151. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Algeria1
SUBJECT
- Presidential Message to Bendjedid.
1. Secret—Entire text.
2. Ambassador Newlin should seek an immediate, personal meeting with President Bendjedid to deliver the following letter from [Page 333] President Reagan. Ambassador should make clear that the President expects a reply from Bendjedid.
3. Begin text.
Dear Mr. President:
I regret disturbing you during the month of Ramadan, but events have been forced upon us which require serious consideration and action.
When we met in April,2 I stressed the gratitude the American people feel toward the Algeria for its efforts to bring about the release of our hostages in Iran, as well as your assistance with other terrorist incidents. Tragically, we are again faced with the need to cooperate to resolve a terrorist act of war against the United States in particular, but, in reality, a deed directed against all of humanity.
Recognizing our respect for Algeria’s role in resolving this crisis, I appreciate your government’s willingness to take all possible measures to end this hijacking in Algiers. We realize that keeping the plane in Algiers entails a certain level of risk for the passengers and crew. However, should the plane depart Algiers and return to Beirut, the passengers and crew would be thrust into a hostile, lawless environment where the prospects for violence and loss of life would be much greater. Therefore, I want to ask that you take the necessary steps to keep the aircraft in Algiers.
Your government has worked skillfully to keep the negotiations going, and I am aware that efforts are underway to involve the ICRC to improve communications with the terrorists. We do not object to the participation of the ICRC, as long as such a process is productive. However, if such a process fails to produce positive results, I am obligated to fulfill my constitutional responsibility to protect the lives of American citizens. Circumstances may arise under which you would find it useful to draw on specialized competence from outside. The United States stands ready to offer whatever assistance your government may find useful, including that of a technical nature which would facilitate negotiations and help prepare for other eventualities. It is my sincere hope that together, we will succeed in finding a successful solution.
It seems clear that a failure to resolve this crisis decisively and immediately can only result in greater danger to the passengers and crew of this aircraft while encouraging more air piracy in the coming summer months. We must directly confront this threat to civilized humanity.
[Page 334]I have no doubt that you will continue to play the courageous humanitarian role which has earned you and the people of Algeria worldwide respect and gratitude.3
With highest regards.
Sincerely, Ronald Reagan End text.
- Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, [no N number]. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by the TWA Task Force; cleared by Kenneth Quinn, Ruth Van Heuven (S/S–O), and Raphel; approved as text received from the White House.↩
- See Document 147.↩
- In telegram 3145 from Algiers, June 16, Newlin reported: “After listening to oral translation of President’s message, he [Bendjedid] said Algeria was willing to continue its efforts. In order to prevent further deaths, it was essential Israel begin to release the Shiite prisoners as it had announced it would do. GOA did not know why hijackers reneged on earlier agreement. One theory was that hijackers had heard radio reports of U.S. Delta-type team in Mediterranean area and had decided Algeria was no longer safe. I made a strong pitch GOA accept U.S. technical assistant on a highly secret basis. Despite initial misgivings over possible leaks, Bendjedid said he would look into possibility with his senior advisers.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, [no D number]) The telegram is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. XLVII, Part 2, Terrorism, June 1985–January 1989.↩