Vancc, going back to Iran, you consultcd very closely with
Secrctary-Gcncral Wlildhcim bcfore those terms of rcrcrcnccwcrc issued.Why,
if the lranians wcre in agrcemcnt that there wils somc linkage between the
commission and the rclcaseof the hostages, was it not spclledout in those terms
of reference?And ifthcy wcrcn'tin agreement, why did you makethe concession
allowing the commission to bc formcd, whcn you had said previously you
wouldn't do that unlcss iherc was sorne linkage to the rclease of the hostagcs?
fSecrelarj,V(~nr-c >/hink the lems of reference and the understanding with
respect to those tcrms of rcfercncewasclear, remains clear, and 1lhink they have
ken corrcctly rcflccicd by whüt the Sccrctary-Gcncrül hiissaid.
161. Inquiry Con~missionDccides to Suspend Activitics in Tehran to Confer
with Secretary-General in Ncw York
SG/SM/2880
IR/14
10March 1980.
The following statcmcnt on behalf of Secreiary-Gencral Kurt Waldheim was
made today by a Unitcd Nations spokesman:
Thc commission of inquiry, in the light of reccnt dcveloprnents and aftcr
consuking with thc Sccreiüry-General and the Iranianauihoriiies,has decided
thai it should suspcnd ils activities in Tehran for scvcral days. The commission
will lcavc for Ncw York tomorrow morning (11 blarch) to confcr with the
Secretüry-Gcncral wiih a view to pursuing ils tasks, which it regards as
indivisible.
Undcr thc circumstanccs. the commission is not ntrw in a position to subrnit
its report. It is, howcvcr, prcpared to return to Tchran in üccordance with ils
mandate and thc ins~ructions of the Secretary-Gencral, when Ille situation
requires.
Thc müntlütc of the commission is to hear Iran's gricvances andto allow for
an early solution of thc crisis between Iran and the United States. The Govern-
ments of Iran and thc United States agreed to the csiablishment of the
commission on that basis. DOCUMESTS
/T/re Secr.eru-Ge I fcclcncouraged by the reactionson both sidcs.Thc
lranian autliorities have made constructive statements stressing their readiness
to continue theseeffortsand expfainingthe diffirultiesthcywerefacingwhen thc
commission was in Tchritn. You know that there is a rather complex power
structure in the country. Hui the fàct that the Government-the President
himsclf, as well as thc Forcign Minister-strcsscd rcpeatedly, in the first
reactions to the departurcofthe commission,thrrtthcy wünted rocontinue these
efforts is encouraging.
it is also encouraging for me that 1have always hüd most constructive co-
operation from Washington.Thc Administration has fullysupported myefforts.
WC have been in close contact during al1these weeks, and the statcments you
hcard yestei~dayevcning and this morning make vcry cleür that Washington is
interestcd in continuing thcsc efforts.
Sa i am quite confident that the time will cumc when we wiIl salve the
problcm. It isjust a question of time.
/Quesiion] Sir, the hostagcs have bcensitting thcre for over 100days; thcir
familicsare waitinganxiously.What encouragerncntcan you givelhern,in terms
of iirnc.for a solution?
[Tlic Sccretary-Cei~ernlf1fcclvcry rnuchfor thc famifiesof the hostages,and
Ictrncsay lhat 1am cons~antlythinkingof the suffcringof those people.1myself
havc a Fürnilyand 1know what it means for thosc fümilics [O know that their
dear ones have been kcpi hostagefor so many monlhs. 1 shallcertainlycontinue
to make cvcryeffort and to do everythingin my powcr to achievethe releaseof
these hostages. 1cannoî givc you a time-limit. 1carinot tell you when it will
happen, bui I ihinkthc nexi fewweeks will giveus a clearcr picture.
/Quesiion/ Undcr what gcncriilconditions, in advanccof your consultations,
do you think you could scnd the commission back to Tchran?
[Tire Secretury-Gencr As you know, 1 read out ü statcment when the
commission went to Tchran in which1mentioned themandate of the cornmis-
sion, whichis two-fold:to hcar ihc grievances olIran, on the one hand, and, on
the other hand, to allow for asolution of the crisisbctwccnIran and the United
Statcs,which means, in thefirstinstance, the questiorof the hostags and thcir
rclcasc. We have held io this mandate, 1 think that what has to be clarified is
exactly when the lranian Govcrnment will bein ü position to irnplernent the
second part of the mandate of thc commission.
/Qtresfion/ Does that meiin, then, that you would not send the commission
bzickuntil you wereconvinccdthat the lranian Governmcnt wasin a position to
implcmcnt thc sccond part of ihc rnandatc?
{The Sc.crc,ary-GeilerriObviously, I shall kcepiricontact with the lranian
authorit~esin this regard to try to findout how they sccthc situation an1 shall
makc the decisionin the lightof the answer1gei from thc Iranian Government.
/Quesrion/ In an intcrvicw published todliy in the French ncwsprtper Le
Monde, President Abolhassan Bani-Sadrsaid: "Sornetirnes the militants allow
thcrnsclvesIO be influenccdby some political groups ravourable io the USSR,
such as the Tudeh Corninunisi Party. whoseinterest is 10 isolate Iran on thc
international scene." Thrit is a direct quote from President Bani-Sadr. My
qucstion to you, Sir, is: 1sthc Soviet Union meddlingin your efforts to resolve
thiscrisis.
/The Secrc~ciry-G~ni~ruIIc ]an only tell you that therc is a power struggle in
Iran. Iiisclcar thai the vicwsof ihc Government do not coincidewith the views
ol'thc studenls in thc compound. Thai was one of'tlic rcasons why finally the
commission decided, üfierconsutting with me,to rcturn. 1think there isalso thc
othcr aspect, which is thc attitude of Ayitollah Khomcini, who made a
statcrneni carly yestcrday in which hc gave the impression of supporting the
students. Hc put forward a numbcr of conditions to the commissionwhich had
10bc fulfilledberore it could scc the hostages. Thosc conditions had not becn460 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
foreseen in the arrangements and could not bc fulfilled by the commission.
Therefore, it was in the light of that fact that we decided it was better for the
commissionto return and consult with me, in order to give the Government in
lran timeto clarifythese matters. The commissioncould then perhaps return to
Tehran when the situation becomes clear.
[Question] Do you expect any change in the composition of the cornmi$sion?
1 have heard that one or two members have indicated they may want to be
exempted fromthis job.
[The Secre~ury-General]That is not correct.
[Question] When you returned from Tehran the last tirneyou indicated ai a
pressconference here with us that somehowor other you did not feelthat there
was any govcrnment in power there, that it was difficultto know with whornto
deal.Would you süy that thepresentsituation, as it has turned out, issimilür to
what the situation was when you were there, that there is no authority with
whom to deal?
[The Secrefury-Cencral] Obviously we are dealitig with the Government.
That is the normal procedure. But the problem is that the Goverbmcnt
apparently has no1 been able to reach agreement with those elements which
oppose the arrangements, especially the students, who refused to allow the
commissionto visit the hostages.
(Question] At what point will you go public yourself with the written
assurances, the promises that you have from the lranian authonties?
[The Secreiory-Gcnerolj 1-donot think that this is really the question. The
important thing is that weachievethe releaseof the hostages. And in the past 1
have reperitedfysaid please have patience; this an honest effort. I have tried
extrernelyhard to achievea solution to this verydelicateproblemWC arc facing
tremendousdificulties. Wecannot control the situation in Iran, obviously. And
it is1 think, also clear to everybody that there aspower problern. That has
come out veryclearlyin theselast wecks.But let me alsosay that in the past we
have beenfaccdwithsituations of a kind in whichit took nint months before the
hostages or captives or whateverwe cal1them werereleased.So let 11s befrank.
This is not the first tirne that we have been faced with such a situation. But we
should have patience, although 1fully understand that, as was said a moment
ago, it is a tragicexperiencefor the familiesof the hostages.Iam quitcconfidcnt
that the hostages will be released.But pleasehave patience and pcrmit me to
keep certain things tomyself, because 1 want to continue this process,and in
such a situation it would not be helpful to say everythin1know.
[Questionf After thc latest staternent of the Ayatollah, do you still belicve
what he said earlicr-that the Parliament willbc the oneto decideon the fatc of
the hostages? Will thatstill stand?
[The Secretory-General]Well,maybe; 1cannot speak for the Ayatollah. Rut
let us not forget that the electionsare veryncar; theyrton Friday. So,even if
theytake two weeks,that isnot too far away,and sincethe Government and the
President of Iran wish tosotvethe problem in a constructive way, 1expect that
the electionsmay be helpful in this effort.
[Quesiion] Could 1ask you about Khomeini?The Ayatollah isthe only voice
to which al1listen there. You yourself havequoted him several limes. Do you
foreseethat you willbeableto be incommunication with him, theone voicethat
has the authority, orwiHyou go on with these other characters, who have no
authority but must go to the Ayatollah in al1cascs?
[The Srcretury-GeneraljObviouslythe Ayatollah is the spiritual leaderothe
country and has enormous influence.Therc is no doubt about that. But our
interlocutor isthc Government and the President of the country.
[Question] Do you consider it a possibility that this unique and complex
situation may not be a job for the United Nations, that both the situation and
the United Nations may be the worse on before it is over? DOCUMENTS 461
[The Secretarj-C~nenilI WCare always taking zirisk in such situations. But
his anybody who criticizcs us-and 1 would no1 hc surprised if there wcre
criticism-nffered a bcttcr alternativto what I have ofkrcd, with the commjs-
sion? [t is vcry clerirthai thc work of the commission is logicallylinked with thc
rclcaseof thc hostagcs and thrit the rcport cannot hc prcscnted before the second
part of the inandate has bcen îulfill1am sorry that the rictualsituation means
a furthcr dclayin the rclcasc of ihc hostages, BuWC havc to.accept il, and we
havcto continue with al1our mcans to achieveour airns.But so farnobody has
offercd us a bettcr altcrnativc.
[Qire.~tiortJYou mentioncd the mandate under which you sent the commis-
sion to Tehran. You also mentioned that Ayatollah Khomeini has set some
conditions that are unacceptable.
Do you bclieve that the fact that there werc no clcar, wrilten terms of
rcrerencewas the causc of thc prcscnt complication? Evcn if that is not the case,
wcre thcrc ciny clear,writ~çn terms OC referencc for thc commission's task,
including what should hc containcd in its rcpori and how it should go about iis
work?
/TIze Sucrefnry-CenurrilJYou do not know thc b;ickground, und 1 certainly
am noi ready to elaboraic. I told you thal I wani this malttobe settled.and
scttlcd in a satisfactory way. But Ican tell you that thc aspect you have referrcd
to is certainly not the rcason for the problemWC arc facing right now.
(QUPSI~OI ZOUsaid thüt thcrc willbe no report. Do you mcan that the report
will not bc written, or that it will bewritten but not made public?
[The Secretury-Ceneru// Thcrc willbe no reporl writlcn or published beforc
the mandate of the commission has been fulfilled.
163.Sccretary of Stalc Vancc's Remarks to the Press iiftcr the Mccting ai the
United Nations. 12 March 1980.with the Secretary-Gcncral and the United
Nations Commission rclating to Iran, 8.15 p.m.
/Question/ Mr. Sccretary. will you tell us about your lalks upslairs?
[Secrctniy Vance] Ycs. Iam most appreciative of having the opportunity to
exchange viewsfirst with the Secrctary-General on thc visitof thc commission to
Tchrün. Following that, 1had an extensiveexchangc of vicws with the mcrnbcrs
of thc commission on their visit to Tchran. II was usclùl to me to be able to
cxchangc viewsand I think I havc s clearer understanding or the situationas a
rcsult of that1wont IO cxprcss my appreciation to the Sccrctary-General for his
dctcrmination to continucto pursuc this avenue. l'hc door isstillopen and I will
bc kccping in touch with the Sccrctary-General. Ilc an1 havc been continually
in touch as the days havc gonc by and we willcontinuc 10 do so in the future.
[Qucsrion/ What ncxt, Mr. Secretary?
/Sc.r.rctoi:vVunrr/ Thc Secrciriry-General will be continuing to discuss the
müttcrwirh the commission whichwillbe staying Iiercand then aftcr thaWC will
bc hüving furthcr discussions.
/Qlrestionj Do you have any optimistic hopes for thc hostagcs and their
families?Can you give thcm ünything new in ternis of lime'?
/Sc.crctary Vunrc] 1can givc them nothing new in tcrms of lime. I haie to
ch;ir;icterizr things in tcrms (.iI'optimismor pessilnAsm1said, 1believethat
the work of the commission has been useful.
[@lestion/ Has thcrc bccn any suggestion at al1oî a timc îrirme?
/S(!r*rc~tar* arzc~fNo, thcrc has not. This will bc something thaî the
Sccrctary-Cieneralwill be discussing with the con~mission.
/Questioiz] Would you disçuss, Mr. Secretary, the possibilitiesof the election
thai ihcy niighino1 be frecd until afier the election..Parliament mects next
month?462 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
[Secrerury Vf~nce]1 don't wantto go into the details of what wediscussed.As
I said, we had a broad exchange of views.1will leave it to the commission to
decide what if anything they wish to say about the exchange of views wehad.
[Question] You have full confidencein the commission and in the Secretary-
Gencral?
[Secretury Varice] 1have full confidenceinthc Sccrctary-General and in the
commission.
[Quesrion] Arc you counselling, Mr. Secretary, patience Torthc American
people because the options that the United Statesnow has-practical options
-are few?
[Secretary Vunce] 1am counselling patience. 1believe that this ithe best
course to follow. As 1indicated, the door is not closed and 1think we should
continue to pursue this option.
[Quesrion] What signal are you waiting for from Tchran, from President
Bani-Sadr?
[Secretary Varice] 1don't want to get into signals or anything like that.
[Question] Will you see the commission again?
[Secretary Vunce] No, 1 do not anticipate seeing them again. But 1 will
obviously be in touch with the Secretary-Gcneral who will be in touch witthe
commission.
fQue~tiooJ (McHcnry) Do you defendhim totally, Mr. Secretary? You know
they are aftcr him.
[Secretary Vance] 1dcfcndhim totally. He's asplendidman, an ableman and I
think the chargcs that have been made against him arc basclessand despicable.
[Questirinj Do you have the backing of President Carter in this?
[Secretary Vance] Yes. DOCUMENTS
Respoiise rtQiccslic~nPsresenfedhy the Presideniofrhe Coyrt on 20 Murch
1980' undby Judge Gro.r on 21 Marcll 1980
At and following the closc of oral arguntcnt. the Court addrcssed to the
United Stritcs iwo requests for additional information: a lis1of hostage nümes
and functions and an account of the rclcased hostages' tcstimonicson which thc
Unitcd Statcs Agent drew in his March 19prcsentstion.
In rcsponse to thc latter request, I am pleziscdto provide the Court with
thc encloscd dcclara~ions, which includc cvcry dectaration provided to the
Agent in rcsponsc tu an inquiry addrcsscd to al1rclcascdhostages. In the interest
of priuncy, thc namcs and identifying data have bccn deletcd fram the
enclosures.
In thc intcrcst of thc wcll-beingof thc rcmninirigIiostages and the privacy of
thcir îamilics. the United States has not, to date, made available for public
relcasc a comprchensive list of thosc rcmaining hostages. Should the Court
dccidc thatit hasa need for such a list whichcan be me1without public releascof
the contcnts. Iam authorized to provide it on that basis. In making this rcsponsc
the Govcrrimcnt of the United Statcs would rcspcctfully cal1attention to the
prior dcclürations which have been made to thc Court by Under Secrclary of
Staic Ncwsom and by the Agent and which set forth the following lacts:
originallyü total of 66 United States nationals wcrc seized as hostages, iwo of
whom wcrc private citizensand 64 of whoni wcrc and aremembcrs of cithcr the
Diplon~atic or the Administrative and Technical Staff of the United States
Embassy; 13of the 64 were rcleasedin latc Novcmber 1979;and thcrc remain in
detcntian todziytwo non-diplornatic Unitcd Statcs n:itionals and 51mcmbcrs of
eithcr thc I>iplomatic or the Administraiive and Tcchnical Star of the United
States Embassy, including thc thrcc perçons hcld at the Iranian Foreign
Ministry. It is respcctfully subrnilted(ha(, in so far as claims c-slütingto thc
hostagcs arc concerned, thesc fach by thcmçelvesprovide a suficient basis for
the clairrisof the Unitcd States and that the namcs and funclions of the
individuals do not constiluiean elemcnt which isesscntial to such claims. On the
othcr hünd, ü lisof such names andrunciions isüvailableon the terms indicated
above.
('Signed)Geri M. Joseph.
'See p. 323..r~rprt,.
Scep. 515. infi. DIPLOhlATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
1, ,ccrtify and declare the following:
1. Beforemy departurc rrom lran on 20 November 1979, 1 was ü member of
thc staff of the United States Embassy in Tehran, where 1served as Administrü-
tive Superintendent. 1was taken hostage during the seizureof the Embassy on 4
Novembcr 1979,and held hostagc in thc Embassycompound until my rclcascon
20 November 1979.
2. 1had arrived in Tehran on 30 October 1979and throughout my detention
on the Embassy compound, at no time was 1physically rnisireated or roughed
up, nor were any physical threats or harm with or without wcapons ever
atternpted.
3. On the other hand, for the first thrce to four days 1was always blindfold
and ticd to cithcr the ams or the backs of chairs 1 was scatcd in. AS time
progrcssed, say day five onwards, I was only bound by the hands and was
blindfold whenever 1 went to the baihroom, thereupon, 1 was unticd and
unblindfold so as 10take carc of pcrsonal needs. Ano timc was 1cvcr gagged or
isolitlcd fronr fellow Iiostagcs.
4. Throughout my hostage pcriod I was never allowed to spcak or gcsturc to
my rcllowmernbcrs.
5. At no time was it mentioned that wewould be able to write or make phone
ealls to Our families in the USA. 1did, however, see the American Red Cross
rcprcscntative as well as the Catholic Pope's representatiuc. Thcse visits were
controllcd, in that wewere not allowcd to speak to them unless theyspoke to us.
6. The food preparation for the firstcouple of days wis not thc bcst. However
it bccame palatable as tirnepassed. The food was mainlyAmcrierin,howevcr.we
did havc an Iranian typc breakhst. The only current news accounts receivcd
wcre those provided by the students, and assuch the media (newspapcr, majority
of Ihc time) was folded so that one could not look at anything clse printed
thereon. There were no radios nor TVs for us to listen to.
7. The rnedical attention rcceivcd was alright. I had dcvclopcd a sorc throat
and a fevcr while there. A doctor gave me some pills and in a matter of three
days thc illness disappeared.
8. Sanitary conditions however werenot that good. The latrine Faciliticsurcrc
r11n~nyi.v need of cteaning: the floors were always wet, dirty, and haphazardly
clcaned (not thoroughly); bathing was not offered that regularly (twice a wcck)
and when uscd, towels(drying) wcrc Iimited, making it so that three or four
individuals used the same towel to dry thcrnsetvcs.The useof these towels wcrc
for the lranians as wellas American!The restrieted useof eating utensils(knives,
forks, glasses, etc.) whenever a person was il1was never rigidly cnforced; for
cxnrnple, a person with a sore throat would drink out of a glass, and as he
finished with this glass, the studcnt would pass this glass on to anyone that
wantcd a drink of liquid. This was thc custom al1the while1was ihcre. For the
lirst tive or six days we were not issued soap, toothbrushes, cornbs, towels, or
anything for personal use. Also, the entire time i was there, wc nevcr had a
change of undcrclothes (we were given a change the night bcforc 1Icft) nor a
change of outer clothcs (shirts, pants, etc.). The only way they wcrc cleancd (al1
clothing) was whenyou managed io do so ai night so that they çould bedricd by
rnorning.
9. You were able to do somc cxcrcising(sit-ups, push-ups, etc.), but only Cor
two or thrce minutes.
IO.We wcre osked to sign a statcmcnt agreeing that the Shah should be
rcturncd to lran for trial. Howcvcr, the "leader" stated to me that "only if 1
wantcd to sign it, should 1do so", 1 did not. That was the only sialement they
wantcd me to sign. Myonly intcrrogation wasthe initialonc rcccivedthe firstIwod;iysofçnptivity. Questions askcd werc: How long 1had becn in Iran; my namc;
what typc ofjob 1 performcd. At no othcr time did 1 receiveany interview.
II. Thcrc was cvidcncc produccd to us Ihak the Iranians had "violatcd" a
numbcr of safes and had copied somc letters and distrihuted triIus hostages
Torcmphüsizing why thcy(the Ir~inians)wcrccorrect in holding us as hostages.1
was ncvcr threütened with trial nor with punishment or psychological durcss.
Subscribed and sworn to before
mc and in my prcscncc. this 3rd
day of March, 1980, a notary
public in and for the county of
Harrison, Statc of Mississippi.
(Signni) Susie B. Washington.
Notary Public. MyCommission
Expirez Miirch 14, 1984.
Appcndix€3
1.1, ,ccrtify and dcclarc the following:
2. Before my departurc from Iran on 20 November 1979 1\vas a mcmber of
the staff of the United Staics Ernbassy in Tchran, whcre 1servcd as sccrctary.
1was taken hostage during lhc seizurc of thc Ezmbassyor1 4 Novcrnber 1979
and hcld hostagc in the Embassy conipound until my rcleasc on 20 Navember
1979.
3. On 4 Novcmbcr 1979,al1of thc Amcricans were blindfoldcd and our hands
wcre ticd as we were led from the Embassy Chanccry to thc Ambassador's
Residcncc. Female hostügcs wcrc scgrcgated into thc Study-Librüry of the
Rcsidcncc.
4. At about 6.30 p.m., on 4 Novcmber, 1 was led from thc study of the
RcsidcnccInck to the Chanccry by one of the studcnt-militanis. Hc brought me
to the Chancery's second floor where he ordered me to opcn a safe in the
PoliticalScction.1told him thüt1 did not work in that section, thcrcfore, 1could
not opcn the safe. He took me toan officewhcrewe are, drank coffcc.and had a
rational conversation rcthe lranian situation. We werc alonc. Aftcra fewhours
hcgot up, wcnt ovcr to the in-box of thc desk wherehisjackct layand rctricvcd a
brown revolver from ils folds. Hc pointcd the rcvolveral me. Icould sec that al1
of the chambers wcrc cmpty exccpt for one bullet thiit was ai the bottom of the
circular ch:~mbcrs.
He süid hcdid not believc that I did not know the combination 10 the srife;
sincc niy purse had bccn found thcrc in the "spy ccntrc" of thc Embassy. 1
rcpcaicd that I workcd down the hall in thc Chargé'sofficeand that1could no1
opcn thc süfc; that someone at thc last minute had thrown my purse behind this
vauli for snfekecping.
He clicked the gun and the bullet went upone notch.
l-le said1 was a liar; that one of'thc Political Oficers had told him that1
worked in this particularoffice.
1 said tliat 1 knew now that hc was lying; thüt the Political Officer he
mcntioncd knew 1 did not work there and that 1 would not know the
combination to that de.
He clickcd thc gun aguin; the bullct wcntup another notch.
He caltctlme a liar again, and askcd i1 thought this was worth dying for.
1 süid: "Why didn't you do this to thc Mexicans?"
He clickcd the gun again and the bullct went up yet anothcr noich.
I am not sure how many morc tirncs the gun clicked. When ihc bullct was in466 D~PLOMATIC AND CONSULARSTAFF
the last chamber before it would havedisappeared and presumably firedhe siiid,
"Do you think 1will pull the trigger?"
1said: "1certainly hope not."
He repeated: "Do you think 1will pull the trigger?"
1 repeatcd: "1certainly hopc not."
He continued to point the gun at me for about two more minutes. He then put
the gundown, and said that he finallybelievedme, that 1really did not woin
that section.
He then wanted to know who did work in that section as secretary. 1said:
"Why, so you can ki11ber?"He said thathe didn't killwomen. 1said hegave a
good imitation of trying to a few minutes ago.
5. About midnight he brought me back to the Residence. As WC passed
through the Embassy I could see student-militants and religious mullahs
wandering throughoutthe corridors and offices.They wereransacking dcsks and
cxamining papers. Graffitti was al1ovcr the walls:"Down with Carter", "Down
with Sadat", "Down with Begin", "Death to the Americans".
6. Once at the Residence,1was not allowedto rejoin the four fcmalchostages
in the study. I spent the night in the foyerof the Chanceryjust off'the study. The
next morning I was forced to sit in front of the window to the Icft of thc door
leading to the outside. The students, armed with guns, blindfolded me and tied
my arms to the sides of a straight chair.
1 could heargunshots and the sound of a lowflyinghelicopter outsid1heard
the student-militantsmoving behind me so that 1was positioncd bctwecn thcm
and thegunshots and helicopter. 1could hear no lessthan sixguns or riflesbeing
cocked behind me.'One of the girl students whispered, "Pasdaran" to another
student. 1thought that 1would be caught in a crossfire between the students
inside and the pasdaran/revolutionary guards outside.
1was kept in this state untilthe afternoon after whi1hcould sensechat the
students were moving around and speaking Farsi in a more normal tone of
voice.
7. When the sun went down on this day (Monday, 5 November) 1was still
blindfolded. One of the female students untied my hands frorn the sides of the
chair and ticd them in front of me.hen one of the male students came to me
and said that it was "time to go".
1 was led out through the back of the Residence by the male and female
students, one on eitherideof me.1could feelwhen1wasoutside-it wascold, 1
could feel the pavement beneath my feet, then the grass, and then passing
through bushes. Asthey were leading me in the dark the two students started
conversation in Englishdirccted at me:
The girl asked if1 had ever thought about the thousands and thousands of
Iranians who had been executed and tortured under the rule of the Shah.
The male student asked if 1didn't thinkthat someone should pay for al1the
murders and executions under the Shah.
The femalestudent then said: "We think someone shoufd bemade to pay for
al1thc cxecutions and murders done under the Shah."
At this point 1forcefulpluliedrny hands apart and freed them.I yanked off
my blindf'oldand demanded to know what was going on. Then I realized, in
freeing my hands, 1had thrown both to the ground. They had startled looks on
their faces.At this point,kncw that there was nowhere forme to run. I helped
both of thcmup, apologized, and let them retie my hands and reblindfold me. I
was led to the Embassy where 1was interrogated again.
1do not believe the conversation the students had with me was random. 1
believe they wanted me to think that 1was being led to my execution.
8.1was separated from the rest of the femalehostages from the eveningof 4
November (Sunday) until late afternoon of 7 November (Wednesday). 1was
always tied toa chair during the day and1was blindfolded about half the time.468 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
2. Upon being taken hostagc 1was pushed and shoved by two membcrsof the
group that seizedthe Ernbassy.Myhands were tied tightlybehind myback and 1
wasblindfolded. 1was then taken to the residenceofthe Chargéd'Affaires.1was
also threatened with a pair of brass knuckles at this time. Theblindfold was
removed after a few hours.
3. During the first weekofcaptivity1spentover 12hours a day tied to a chair.
During the first fivcor six nights 1vas forced to sleep with borny hands and
feet tied. On the rernaining nights 1 slept with rny hands tied. 1 was latcr
blindfolded whenever 1was moved from one Locationto another and occasion-
ally as punishment for attempting to speak to other hostages or for disagrceing
with the guards.
4. On the firstday of captivity 1wassegregatedfrom other Ernbassypersonnel
and held overnight by two armed guards in a room at the residence of the
Chargéd'Affaires. 1wassubscquently movedto the Consular Officeand another
residenceon the cornpound. 1spent one other night isolated frornothcr Embassy
personnel. The other nights 1was confined with one or more of the Embassy
staff.Dunng the day I was at times kept in isolation and at times held with
others.
5. 1was informed by thc captors that 1could not speak to the othcr hostages
and theywerenot allowed to speak to meduring the time 1was held in captiviiy.
1 wasconstantly thrcatened that I wouldbe blindfolded if 1did speak to anoiher
hostage. 1 was, howevcr, able to spcak with other hostages on a numbcr of
occasions without the knowledge of the guards.
6. 1only saw visitors frorn outside the Embassy on three occassions during
this period.1wasseenalong with a nurnber of other hostages by two men whom
1 latcr was told were Ambassadors frorn other countries. 1 was scen with a
number of other hostages on two occasions by Iranian clergymen,oneof whom
1recognized as Sayyed Ahmad Khomeini, the son of the Ayatollah Khomeini.
Neither 1 nor any ofthe hosfagcsin my presenceurerepermitted to spcak (oany
of these visitors.
7. At no tirneduring my captivity did 1receiveany mail. 1did not attempl to
send any mail inasmuch as 1 did not believe that it would be forwardcd.
Although 1requested to telephone my family,1was not allowed 10do so. 1wüs
not allowed to listen to any news broadcasts or to read any current ncws
accounts.
8. 1was provided an adequate amount of food during the period of captivity
although the diet was not balaneed,
9.1 was seen each day by Iranian medical personnel who inquired of my
medical condition. 1 do not know if any of these medical personnel wcrc
physicians. 1 was not allowcd at any time to change clothing except for
undergarments. 1was only pcrrnittcd to shower approximately every fivcdays.
10.1was allowed to exerciseon one occasion approxirnatcly one wcek after
being taken hostage. 1was taken outside where I did calisthenics Torapproxi-
mately one half-hour. 1was blindfolded during this time.
Il.1 was questioncd scvcral timcs about the nature of rny duties at the
Embassyand about what 1had secnwhilescrvingas a Marine SccurityGuard at
the Embassy.
12. 1was showndocuments or copiesof documents that appeared to be from
the Ernbassyfiles.Someof thedocuments weremarked as classified. Iobservcd a
large number of these documents in the possessionof the individuals occupying
the Embassy and observed these documents being shown io other hostagcs.
13.I was thteatened by the captors with trial on charges of espionage and of
working for the United StatesCentral Intelligence Ageney.1wasalso thrcatencd
with death should the United States take military action against lran or if1
attempted to escape. I was further threatened with death if the deposed Shah of
lran left the jurisdictiori of the United States. DOCUMENTS 469
14.1 was rcqucsted on a numbcr of occasions to sign a petition rcqucsting that
the United States Governmcni reiurn the Shah of Iran so that the hostages
would bc frccd.
15. 1was constantly told by the captors chatWC wcrc bcing hcld bccaus'cihc
Unitcd Statcs Govcrnmcnt did not carc about us. 1 was accused on a numbcr of
occasions of bcing a spy and a murdcrcr.
16. My pcrsonal betongings wcrc ransackcd and taken by the captors along
with my military gear. Noric of my pcrsonal bclongings wcrc rcturned 10 inc.
Subscribcd and sworn to bcliirc me this 5th day of March 1980 at Princc
Williaiii County, State of Virginia, in iny çapocity as a Judge Advocate undcr
ii~ithoriiygranted me by Tillc 10,Unjtcd St;ilcs Cntlc, Section 936.
(Sig~led)Eugene A. STEFFEN,
Major, US Marine Corps.
1. .certify and dcclarc ~helollowing:
1.Rcl'oremy departure CromIran on 20 November 1979,1was a mcrnbcr of
the staffof the United Statcs Embassy in Tchrün, whcre 1was accredited as an
Attaché. 1 was taken hostagc during thc scizurc of thc Embassy on 4 Novcmbcr
1939, and held hostügc in thc Emb:issy compound unril my relcase on 20
Novcnibcr 1979.
2. 1was taken hosllige at approximatcly 14.30 hours, the afternoon of 4
November 1979. 1 was physic~illyknockcd to the ground and a shotgun was
aimcd atmy heüd. Upon standing I rciilizcdmqrright knecwüs ir~juredand Iwüs
liniping as;iresult or the altercaticin. Pistols, riflcs,brass knuckles, sticks, chitins
and knivcs were several of the kinds of wcnpons 1 saw in the hands of my
captors.
3. Myhands wcrc ticd tightly bchind mc or, while Iwas sitting, at my sidcs to
the legsof chairs during my first two (2) days in captivitOn at least thrcc (3)
scparalc occasions blood circulalion10 my hands was considerably rcduccd and
thcy wcrc noticcably swollcn, I could noi movc my fingers and wrists and thcrc
was no feeling inthcm. 1 was blindfoldcd and gaggcd on at least six (6) scpüratc
occasions: on 5 Novcmbcr 1979for approximatcly tcn (10) straight hours. 1 was
uniicd to cri1and use the bathroom.
4. 1was physically isolatcd as punishmcnt for talking to other hostages oncc,
for onc (1) full day. Several othcr timcs 1was thrc;itcncd with an unspccificd
punishmenc when caught attcmpting Io commuiiicate with othcr hostages by
whispcring and gcsturcs. I was not pcrmittcd to writc any Icttcrs nord1rcccivc
iiny mail.1was not permitlcd use oTu tclcphonc. 1lookcd at television covcragc
of the Embassy seizure once for ten (10) niinutes during my first day as a
hoscügc.All other news was controllcd and vcrbally püsscd or issued inthc fnrm
of Studcnt Statenicnts. Onc type or vcrbal ncws. for cxamplc, was: "Amcrican
F~scistspolice killcd eigh(8) Iranian studcnts in Los Angeles ioday. What do
you think of that?"
5.1 was cinccaskcd 10 sign a sintcrncni rcqucsiing rcturn of the Shah to Ir1n.
was iold scveral times therwüs cvidencccertain US Ilrnbassyofficiaiswcrc spics
iindintcrleriiiirithe interna1aiT:iirsof Inin. I was informed during my clcvcnth
day as ahostage that 1was cleared of any spy charges and was asked to tell what
1 kncw about the iictivitieof scverül US Embüssy oficials.
6. Jwas not permirted or givcn a changcof clothing exccpt for onc shirt on my
fifth day as a hostage and again on 19Novembcr 1979.whcn 1was ülso givcn my470 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
first change of underwear. Some toilet articles were provided after the fifth day
of captivity. Approximately 30 people shared six (6) towels for six (6) straight
days, and 20 people shared six (6) towels during another five(5)day pcriod. Thc
towels were not washed or changed. Toilets, washbasins and bathtubs were
cleaned when complaints were voiced.
7. Doctors wcrc provided as needed, and some exercise, depending on which
caprors were present, was permitted.
8. Pistols, automatic rifles and shotguns were pointed at my face, head, chest
and stomach in three (3) separate distinct instances when 1was ordered to open
my officesafes and barlock files.
9. During anti-American demonstrations around the Embassy compound
loudspcakers, to amplify crowd noise, were directed at myself and several other
hostages at al1hours of the day and evening causing tension and loss of sleep.
Windows were boarded up and inside lighis kept on 24 hours a day reducing
pcriods of sleep. Indirect threats ofhysical harm were made against me when
sornc of the hostage takers said repeatedly that someonc had to pay for the
deaths US weapons causcd lranian people. This heightened my feelingsof stress
and anxiety. Several discussions were held at al1 hours of the day and night
between the hostage takers and myselfon the alleged crimes the US Govcrnrncnt
had committed ügainst Iran and the Palestinians. Thcse discussions exhausted
me and 1thought death was inevitable.
10.Papal Envoy, Annibale Bugnini was the only visitor, identified by the
hostage takers prior to his arrival, 1was allowed to speak with brieflywh1lwas
held hostage. Twice, unidentified silent visitors saw me and seven (7) other
hostagcs whilewewere being filmedand photographed. 1remember being blind-
folded four (4) separate times and warned to be silent when visitors, number un-
known, who 1could not see and who spoke in Farsi and Arabic, were present.
End of Declararion.
Subscribed and sworn to before
me this 22nd day of February
1980,at Washington, D.C.
(Signed) lrene INGALLS
Notary Public. My Commission
Expires June 15, 1984.
AppendixE
1, , US Marine Corps, certify and declare the following:
1. Before my departure from Iran on 19 November 19791was a mcmber of
the staffof the United States Embassy in Tehran, wkiere1served as a Marine
Security Guard. 1 was taken hostage during the seizure of the Embassy on 4
November 1979and held hostage in the Embassy compound until my releasc on
19November 1979.
2. Upon being taken hostage, I was taken to one of the residences on the
Embassy compound where other hostages were also being held. My hands were
tiedto a chair and at times tied behind my back. My feet were afso tied together
at this time.1 was blindfolded for a few hours with pieces of bed sheets and
pieces of banners that the lranian demonstrators were carrying. 1was blind-
folded at various times during the first twoqdaysof captivity.
3. 1was later handcuffedrather than tied at vanous timesduring the day and 1
was handcuffed at night while sleeping. The handcuffs were removed three or
four days prior to my release. DOCUMENTS 471
.4. 1was told by the captors thai I would bc killed iî the United States
üttcmpicd to rcçcue the host;r~s.1 was also told th;it ttic hostages would bc in
danger if rhc Shah leftthe Unitcd States and did no1rcturn to Iran.
5.1was told by the captors that Icould not speak toany oî the othcr hosiagcs
and they wcrc no1 permiticd to spcnk LO me during the lime 1 was hcld in
capiivity. 1wis threatened with bcing ticd upor moved io another location if 1
was ciiught spcaking to another hosinge.1was able io spcak to other hosiagcs a
numbcr of tirncs wiihout the knowlcdge of the guards.
6. Ai no lime was 1 allowcd to change clotlies.1was able lo take a showcr
every two or three days. 1was providcd a toothbrush after being hcld about a
week.
7. 1 saw visitorstothe Embassy on three occasions. About four or five days
aftcr bcing ~akcnhostagc, 1was visitcd by a member of the Swedish Red Cross
who üskcd about my physicalcondition. He said that hc would return, but Idid
not sec hirn again. I also spokc with a represcntativc of the Pope during this
period. I saw two members of the Red Crossjust prior to my rclease. 1nevcrsaw
any physician or other mediciil personnel.
8. 1did not rcçcive üny mail whilc being heldhostagc. WC were told ai first
thal wc coiild ncithcrwrite leiters nor tclephoui Familics.Later we were told
that WC çould writc lettcrs, but that thcy would bc rcad prior to being rnailcd. I
did not wrilc nny lettcrs during this timc. a
9. WC wcrc not pcrmittcd to rcxd ncwspapers nor listcn to any ncws
broztdcasts whilc bcinghcld hostage.
10. 1siirvvarious documcnts and copics oî documcnts that appeared to bc
classificdand îrorn the Embassy files.Thcse documcnts were often shown to mc
and thc oihcr hostagcs. 1 was told by the captors thüi they had documents
proving thai somc of the hostages wcrc spies.
II. Iwas rcqucsted on two occasions to signa petiiion requcsting the reiurn of
thc Shah 10Iran.
12.1w;isqucstioncd hy the captors about mydutics and about any cspianagc
activitics I rnight have observed whilc in Iran.
Suhscribcd and sworn to bclorc rnc this 5th dag or March 1980, nt Prince
William County, Virginia, in my capücity as a Judgc Advocatc undcr authority
grantcd mc by Titlc IO?United States Code, Section 936.
(Sigiicd) Eugene A. STEFFEN,
Major. US Marine Corps.
Appendix P
1, .ccrtify and dcclarc the following:
1.Heforc my dcpürture [rom Irün on 20 Novernbcr 19791was a mernber of
thc siaff of'thc United States Embrissyin Tehran. whercl served on temporary
duty (TDY)as secrctary. 1was ~ükcrihostageduring the scizurcof the Embassy
on 4 Novcrnbcr 1979 and hcld hostage in the Embassy compound until my
relcasc on 20 Nnveiiiber 1979.
2. 1 was aiptiircd by the niiliiants at thc irnn-.Amcrican Society (IAS) ai
approxim;itcly 5.45p.m. the iiftcrnoon of 5Novembcr 1979.1was then taken by
car to ihc Embassy cornpountt and brought in through the front gate of thc
compound past the screaming mob. Whcn the mob saw that I was seatcd in the
back seatci[thc car, they startcd to rock the caariattcmpt to turn the vehiclc
on its sidcI wristhcn titerally pullcd out of the back sc;it of thc car and pushed
through ihc gntc into the compound. My purse waç takcn away from me and472 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
there werehands grabbing at my arms frorn aildirections (or so it seemed). 1was
thcn takcn io one of the four yellow bung~lows located on the compound and
pushed through the front door.
3.1 was "escortcd" toone of the back bcdrooms by three womenmilitants. The
door to thc bedroom was closed and 1was made to strip and then searched.
4. 1subsequently spcntten days in solitary confinement in that room.The first
two nights, I slept on the Roor without a blanket, pillow or mattress. Thc
window in the room did not close properly and the room was very cold. As a
result, I devclopcd a viral infection whichtook fivewccks to finally clear up. 1
was subsequcntly given a mattress with a dirty shect and a blanket.
5.On Tucsday, 6 November, sornetime in the aftcrnoon, four of the militants
camc into my room and closed the door. 1was thcn scated in a chair, blindfoldcd
and my hands tied behind my back. 1 sat like that for what seemed like an hour
or so and 1could hear them talking to each other and searching my pursc. 1
knew it was my pu~c bccause it has a latch on one of thc pockets that rattlcd
bccausc 1didn't fasten it. The blindfold was finallytakcn off andthey quesiioncd
me about some pills 1had in rnypurse. The "pills" wercAnacin and they wantcd
to know what the pillswere for.1told the militants they were for a headache und
1was forced to take one. They seemed satisfied when 1didn't faIl over dead
immcdiatcly aficr taking the Anacin.
6.1 was intcrrogated twicein my room. Iwas threatened withdeath a numher
of timcsduring both interrogations. They miiyhave becnarmed, but 1didn't scc
any weapons. On the third or fourth day, one of the militants opened thc door to
my room, lookcd at me and pointed a G-3 at me. He said nothing. Shortly
thereaftcr,he pointed the areapon in thc othcr direction, turriearound and
closcd thc door behind him.
7. There were other hostages in the housc with me as1saw them when 1was
first brought into the house. 1 could occasionally hear them talking to the
militants but I was never able to speak to anyone. 1 did îeela bit rcassured
knowing there was someone else in the house besides myself and the militants.
When 1 was able to sneak a look out of the window, 1could see some of the
militants (both male and female) walking around the compound carrying
weapons.
8~I was subjected to a great deal of harassment by the women militants. They
would talk vcry loudly when 1was trying to slecp or in the middle of thc night
turn the light on and start talking again so that 1was unable to sleep.There wcre
always two or threc women who slept in the same room with me at night.
9.While in the bungalow, I was very close to the front gate where the mobs
wcrc dernonstrating from about O800to 0200 the next morning. The chanting
only stoppcd during the cal\ to prayer.Itwas getting to a point where 1 rezilly
couldn't stand the shouting anymorc.
10.The Wcdnesday of the second weck, the militants woke me up about 1t.30
in the evening and infonned me that 1was king moved to another location. I
was blindfoldcd and my hands ticd bchind my back and fedout of the bungalow
into a van whcrc 1sat for about fivcminutcs. Sorneoncclsewas also broughtinto
the van and I discovered it was Kate Koob (the IAS Director who was taken
hostage with me at IAS, but brought to thecompound in a separate car). Icould
tell from the direction that the van was going that we were headed for ihe
Ambassador's Rcsidence. When wc got thcrc, I was led out of the van and into
thc Rcsidcncc (through the kitchen). 1 was scated in a chair still tied and
blindfoldcd forabout 15-20minutes. Iwas thcn told to stand up and was moved
to anothcr chair and made to sit down-still ticd and blindfolded. About 15
minutes later, 1was told to stand up and was then pushed down on to thc floor
-still ticd and blindfolded. After a while, the blindîold was taken off 1nwas
untied.1was thcn able to take myjacket off. As 1looked around, 1 saw that the
other womcn were al1in the same room with me. My hands were then tied in DOCUMENTS 473
front of me and 1wasmade to sleepthat way(as was the caseevery night) on the
floor with thc light on and the womcn miliiants wiilkingaround and talking al1
night long with the bottom of thcir chadors skimniing across my face as they
waikcd bj*. As a rcsult, it was virtually impossible io slecp. All our jcwclry
(watchcs, gold chains, etc.) wcrc taken away from us.
II. Wake-up timc was approximatcly 6.30-7.00 inthc morning. They woke us
us untilweiwerefinished.After cach one finishedin the bathroom, weweretükenwith
back to thc livingroom of the Residence(the room in whichal1the women were
held)and lied into hard back chairs. Ourhands werc ticd to the arms of the chair
and WC had to fricc the wall and wcre not aiiowed to look at each other or to
spcak to cach othcr. The drapes were tightly drawn so as nol to allow any
daylight into the room and it was impossible to know what timc of day it was.
We had to si1 that way until breakfast was servcd and WC were untied to eat.
Aficr breakfast, we were ticd back into thechair until lunchtime and after lunch,
tied up again until dinner and then untied to eat and ticd up again until bedtime
at 10.00 p.m. If weasked for a glass of watcr with our rncals,we hadto drink it
al1at one limewith our guardsstaring at us. We weren't able to sip the water.
The glasscswcre never washed whichmade rnyviral infection worsc. An lranian
doctor (oneof the fcmalcmilitants) camc twiceto secniebccause 1was quite sick
31this point. 1wüs givcn mcdicinc thüt was writteii in English and Farsi, so 1
knew cxactly what çhe was giving me to takc. Nonc of the medicine helpcd
rnuch, ihough.
12.Twicc I was blindîolded and takcn over to thc Chiinceryfor interrogation.
Bolh iirncsitwas late ür night. arter 11.00.The firsitirne1 wastaken to the
RSO's oflicc and interrogatcd for about three and ü half hours. 1 was
interrogaicd in the RSO secretary's ofice and the door to the RSO's olficewas
closed but Icould hear peoplcin that room.Theyhad gotten mysafeopen as the
militant who was interrogating mchad one of my filesinhis hand. Thatnight, all
the questions poscd to mc wcrc writtcn and 1had to writc my answers and sign
rny namc ;iftcr cnch one. Thcy questioned me extensivelyabout various people
who workcd in the Ernbassy conccrning their pcrsonalitics, families, political
bcliefs,ctc. Thcy became vcry annoycd when 1told lhcm I hridno knowlcdg of
the various families or political bclicfs, etc., and it was obvious they didn't
believeme. Isaw no weapons that nighi, but if'they managed to open my safe
wiih the filcsin it1am sure ihcy opened the safc tocaicd right next to il which
containcd wcapons. They werc rilsovery persistent in thcir questions about the
Marines and thcir activities,Thcy werc also vcrypcrsislent in their questions 10
me about the Administrative sccrclüry.
13.With rcgard to visitors: thc visitalthe beginningof the Embassyscizurc
(Intcrnaticinal Red Cross, four Ambassadon, Papal Nuncio, ctc.) were only
takcn 10ihc Arnbassador's Residence.Noneever cainc 10any of the bungalorvs.
If lhcy dirlI certainly never saw anyone. The militants came in a numbcrof
timcs wanting to take my piciurc. I would never look at thcm and they becüme
very annoycd with me as they wanted the pictures to put in the local lranian
newspaper.
14.1also did not receivcany mail. Upon returning to the States, 1found out
that two lctters had been sent to me. but had never bccn dclivered.
15.1haclno change of clothing until about threc days bcforWC wcre released.
All thcwomcn at thc Rcsidcnccwcrc given a complctc change of clothing. ülm
ncver had a showcr the entirc timc 1was hcld host;igc.
16.1was no1permitted io wriic lettcrs, make telephone calls, read newspapcrs
or liçtcn tri news accounts. When 1üsked the militants :iny questions re current
events or xbout thc othcr hostages, they would never answcr me.
17.Our food was taken from thc Embassy commissary. In ihe beginning, we
were givcn too much starch and wc al1becameconstipated. Aficr the first wcck474 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
the starchwas cutdown-al least that iswhat they did in my bungalow.We
nevergot any fruit,vegetablesor milk.
Subscribedandsworn to before
me this 4th day of March,
1980,ai Washington,D.C.
(Signedl lreneINGALLS,
NotaryPublic.MyCommission
Expires15June 1984. L~rrei.?DATED15APKII.1980 FRDM THE DEPUTY AGENT OF +HI:UNITED
STATE S1:AMI:KICA TO THE RBGISTRAR
Rrsponse ICriQuestion Presrnted by the Prc~sidentf the Court on 10 April
/980 '
On behalfof thc Govcrnmcnt of the United States,1have the hanourto refer
to the Court's requestof 10April 1980for additional information relating to the
case concerning UnircdSratc.sDiplonioticand Consuhr St~iflinTehran,and to
attach the information which the Court has requested. My Government wishes
also to make certain observationson recent developmentsrelating to the case.
As stated in President Carier's announcement cif 7 April 1980,thc United
States throughout this pcriod has continucd to make everyeffort to obtain the
relelrseof the Amcricrihoslagcs. During the period immcdiatelypreceding the
President'~announcement, particular effortswere made to arrange the transfer
of the hostüges from the "students" controlling the Embassy to the direct
custody of the lranian üuthorities. As indicated by their own stiitcments, the
"students" were willingta turn the hostagcs over to the govcrnmental authori-
ties.The highcstauthririty in Iran, theAyatollah Khomcini,to whomthe matter
hed been refcrred by the Rçvolutionary Council, decided instead that the
hostagesshould remainin thccustodyof the "studerits". Thesceventscmphssize
ancw the responsibility othcGovcrnment OC lran under international law for
the continued illegal holding of the hostagcs.
In responscto thissituaiion, the President ofthe United Statesannounced the
stepsdescribedinhisstatcmcnt. Thesestcpsare?in the viewof thc UnitcdStates,
lawful and appropriatc responses tu Iran's Ragranrlyunlawful conduct, which
rernainsindefiancenot onlyof itstrcaty obligations.but of thisCourt'sOrder of
15December 1979.Thc United States regards its measuresas entirely compati-
ble withparagraph 47 (B)of ihe Order of 15December,with which, moreover,
underestablished principlesof lawand the Court'sjurisprudence, complianceis
required only on a reciprocal basis.
Certain of the mcasures niüy appear to bear upon aspects of the relief
requested by the Unitcd States in its final submissions to the Court. In
paragraph (C) of its final submissions, the United States has asked that the
Court adjudge and decllirethat the United States is entitlcd to thc payment by
Iran of financialcparations for the violationsof Iran'sobligationsto the United
States. The exact ümount ofreparations due would bedeterrninedby the Court
at a subsequentstagcof thc proccedings.The accounting or inventoryof claims
orderedby the Prcsident on 7 April willassist in determining the dimensionsof
the claims for damagesput forwardon behalf ofthe hostagcsand thcir families,
as wellas the amounts of the claimsto be asserted againstIran by other United
States naiionals.These calculütions may well be useful in further proceedings
before theCourt asto the amount of reparationsowed by Iran, and they could
also be of assistance in üchicvinga comprehensive settlement of outstanding
claims against Iran bythe Unitcd States and its nationals. Thc dccision io take
such an accounting or invcntory is thus consistent with p?ragraph (C) of the
Unitcd States submissions,which the United Statesmüintains.
'Sce p. 516,inIrci.476 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULARSTAFF
The United States also respectfully requests the Court-in the words of the
Court's Order of 24 December 1979-to take "account ofthe circumstancesof
this case" inconsideringparagraph (B)(1)of the finalsubrnissionsof the United
States. In viewof the severanccof diplomatic and consular relations with Iran,
the United States trusts thatheCourt willtreat this subrnissionas a request for
an ordcr that the Government of Iran ensurc the resloration of'the prcmisesof
thc United States Embassy, chancery, and consulates to the possession and
exclusivecontrol eitherorthe Unitcd States or ofa protccting power dcsignated
by the UnitedStates in accordancewith Article 45of the ViennaConventionon
Diplornatic Relations and Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations.
In al1 other respects, the text of paragraph (B) (1) remains applicable to
currcnt circumstances,and the Unitcd States wishesto maintain this paragraph,
as wellas al1other clauses, of its final submissions.
(Signed) Geri M. JOSI~PH
Documents Enclosed
The followingis the text of theAnnouncetnent by Prrsident Curfcr on8 April
concerningIran. Tthas been circulatcd asa UN SecurityCouncil document:
Ever since Iranian terrorists imprisoned American Embassy personnelin
Tehran in early November, these 50 men and women-their safeiy, their health
and thcir future-have ben Ourcentral conccrn. We have made everyeffort to
obiain their releaseon honorable, pcacelùl and humanitarian terms, but the
lranians haverefusedto releasethem or evento improvethe inhumanconditions
underwhichthe Americansare being heldcaptive.Theeventsof the last fewdays
havc revealed a new and significant dimension of this rnatter. The militants
controlling the Embassy havc stated theyare willingto turn thehostagesovcrto
thc Government ofIran, but the Governrnenthas refused to take custody of the
Amcrican hostages. This lays bare the full responsibility of the Ayatollah
Khomeini and the Revolutionary Council for the continued illegüland outra-
geous holdingof the innocent hostages.The Iranian Governmcnt can no longer
escape fullresponsibilityby hidingbchindthemilitantsat the Embassy.It mustbe
made clear that the failureto releasethe hostageswillinvolveincreasingly heavy
costs to Iran and its interests. 1have today ordered the foltowingstcps:
1.The United States ofAmerica isb~eakingdiplomatie relations wiih the
Government of Iran. The Secrctary of State has informed the Government of
lran chat its Ernbassyand consulatesin theSareto bcclosed immcdiately.Al1
lranian diplomaticand consular personnel havebeendcclaredpersona noilgrata
and must leave this country by rnidnight tomorrow.
2. The Secretary of the Treasury will put into effect official sanctions
prohibiting exports from the US to Iran in accordance with the sanctions
approvcd by ten members of the UN Security Council on 13January in the
resolution which was vetoed by the Sovict Union. Although shiprncnt of food
and medicinewerenot included in the UN Security Council vote, iiisexpccied
that exports of even these items to lran willbe minimal or non-existent.
3.The Secretaryof the Treasury willmake a formal inventory of the assetsof
theIranian Government which wcrefrozen bymy previousorder and atso make
a census or inventory of the outstanding claims of American citizcns and
corporations against theGovcrnrnent of Iran. This accounting of claimswilt:tid
in designinga program against lran for the hoscages,the hostage familiesand
olher USclairnants. Weare now preparing IegisIaiionwhich will bc introduced
in the Congress to facilitateocessingand paying of thesc claims. DOCUMENTS 477
4. The Sccrctory of State and Attorncy Gcneral willjnvalid;itc 211 visas issued
to Iranian citizcns for future entry into the US, effective today. WC will not
rcissuc visiis nor willWC issue ncw visas cxccpt for compclling and proven
humanitarian rcüsons or whcrc the national intercst of Our own country
requircs. This directive will be interprctcd very strictly.
Inorder to minimizc injury to the hostagcs, thc US has actcd at al1times with
exceptional paticncc and restraint in this crisis. We have supportcd Secretary-
Gcneral Waldhcim's activities ~indcrthe UN SecuriryCouncil mandate to work
for a peaceîul solution. WC will continue to consult with our Allies and other
friendlygovcrnmcnis on the steps wcarc now taking and on additional measures
which ma? bc rcquircd. ! am cornmittcd to rcsrilvingthis crisis. 1am commi\ted
to the safc rcturn of the American hostagcs and to thc prcscrvation of our
national honur. The hostages and thcir faniilics, indeed al1of us in Americü,
have livcd with thc reality and anguish of thcir captivity forfivcmonths. The
stcps 1havc ordcrcd today are those that are necessarynow. Othcr actions rnay
bccorne neccçsary if these steps do not produce the prompt rclcase of thc
hostages.
In connection with the Presidcnt'sannouncernent the followjng r>i1srarements
reluringto !liehrenking-oflof diplomf~ticr~~friiicns~twee~ he UniredStates and
frrlrwere publishcd:
A. Statc Dcpiirtmcnt press rclease, 8 April 1980. Visarcvocütion for Iranian
oficials~ffective immcdiately, allvisasaccordingdiplomatic or oficial status to
Iranians in thc Unitcd States, other lhan thosc on UN business, arc revoked.
The dccision has bccn made pursuant to the authority confcrrcd on the
Secretary of Staic by section 221 (1)or thc Irnmjgration and Nationality Act. It
applics to Iranian oficials and employecs. including ihosc accrcditcd to the
Unitcd Siatcs, and their immediatc fi~milics,üttendants. and servants. it does
not applyto lranians accredited to or cmployed by the United Nations or other
international organizations in the Unitcd Statcs.
This action is iaken in connection with the termination of rcliitions betwecn
the United Statcs and Iran. The termination of relations is ncccssnrybccausc of
the continuing failure of the Governmcnt of Iran triput an end tu thc unlawful
detcntion of US citizcns in Tehrün, Inin.
B. Meinorandum for the Secretary of the Treasury, 7 April 1982. In
conncction with my decision today to closc Iranian diplomatic facilitics in the
United Statcs, I am directing that thc uniromcd division of the Secret Service
providc any assistance necessary to the Secretary of Siate and the Attorney
Gencral inordcr 10make my dccision effcctivc,including conirol of movcment
of persons and propcrty into and oui of Iranian diplomütic Pdcilities in the
Districtof Columbia.
Jirnmy CARTER.
Othcr ;ispccts of the Prcsident's announccnicnt have bccn the subjcct of
appropriate rncssagcs,ordcrs and rcgulaiions.
The FollowingA'ote rvusdrlir'ereIO the Et~ibussyof Iranan 7 April breaking-
off relations:
Thc Dcpartmcni olStatc hereby notifiesthe Embassy of th; Islarnic Republic
of lran ihai ihc Governmen~ of thc United Stirtes of Amcricd has decided to
sever diplomütic and consular relationswilh Iran, cffcctivcimmcdiately, and lo
rcauirc the irnmcdiate closurcof thc Iranion Embassy and consula. po-ts in the
~Aited Statcs.
Accordingly, thc Embassy i~direcicd to tcrminate ils funclions and those of478 DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR STAFF
the Iranian consular posts in the United States, effective immediately. All
jxrsons who havebeen notifiedto the Dcpartment as beingpresent in thc United
States as members of the staffs of the Embassy and consulatcs of the lslamic
Republic of Iran, as indicated in the annexed list, rnustdepart [rom the United
Statcs no later than midnight tomorrow. Members of the familics of thcse
pcrsons (other than any who may bc citizens or permanent rcsidcnts of the
United States) mustalso depart by that time. Thereafter, the Unitcd States will
no longer regard thesepersonsas beingcntitled to the privileges,immunitiesand
protection whichthey nowenjoyby virtueoftheir officialstatus, and theywillbe
subject to immediate expulsion.
Until their departure, thesc pcrsons may continue to use rcgularly travelled
routes for travel between their homes and offices,but otherwisc must rernain
within a two-mileradius of thcir homes. Any Failureto observc this restriction
without the expressapproval of the Department will result in the irnmediate
tcrmination of officia1status and the imrnediate expulsion of the individual
concerned. Alldepartures are tobe from DullesInternational Airport unlessthe
Department's consentto another port of embarkation isobtained. The Embassy
is required to submit to the Dcpartment no later than noon tomorrow a
complcte list of thc scheduled timcs and places of departure for all individuals
who are hereby requiredto dcpart from the United States. Ali crcdcntialsissued
to these individuals by the Department must be surrendered prior to their
departure.
The Dcpartment is prepared to consider the appointment of a third State,
acceptable to the United States, to which the islarnic Republic of Iran rnay
entrust the custody ofitsdiplomaticand consularproperty and the protection of
ils interesls. 1f suchan appointment is made before midnight tornorrow the
Dcpartment wouldalso beprepared to considerdeferringunlil 15April 1982the
required departure ofone rnemberof the Embassystaff,to bedesignalcd by the
~Iiparrincni, in ordcrto Iricilitatctransitional ni.rarigerncnts.-.
Thc Einhassvniidconsulatesshall becloscdimmcdiatclvto ativactivitvtoilier
than interna1administrative functions) byor on behalf of the lilamic ~epublic
of Iran. After tomorrow the premiscs of the Ernbassyand consulates shall be
closed and sealed,except to the extcnt that the Department müy authorizc any
parlicular use of such premises by a protecting power.
The followingare reports of statements relevantothebreaking-rlfl'nfrelations
made by Iranian auihorities or by tfrose holding the hostages inimeïfiately
precedingorfollowing upon President Carrer S announcempni:
A. ParisAFPinEnglish0957CMT5 Apr.BOo , sreporicdinFBIS,(Jailyreport,
7 Apr. 80, p. 16:
[Excerpt] lslamic militants are ready to hand over the American Embassy
hostages if President Abolhassan Bani-Sadr wishes, so as not to wcaken his
position, a spokesman for the militants told the newspaper Keyhanherc today.
This was dcspite the fact that the students did not agree withthe transfer, on
the grounds that it was against the finetaken by revolutionary leader Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini, the spokesman said.
B. Tehran domestic service in Persian 1006 GMT 7 Apr. 80, us reported in
FBIS, hily report, 7 Apr. 80.p. 1 15:
Astatement issuedby the Imam Khomeini'sofficein cannection with theissue
of hostages hasjust been released.The text or the statement is as follows:In the
nameof God, the compassionate, the merciful.Noble nation or Iran: Aswehave
prcviously said, the decisive stance on the hostages by his eminencc Imam
Khomeini, leader of the Islamic rcvolution of Iran, has not changed and thehostagcs and the Embassy will rernninas previously in the hands of the Muslim
and struggling studcnts until the formation of thc IslarnConsultative Assem-
bly and thc dccision on their faic by lhc cstecmcd represenlativcs of the nation.
WChüvcrcpcatedlyexplained that thc health of the hostages and the placewhere
thcy arc hcld isgood in cvcryway. In ordcr to prove ihis, if thcrcarc pcoplc who
wiint to bc informed of thcir health and welFdre,they may do so supcrvized by
responsible officiais.
/Signerl] The Imam Khomeini's oflicc7Qom. [Datcd] 7 April 1980.
C. Tellru~rdonzestirsrritire in Per.si0935 GMT 8 Apr. 80, 11sreported in
FBIS.rkiilyreport, 8 Apr. 80,p. I 2:
Thc follnwingmessage WBS released this morning by Imam Khomeini, leader
of the IslaniicRevolution and founder of the lslamic Rcpublicof Iran, regarding
the brcakofrelations bctwcen Iran and America: in the namc of Gd, the
compassionatc. the merciful, Today, 8 April, the news of the brcük of relations
bctwccn Aincrica and lran was rcccivcdby us.IfCarter has donc one thing inal1
his iifc in thc intcrest of thc opprcsscd, it is this bofarelations betwcen a
country that has risen up and frced itsclî fronl thc claws of international
plundcrcrs and a world-dcvouring plundcrer. Such relations arc always detri-
mcntal to the oppressed nation and in thc intetests of the plundcrcr. We take this
brcak of rclations as a good omcn since this means that the Govcrnment of
Arncrica h;iscut off its hopcs from Iran. The fighting nation of lran has every
rcason to celcbratc this good ncws of the final victory which has forced a cruel
supcrpowcr to break its rclations and put an end to ils plunderings.
D. IlrrnlliurgDPA in GerniciO808 GMT8 Apr.80, as reported.inFBIS,daily
reporr,8 Apr. 80, p.18.
Tehran-the occupiers of the Amcriciin Embassy in Tchran have reacted to
thc US sünctions with composurc and even pkasure. jn a short telephone
convürs:iricinwith DPA, a spokcsman stated: "We are glüd, bccause now things
arc finallyclcar and al1thc tafking biick and forih will stop."
He cvcn expressed the hope thai the US would exert stilmore pressure,
"bccausc thcn we can finallyprovc that wcare offeringrcsistanccand can defend
hüvc bccnhcld for 158days, "bccauset nWChare holding the hostagcs on the basis
of ihc Koran". Thc spakesrnan said that the occupicrs intend to publish a longer
statemcnt 'Tuesdayevcning or on Wedncsday.
E. Tehrun donzrsricserr7icein Pcrsinn 1645 GMT 8 Apr. 80, os reported in
FBIS. iiriilreport,9 Apr. 80,p. 1 1:
Dr. Abolhassnn Bani-Sadr, the Prcsidcnt ofour country, and thc mcmbcrs of
the Rcvolution Council were rcceivcd by the Imam, the leaderof the revolution
and the founder of thc lslümiç Rcpublic of Iran, at thc Imam's temporary
rcsidcncc ihis evening. In a radio and tclcvision messagc tonight Dr. Rani-Sadr
spokc to thc nation about various problcms discusscd in their mccting with the
Imam. WCbring to your attention thc Prcsident's message:
ln thc name of'God, the compnssionatc. the merciful.Dcar nation oflran.tas1
night Mr.Carter, the US Prcsidcnt, irnplcrnentedthe threats hchas bccn talking
about for some time, and hc promiscd to cmploy a few morc thrcats. Perhaps
His Exccllencywas thinking that in our country we lackan essential unity and
with thcse lhreats the situation will bccome more in line with Amcrican policy.
But the iniplcmcntntion of thcsc threats coincided with our decision in the
Rcvolution Council that the problem of'the country requircs unity of heart,
unity of pcople; and al1of umus1tirrnly and decisivelywagc Ourgreat struggle
in thc rcrilins of the economy and culturc, until we achicve complctc indepen-480 DIPLCIMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
dence, and pull down the world system which the hcgcmonists have imposed
iipon us and other oppressed nations and countries.
Thcrefore, this is yet another one of these wonderful things in Our modern
history and in the history of the world whereby the enernyisconstantly faced, at
the moment of action, with an iron unity; and contrary to what he imagines he
sees that his thrcais mcet this steel wall and break apart.
The magnitude of thc effect of US Governrnent decisions is not great. When
there is in existence a steadpdst Muslim nation which can work, rnakc efforts-
cven if others influence it, which is not so-then we should deern this as an
excellent opportunity,sincc when a people know that they should stand on their
own two feet then this is an excellent opportunity which should be graspcd.
Therefore, weshould not be disturbedbyhis threat.This threatwilfno( have the
least practical effecton Ourlireexccpt that with work, effortsand cndeavours we
willbe able to grasp the opportunity for compfete econornic independence and
to attain freshvictories.
F. Tehrandomestic service in Persion 0951 GMT 9 Apr. 80, as reported in
FBIS, dailyreport.9 Apr. 80. p. I II:
Please pay attention to the statement just issued by the Muslim Student
Followers of the Imam's Policy: in the name of Cod, the avcngcr. We clearly
warn the criminal Covernrnent of America that if that Covernrnent irnplements
thc slightcst rnilitary intervention against Iran, we will destroy al1 the spy
hostages (?on the spot); and we decisively warn the honourable nation of
America that the Americaii criminal ruling circles will be directly responsible.
[Signedl Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Poficy.
G. Tehraninternational servicein Arabic 0900 GMT 9 Apr. 80,as reported in
FBZS, dailyreprt, 9 Apr. 80, P. I II:
The following statcment was issued by the Muslirn Studcnt Followers of the
Imam's Policy:
In the namc of Cod, the compassionate, the rnerciful. "What shall we do
about relations wilh America? Our relations with America are the rclations of
the oppressed with the oppressor, the relations of the plundered with the
plunderet"-a quotation from lmam Khomeini prior to the occupation of the
espionage den.
"Relations bctwccn a nation thathas risen in order to rid itselfof the claws of
the international plunderers and a world-devouring plundcrcr are always
detrimental to the oppressed nation and in thenteresls of the p1undercr"~uo-
taiion frorn lmam Khorneini after the break of diplomatie relations bctween
Iran and Arncrica.
Oh noble and struggling nation of Iran, O hero M~islimnation. The Imam's
thundering voice and your continuous struggle under the leadership of the idol-
smasher of the timc, thc great Khomeini, with thc plundcrcr America and the
courageous steadhstness against this fou1 world-dcvouring has dealt another
greatbfow to thc criminal ruIing group of America.
This is theurnpteenth time that vicious Carter and the criminal ruling group
of America have falfen in fear in relation to the monolithic uprising of the
lslamic nation and in a completcly reactionary rnanncr but announced the issue
of breaking of rclations, giving it thc characteristicinitiativeThe rclations
were ones of domination, hcgemony and humiliation politically, culturally and
militarily and inflicted the greatest of pain on Ouroppressed nation. Themature
Americaofiimarches ahead toward attaining gcnuinc indcpendcnce and guaran-ith
teed a realistic lire. The pure blood of the martyrs of the rcvolution boils and
daily brings conscquences of greatcr effect to the martyr-cherishing nation of DOCUMENTS 48 1
Iran. The lranian nation and al1the meck pcople of the world arc happy and
celebrate tliis sevenince of relations, Torthey have attriined thc first result of
rcvolution ~hatis grcater (han their rcvolution-the scvcranccof,rclations with
America. This cnhances thc dcterrninatinn of this maturc nation to procced
along the straight path of Islam, which is confrontation with the criminal
America and has in store the dcfcai of thc oppressors and brings with it thc
honour of Islam and the Muslims throughout thc world. May this final victory
that Forcedthe savagc superpower. America, tobreak on relations-ihat is, to
put an end to plundering-bc auspiçious for al1the meek of the world,especially
the dear Iranian nation.
Arncrica. thiscriminal which has scvercd relations aftcr losing hope and has
becomc dcspcratc ovcr Iran, must know that il cannot inflict harm on the
glorious lslamic rcvolution of Iran through itspuppet govcrnment of the Traitor
Saddam Hiisayn, who is himselîon thc brink ol'collapse.The martyr-cherishing
Iranian nation not only will resist the Amcrican economic embargo but it will
also courageously crush its military attack. And, with certainty, the lslamic
nation will eliminate the rotien Iraqi-régime, which is thc instrument of
American conspiracies against ihc Iranian revolution, as well the traitor As-
Südat,whois pccrlcss in his bctrayal oIslam. togcthcr with his loyal friend, the
runawüy Mohamrnad Reza.
Todsy is the day of unity and solidarity for us all. Oh opprcsscd and valiant
nations, oh brave and dear lraqi nation, oh oppressed and plundcred Egyptian
nation, oh inhabitants OF theenslavcd land of Arabia, letu5 unitc togcther and
cut short tlic Iiand of the great criminof the century from our hcads and pu1
the Islamic nation in the position of (.rcgency) and (inheritancc) of the earth.
The bravc Iranian nation congratulates the Imam of ihc nation on the
severance of relations wiih America, hc who emphüsized and insistcd on it from
the very onsct. Wilh the liberatingvoiccof "Cod is great" the nation welcomes
thismeasure and has complete faith and bcliefthat the breaking of relations with
the criminal Amcrica and the opprcssors of the world is a neccsçürytask in the
move towrird truc lire for the opprcsscd nations.
We are proud and honoured that thc Inirimof thc nation, notwithstanding the
empty Arncrican thrcats, entrusted the 'rcsponsibility for taking cürc of the
Amerrcanspics and espionage den io his own sons until thc convening of thc
Islamic (as hcard) consultative assernblyand in this way oncc again the tnckery
of ths grcat satan camc to no avail.
We ask the bravc and struggling lranian nation to maintain ils consistent and
decisivcposiiion andto take partin thcgrand gcneralmarch on Friday,which is
in support of thc unity oFOurnation kigainstihe world-dcvouring Amenca.The
active participation of al1 the groups ;ln4 strata of thc struggling nation is
indicative of thcir rcsistancc and wisdom against al1 plots ofthe great satan.
/Sigiic~tlThc Muslim Studcni Foilowcrsof the Imam's Policy.
1.Tel7rarrkomexticserviceinPi~rsiiiO945CMT 9 rlpr. NO,asrcportcdin FBIS,
r/uj/yrrporf.9 Apr. HO,p. 1 16:
This morning, Sadcq Gotbzadch, thc Minister of Forcign AfFairs of the
Islamic Republic of Iran, took part in a prcss conference for domesiic and
Foreign rcportcrs OFradio. telcvision and the press. In today's interview
Gotbzadch said: thc scvcrance of political relations with Amcrica is a sign of
American hastincss and of having comc to a deadlock. Hc also assurcd our
people thai the scvcrancc of political rclations with Arncrica and thc cconomic
sanctions hy ihai country will not bring any discomfort or difficulty to our
compatriots. t-lcadcied:Iran witldo to anycountry thatsupports America what
itdid to Arncricn.
In today's intcrvicw Gotbzadch also unnounccd: Algeriü hüs ngreed to look
after Irünian intcrests in America.482 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAAR STAFF
Refernng to Iraq, our country's Foreign Minister said: weare determined to
overthrow the Ba'tist régime ofIraq, headed by Saddam Husayn, who is an
agent of America,and right now weare prepared for ;inyconfrontation against
their acts of sabotage.
J. Tehrandomestic servicein Persian2005GMT 9 Apv.80,as reporfedinFRIS,
daily report, IOApr.80, p. 1II:
According to a report of the Central News Bureau, the Muslim Student
Followers of the Imam's Policyissued their 109thstatement in connection with
severing relationsbetween Iran and America. It is as follows: inthe name of
Cod, the crusher of oppressors. Valiant and fighting nation of Iran: your
children in the den of espionage are still steadfast in their covenant. once
again, in your presence we draw the attention of the honourable American
nation and we openly warn the criminal American Government that if the
slightestmilitaryltack iscarried out against Iranian soil,we willdestroy the spy
hostages togetfierwith the buildingin which they reside.Then we will hurry to
take part in the face-io-face battle againstthe great satan alongh the rest of
our fightingbrothers and sisters,and weare confident that victory willbe ours.
[Signed] Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Policy. DOCUMENTS
The Prcss reports oftheatiack on the American Embassy or 14February 1979
are esçentially üccuratc withthe following clarifications:
The srmed attackcrs were identified initially only as gucrritlas. So far WC
know, the attackcrs did not dcclarc an affiliatioto the Fcdayeen, although
some of ihem probabl y belonged to that orgünization. Non-Fedayeen members
also participaied.
Our best information is thüt the aitack began at about 10.45 a.m. Embassy
officersthen madc ;in urgent appeal for assistance, and aboui 12noon, Ibrahim
Yazdi, who was then Deputy Prime Minister arrived ai the compound accompa-
nied by a mcmbcr of ihe National Police, atIcast one clerical official, ana
contingent of revoluiionary guards from the heüdquarters of the Ayatollah
Khorneini. This ofticialcontingent quelled the distiirbancc and returned control
of the compound io Amcrican diplomatic officiais.
We are awarc ihat one attackerwas killcd during~hc assiult, but we cannot
verify ihat ünoihcr attacker was killed. Two pcrsons associated with the
Embassy staff-an lranian waiter and the son of another lranian employeewere
killed.
The Marines returned the attacker's fireonly with non-lethal buckshot and(or
tear gas.
The Ayatollah Khorncini issueda siaterncnt condcmning the use of violencein
the attack on thc Embassy.
Arnbassador Sullivan has informed us that no knifcwas held to his neck when
he was beirigescorted from the Chancery, althougha photograph of the event
was taken at such an angtc that a bayonct, over two feet away from the
Ambassador, in the hands of one of the rescuers, did cippearto bc at his neck.
'See p.519. iii/ru.
Secpp. 517-518.infi. DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULARSTAFF
1.The followingis the text ofa White House Annouitcernent at 1.15a.m. est.,
25 Aprii:
The Presidcnt has ordered the cancellationof an operation in lran which was
undcrway to preparc for a rescueof Ourhostagcs. The mission was ierminated
bccause ofcquipment failure. During thc subsequent withdrawal of American
personnel there was a collisionbctwcenour aircraft on the ground at a remote
desert location in Iran. Thcrc wcrc no military hostilities, but the President
decplyregrets that eight Americancrcwmembersof the two aircrsiftwere killed
and othcrs were injured in the accident. Americans involved inthc operation
havc now heen airlifted from Iran and those who wcre injuredarc bcing given
mcdical treatment and are expccted to recover.
This missionwas not motivated by hostilitytoward Iran or the Irünian people
and there were no lranian casualties.
Preparations for this rescue mission wereordered for humanitarian rcasons,
to protect the national interests of this country, and to alleviate international '
tensions.The President accepts Fullrcsponsibilityfor the dccisionto attempt the
rescuc.
The nation is deeplygrateful to the brave menwho werc preparing 10rcscue
the hostages.
The United States continues to hold the Government of lran responsiblefor
the safety of the American hostagcs.
The United States remains determined to obtain their safc rclcasc at ~hc
carticst possibledate.
The President willüddress the nation this morning at 0700est. Familiesof the
hostages have bcen notifiedand Conrressional leaders werealso bricfcd.At this
timc, Ge havc no evidencc ofany reprisaisagainst the hostagcs.
2.The followingis Siaiemeni by tliePresideniof the UniredStaresat 7.00 am.
est., 25 April, in connection with the attempt to rescue thc hostages:
The PresideL natteycstcrday, 1cancelled acarefullyplanned opcration which
was underway in Iran to position our rescue team for latcr withdrawal of
American hostages who have becn heldcaptive there since4 November.
Equipment failure in the rescue helicopters made it nccessary to end the
mission. As our tearn was withdrawing, after rny order to do so, two of our
Amcrican aircraft collided on the ground followinga reîuelling opcration in a
rcmotc desert locationin Iran.Other information about this rcscuc missionwill
bc made availablc to the Amcrican people when it is appropriatc to do so.
Thcre was no fighting;thcre was no combat. But ta my decp regrct, cighl of
the crewmen of the two aircraft which collided were killed, and scvcrÿl other
Americans were hurt in the accident.
Our people were immediately airliftcd [rom Iran. Those who werc injured
havc gotten medical ireatment and al1of them are expected to rccover.
No knowledge of this operation by any Irartian officiais or authonties
'Scepp, 519-520,supra.
*Seep. 519,injia. DOCUMENTS 485
was evidenl io us until scveral hours after al1Amcricans were withdrawn from
Iran.
Our rcscue tram kncw, and 1 kncw, thüt the operation wüs ccrtain to be
difficult and it wüs ccrtain to bc dringcrous.WC were al1convinccd that if and
when the rcscuc opcration had bccn commcnced that it had an cxçcllcnt chance
ofçuccess. Thcy wcreal1volunteers; ihcy wcrcal1highly trained. 1met with their
leaders bcforc ihcy weni on this operation. Thcy knew then whüt hopes of mine
and of al1Amcricans ihey carricd wilh ihcm.
To the familics of those who dicd and who wcrc woundcd, 1wanl to express
thc admiration 1 feel for the courage of ihcir loved ones and thc sorrow that 1
feel pcrsonally for their sacrificc.
The mission on which thcy wereembarkcd was a humanitarian niission. it was
not directeclagainst Iran: \irasno1dircctcd against tliepcoplc of Iran. It wasnot
undertaken with any feelingof hostility toward Irünor itspeople. It hascaused no
lranian casuriltics.
Planning for this rescue effort began shortly after our Embassy was seized.
But, for a tiurnbcr of rcasons, 1waited until now to put those rcscuc plans in10
effect. To be fcasiblc, this complex operaiion had to be the product of intensive
planning and intensive training and rcpcated rehcarsal.
However, a rcsolukion of this crisis ihroughnegoiiations and with voluntary
action on the part of ihc lranian oficials was obvio~rslyihcn, hrisbecn and will
be preferahlc.
This resr:ueattcmpi had to await my judgment that the Iranian authorities
could not or wouldnot rcsolve this crisisun thcirown initiativeWith thestc3idy
unraveling of üuthority in Iran and thernounting dangers that wcre poscd to the
safety of the hosiagcs themselvcs and the growing realizütion that their early
releascwas highly unlikely, 1made a decision io commence the rcscucoperations
plans.
This attempt bccame a neccssity and a duiy. Thc rcediness of our ieam to
undertake thc rcscue made il complctcly practicable. Accordingly, I made the
dccision to sct our long developcd plans into opcration. t ordercd this rescue
mission prcparcd in order to safeguard Amcrican livcs, 10 proicct America's
national intcrcst and to reduce thc tcnsiuns in the world that have bcen caused
among many nations as this crisis has continucd. Ir wasmy dccision to attempt
the rcscue opcraiion. 11was rnydecision io canccl it when problcms developed in
the placement or our rescue team for ilfuture rescue operation. The responsi-
bility is fully my own.
In the afterrnath of thc attemptWC continuc to hold the Govcrnmcnt oilran
responsible for the safcty and for the carly rclcascof the American hostages who
have becn held so long. -.
Thc Uniied Staics remains deterniincd ta bnng about their safc release at the
carliest date possible. As Presideni, 1know that our entirc nation fccls the deep
gratitude 1 îcd for the brave men who wcre preparcd to rcscuc their fellow
Amcricans froni captivity. And, üsPrcsidcnt, 1also know thai ihc nation shares
not only mydisappointment that the rcscuc cfrort could riot bc mountcd bcc~use
of mechanical difticultics, but also my dctcrniination to pcrsevcrc and to bring
a11of our Iiosiages home to frccdom.
We have bccn disappointcd bcîorc. WC will not give up in our efforts.
Throughaut this cxlraordinarily dificul( pcriod, we have pursucd and will
coniinuc IO pursuc cvcry possibtc avcnuc to sccurc the rclcase of the hostageî. In
thcse efforts, the supportof~heAmcrican people and of our friends throughout
thc world has bccn a most crucial clcmcnt. That support of other nations iseven
more importrint now. Wc will scck to contiriuc, alcing with othcr nations and
with the cifiçials of'Iran, a pronipt rcsolution of the crisiswithout any ofslire
and through pciiccfuland diplornatic mcüns.
Thank you vcry much.486 DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
3. The following is a tcxt of the Report by the UnitedS~ates10rheSecurity
Council pursuon! foArticle 51of the Charterof ~heUnited.Nutions:
25 April 1980.
His Excelleney,Mr. Porfirio Munoz Ledo,
President ofthe Security Council,
The United Nations.
Dear Mr. President:
Pursuant to Article 51of the Charter of the United Nations, 1am submitting
for your information and that of the membcrs of thc Security Council the
enclosedstatcmcnt made early this rnorning by PrcsidentCarter concerning the
termination of a mission of24 April 1980aimed at the rescueof the American
hostages unlawfully held by Iran sincethe forcible seizureof the United States
Embassyin Tehran on 4 November 1979. That mission was carried out by the
United States in exercise of its inherentight of sclf-dcfcncewith the aim of
extncating American nationals who have ken and remain the victims of the
Iranian armcd attack on Our Embassy.
Sincerely,
Donald F. MCHENRY.
Attachment: Statemcnt by President Carter.
4. The followingistex1of Stafementby Secreiary of DefenseHarold Brown on
25 Aprif 1980:
1have a short statemcnt, which 1willread and then Gcneral Jones and 1will
answer your questions.
Asyou know bynow, we ordered last night thecanccllütionof an operation in
Iran ihat was under way to preparc for a rescucof Ourhostages.The President
has already provided the generalbackground. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff and 1arc prcpared to add some more detail.
Let me say at the outset that we can al1 be proud of the brave men who
undertook this mission.They conducted themselveswith skilland courage. And
we're filledwith sorrow for the eight men who gave their livcsirying to rescue
their fellowAmcrieans.
Let me giveyou a brief summary of events before we take your questions:
On the late evening and early morning of 24 and 25 April Iran tirne,
approximately 90 US military personnel, together with the air crews, em-
barked on an operaiion to prepare for rescueof the UScitizens held hostagc in
Iran.
The eight hclicoptcrs and associated transport aircraft were en route to a
rcmote landingsite, 200 milesfrom Tehran, in the Irünian desert, that was to be
used for refuelling-and on that map wc'vecircled in black roughly theürea to
which i'm referring.
Depcnding upon the successof that and othcr steps, a later dceision was to
have been made as to whether to proceed with the aetual rescueattempt.
Becausewc knew the long and arduous tripwould tax the capacity of the
helicopters, we added redundancy to assure that we could continue if some of
them becameunusable.
Two of the hclicopters experienced problems en route. One landed in the
desert and its crcw waspicked up by another helicopter,which then proceeded
fonvard to the refuellingpoint. The second heIicopter had difficulties,reversed
course, and landed aboard the carrier Nimitz in ihe Arabian Sea.
Upon arriva1at the desert landing sitathird helicopterexperienced asevcre
hydraulic malfunction which put it out of commission.
The operation plan provided for termination ofthe missionif there were less DOCUMENTS 487
than six hclicoptcrs operational at this point. Thcreforc, we decidcto cal1off
the rcmiiinder of thc opcration and to extract nll of thpersonnel.
As thc aircraft werc prcparing to depart-and this,of course, was in com-
ptcte darkncss-a helicoptcr and a C-130 aircraft collided. Both immcdiately
caught firc.Eight of our men were killcd; four othcrs suReredburns.
To insurc thc safe evacuütion of the rest of thc party, the commander on the
sccne dirccted his men to leave the helicopters and depart on the rcmaining C-
130's.This left behind the four functioning hclict)ptcrs,the helicopter that hüd
cxpericnced the hydrliulic malfunction and thc hurning wreckage of ode
hclicoptcr and one C-130.
No Irünian military forces wcreencountered ut any point during the mission.
Howcvcr, approximately 50 lranian civilians, who wcrc passing by in a bus at
about the time the first C-130 landcd. were detained ai the sitc.
Whcn the decision was rnadc to terminale the rescue effort, al1the civilians
werc allowcd to depari unharmed.
As you can see from this description, the mission was complexand difficult.
But it was the judgment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and myself that it was
opcrationally feasible.Thisjudgment was rcachcd af'ter a thorough assessment,
which incliided many practice cxcrcises.
Ourplan was carefully conccived and ihe trainingwns exhnustivc. The plan
providcd for the possibility of terminating thc operation becausc of any
dificultics, such as mcchrinical failure or detcciion by the Iranians of the
mission.
ThcAighi tathe asscmbly poini and ihc refuellingitself had ken carricd out
with cssential successbut, to repeat, weconcludcd, based on cstablished criteria
thoroughly considercd carlicr, that the numbcr of helicopter failures rendered
thc chance ofsubsequent succcss-reduccd that chance to the point that dictated
ending the mission.
1 think you can undcrstand why we fclt that WC had to try this difficult
opcration. In our opinion itrcprçsented the best course of action for gctting our
hostligcs out of lran cxpcditiously. And it was also the course that raiscd the
lcastrisk of harrningthe Iranian peopleand the le;istriskorcausing instabilityin
this troubled region.
Wc'rcdiçappointed that the mission railed. Wc'resaddened at the lossof our
eieht fellow Americans. Hui Ict no one doubt oiir resolve and let no one
m~sundcrstand the meüning of thcse events. WC will not rest uniil WC have
sccurcd th(:release of thc hostagcs.
1'11takc your questions.
5.Tcxt of a Leiter.fiom illPresidentolrlre UniredS~ales io fhrSpeoker ofihe
HoirseoJ' Hepr~senruiiiv~und rhr Prcsidentpro tempore cf the Senore:
26 April 1980.
Dcar Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
Becauseormy desirethat Congrcss be informcd on this mattcr and consistent
wilh the rcporting provisions of the War Powcrs Kesolutionof 1973(Public Law
93-148), 1submit this report.
On 24 April 1980, elcments of the United States Armed Forces under my
dircction commenccd thc positioning stage of ;ircscuc operation which was
dcsigncd, if the subscquent stages had been cxccutc(l,to efect thc rcscue of the
Amcrican hostages who havcbcen heldcapiivc in lransince 4 November 1979,
in clcar violation of international lawand the norms of civilizedconduct among
nations. The subsequent phasesof the operaiion were not executcd. Instead, for
the rcasons described bclow, al1these elcments wcrc withdrawn from Iran and
no hostilitics occurrcd.
The solc objcctivcof thc opcration that rictuiillyoccurred was to position the488 DIPLOMAT~CAND CONSULAR STAFF
rescuc tcam for the subsequent effort to withdraw the American hostages. The
rescuc team was under my overall command and control and required my
approval bcfore executing the subsequent phases of ihe operation designed to
eKect the rescue itself. No such approval was requested or givcn bccause, as
dcscribed below, the mission wasaborted.
Bcginningapproximütely 10.30a.m. est. on 24 April six US C-130 transport
aircraft and eight RH-53 hclicoptersentered Iran airspace.Thcir crcws werenot
equipped for combat. Some of the C-130 aircraft carried ü forcc of approxi-
mately 90 mernbers of the rcscue team equipped for combat, plus various
support personnel.
From approximately 2 to 4 p.m. cst. the six transports and six of the eight
hclicopterslandcd at a remote dcsert site in Iran approximately 200 milesfrom
Tchran where they disembarked the rcscue team, commenccd rcruelling opera-
iions and began to prepare for the subsequent phases. During the Rightto the
remote desert site,IWO of the eight heiicopters developed operating dificulties.
One was forccd to return to the carrier Nimitz t;e second was forced to land in
the desert, but ils crew was taken aboard another of the hclicopters and
procecded on to the landing sitc. Of the six helicopters which landcd at the
remote descrt site,one dcvelopcda scrious hydraulic problcmand was unablc to
continue with the mission. The operational plans called for a minimum of six
hclicopters in good operational condition able to proceed from the desert site.
Eight helicoptershad been includedin the forceto providc sufficicntredundancy
without imposing excessivestrains on the rcfuellingand exit requirements of the
opcration. When the numbcr of hclicopters available to continuc dropped 10
Fivc, ii was determined that the operation could not proceed as planned.
Therefore, on the recommendation of the force commander and my military
advisers,1decided to cancel the mission and ordered the Unitcd Statcs armed
forces involved to rcturn from Iran.
During the process of withdrawal, one of the helicopters accidentallycollided
with one of the C-130 aircraft, which was preparing to take off, resuliing in the
dcath of cight personnel and the injury of several others. At this point, the
dccision was made to load al1surviving personnel aboard the remaining C-130
aircraît and to abandon the rcmaining helicoptersat thelanding siic.Altogethcr,
ihe United States armed forccs remained on the ground for a total of
approximately three hours. The fivcremaining aircraft took off about 5.45 p.in.
est. and departed from Iran airspacc without further incident at about 8.00p.m.
est. on 24 Apnl. No United States ürmcd forces rernainin Irün.
Thc remote desert area was sclcctedto conceal this phase of the mission from
discovcry. At no time during the tcmporary presence of United Statcs armed
forces inIran did they encounter iranian forces of any type. We believe,in fact,
that no Iranian military forces wcre in the dcsert area, and that the Iranian
forces were unaware of the presence of United States arrned forccs untilafter
their departurefrom iran. As planned, no hostilitiesoccurred during this phase
of the mission-the only phase that was cxecuted.
At onc point during the period in whichUnited States armed forceselements
wcrc on the ground at the desert landing sitc a bus containing 44 Iranian
civilianshappened to pass along a ncarby road. The bus was stoppcd and then
disabled. Its occupants were dctained by United States armed forces until their
departure, and thcn released unharmed. One truck closelyfollowedby a second
vehicle also passed by whilc United States armed forces elcments were on the
ground. These elements stoppcd the iruck by a shot into ils heüdlights. The
driver ran to the second vehiclewhich then escaped across the dcscrt. Neither of
these incidents affected the subsequent decision to terminate the mission.
Our rescue team knew, and 1 knew, that the operation was ccrtain to bc
dangerous. WCwere alt convinced that if and when the rescue phase of the
opcration had beencommenced, it had an excellentchance of succcss.They were WCUM ENTS 489
al1volunieers: thcy were al1highly trained. I mct with their lcadcrs bcfore they
wcnt on this opcration. Thcy kncw thcn what hopes of mine and of al1
Amcricans thcy carricd with thcm. 1sharc with the nation the highest respect
and apprcciation for the ability and bravcry of al1 who participalcd in the
mission.
To the familiesof ihose who dicd and who wcreinjured,1 have cxpressed the
admiration 1fccl for the courage of iheir lovcd ones and the sorrow th1tfeel
personally for thcir sacrifice.
The missionon which thcywcreembarkcd was ahumanitariari mission. Itwas
noi direcicdagainst Iran. It wasnot dircctcd ügainst the peoflIran. It caused
no Iranian casualtics.
Thisoperation wasordered and conducicd pursuant to the Prcsidcnt'spowers
under ~heConstitution as ChiefExccutivc and as Commander-in-Chier of the
United Statcs Armcd Forces,expresslyrccognizedin section 8(D) (1)of the War
Powers Rcsolution. In carrying out this opcration, the United Statcs was acting
wholly within its right, in accordancc with Article 51 of the United Nations
Charter, to prolcct and rescucits citizcns where the govcrnment of thc territory
in which thcy arclocated is unableor unwilling to protectthem.
Sinccrcly,
JimmyCARTER.
Documents submitted to the Court after the filing of the Memorial