INTERNATIONALCOURTOF JUSTICE
PLEADINGS,ORAL ARGUMENTS, DOCUMENTS
CASE CONCERNING UNITED STATES
DIPLOMATICAND CONSUEAR STAFF
1N TEHRAN
(UNITED STATESOF AvIRAN)
COUR INTERNATIONALEDE JUSTICE
MÉMOIRES, PLAIDOIRIESET DOCUMENTS
AFFAIRE RELATIVEAU PERSONNEL
DIPLOMATIQUEET CONSULAIRE
DES ÉTATS-UNIS À TÉHÉRAN Abbreviated reference:
1.C.J.Plrad~ngs , nitedSlutesDiplornuticand
ConsularStaj in Tchran
Référenc ebrégee:
C.I.J. Mémoires.Personneldiplomatiquert consulaire
riesEiaisUnisci Téhéran
Sales nurnber
No de vente: CASE CONCERNlNG UNITED STATES DIPLOMATIC
AND CONSULAR STAFF IN TEHRAN
AFFAIRE RELATIVEAU PERSONNEI,DIPLOMATIQUE
ETCONSULAIRE DES ÉTATS-UNIS À TÉHÉRAN INTERNATIONAL COURTOF .JUSTICE
PLEADINGS,ORALARGUMENTS,DOCUMENTS
CASE CONCERNING UNITED STATES
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
IN TEHRAN
(UNITED STATES OF AvIRAN)
COUR INTERNATIONALEDE JUSTICE
MÉMOIRES,PLAIDOIETDOCUMENTS
AFFAIRE RELATIVE AU PERSONNEL
DIPLOMATIQUE ET CONSULAIRE
DES ÉTATS-UNIS A TÉHÉRAN
(ÉTATS-UD'AMÉRIQUcIRAN) The prcsent volume contains the record filed inthe case concerning United
States Diplumutic und Consular Staff in Tehran.
This case, entered on the Court's General List on 29 November 1979 under
number 64, was the subject of an Order on Indication of Provisional Measures
(United Starrs Diplomatic and Consular SIof in Tehran. Provisional Measures,
Order of 15 December 1979, I.C.J. Reports 1979, p. 7) and of a Judgment
delivered on 24 May 1980 (United States Diplornatic and Consular Stofl in
Tuhran. 1.C.J. Rcporfs 1980,p. 3) and was discontinued by an Order of 12May
1981 (Unitrd Stiiies Diplomatic und Consular Staf in Tehrun. I.C.J. Reporis
1981, p. 45).
The Application, Request for the Indication of Provisional Measures,
Mernorial and Oral Arguments appear in this volume in chronological order.
The page references originally appearing in the statements have beenaltercd
to correspond with the pagination of the present edition.
The Hague, 1982.
Le préscnt volume reproduit le dossier de l'affaire relative au Personnel
diplornutiquerr consulaire des Ercrts-UniÙ Tihéran.
Cette affaire, inscrite au rôle généralsous le numéro64, a fait l'objet d'une
ordonnance portant indication de mésuresconservatoires (Personnel diplorna-
tiqueet consulaire des Etats-UnisciTéhéranm , esriresconservatoire.ordonnance
du 15di.cernbre1979,C.I.J. Recueil 1979,p. 7)et d'un arrêtrendu le 24mai 1980
(Personnel diplornutique et consulaire des E~ots-Unis ci Téhéran,crrrêiC , .I.J.
Recueil 1980,p. 3)et ellea étérayéedu rôle par une ordonnance du 12mai 1981
[Personnel diqiomaliclueet consulaire des Etais-Un ais 6héran.C.I.J. Recueil
1981, p. 45).'
La reaucte. la demande en indication de mesuresconservatoires. lemémoireet
les p~aidoiriéssont reproduits dans le présent volume suivant leur ordre
chronologique.
Les renvois d'un exposé à l'autre ont étémodifies pour tenir compte de la
pagination de la présente édition.
La Haye, 1982. CONTENTS
Page
ApplicationInstitutingProceedingssubmittedby the Governmeno tf the
UnitedStates ofAmerica
1. Statement of facts. ................ 3
II. The jurisdiction of the Court ............. 4
III. Thç claims of the United States ............ 6
IV. Judgment requested ................ 7
RequestfortheIndicationof ProvisionaM l easuresof Protectionsubmitted
by theCovernmentof theUnitedStates of America ....... 9
Oral Argumentson the Request for the Indication ofProvisionalMeasures
Preliminary questions by the President ...........
Commiinication from the Government of Iran ........
Question by the President ...............
Opening remarks ..................
The applicable international legal standards .........
The 1963Vienna Convention on Consular Relationsns .....
The New York Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of
Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplo-
matic Agents ...........
The 1955Treaty of Arnity, Econornic Relations and ~oniuiar ~ight;
bei.weenthe United States of America and Iran ......
The legal principles are simple and unambiguous .......
The facts are equally simple ..............
Recital of the Tacts.................
The facts amount to a continuing violation of plainly established nghts
The Court has undoubted jurisdiction under the first three treaties
relied upon and prima faciejurisdiction under the fourth ....
Action by the Security Council does not exclude action by the Court
The request for provisional measures is based on the irreparable injury
being inflicted on the American hostages .........
The request is also intended to preserve theslolrrsquo pendente lite .
The communication to the Court from the Iranian Government does
not constitute a legal obstacle to the United States request ...
The Aegeari Sea ContinentalShevcase distinguished . . ..,
The different responsibilities ofthe Security Council and of the Court
are recognized in Security Council resolution 357 ......X DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
Page
The provisional measures requested specified. . . . . . . . . 34
The Court urged to act with expedition . . . . . . . . . . 35
QUESTION BSJUDGEMOSLER AND BY THE COURT . . . . . . . . 37
CLOSIN CF;THE ORALPROCEEDING S.+ . . . . . . . . . . 38
READING OF THE ORDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Documents submitted to the Court after the filing ofthereqnest for the
indicationof provisionalmeasures
Selecteddocument 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Declaration of David D. Newsom, Under Secretary of State, of 6
December 1979, withAppendices . . . . . . . . . . . 43
AppendixA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Letter dated 9 November 1979from the Permanent Representa-
tive of the United States of America to the United Nations
addressed to the President of the Security Council . . . . 46
Statement by Ambassador Donald F. McHenry, Uniled States
Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in the
Security Council, on the situation in Iran, 1December 1979 46
Statement by Ambassador Donald F. McHenry, United States
Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in the
SecurityCouncil, on the situation in Iran, 4 December 1979 48
Appendix B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
The White House, Statement on Iran, 6 November 1979 . . 50
Statement at Special Briefing-Wednesday, 7 November 1979-
5.02 p.m. . . . .. ..... ... 50
StNovember 1979, 3.29p.m. . .ie Cyr.s R. . . . .hursd.~, . .7 50
Statement by the Honorable Cyrus R. vance, Secretary of tat te,
concerning the situation in Iran, 8 November 1979 . . . 51
The White House, 9 November 1979 . . . . . . . . . 51
The White House, IONovember 1979 . . . . . . 51
The White House, announcement by the President, the Briefing
Room, 12November 1979 . . . . . . . . .. 52
The White House, 12 November 1979. Imports of ~etroleum
and Petroleum Products. By the President of the United States
of America: A Proclamation . . . . . . . . . . . 52
The White House, 14November 1979 . . . . . . . . 53
The Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, 14November 1979 53
Iran and Energy . . . . . . .... . 54
The White Houçe, Statement by the President, 17 November
1979. ... . . . . . . . . . . . 57
The White House, 19~ovérnt;er 1979 . . . . . . 58
Statement by the Vice President at Press Conferencek ~loorn-
ington, Minnesota, at Minnesota Farmers' Union Conven-
tion: 19 November 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
The White House, 20 Novernber 1979. . . . . . . . 58
Statement bySecretary of StateCyrus Vance,21November 1979 59
Department of Justice, 27 November 1979 . . . . . . . 59
News Conference on Iran . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
The White House,Statement by t'heVice-President, 5 December
1979,the Briefing Room . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 CONTENTS XI
Page
AppendixC ................... 67
1. Khomeini telephone cal1 ............ 67
2. Council of experts presiden........... ........ 67
3. Qom Serninary statement 68
4. Revolution Council assumes ............unctions ... 69
5. Khomeini's son arrives ........... 69
6. Student interviewed . ......... 70
8.GPublic Prosecutor statement ........... 72
9. Praise for Embassy seizure ........... 72
10. Khomeini representative's remarks ........ 73
II. Yazdi comments ............... 73
12. Khomeini on occupation ............ 74
13. Letter of resignation ...... ...... 75
14. Khomeini accepts Bazargan resignation, delegates power . 75
15 Students threaten to kill US Embassy hostages .... 76
16 Clergy support for takeover ........... 76
17 "Announcement" from Shiraz .......... 77
18. Khomeini tells youths toleave lraqi Consulate .... 77
19. Beheshti interviewed on new tasks (ifRevolution Council . 77
20. Khomeini forbids officials to meet IJS representatives . . 78
21 . Students reaffirm demand ........... 78
22. Khomeini's refusal to deal with US commended .... 79
23. Ayatollah Beheshti interview .......... 80
24 . Bani-Sadr letter to Waldheim .......... 80
25. Gotbzadeh Press Conference .......... 83
26. Student leader says hostages will die if troops scnt ... 84
27. Military personnel march ........... 85
28. Bani-Sadr on demands ............ 86
29. Revolution Council addresses people ....... 87
30 . Student statement No. 37 ........... 88
31 . Khomeini interview on hostages ......... 88
32 . CBS interview with Khomeini .......... 90
33 . Gotbzadeh interview ............. 94
34 . Ahmad Khorneini interview .......... 97
35 . Khomeini speech .............. 99
36 . 21 November developments concerning US Embassy . . 102
37 . Khomeini addresses Pakistani officers ....... 102
38 . Bani-Sadr address .............. 103
39 . Bani-Sadr Press Conference ........... 105
40. Gotbzadeh on trials ............. 105
4 1. 27 November developrnents conccrning US Embassy . . 105
42 . Khomeini denounces Carter .......... 107
43 . Students repeat trial threat ........... 108
44 . No UN reprcsentative ............ 108
45 Gotbzadeh Press Conference .......... 108
46. Students on Shah's departurc .......... 112
47 . Gotbzadeh Paris radio interview ......... 112
48. Careful guarding of Laingen .......... 114
49 Students threaten to begin trials ......... 114
Selected document 2 ................. 116
Response by the United States, 1I December 1979, to questions
prescnted by the Court on 10 December IV79 ....... 116XII DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR STAFF
Page
Selecteddocument 3 ................. 118
Response by the United States. 12 December 1979. to a question
presented by Judge Gros on 11Dccemkr 1979 ...... 118
Memorial of the Governmentof the United States of America
Part 1.Introduction ..................
Part II Staternent of the Facts ..............
A . The attack ...................
B. The role of the lranian authorities ...........
C . The status of the hostages .... ........
D . Violations of the Embassy's archives and documents ....
E. Lack ofaccess to the hostages ...........
F . The status of the United States chargé d'Affaires ......
G . The lranian Government's stated justification of the seizure of the
Embassy and the hostagcs ..............
H. Efforts of the United States to negotiate the dispute .....
I. Protestsby the Government of the United States ......
J. Resort to the United Nations and to the Court ......
K . Other responsive measures of the United States ......
Part III.The Jurisdiction of the Court ............
A . The Optional Protocols to the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic
and Consular Relations afford the Court jurisdiction ....
1. Prerequisites to the Court's jurisdiction.... ...
2. The natural and ordinary meaning of the Optional rotoc cols
3. Possible arguments against the Court's jurisdiction under the
Optional Protocols ...............
4. Optional characier of resort to arbitration or conciliation . .
5. The iravuux prkparatoires ...... .....
6. The failure of Iran to seek arbitraiion or conciiiation ...
7. Jurisdiction through lapse of time ..........
B . The Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights
affords the Court jurisdiction ............
C. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishrnent of Crimes
against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic
Agents, affords the Court jurisdiction.
D . The Court hasjurisdiction to grant the reliefiought by the United
States ....................
Part IV. The Claims of the United States ...........
A . The responsibility of lran for the acts of omission and commission
of which the United States complains ..........
B . The Governmcnt of lran has violated, and continues to violate, its
international legal obligation to ensurc the inviolability of United
States diplornatic agents and members of Ihe administrative and
technical staffof the United States Embassy .......
I. The obligation ................
2. The breach .................
C . The Governrnent of Iran has violated, continues to violate and
threatens further imminent violation of its international legal
obligation to ensure immunity from proseculion for United States
staff on the United States Ernbassy...........ative and technical CONTENTS Xlll
Page
1. The obligation ................ 161
2. The breach ................... 163
D . The Government of lran has violated. and continues to violate. its
international legal obligation to ensure the inviolabilityof United
States diplomatic premises .............. 163
1.The obligation ................ 163
2.Thebreach .................. 164
E. The Government of lran has violated. and coniinuesto violale.iis
international legalobligations to ensure inviolübilityof diplomatic
archives. to accord full diplomaticacilities.to accord freedom of
movement. to permit free communication. to preclude discrimina-
tion. and to facilitate departure........... 165
1. lnviolability of archivesand documents ........ 165
(u) The obligation ............... 165
(h) The breach ................ 165
2 Accordance of full facilities............ 166
(a) The obligation ............... 166
(h) The breach ................ 166
3 Freedom of movement .............. 166
...............
(h) The breachtio................ 167
4 Freedom of communication ............ 167
(a) The obligation ............... 167
(h) The breach ................ 168
5.Non-discrimination ............... 168
(a) The obligation ............... 168
(h) The breach ................ 168
6 .Facilitation of departure ............. 169
(O) The obligation ............... 169
(h) The breach ................ 169
F. The Governrnent of Iran has violated. and continues to violate. its
international legal obligations to respect and protect consular
premises.to accord fullfacilities.to accord freedomof movement.
nationalç and to preclude discrimination......... UnitedStates 169
1. Protection of premises.............. 170
(a) The obligation ............... 170
(h) The breach ................ 171
2. Accordance of full facilities............ 171
(a) The obligation ............... 171
(h) The breach ................ 172
3 Freedom of movement ............... 172
(a) The obligation ............... 172
(b) The breach ................ 172
............
4 Freedom of communication 173
(a) The obligation ................ 173
(b) The breach ................ 173 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
1
5. Contact with nationals . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(a) The obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(h) The breach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6, Non-discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(a) The obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b) The breach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G. The Government of lran has violated, and continues to violate, its
ishment of crimesagainst internationally protected persons, includ-un-
ing diplomatic agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Co-opera tion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(uj The obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(hl The breach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Prosecution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
{u) The obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . , .
(6) The breach . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
H. The Government of Iran has violated, and continues to violate, its
obligations under the 1955Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations,
and Consular Rights to provide the most constant protection and
security to United States nationals, and to provide reasonable and
humane treatrnent to United States nationals in custody, in lran
1. Iran's obligation to provide constant protection and security to
United States nationals in Iran . . . . . . . . . . .
[a) The plain meaning of the provision . . . . . . .
(b) Provision for constant protection and securityimports the
minimum standard of treatment due to al1aliens . . .
[c) Provision for constant protection and security imports
fundamental standards of human rights . . . . . .
2. Iran's obligation to treat those United States nationals in
custody in a hurnane and reasonable manner and provide them
with access to consular services . . . . . . . . . . .
Part V. If Iran were to allege that the United States itsell'has violated the
treaties upon which the United States reliesin this case, such allegations
would not detract from the claims asserted by the United States . .
Part VI. The relief sought by the Government of the United States . .
A. The proposed declaration by the Court of Iran's violations of the
legal obligations itowes to the United States . ..,
B. The proposed determination by the Court that Iran shali perform
its specificlegal obligations towards the United States . . .
C. The proposed determination by the Court that the ~nited States is
entiiled to the payrnent of reparations by lran for violations of the
Statesatio.al .eg. .obl.ga.io.s .hic. l,an.ow. .to . . Uni.ed. . . .
D. Final conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Statement of verification. Declaration of David D. Newsom, Under
Secretary of State, 1I January 1980 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annexesto ~he Mernorio1
Anne.r1. WashingtonStar, Excerpt, 10November 1979, p. A7 . .
Annex2. Excerpt from telephone interviewwith Sadeq Tabataba'i .
Annes3. Excerpt from interview with Abu Sharif . . . . . . CONTENTS XV
Page
Anne.r4. Excerpt from speech by Ayatollah Khomeini ..... 194
Annc.r 5. Staternent by Ayatollah Khomeini . . .... 195
Anne.r6 . Messagefrom Muslimstudent followers ofthe Imam'spolicy 196
Annp.~r8. EInterview with BaniAsadith Sayyed Ahmad Khorn.... . . 1976
Antre.r9. Excerpt frorn interview with ~ade~'~otbzadeh .... 197
Annt Y.10. Message from Imam Khomeini'ç Officein Qom and State-
ment No . 28 of thc Muslim student followers of the Imam's policy 198
Annr.r II. Excerpt from Statement No . 32 of the Muslim studerit
followers of the Imam's policy ............. 199
Annrs 12. Decrce of Ayatollah Khorneini ......... 199
A t 3 Statement No .37 of the Muslim student followers of the
Imam's policy ................. 200
Anne.\-14. ~esolution of the Muslim student followers of the Imam's
policy .......... ........... 200
Anne.r l5. lntervicw with "studenr leaders" ......... 201
Annw 16 . Excerpts from interview with Ayatollah Khalkhali ... 202
Anne.r17 . Viewsof Ayatollah Khalkhali .... ... 204
Anne.r18 . Excerpts from intcrvicw with Ayatollah ~halkhali ... 205
Anne.\-19. Ayatollah Khalkhali's views .......... 206
Ai1ne.r20. Dixussion with Shar' magistrates ........ 206
Atinr.r2l. Speech by former Foreign MinisterYazdi ...... 207
Anne.r 22. Excerpts from interview with Sadeq Gotbzadeh .... 208
Atine.r23. Instruction issucd by Ayatollah Khomeini .... . 210
Alinr.~24. Excerpt from announcement by Foreign Minister ~otbzs-
Anne.r25....Excerpt rrom interviewwith'"studentç".. ...... 210
an ne.^26. Excerpts from interview with Ahmad Khomeini .... 211
an ne.^27. Excerpts from interview with Ahmad Khomeini .... 212
an ne.^28. Exccrpls from "s~udent"interview ........ 212
Anne.r29 . Interview with Sadeq Tabataba'i ......... 213
Anne.r 30. Exccrpt from interview with Foreign Minister Gotbzadeh 213
Annex 31. "Student" Statcment No . 13 .......... 213
an ne.^32. Foreign Ministry announcement ......... 214
Annex 33. "Student" Statement No .20 ... ...... 214
Anti~.r34. Statements of Foreign Minister ~otbzadeh ..... 215
Annex 35. Excerpts irorn interview with Foregin Minister Gotbzadeh 215
Anne-r36 . Excerpts irom intcrview with Foreign Minister Gotbzadeh 215
an ne.^37. "Siudent" Statemenl. unnumbered ........ 216
Annes 38 . Exccrpt from message frorn Foreign Ministry Supervisor
Bani-Sadr .... ............... 217
Annes 39 . Interview with Ayatollah Behesti ......... 217
Annex40 . Interview with SeyyedHoseyn .......... 218
Annes41 . Excerpt from interview with Ayatollah Khomeini ... 219
Atsentalive of the United Stiites of America to the United Nations
addressed to the President of the Security Council ...... 221
Anne.r43 . Statement by the President of the United Nations Security
Council, 9 November 1979 ....... .... 221
Anne.r44 . Statements by thcPresident of the ~nited Pll'ationGeneral
Assembly .9 November and 20 November 1979 . . .... 221
Annex 45 . Provisional Verbatim Record of the Two ho us a O nd
Hundred and Seventy-Second Meeting of the United Nations Secu-
rityCouncil .... .............. 222
Anne.x-46. S~curity~ounciiresolution457(1Y79) ....... 225 X\'l DlPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
Page
an ne.^47. Excer~t from an interview with Foreign Minister Gotbza-
deh ............... ......
. Ann~.r 48. Statement of Secrctary of State Vance before the Security
Council, 29 December 1979 ....... ....
AnnOptional Protocols concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Dis-thé
putes .....................
Anne.u50 . United States response to Iranian drafting suggestion
regarding the 1955 Treaty of Amity. Economic Relations and
Consular Rights ............... . .
Anne* 51 . List of Treaties of Friendship. Commerce and ~avi~a-
tion ........... ..... ....
an na.^52. Memorandum on Dispute ~ettlernent Clause in Treaty of
Friendship. Commerce and Navigation with China ......
Annr.r 53 . Department of State Memorandum on Provisions in Com-
mercial Treaties relating to the International Cour1 of Justice. .
Anncr 54. Correspondence relating to the Dispute Settlement Provi-
sion in Commercial Treaty with the Netherlands ......
Ann~.r55. The United Nations Convention against the Taking of
Hostages ....................
Oral arguments
OPENING OF THE ORAL PROCEEDIN GS........... 252
Communication frorn the Government of Iran .......... 253
Questions by the President ............... 254
Order of presentation ...... '........... 256
Sources of information ................ 256
Political structure in Iran ............... 257
The attack on the Embassv and the lranian Government's res~onsibi-
The United States reactions to the seLure............
Iran's use of the hostages for iiofiticalcoercion........
The United States restFaint ................
The lranian Government's control . ..........
The United States efforts in the United Nations ........
The United States efforts in this Court ...........
ARGUMEN OF MR . OWEN (conr.)
.............
The Security Council's resolution .............
The United Nations Commission of Inquiry-response to Question
No .1 by the President ...............
Sumrnary of substantive legal principles ..........
Summary of argument on jurisdiction ...........
Jurisdiction under the Vienna Conventions .........
The existence of a dispute ..............
The dispute arises €rom the interpretation or application of the
conventions . . ...............
Articles II and III of the Protocols are not surplusage..... CONTENTS XVlI
Page
Jurisdiction under the Treaty of Amity. Economic Relations and
Consular Rights ............... . . 284
Jurisdiction under the Convention on the Prevention and punishinent
Possible questions of admissibili............ Perso..... 286
The case is nnt moot . ............. 286
The standing of the ~nited Stat.............. 289
lnapplicability of local remedies rule ........ 291
Response to Question No.3 by Judge Gros
ARGUMEK OTFMR . O~N (UNITED STATESOF AMERICA ...... 292
The claims of the United States............ 292
Lack of relevant exceptions to diplomatic immunity-responseto
Question No. 2 by the President............ 294
Categories of United States claims........... 295
Immunity of Embassy personnel from seizur......... 295
DirectresponsibilityaflranianGovernment ......... 246
QUESTIO NYSJUDGES MOROZO AND ODA .......... 298
ARGUMEN OFTMR . OWN (cont.) ............. 301
Conditions ofhostages' captivity........... 301
Responses to questions ................ 303
Judge Gros' Questions Nos.1B and 2 .......... 303
The President's Question N.3............. 307
Judge Gros' Question No.1A ............. 309
Judge Tarazi's Question............... 309
Relief sought by the United States........... 310
QUUTION su THE PRESIDEN AT DJUDGEGROS ......... 312
ARGUMEN OTFMR .OWEN (cont.) ............. 313
Responses to questions ................ 315
Judge Morozov's Question No. 1 ............ 315
Judge Morozov's QuestionNo. 2 ............ 315
Judge Morozov's Question No. 3 ............ 317
Judge Morozov's QuestionNo. 4 ............ 317
Judge Morozov's Question No. 5 ............ 317
Judge Morozov's Question No 6 ............ 318
Judge Morozov's QuestionNo . 7 ............ 318
Judge Oda's Question No. I.............. 319
Judge Oda's Question No.2 .............. 319
Judge Oda's Question No. 3.............. 319
The President's Question.............. 320
Judge Gros' Question ................ 320
Conclusions .................... 321
CLOSIN CF THE ORAL PROCEEDINGS ............ 323
READIN OGFTHE JUDGMENT ............... 324
Documentssubmiîtedto the Court afterthe filingof theMernorial
1. Letter from the Director of the United States Foreign Broadcast
Information Service to the Agent of the United States of
America. Washington. 14March 1980 ......... 329XVlIl DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
Page
Supplemental documents ............. 331
Student statement No .91 ..... ..... 331
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh message to the united ~atkns .... 331
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh press conference................. 332
Foreign Ministry statement: unacceptability of United Nations
decisions .... ..............
Excerpts: Revolution ~ouncil. Ministers meeting .....
Ministry of National Guidance announcement: deadline for
media departure ................
Dispaich: possible movement of hostages ........
Foreign Ministry statement: denial of Waldheim mediation role
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh on hostages. Shah ........
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh on hostages. Soviets ........
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh interview ...........
Student on hostages' condition ...........
Revelation statement No 26. ............
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh interview ...........
Militants issue statement on Khomeini's hospitalization . .
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh interviewS makin...........ake" on shah
Spanish Deputy recounts visit to US Embassy ......
Carter "agents" charged with forging letters from captives . .
Excerpts: Ayatoflah Beheshti interview .........
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr Reuter interview .........
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr Le Marininterview ........
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr discusses policies. cabinet makeup ...
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr policy toward West ........
"Student" statement No .98 calls for marches against US . .
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr press conference .........
Islamabad conference resolution's impact on hostages ....
Excerpts: Le Monde interviews President-Elect Bani-Sadr ...
Militants on hostages' fate .............
Beheshti on hostages' fate .............
Gotbzadeh on diplomats' escape ...........
Students issue "lamentation" addressed to Khomeini ....
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr interview ............
Bani-Sadr calls for return of Shah's wealth .......
Militants interviewed on hostages. Shah ........
Message from Ururniyeh guards ...........
Khuzestan guards corps' support ...........
Siudents on hostages' release . . .........
Ettela'Ar publishes interview with students on hostages ...
Revelation statement No .30 ............
Bani-Sadr Keyhan interview .............
Bazargan criticizes "students" in Minatchi affair .....
Bani-Sadr's spokesman denies reports on release of hostages .
"Students" denial of involvement ..........
Excerpts: Beheshti on hostages ...........
Bani-Sadr on power centres .... .......
Students rcject hostages' release unless shah is returned ...
Tape of hostages' telephone calls ..........
"Students" meetingvisit ............... ......... CONTENTS
Page
Khomeini confirms Bani-Sadr as Revolution Council Head . . 37l
BBC: Bani-Sadr wants council to "stand up" to "students" . . 372
Gotbzadeh reportedly wants hostages released soon .... 372
Bani-Sadr Al-lr~ihadinterview ........... 372
Foreign Ministry on Gotbzadeh statement ....... 372
Excerpt: "students" interview ............ 373
Minatchi on "students" charges ........... 377
Gotbzadeh denial ................ 378
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr interview .... ....... 379
Further reportage on military parade. "st1;dents" position . . 380
BBC on Gotbzadch rcmarks ............ 380
Fars Guards chicf on US .............
Excerpts: Bchcshti interviewed on demand for Shah's rcturn .
Bani-Sadr gives interview to French radio .......
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr onLEeMundeioninterviewse........ ....
Gotbzadeh on hostages' release ...........
AFP interview with Gotbzadeh ...........
Ayatollah Beheshti on hoslages ...........
Excerpts: Bani.Sadr. 'Arafat interview ... .....
Excerprs: Bani-Sadr decries muftiplicity of decisi'oncentres . .
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh discusses hostages. other issues ....
Excerpts: further Gotbzadeh comments in Greece .....
AFP report ..................
Excerpts: Gotbzadeh on commission's invesligation ....
Possible qucstioning of hostages ...........
Excerpts: Bani-Sadr Athens television interview ......
Bani-Sadr on students .............. .....
Bani-Sadr on studcnts' ousterEmb............ies
Bani-Sadron UnitedNationsCommission .......
Gotbzadeh poslpones return trip ...........
AFP on Gotbzadeh remarks ............
AFP on composition of commission .........
Khomeini names Bani-Sadr Commander in Chief .....
Bani-Sadr announcement on approval .........
More on Gotbzadeh remarks ............
Bani-Sadr message to Waldheim ...........
Muslirn siudents read US "documents" ........
Af P on revclations ...............
Khomeini address to nation ..... .....
Beheshti on hostagesn's...............ed to reiease ....
RafSanjani on hostage situation ... .......
Late report: students issue staternent No . i02 ......
Bani-Sadr discusses reiurn of Shah. hoslages ......
AFP: United Nations Envoy discusses investigating Commis-
sion ........ ............
Khomeini says Majles must decide hostages' htc .....
Students' reüction . . .............
Student staternent No .104 .............
Meeting with Gotbzadeh .............
Student interview ..... .......... ....
Bani-Sadr gives interview on hostages, foreign relations ...XX DlPLOMATlCAND CONSULAR .STAFF
Page
107 . Beheshti: ten weeks before reiease of hostages can be discussed 414
108 . Vacating of embassy ............... 415
110 . Gotbzadeh discusses Commission's meeting with host.dges . . 416
1I1. Students' Keyhnninterview . . .......... 419
112 . Khomeini allows ltalian to act as hostages7 "postman" ... 419
113 . BBCreports consent for Commission meeting wiih hostages . 419
114. Prosecutor asks Foreign Ministry to hand over hostage ... 420
115. Excerpts: Bani-Sadr Der Spiegel interview ........ 420
Il6 . Commission's announcement on visit ......... 421
117 . Student interview ................ 422
118. Gotbzadeh: Commission's meeting with hostages "a certainty" 423
119 . Excerpts: Gotbzadeh Mesimvriniinterview ....... 424
120. AFP: Students agree to visit ............ 425
121 . Gotbzadeh leaves decision on "refugee" up to Imam, Council . 426
122. Late Report: students say United Nations Panel can meet
hostages .... .............. 426
123. Revolutionary ~ouncij's approval .......... 428
124 . Prosecutor General on Tomseth summons ....... 428
125. Students SayCouncil can "take deiivery" ofhostages .... 429
126 . AFP on Council meeting ............. 429
127 . Tehran on AFP interview ............ 430
128 . Students' statement on handover ........... 430
130. Khomeini silent on hostages.................. 431
13 1. Further report ................. 431
132. Foreign Ministry statement ............. 432
133. Student statement on hostages ........... 432
134 . Revolution Council statement on transfer ........ 433
135. Guards backing of Khomeini ........... 434
136 . Gotbzadeh communiquéon negotiations ........ 434
137 . Students on Commission meeting, handover ....... 435
138 . Students demand Shah's return ... ...... 435
139 . Mahdavi Kani interviewed on handover of hostages .... 436
140. Students interview ................ 436
141. Gotbzadeh statemeni on situation .......... 439
142. Khomeini message on Commission's meeting ....... 445
143 . More on Khomeini message ............ 446
144. Students' appeal for marches ............ 447
145 . Revolution Council on hand over .......... 448
146. Students' release of documents ... ...... 449
147. Commission's departure, meeting with students ...... 449
149. INA on Commission's departureparture............... 450
150 . Broadcasting official on departure .......... 450
151 . Commission's communiquéon departure ........ 451
152 . 11March developments concerning US relations, hostages . . 451
153 . Students' statement on documents .......... 452
154. Gotbzadeh on Commission's role .......... 453
t55. Bani-Sadr on Commission, students .......... 453
156 . Statement by Secretary-General of the United Nations on In-
quiry Commission to Iran ............. 455
157 . White House statement on Commission ........ 455
158. Department of State, special press briefing, 23 February 1980
(excerpts) ................... 456 CONTENTS XXI
Page
Department of State, daily press briefing,Tuesda26 February
1980(excerpts) ................. 456
Press conference held by Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock,
Deputy Prime Minister Brian Talboys, and Secretary of State
Cyrus R. Vance at the conclusion of the 29th ANZUS Council
Meeting, Washington, DC, 27 February 1980(excerpts) ... 457
Inquiry Commission decides to suspend activities in Tehranto
confer with Secretary-Generalin New York .... . . 457
Transcript of pressconferenceby Secretary-CeneralKurt Wald-
heim held at headquarters on 11March 1980 ...... 458
Secretary of State Vance'sremarks to the press aiier the meeting
iit the United Nations, 12March 1980, with the Secretary-
General and the United Nations Commission -relatingto Iran,
S.15p.m. ................... 461
Letterdated 28March 1980from the DepiityAgentof the United
States of America to the Registrar (response to questionsre-
sented by the President of the Court on 20 March 1980and by
JudgéCros on 2 1March 1980) ........... 463
~~Gndix A .................. 464
Appendix B .................. 465
Appendix C .................. 467
Appendix D .................. 469
Appendix E .................. 470
Appendix F .................. 471
IV. Letter dated 15April 1980from the Deputy Agentof the United
States of America to the Registrar (response to a question
presentedby the President of the Court on 10April 1980) . . 475
...............
Documents enclosed 476
Response by the United States, 22 April 1980, to a question
presentcd byJudge Gros on 17April 1980 ....... 483
Response by the United Siates, 1 May 1980, to a question
presented by the President of the Court on 25 April 1980. . 484
Documents enclosed ............... 484
Correspondence
.....................
NOS.1-97 493 APPLICATION INSTITUTING
PROCEEDINGS SUBMITTED BY THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITEDSTATES
OF AMERICA
REQUET lETRODUCTlVE D'INSTANCE
PRESENTÉE PAR LE GOUVERNEMENT
DESÉTATS-UNISD'AMERIQUE 1have ~hchonor to refer to the following:
(1) the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961,and Article 1 of
the Optional Protocol concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes
of that Convention;
(2) the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963,and Article 1of the
Optional Protocol concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes of
that Convention;
(3) Article XXI (2) of the Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations,and Consular
Rights between the United States of America and lran of 1955,and
(4) Article 13 (1) of the Convention on the Preventiori and Punishment of
Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, includingDiplomatic
Agents, of 1973.
Under the jurisdiction thereby conferred upon the Court, 1hercby submit, in
accordance with Article 40 (1) of the Statute and Article 38 of the Rules of
Court, this Application instituting proceedingsin the name of the Government
of the United Statesof Arnericaagainstthe Government of Iran in the following
case:
I. STATEME NFTFACTS
At about 10.30a.m., Tehran time, on 4November 1979,during the courseof a
demonstration of approximately 3,000 persons, the United States Embassy
compound in Tehran wasoverrun by severalhundred of the demonstrators. The
Iranian C;overnment's security personnel on duty nt the Embassy compound
apparently made no effort to deter or discourage the demonstrators from the
takeover. Accessto the compound and Chancery building wasgained bycutting
chains and ren~uvingbars [rom a Chancery basement window, and control of
the first floor of the Chancery was rapidly seized. In the process the invaders
took hostage the Embassysecurityofficer,who had corneoutof theChancery to
negotiate withthem, and four of the Embassy'sMarine guards. A largegroup of
Embassy personnel, including consular and non-American staff and visitors,
took refuge on an upper floor of the Chancery.
About two hours after the beginningof the attack, and after the invaders had
steeldoors with a torch, the demonstrators gained entry to the upper floor and
seized the remaining personnel.
During the two haurs of attack on the Embassy, no Iranian security forces
were sent to relieve the situation, despite repeated calls for help from the
Ernbassy to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and despile the efforts of the United
States Chargéd'Affaires,whomade contact with the Prime Minister'sofficeand
Foreign Ministry officiaisat the time the attiick occurrcd. No attempt was made
by the Government of Iran to clear the Embassy premises, to rescue the
personnel held hostage, or to persuade the invaders and demonstrators to
terminate their action. Nor did the Government of lran take any action when,
shortly alter the Embassy seizure,the United States consulates in Tabriz and
Shiraz wcre also seized.
Sincctlie timeof the takeover, the Embassy personnelhave beenheld hostage
in the compound under threatening and inhumane conditions. Some hostages
have been paraded in sight ofthe crowd outside, blindrolded and hands bound,
in full hearing of menacing, chanting crowds.Inside the buildings the hostages
havebeen kcptbound, often by hand and foot, forced to remain silent,subjected4 DlPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
to othet forms of coercion, and denied communication with their familiesand
United States officials.Embassy records have been ransacked.
Dunng the entire time and with the support and assistance of the Iranian
authorities, demonstrations have been occurring outside the compound, often
quite vociferous.A crowdof hundreds of thousands ofdemonstrators converged
on the Embassyon 22 November.
Thoseholding thehostageshave refusedto rclease thernand haveconditioned
theirrefeaseon various unacceptabledemands. Theyhave threatenecfon severat
occasions that, in certain circumstances, thc hostages would be put to death.
While 13hostageswere releasedon 18and 20November, at least 50Americans
remain in captivity, virtuallyl1of whom are diplomatic agents of the United
States ormembersof thc administrative and technicalstaffof the Embassy.The
group holding the Embassy has asserted that the remaininghostages are guilty
of espionage and will betried for their "crimes" if their demands are not met.
Non-Iranian outside observers have been pcrrnitted only limited access to the
hostages. It is not certain that al1 pcrsons held have been seen, and the
conditions during these few visits did not permit free communication with the
hostages.
During this continuing ordeal, the Government of Iran is failingand refusing
to make any effort to secure the telcase of the hostages and the return of the
Embassyand consular premises to the United States'control. The Government
has refused any direct substantive contact with United States Government
officialsinTehran or at the United Nations. It refused to admit the special
emissaries sent to Iranby the Government of ihe United States. The United
States Chargé d'AiTaireswho wasai the Foreign Ministryat the timethe attack
began, has been confinedto the Foreign Ministryand dcnied freeaccessboth to
his diplomatic colleagues from other Ernbassiesand to senior Iranian oficials.
Moreover,the Govcrnment of Iran, from an earlystageof the crisis,has given
direct support and encouragerncntto the group holding the Embassy. Membcrs
of that group have been permitted to corne and go freelyfrom the compound.
The Government of lran has refused or ignored the repeated requests of the
Government of the United Statesto frcc the hostagesand to resiorethe Embassy
compound to the possessionof the United States. The Government of Iran has
supportcd the dernands of thosc holding the hostages,has endorsed the charges
of espionageleveledagainst Embassy personnet,and has threstened to placethe
personnel on trialfor espionage.
11.THE JURISDICTIO NF THE COURT
Under paragraph 1of Article36of the Statute of the Court,the jurisdiction of
the Court encompasses "al1 matters specially provided for...in treaties and
conventions in force". The United States and lran are, as Members of the
United Nations, partieso the Statute, andarc also partiesto three international
conventions, each of which independently establishes the Court's jurisdiction
over the present dispute.
First, the United States and lran are parties to the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations (done at Vienna, 18 April 1961) and to ils Optional
Protocol concerning the Compulsory Scttlement of Disputes. As set forth
separately in the Application, the actions of lran bearing on ihis dispule
constitute multipleand profound violations of that Convention. Articl1 of the
Protocol provides:
"Disputes ansing out of the interpretation or application of the Conven-
tionshall lie within the compulsoryjurisdiction of the International Court
of Justice and may accordingly bc brought before the Court by an
application made by any party to the dispute being a Party to the present
Protocol." APPLICATION 5
Sccond, the United States and Iran are parties to the Vienna Convention on
Consular Relations (donc at Vicnna, 24April 1963)and to its Optional Protocol
conccrnirip the Compulsory Settlerncnt of Disputes. Article 1of that Protocol is
identical in its terms to Article 1 af the Protocol to the Convention on
Diplomatic Relations, supra '.The present dispute involves nurnerous violations
of the Consular Convention.
Finally, the United States and Iran are parties to the Treaty of Arnity,
Economic Relations, and Consular Rights between the United States and Iran,
signed in Tehran on 15 August 1955 (284 UNT.7 93). As set forth bclow,
numcrous and serious violations of this trcaty are also involved in the prcscnt
dispute. Article XXI, paragraph 2, of the treaty provides:
"Any dispute betwccn thc High Contracting Parties asto the interpreta-
lion or application of the present Treaiy, not satisfactorily adjusted by
diplomacy, shall be subrnitted to the International Court of Justice, unless
the High Contracting Parties agrcc to scitlement by some other pacific
means."
That a dispute exists between the United States and Iran is clear. The present
dispute has not been satisîactorily adjusted by diplomacy, Iran is continuing in
its violations, and Iran has reîused to discuss pacific settlernent of the dispute.
In addition to the foregoing, the United States iind Iran are parties to the
Convention on the Prevcntion and Punishmcnt of Crimes against Internation-
ally Protcctcd Pcrsons, induded Diplomatic Agents (done at New York, 14
December 1973).Serious violations of this Convention are also involved in thc
prcsent dispute. Article 13,parngraph 1, of the Convention provides:
"Any dispute betwccn two or more States Parties conccrning the
interpretation or application of this Convention which is not settled by
ncgotiation shall, at the request orone of thern, be submitted to arbitration.
If within six months frorn the date of the requestfor arbitration thc partics
arc unable to agree on the organization of the arbitration, any one of them
may refer the disputc to thc InternationalCoiirt of Justice by request in
conformity with the Statute of the Court."
In light ofhe urgency ofrectiîying the prcsent violations ofthe Convention and
Iran's refusal to rneet with United States ernissürieson the subject, which renders
impracticable and infeasible any prior resort to arbitration, it is subrnitted that
the Court is comptent to hear the United States' c1;iimsunder this Convention
in connection with its other claims.
'ArticlesII and III of the Protocols to the Vienna Conventionson Diplornatic
Relationsand ConsularRelations bothprovidcthat the partiesmayagreeon alternate
procedures-arbitnition or conciliation-in lieof proceedingdirectlyio theCourt. Thc
partieshavenot exercisedtheseoptionsin thiscase:nosuchagreementshavebeenmade.
Indced,the Iranian authoriticshavc rcfuscdto discussthe dispute-still lessmodesof
seThc tcrms of the Preambles to both Protocols demonstrate the intenl of lhc
Protocols to make recourse to the Court unconditional and not dependent upon
joint pursuit by the parties of the options of arbitration or conciliation. They
providethal:
"E,rpressingtheir wixIo rcsortin al1rnu~rerconcerningthem in respectof any
dispute arising out of Ihe inierpreiationor applicationof the Conventionto thc
compulsoryjurisdiction or the InternationaCourt of Justiceunlesssome orherfurm
of serflemenr has been agreed upon hy ~heparties wi~hin a remonable period."
(Emphasissupplied.)6 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULAR STAFF
III. THECLAIM SF THE UNITED STATES
The Government of the United States,in submitting the dispute to the Court,
claims as follows:
(a) Pursuant to Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Rela-
tions, the Government of Tranis under an international legal obligation to the
United States to ensure that the persons of United States diplomatic agents be
kept inviolate from "any form of arrest or detention" and that every such
diplomatic agent shall be treated "with due respect" and protected from "any
attack on hisperson, freedom, or dignity". The Government of Iran has violated
and is currently violating the foregoing obligations.
(bj Pursuant to Article 37 of the same Convention, the Government of lran
is under an international legal obligation to the United States to ensure that
mernbersof the administrative and technical staff of the United States Embassy
in Tehran, and members of the familiesof United States diplornatic agents and
of administrative and technical staff.njoy the relevant privilegesand immuni-
ties specified in Article 29 of the Convention. The Governrnent of Iran has
violated and is currently violating the foregoing obligations.
(c) Pursuant to Article 31 of the same Convention, the Government of Iran
is under an international Iegalobligation to the United States to ensure that its
diplomatic agents shall be absolutely immune "from the criminal jurisdiction"
of lran and that, under Articles 31 and 37of the Convention, such immunity is
accorded to members of the administrative and technical staffof the United
States Embassy as welfas to the familiesof diplomatic agents of administrative
and technical staff.By its threats of prosecution, the Government of lran has
violated and is currently violating the foregoing obligations.
(d) Pursuant to Article 22 of the same Convention, the Government of lran
is under an international legal obligation to the United States to ensure that
United States diplomatic premises in Iran "shall be inviolable". The Govcrn-
ment of iran has violated and is currently violating this obligation.
(e) Pursuant to Articles 24, 25, 27 and 47 of the same Convention, the
Government of Iran is under an international legal obligation to the United
States to ensure the inviolability of the archives and documents of the United
States Embassy in Tehran, to accord full facilities for the performance of the
functions of the Embassy, to permit and assist Ernbassy personnel to depart
from iran, and to preclude discrimination between States in the application of
the Convention. The Government of Iran has violated and is currently violating
the foregoing obligations.
(f) Pursuant to Articles 28, 31, 33, 34, 36 and 40 of the Vienna Convention
on Consular Relations, the Government of lran is under an international legal
obligation to the United States to ensure that the United States enjoys full
facilitiesfor the performance of consular functions;that United Statesconsular
premises, documents, and archives are kept inviolate; that the consular person-
nelof the United States shallenjoy freedomof movement and travel inIran; that
such personnel shall enjoy the right to communicate and contact other United
States nationals; that the consular personnel of the United States be treated with
respect and protected from attack on their persons, freedom, and dignity; and
that United States consular officers be free from arrest or detention. The
Government of Iran ha$ violated and is currently violating the foregoing
obligations,
(g) Pursuant to Article 4 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punish-
ment of Crimes against lnternationally Protected Persons, including Diplornatic
Agents,the Government of Iran is under an international legalobligation to the
United States to CO-operatein the prevention of crimes against the officia!
premises and the staff of the United States Ernbassy in Tehran, including an
obligation to take aH practicable measures to prevent preparations in its APPLICATION 7
territory for the commission of such crimes. The Governmcnt of lran has
violated and is currently violating the foregoing obligations.
(h) Pursuant to Article 7 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punish-
ment of Crimesagainst Internationally Protected Persons, includingDiplornatic
Agents, the Govcrnmcnt of lran is under aninternational lcgalobligationto the
United States to submit to competent Iranian authorities for the purpose of
prosecution al1thosc personswho, since4 Novembcr 1979,havcbcenengagedin
committing crimesagainst the officialpremisesand the staffof the United States
Embassy in Tehran. The Govcrnment of Iran has violatd and is currently
violating the foregoing obligation.
(il Pursuant to Articlcs II(4) and XIX of the Treaty of Amity, Economic
Relations, and Consular Righis between the United Siates and Iran, the
Government of Iran is under an international legal obligation to the United
States to ensure that nationals of the United States shall receivc "the most
constant protection and security" within the territory of Iran; that such
nationals shall, if placed in custody, receivereasonable and humane treatment;
that the United Staics shall have the full opportunityo safeguard thc intercsts
of such detaincd nationals; and that such nationals shall, whilcin custody, have
full access to United States consulaofficiaisand services.The Government OC
lran has violated and is currcntly violating the foregoing obligations.
(j) Pursuant to Articles Xlll and XVllI of the ForegoingTreaty of Arnity,
international legal obligation to the United States to accord toUnitcd States
consular officers and cmployccs the privileges and iinmunities accordcd to
officersanciemployccs of thcir rünk and status by general international usage
and, in particulür,mmunity from localjurisdiction Toracts done in their official
capacitics and within the scopc of thcir authority; to accord to such consular
officcrsand employccs the opportunity to exercise al1funciions whiçh are in
accordance with generülinternational usage;and to ensure that consular offices
are not entered by the police or other localuthoriiies except in case of fireor
other disaster. The Govcrnmcnt of Iran has violateb and iscurrently violating
the foregoing obligations.
(k) Thc Government of Iran, or persons acting with its support and
approvat, are holding UnitedStates citizensas hostagesand are threatening the
livesof these hostages in ordcr to coerce the United States into taking actions
which the United States has no international legal obligation to take. This
exerciseof coercion isin violatioof Iran's obligationunder the Charter of the
United Nations, particularly Article2, paragraphs 3 and 4, and Article 33.
Unitcd Statesvtonrespect and observe,andnensurenrespect for and observance of,
the obligations of lran under çustomary international law to ensure the
immunitiesof the diplomats and staff of the United Statcs Embassyin Tehran,
the inviolabilityof its Embassy, and the proteclion of its nationals. The
Government of Iran has violated and is currently violating the foregoing
obligations.
IV. JUDGMEN TEQUEÇTEL~
Accordingly,thc United States requests the Court to adjudge and declare as
follows:
(O) That the Governmcnt of lran in tolerating, encouraging, and failing to
prevent and punish the conduct described in the preceding Staterncnt of
Facts, violated its internütional legal obligations to the United States as
provided by
- Articles 22, 24, 2527, 29, 31, 37and 47 of the Vienna Convention on
Diplornatic Relations.8 DIPLOMATICAND CONSULARSTAFF
- Articles 28, 31,33,34, 36 and 40 of the Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations,
- Articles4 and 7 of the Convcntion on the Prevention and Punishment of
Crimes againsi InternationaIly Protected Persons, including Diplomatic
Agents, and
- Articles 11(4),XIII, XVlll'and XXI of thc Treaty of Arnity, Economic
Relations and Consular Rights between the United States and Iran, and
- Articles 2 (3), 2 (4) and 33 of thc Chartcr of the United Nations;
(b) That pursuant 10the foregoing international legal obligations, the Govern-
ment of Iran is under a particular obligation immediately to secure the
release of al1United States nationals currently being detained within the
premises of thc United States Embassy inTehranand to assure that all such
ocrsons and al1other United States nationals in Tehran are allowed to leave
lran safely;
(c) That the Government of lran shallpay to the United States, in its own right
and in thc cxercise of its rieht of di~iomatic orotection of its nationals.
rcparation for the foregoingvviolatioI&of 1ran'Siritcrnational legakobliga:
tions to the United States, in a sum to be determined by the Court; and
(dl That the Government of lran submil to its competent authorities for the
purpose of prosecution those persons responsible îor the crimes comrnitted
against the premises and staffof the United States Embassy and against the
premises of its Consulates.
The Government of thc Unitcd States further requests the Court to indicütc
interirn measures of protection as set forth in a separate request fifed concur-
rently with this Application.
The Governrnent of the United States has designated the undersigned as its
Agent for the purposes of theseproceedings. Allcommunications rclating to this
case should be sent to the Embassy of the United States, The Hague, Lange
Voorhout f02.
Respectfully submittcd,
(Signed) Roberts B. OWEN,
The Legal Adviser.
KINGUOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
PROVINCEOF SOU'I'CI-HOLLAND
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1,Hugh V. Simon, Jr., certify that the above signature is that of Roberts B.
Owen, who has been designated by the Secretary of State as Agent ofthe United
Stütcs in this case.
(Signeri)Hugh V. SIMON ,r.,
American Consul.
29 November i979.
1,David D. Ncwsom, certifyand declare the following:
1. 1am Under Secretary for Political Affairsof the United StatesDepartrnent
of State. 1have bcen vested bythe Secretary of State with overall responsibility
within the Department for matters relating to the crisis in Iran.
2. In this capacity, 1 have closely rnonitored events since the attack on the
United States Embassy in Tehran began. The facts stated in the Application of
the United States to the Court are, to the best of my knowtedge, truc.
(Signedj David D. NEWSOM.
Application instituting proceedings