Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XXIV, North Africa

150. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Algeria¹

182587.

Washington, June 14, 1985, 1724Z

SUBJECT

• Presidential Message.

1. Secret. Entire text.

2. There follows for confirmation purposes text of message from the President to President Benjedid.

3. Begin text. — The hijacking of the TWA aircraft is a matter of the most personal grave concern for me.²

— The hijackers are armed and dangerous. According to the information we have received, they have already shot and wounded three passengers, one of them seriously. They need urgent medical treatment.

— We are uncertain about the quantity of fuel the plane is carrying. As the fuel stock decreases, the hijackers are likely to become increasingly desperate.

— We have been working closely with you on the Americans who are being held hostage in Lebanon and are grateful for your continued efforts on their behalf.

— We have been especially appreciative of your involvement, given the esteem and respect which Algeria enjoys both in the US and in the Middle East.

— I know also the principled nature of Algerian policy. I share a conviction of the importance of dealing with terrorist incidents such as this aircraft hijacking in a firm manner.

— In recent years, Algeria has played an important role as an intermediary between the U.S. and those who regard us as their foe. In light of this special aspect of our very good relations and the special circumstances prevailing in this case, I am requesting you to allow the hijacked aircraft to land, and to not allow the plane to take off again. End text.

Shultz

1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850276–0344. Secret; Exdis; Niact Immediate. Drafted by Casey; cleared by Poindexter, Oakley, Pelletreau, and Sheldon Krebs (S/S–O); approved by Quinn (S/S).
2. TWA flight 847 was hijacked on June 14 shortly after take off from Athens. After a brief stopover in Beirut, where hijackers released 19 passengers, the hijackers forced the pilot to fly to Algiers. Five hours later the hijackers forced the pilot to take off and fly back to Beirut. Further documentation on the incident is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. XLVII, Part 2, Terrorism, June 1985–January 1989.