Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
142174
label
Iran - Hamilton Jordan Panama/Texas Trip, 12/11-14/79
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
142174
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Iran - Hamilton Jordan Panama/Texas Trip, 12/11-14/79
citationUrl
collections
Office of the Chief of Staff Files
Hamilton Jordan's Confidential Files
subjects
Iran
Panama
Texas
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
142174
coverageEndDate
day
14
logicalDate
1979-12-01
month
12
year
1979
coverageStartDate
day
11
logicalDate
1979-12-11
month
12
year
1979
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
f4436a86a9f02bd9
ocrText
Iran -HJ Panama/Texas Trip, 12/11-14/79
Folder Citation: Collection: Office of the Chief of Staff Files; Series:
Hamilton Jordan's Confidential Files; Folder: Iran -HJ Panama/Texas
Trip, 12/11-14/79; Container 35
To See Complete Finding Aid:
http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/library/findingaids/Chief_of St
aff.pdf
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
DOCUMENT
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
memo
Lloyd Cutler to HJ openl 11/2/94
2/26/80
A
memo
Barbara Sachs to HJ
*
HJ to Omar Torrigos
Opene! 7/16/96
2/26/80
A
cable
12/17/79
A
cable
HJ to Omar Torrijos (2 PP.)
12/17/79
A
cable
Amembassy Panama to Secstate - and 3/2/95
12/19/79
A
cable
Amembassy Panama to Secstate
- Opine 3/3/95
12/18/79
A
memo
ZB to JC
openl 11/2/14
12/18/79
A
corresp.
HJ to Robert Byrd
n.d.
A
FILE LOCATION
Confidential File
Chief of Staff (Jordan) / Box 7 of O/H.J. Panama/Texas Trip 12/11-14/79
RESTRICTION CODES
(A) Closed by Executive Order 12065 governing access to national security information.
(B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
GSA FORM 7122 (REV. 1-81)
TELEGRAM
FULL RATE
The White House
(STRAIGHT TELEGRAM)
NIGHT LETTER
Mashington
MAILGRAM
CABLE
DECEMBER 17, 1979
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
TO: GENERAL OMAR TORRIJOS
C/oAMERICAN AMBASSADOR AMBLER MOSS
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
MY DEAR GENERAL:
THE EVENTS OF THE PAST WEEK HAVE BEEN so RUSHED AND HECTIC
THAT I HAVE ONLY RECENTLY HAD TIME TO PAUSE AND REFLECT ON
WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WORKING TOGETHER OVER THE PAST
FEW DAYS.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE SHAH HAS RECEIVED THE MEDICAL TREATMENT
HE NEEDED AND HAS DEPARTED OUR COUNTRY IN A DIGNIFIED
MANNER TO VISIT PANAMA. FROM ALL THE REPORTS WE RECEIVE,
BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, HE IS VERY HAPPY THERE AND GREATLY
APPRECIATES YOUR HOSPITALITY AND GRACIOUSNESS. WE HOPE
AND BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL ASSIST IN THE EARLY RELEASE
OF OUR HOSTAGES. IT IS TOO EARLY TO TELL, BUT THERE ARE
SOME ENCOURAGING SIGNS.
MY TWO VISITS WITH YOU REKINDLED OUR FRIENDSHIP AND ONLY
STRENGTHENED MY FEELING FOR YOU AS A FRIEND AND AS A GREAT
STATESMAN. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO VISIT YOU SOON AGAIN TO
DISCUSS FURTHER SOME OF THE MATTERS THAT WE TOUCHED ON
IN YOUR HOME.
I AM YOUR GRATEFUL AND ADMIRING FRIEND.
RESPECTFULLY,
HC.
HAMILTON JORDAN
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
DECLASSIFIED
APPROVED FOR DISPATCH
BY PER 5/2/95 NUC It RE MR-NLC95-3
E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.4
ALABA
303
N
B
COPY
OP IMMED
DE YEKADS #0108 3511843
D 171903Z DEC 79 ZFF-1 ZFF-4 ZYH
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
TO AMEMBASSY PANAMA
C N D I A WH92258
AMBASSADOR MRSS: PLEASE DELIVER THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE
FROM HAMILTON JORDAN TO GENERAL TORRIJOS AT THE FARLIEST
OPPURTUNITY:
QUOTE:
TO:
GENERAL OMAR TORRIJOS
PANAMA CITY, PAGAMA
DECEMBER 17, 1979
MY DEAR GENERAL:
THE EVENTS OF THE PAST WEEK HAVE BEEN SO RUSHED AND
HECTIC THAT I HAVE ONLY RECENTLY HAD TIME TO PAUSE AND REFLECT
ON WHAT "E HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WORKING TOGETHER OVER THE PAST
FEW DAYS.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE SHAH HAS RECEIVED THE MEDICAL
TREATMENT HE NEEDED AND HAS DEPARTED OUR COUNTRY IN A DIGNIFIED
MANNER TO VISIT PANAMA. FROM ALL THE REPURTS WE RECEIVE, BOTH
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, HE IS VERY HAPPY THERE AND GREATLY APPRECIATES
YOUR HOSPITALITY AND GRACIOUSNESS. WE HOPE AND BELIEVE THAT THIS
WILL ASSIST IN THE EARLY RELEASE OF OUR HOSTAGES. IT IS TOO EARLY
TO TELL, BUT THERE ARE SOME ENCOURAGING SIGNS.
MY TWC VISITS WITH YOU REKINDLED DUR FRIENDSHIP AND
ONLY STRENGTHENED MY FEELING FOR YOU AS A FRIEND AND AS A
GREAT STATESMAN. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO VISIT YOU SOON AGAIN
TO DISCUSS FURTHER SOME OF THE MATTERS THAT WE TOUCHED ON IN
YOUR HOME.
I AM YOUR GRATEFUL AND ADMIRING FRIEND.
RESPECTFULLY,
HAMILTON JORDAN
WHSR COMMENT
JORDAN
PSN:053482
PAGE 01
TOR:351/18:43Z
DTG:171903Z DEC 79
E
I
L*******S
COPY
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.4
BY PER 5/2/95 NSU NSL NARS, Hrre DATE MK-NLC-95-3 6/12/96
*******CONFIDENTIAL*******SCOPY
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
UNQUOTE
277
PSN:053482
PAGE 02
OF 02
TOR:351/18:437
DTG:171903Z DEC 79
D
I
S COPY
303
$
COPY
OP IMMED
DE YEKADS #0108 3511843
n 1719032 DEC 79 ZFF-1 ZFF-4 ZYH
FM THE WHITE HOUSE
TO AMEMBASSY PANAMA
C.
I
WH92258
AMBASSADOR MRSS: PLEASE DELIVER THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE
FROM HAMILTON JORDAN TO GENERAL TORRIJOS AT THE FARLIEST
OPPURTUNITY:
QUOTE:
TO:
GENERAL DMAR TORRIJOS
PANAMA CITY, PAGAMA
DECEMBER 17, 1979
MY DEAR GENERAL:
THE EVENTS OF THE PAST WEEK HAVE BEEN SO RUSHED AND
HECTIC THAT I HAVE ONLY RECENTLY HAD TIME TO PAUSE AND REFLECT
ON WHAT "E HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WORKING TOGETHER OVER THE PAST
FEW DAYS.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE SHAH HAS RECEIVED THE MEDICAL
TREATMENT HE NEEDED AND HAS DEPARTED OUR COUNTRY IN A DIGNIFIED
MANNER TC VISIT PANAMA. FROM ALL THE REPURTS WE RECEIVE, BOTH
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, HE IS VERY HAPPY THERE AND GREATLY APPRECIATES
YOUR HOSPITALITY AND GRACIGUSNESS, WE HOPE AND BELIEVE THAT THIS
WILL ASSIST IN THE EARLY RELEASE OF OUR HUSTAGES, IT IS TOO EARLY
TO TELL, BUT THERE ARE SOME ENCOURAGING SIGNS.
MY TWC VISITS WITH YOU REKINDLED OUR FRIENDSHIP AND
ONLY STRENGTHENED MY FEELING FOR YOU AS A FRIEND AND AS A
GREAT STATESMAN. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO VISIT YOU SOON AGAIN
TO DISCUSS FURTHER SOME OF THE MATTERS THAT WE TOUCHED ON IN
YOUR HOME.
I A: YOUR GRATEFUL AND ADMIRING FRIEND.
RESPECTFULLY,
HAMILTON JORDAN
*WHSR COMMENT
JORDAN
PSN:053452
PAGE 01
TOR:351/18:43Z
DTG:171903Z DEC 79
L*******S
COPY
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.4
PER 5/2/95 NSC HRRE MK-NLC-95-3
COPY
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
UNQUOTE
277
PSN: 053482
PAGE 02
OF 02
TOR:351/18:43Z
DTG:171903Z DEC 79
COPY
IN
19 DEC 79Z 17 28
NEW
INCOMING
Department of State
AMERICA
TELEGRAM
SECRET
N00276
PAGE 01
PANAMA 10330 1917222
ACTION NDDS-08
COPY 13 OF 13 COPIES
INFO OCT-01 ADS-00 1001 N
053179 191723Z 43
0 1987182 DEC 79 ZFF-4
FM AMEMBASSY PANAMA
TO SECSTATE WASHOC IMMEDIATE 6418
s
ECNE T PANAMA 10330
NODIS CHEROKEE
FOR MR. RAPHEL
E,O, 12065: GOS 12/19/85 (MOSS, AsHx) DR-M
TAGS: PEPR, IR, PN, US
SUBJ: PANAMA-IRAN CONVERSATIONS
REFI PANAMA 10324
1, (S - ENTIRE TEXT)
2, AT 1200 I TOLD PRES ROYO THAT THE SECRETARY HAD
CONSIDERED THE PROPOSAL RECEIVED THROUGH HIS INTER-
MEDIARY THAT À TRIPARTITE "COORDINATING COMMITTEE" BE
ESTABLISHED, AND THAT, ALTHOUGH THE SECRETARY VERY MUCH
APPRECIATED ROYOTS INITIATIVES IN SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS,
FRANKLY WE FELT THIS PLAN WOULD BE VERY COUNTERPRODOCTIVE.
3. I EXPLAINED THAT OUR POLICY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT WE
WOULU NUT AGREE 10 MEET WITH THE GOI UNTIL THEY HAU AGREED
TO RELEASE THE HUSTAGES. I SAID THAT, JUST FOR HIS INFOR-
MATION, THE PROPOSAL HAD ALL THE EARMARKS UF A SCHEME TU
TRY TO NEGUTIATE FOR THE EXTRADITION OF THE SHAH IN HE-
TURN FOR THE PHISUNERS' RELEASE.
4, RUYU SAID ThAT at KOULD LET HIS CUNTACT KNOW THAT THE
SECRET
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12356, Sec. 34
or PER 1/5/95 State HRE 12-11-95-04
In NARS, DATE 2/27/95
WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE SECRETARY
HPANTMENT
1 )
STATE
INCOMING
they
Department of State
TELEGRAM
(*
SECRET
PAGE 02
PANAMA 10330 1917222
USG WOULD NOT RPT NOT BE AGREEABLE TO THE PROPOSAL, I
ADVISED HIM TO BE DEFINITE IN HIS STATEMENT so THAT THE
GOI DID NOT RECEIVE THE FALSE IMPRESSION THAT WE WERE
SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING IT, MOSS
SECHET
18 DEC 79Z 59
003223
OF
2010
IMPARTATIONS
STATE
INCOMING
Department of State
TELEGRAM
SECRET
NO0163
PAGE 01
PANAMA 10306 1822522
COPY OF 15 COPIES
ACTION NODS-00
INFO OCT-01 ADS-00 /001 w
S
047230 1822562 113
0 1822477 DEC 79\2FF-4
FM AMEMBASSY PANAMA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6412
SECHE 7 PANAMA 10306
NUDIS
GIOIZ
EYES ONLY FOR MR. RAPHEL (S)
E.O. 12065: GDS 12/18/85 (MOSS, A.H.) OK-M
TAGS: PEPR, PN, IN
SUBJ: CONVERSATION WITH PRESIDENT ROYO ON IRAN
1. (S - ENTIRE TEXT)
2, I MET WITH PHES RDYD AT 4:45PM AND REVIEWED EVENTS OF
S
THE DAY. HE SAID MIS INTE EDIARY, A FRENCH HOSLEM HE-
SIDING IN PARIS, HAW CALLED EARLY THIS AFTERNOON AND SAID
THE ISLAMIC COUNCIL WAS MEETING IN wom BEHIND CLOSED
DOORS. ROYU ASKED THAT THE MESSAGE BE PASSED To THE
FORMIN THAT PANAMA WOULD NUT RPT NOT EXTRADITE THE SHAH
BUT WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP OUT WITH A "FACE-SAVING"
PLAN TO HELP THEE THE HOSTAGES. IN LINE WITH HIS EARLIER
STATEMENT TO ME THIS MORNING, ROYO ALSO SUGGESTED THAT
THE FORMIN NOT RPT NUT COME TU PANAMA BUT ACT THROUGH THE
IRANIAN AMBASSAUUN TO MEXICO (ROYO ADMITTED de MIGHT BE
WRONG ABOUT THAT AMBASSADOR'S ACCREDITATION TO PANAMA AND
SAID HE ASSUMED SO OUT DID NOT REALLY KNOW).
3. AFTER OUR TALK, ROYU AGREED THAT HE WOULD DELAY ANY
SCHEME AND ROULD CHECK WITH ME BEFORE AGREEING TO Ht=
CEIVE ANY IRANIAN EMISSARY OR EXTRAUSIION REQUEST. HE
SECRET
S
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12356, Sec. 34
"ER 15/95 state Hris MR-NLC-45-04
Jay NARS. DATE 2/27/95
INFARMENT
OF
STATE
INCOMING
Art
Department of State
THIN,
F
AMERICAN
TELEGRAM
STATES
3
SECRET
PAGE 02
PANAMA 10300 1822522
S
UNDERSTANDS WE WANT TO "PLAY UTHER CARDS" FIRST.
4, COMMENT: THIS TALK INDICATES A NEW DIMENSION TO THE
PANAMANIAN ROLE. RGYO EVIDENTLY HAS HIS OWN CHANNEL
APART FROM THAT OF TORRIJOS AND MAY BE WORKING THE PROBLEM
SEPARATELY. THIS MAY EXPLAIN TORRIJOS DESIRE THAT 1, NOT
HE, GET ROYO ON FREQUENCY WITH OUR GAME PLAN. ROYO SAID
THAT HE UNDERSTANDS WE MAY WISH TO "PLAY OTHER CARDS"
OUT FRANKLY HOPES WE' WILL TURN TO HIM "SO THAT PANAMA CAN
PLAY THE RULE OF FREEING THE HOSTAGES. MUSS
SECRET
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
February 26, 1980
SUBJECT: Call from Robert Armao
Attached is a memorandum of a telephone message from
Robert Armao this morning.
About two hours later I spoke to Armao. By that time
Morse had been released at the intervention of Ambassador
Moss. Armao said he would withhold any public comment
for the next couple of days and would be back in touch
with us before going public. However, he says that he
and his assistant Morse are "finished" and will have
nothing further to do with assisting the Shah in Panama.
Armao said that the Shah himself is shocked by this
latest event and terrified about his own personal safety,
as is the Shabbanu. They have long since lost confidence
in Col. Moriega, and they have now lost confidence in
Torrijos as well. Armao asks on their behalf that
arrangements be made "immediately" for them to leave
Panama.
I told Armao that a move now was not feasible and that any
public quarrel at this time would prejudice the present
negotiations to obtain the release of the hostages. I
said I would consult with Mr. Jordan and that we would
make our views known most forcefully, and that we would
strongly object to Panama concerning the treatment
of Mr. Morse.
the
Feb. 26, 1980
-
12:50 pm
Mr. Armao called Mr. Cutler at 12:50 today to
say one of his assistants has been taken into
custody by the Panamanian authorities -- for what
reason he either did not know or did not say.
Mr. Armao is extremely upset and has told the
Shah that he intends to bring the treatment of
his staff to the public scene. As he says, he
does not intend to put up with the abuse that
has been hurled at his people by the Panamanians
any longer, and as a courtesy called the White
House to tell you and Mr. Cutler what he is doing.
He is anxious to speak to you or Mr. Cutler as
soon as possible. I expect Mr. Cutler to return
to the office by 2:00.
Telephone number for Mr. Armao - 212 582 1525.
Attached is a description of the details of
the above incident from Arnie Raphel in Secretary
Vance's office.
1:20 pm
Arnie Raphel (Special Assistant to Secretary Vance)
called with the following:
Ambler Moss called him from Panama:
Mark Morse who is one of Armao's associates working
with the Shah was arrested this morning by the Panamanian
FBI. He was taken to Col. Moreiga's office where he is
being detained (Moreiga is head of Panamanian security).
Ambler has spoken with Moreiga who contends that Morse
was "disrespectful" to the head of the Panamanian security
force on Contadora.
Ambler is sending the head of the Consular Section down
to Moreiga's office to arrange for Morse's release and
is confident Morse will be released immediately.
Armao called Ambler and was highly incensed and said he
would go public over this latest incident. Ambler calmed
him down somewhat but Armao said he would talk with Cutler
and/or Jordan.
Ambler and I think it important that either Cutler or Jordan
talk with Armao to help calm him down. Ambler believes
that if we point out that going public now might effect
the national interest and be harmful to our efforts in Iran,
that that will be enough to keep Armao from going public
on this issue.
7245
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 18, 1979
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
ZBIGNIEW BRZEZINSKI 25
SUBJECT:
Letters of Appreciation to Panama
on the Shah
Hamilton asked Bob Pastor to draft three letters of
appreciation from you to Royo, Torrijos, and Ambassador
Moss. They are attached. Hertzberg has cleared them.
CC: Hamilton Jordan
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 18, 1979
Dear General Torrijos:
On behalf of the American people, I wish to express
the deep appreciation we feel toward you, President
Royo, and the Panamanian people for the support you
have provided during the present crisis.
At this time when we celebrate the coming into this
world of the Prince of Peace, I hope that our efforts
toward a peaceful resolution of this issue will bear
fruit. I am especially grateful for Panama's
humanitarian gesture in welcoming the Shah.
Our peaceful accord on the Panama Canal, an issue in
which deep emotions were felt on both sides, stands
in marked contrast to Iran's use of force and terror.
Our two countries will once again be able to teach
the world that the path of peace is also the path of
justice and honor.
Please accept my deep and genuine gratitude.
Sincerely,
Brigadier General Omar Torrijos Herrera
Commander of the National Guard
Panama
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12356 SEC. 3.4(b)
BY WHITE HOUSE may GUIDELINES, NARS. FEB. DATE 24, 10/25/94
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 18, 1979
Dear Mr. President:
Your decision to invite the Shah to Panama is a
demonstration of the graciousness and the magnanimity
of the people of Panama.
The invitation to the Shah also demonstrates to the
world that the relationship which cur two countries
developed during the negotiations for the Panama Canal
Treaties is deep, genuine and mutually respectful.
As Negotiator for Panama, you played a major role in
forging our new relationship. As President of Panama,
you have enriched that relationship greatly; it has
become a model for industrialized and developing
countries.
The United States has endured a terrible trauma during
the last month while friends and colleagues have been
held hostage in the United States Embassy in Iran. We
hope that the Shah's stay in Panama will facilitate a
solution to the crisis.
I have been pleased to note the forthright position on
the issue of the hostages taken by your government at
the OAS and the UN. I am certain that my gratitude
for your generosity and your assistance is shared by
all the people of my country.
Sincerely,
His Excellency Aristides Royo
President of the Republic of Panama
Panama
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12356, SEC. 3.4(b)
WHITE HOUSE GUIDELINES, FEB.
BY
NARS, DATE 24/08/94
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 18, 1979
To Ambler Moss
I want you to know how much I personally appreciate
your role in securing a place of temporary asylum
for the Shah. The well-being of our people held
hostage by the authorities in Iran has dominated
the thoughts of the American people, uniting them
in a manner seldom seen in our history. Through-
out this crisis, I have sought to focus the world's
attention on the unprecedented violation of diplo-
matic immunity and the inhumane treatment of our
hostages in contravention of the most basic rules
of international conduct. The arrangement you
helped make possible will enable us to focus
attention even more firmly on that central issue.
I am sending personal messages to President Royo
and General Torrijos as well. Again, thank you
for your efforts and support.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Ambler Moss
American Embassy
Panama City
\
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
To: Bob Pastn
Can you please draft
for me Presidentil mass. ages
to Tonigos, Roye and Ambler
Mass?
The messages are meaded
at nichly deserved. I
need the soon.
Thanks,
Hartton
when thing settle don,
I'ed give so - Ined
cont P.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Personal
Dear Sanator Byrd:
I wanted to pass on to so an
element of c conversation I had with
Trip to Panama.
General Torrigos during my recent
After convejing the request for Panana
to receive the stah, one of the first
questions the General asked was, 'will
our accepting the Shch be important
the our corgressional friends, past icularly
Sanator Byrd?"
I responded that I could not speck
for you on the Congress, but that it was
my stnorg feeling that you, as the
Majority Leader 1 the Saste and the person
most responsible for the notification
of the Panamer Card treaties, would be
receive the SLOH. This seemed to
rectly appreciative if Panac could
mean a lot to General Tonigos,
and it seamed to me to be a major
factor in his positive decision
Respectfully,
Hamlto John
Smotor Byrd
Majority localmof the United Stato Secte
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 26, 1980
FILL
Eyes Only
MEMORANDUM FOR HAMILTON JORDAN
FROM:
BARBARA SACHS (Lloyd Cutler's
office)
SUBJECT:
ROBERT ARMAO
Mr. Armao called Mr. Cutler at 12:50 today to
say one of his assistants has been taken into
custody by the Panamanian authorities -- for what
reason he either did not know or did not say.
Mr. Armao is extremely upset and has told the
Shah that he intends to bring the treatment of
his staff to the public scene. As he says, he
does not intend to put up with the abuse that
has been hurled at his people by the Panamanians
any longer, and as a courtesy called the White
House to tell you and Mr. Cutler what he is doing.
He is anxious to speak to you or Mr. Cutler as
soon as possible. I expect Mr. Cutler to return
to the office by 2:00.
Telephone number for Mr. Armao - 212 582 1525.
Attached is a description of the details of
the above incident from Arnie Raphel in Secretary
Vance's office.
Feb. 26
1:20 pm
Arnie Raphel (Special Assistant to Secretary Vance)
called with the following:
Ambler Moss called him from Panama:
Mark Morse who is one of Armao's associates working
with the Shah was arrested this morning by the Panamanian
FBI. He was taken to Col. Moreiga's office where he is
being detained (Moreiga is head of Panamanian security).
Ambler has spoken with Moreiga who contends that Morse
was "disrespectful" to the head of the Panamanian security
force on Contadora.
Ambler is sending the head of the Consular Section down
to Moreiga's office to arrange for Morse's release and
is confident Morse will be released immediately.
Armao called Ambler and was highly incensed and said he
would go public over this latest incident. Ambler calmed
him down somewhat but Armao said he would talk with Cutler
and/or Jordan.
Ambler and I think it important that either Cutler or Jordan
talk with Armao to help calm him down. Ambler believes
that if we point out that going public now might effect
the national interest and be harmful to our efforts in Iran,
that that will be enough to keep Armao from going public
on this issue.
LDX MESSAGE RECEIPT
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ok 0 KL
SITE
DEPARTME Ni OF STATE
RECEIVED
:
DCC 8ml 10 752
B
} NO: 19 P7:54 P 54
S/S #
008403
Sif.
LDX MESSAGE NO.
CLASSIFICATION UNCLASSIFIED
No. Pages OM 2
FROM: WARREN CHRISTOPHER
D
(Officer name)
(Office symbol) (Extension)
CROOM number)
MESSAGE DESCRIPTION
LDX TO: (Agency)
DELIVER TO:
Extension Room No.
WHITE House HAMILTON JORDAN
FOR:
CLEARANCE
INFORMATION
PER REQUEST
COMMENTS
REMARKS:
171
S/S S Officer: P. TARNOFF/babs
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, DC. 20520
December 19, 1979
Ham:
Please let me have your reac-
tion.
Warren Christopher
Attachment:
Draft letter.
DRAFT
Dear (To all major Presidential candidates):
In these days of prolonged crisis caused by
the detention of our fellow Americans in Tehran,
the President has asked us to offer you, as a
candidate for the Presidency of the United States,
a high-level briefing on the situation in Iran.
Therefore, I am pleased to invite you to
receive a briefing on this issue at the Department
of State at your earliest convenience. T am writ-
ing to all. the other major declared Presidential
candidates in the two leading political parties to
propose the briefing as well.
Tf you wish to receive such a briefing, please
contact the State Department's Executive Secretary,
Peter Tarnoff; and we will arrange a mutually
convenient time for the meeting.
Sincerely,