Office of the Historian

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

17215.
Washington, January 22, 1981, 2013Z

SUBJECT

  • Algerian Government Request for Clarification of Remarks Made at January 21 Dept Press Briefing.

Ref:

  • Algiers 354.2
1.
(S) Entire text.
2.
In response to GOA MFA Director Benouniche, you should give him text of press guidance prepared for use by Department spokesman on January 22:
  • “Three points need be emphasized in handling the heavy load of questions concerning the new administration’s willingness to implement the agreements entered into in order to effect the release of the hostages.3
  • “(1) The agreements negotiated between the United States and Iran, as well as the relevant executive orders, are very detailed and complex documents. This administration has already begun an in-depth review of what they entail and require on the part of all parties involved. This review will be conducted as expeditiously as is feasible.
  • “(2) This administration, consistent with domestic and international law alike, fully intends to carry out the obligations of the United States.4
  • “(3) We must all recognize, however, that the implementation of the agreements will be a complex and time-consuming process, and one which will require the cooperation of all parties.”
3.
You should also note that some of implementing steps are underway. The administration sent the executive orders to the Federal Register for publication January 22. In the first court case challenging the agreement, the judge ruled that the President had full authority to reach agreement for the release of the hostages. We expect other similar suits and will continue to defend the agreement.
Haig
  1. Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Country File, Africa, Algeria (01/22/1981–01/22/1982). Secret; Flash; Cherokee; Nodis. Printed from a copy that indicates the original was received in the White House Situation Room.↩
  2. In telegram 354 from Algiers, January 22, the Embassy reported that Benouniche said “the GOA is deeply concerned over the Department Press Spokesman’s statement that the new administration will have to carefully study the hostage agreements before committing itself to respecting them. As a result of its concern, the GOA is requesting an explanation of these remarks by the USG as soon as possible.” (Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC Country File, Africa, Algeria (01/22/1981–01/22/1982))↩
  3. Reference is to the Algiers Accords, the series of agreements between the United States and Iran brokered by Algeria that ended the Iran hostage crisis. Documentation on the Accords is in Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XI, Part 1, Iran Hostage Crisis, November 1979–September 1980. See also Roberts Owen, “Final Negotiations and Release in Algiers,” American Hostages in Iran: The Conduct of a Crisis (New York: Council on Foreign Relations, 1985), pp. 297–324.↩
  4. In telegram 17547 to Algiers, January 23, the Department transmitted the text of a letter from Reagan thanking Bendjedid for helping resolve the hostage crisis. Reagan wrote: “Algeria will long represent to the American people and to the world that rare combination of compassion and competence of which you have every right to be proud.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D810033–0928)↩