Because the imposition of sanctions appears to be such a watershed, I did
some brainstorming with our analysts on other approaches to securing
release of the hostages. Attached is a 1¼ page think piece—it’s all
policy and your business—accordingly I drop it with you and let it go at
that—
Attachment
Paper Prepared in the Central Intelligence
Agency2
Breaking the Logjam
Objective:
• Secure timely release of all hostages.
Means:
• Secret negotiations with key Revolutionary Council members
(Beheshti and/or Ghotbzadeh). This meeting to take place with
foreknowledge of Khomeini.
• Use individual with acceptable credentials (e.g., Prof. Richard Cottam).
[Page 336]
US Position:
Emissary to go with the understood authority to propose a
solution.
• Opening
—US not enemy of Islam or Iran
—Note that recent Soviet invasion of Afghanistan makes it more
imperative for both US and Iran to resolve crisis
—Iran needs to be in a position to stand up to the USSR, and to possible Soviet
subversion among the Kurds, Azerbaijanis, and other
minorities
—The US wants to be in a position to help—but cannot while US
diplomats are held hostage
—We recognize that Iran may feel committed to some sort of trial or
tribunal. Obviously the US cannot welcome, approve, or condone any
such Iranian action. But if it can be completed quickly and all
hostages pardoned and released immediately, the US is willing
to:
—defer final action on UN
sanctions
—make no attempt to block the holding of a trial or
tribunal
• US would agree to the following:
—US prepared to issue a statement along the following lines:
—US reiterates respect for Iranian sovereignty and the right
of the Iranian people to determine their own destiny
—US recognizes the right of the Iranian government to attempt to
recover property it claims in accordance with American legal
procedures
—US recognizes the Islamic Republic of Iran as the sole
legitimate representative of the Iranian people and accepts the
decision by the Iranian people to end the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty
—US refer to former Shah only as Mohammed Reza Pahlavi
—US willing to delay seeking of sanctions, which are not to the
benefit of the world community, if there is prospect for speedy
resolution of crisis
—Suspend deportation of Iranian students
—Not stand in way of International Tribunal to review record of
Shah
—After the release of the hostages the US will seek arrangements
whereby Iran can secure spare parts through third parties to
allow Iran’s military to defend Iran from armed threats to the
Islamic Republic. In this regard the US takes particular notice
of recent Soviet activities in Afghanistan.
Sought from Iran:
• Speedily convene Tribunal
• Release of all hostages and guaranteed safe exit
• Agreement to enter into dialogue to determine US-Iran future
relationship
