Iran Update: December 16, 1980

DEPARTMENT OF STATE C BRIEFING MEMORANDUM S/S December 15, 1980 SECRET/SENSITIVE TO : The Secretary The Deputy Secretary P - Under Secretary Newsom FROM: NEA Harold H. Saunders HHSPERED - Iran Update - December 16, 1980 Today's Objectives -- TO evaluate information on the possible Iranian reaction to our position on the hostage issue. -- To implement any Swiss recommendations for observance of Christmas holidays by the hostages. Status of Initiatives -- We have no definite indication as yet as to when the Iranians will give the Algerian team a comprehensive response to our clarifications. -- Mr. Javadi (Iran Times) has told the Working Group that journalist friends close to Beheshti in Tehran do not foresee the hostages' release before Reagan takes office on January 20. In telephone conversations during the past wcek, Javadi has been told that the clerical leaders (particularly Beheshti) will not allow matters to move ahead until they get a direct endorse- ment of non-interference in Iranian affairs from Reagan. -- Attached is a telegram from Bruce Laingen sent to us via the Swiss setting forth his suggested guide- lines for U.S. policy towards Iran in the immediate SECRET/SENSITIVE DECLASSIFIED RDS-1 12/15/00 Per; Rac Project ESDN; NLC-2-33-5-9-9 BY. AGP NABA DATE 7/13/2015