344. Message From Secretary of State Muskie to Prime Minister Rajai1
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I write to you as one who in my position as Secretary of State has only newly been confronted with the problems which currently beset relations between our two countries. I know that these problems will be but one aspect of the heavy new responsibilities you will be assuming as Iran’s first Prime Minister under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic. It is my earnest hope that we, together with the Foreign Minister you will appoint, will be able to work towards constructive solutions to the difficulties between our nations.
With the death of the former Shah, a chapter of Iran’s history is now definitely closed. With the establishment of your Government, a new chapter is opened. I believe this is the moment to take a fresh look at the problems between Iran and the United States.
The United States recognizes the reality of the Iranian Revolution and the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic. In a series of successive steps, the Iranian people have had the opportunity to participate in the process of creating new institutions. I assure you that the United States has had no wish to interfere in that process. We believe that no outside power should interfere with the right of the Iranian people to make their own political decisions.
Fifty-two of my fellow Americans remain held in Iran after nine months of captivity. I have met with their families. I cannot express to you adequately the deep and desperate suffering these innocent people have experienced. Americans of all political persuasions and strata of society are united in concern for their early release. I hope that you will agree with me that it is time now to bring an honorable end to their ordeal and to send the hostages home to their families.
I recognize that Iranians have suffered, too. The continuance of the impasse can only lead to further bitterness and suffering on both sides. The cups of anguish are now full. Let us empty them and begin anew. [Page 907] I assure you that we will show the fullest respect for your independence, your territorial integrity and for the principle of non-interference.
We recognize that the decision on dealing with the hostage crisis has been entrusted to the Iranian parliament as representatives of the Iranian people. We also recognize that in Iran, as in the United States, there are deep feelings as a result of grievances perceived in the past. There are many difficult issues between the United States and Iran. For our part, we are willing to proceed fairly and to approach each of these issues on a basis of mutual respect and equality.
In order to begin the process of understanding each other better, I think it would be useful to establish a regular channel of communication. I would personally prefer that this be done directly, very discreetly if you wish, between representatives of our two Governments. Speaking frankly and directly is the best way of removing hostility and suspicion. If you would prefer, however, we would be pleased to deal through third parties who could transmit messages between us on a regular basis. The Swiss or the Algerian Embassies could play this role as they are already the protecting powers. Other persons, either official or private intermediaries, could perform the same function.
I would hope that you would be prepared to give us your thoughts on points which might be usefully discussed in such an exchange.
I look forward to hearing from you in the interest of our two peoples.
Sincerely,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Middle East File, Box 38, Subject File, Iran Hostage Negotiations 8/80. Secret. Sent as a telegram from the Department of State to Swiss Chargé Kaiser in Tehran. According to a September 1 report attached to a September 2 briefing memorandum from Saunders to Muskie, Christopher, and Newsom, Kaiser delivered Muskie’s letter to Rajai on the evening of August 31. (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Middle East File, Box 38, Subject File, Iran Hostage Negotiations 8/80) Muskie’s letter is also published in Department of State Bulletin, November 1980, pp. 54–55.↩