62. Editorial Note
In the Summary of Conclusions of the November 27, 1979, Special Coordination Committee (SCC) meeting (see footnote 2, Document 61), Item 3 under Political-Military Issues reads: “Dr. Brzezinski raised the question of whether we were getting ourselves locked into a pattern where our freedom of action was being chipped away while world support eroded for our position. All agreed that this was an important issue and that our overall strategy would be discussed at the meeting tomorrow.” At the bottom of the page, Carter wrote:
“My present belief is that we should:
“a) Get strong condemnation from UNSC
“b) Get the Shah out of the country directly after Ashura (Sat or Sun) [December 1 and 2]
“c) Call publicly for embargo of all shipments of goods to Iran until hostages are released
“d) Seek Article 7 sanctions against Iran
“e) Follow up with mining of Persian Gulf ports; with statement that strong punishment will be inflicted if hostages are harmed.
“f) Be prepared to destroy refinery if any hostages are harmed.”
Carter then added a note at the top of the first page of the Summary of Conclusions: “Zbig—Discuss my comments only in small group.” (Carter Library, Brzezinski Donated Material, Geographic File, Box 17) “Small group” is a reference to Aaron’s interagency group.
The following day, November 28, Carter handwrote a note to Brzezinski that reads: “Zbig—In addition, of course, to specific steps outlined in yesterday’s SCC minutes, we should do everything we can covertly to restrict Iran’s credit & reduce all foreign commerce with Iran.” (Carter Library, Plains File, Box 10)