Attachment A: Draft Basic Contingency Statement on Negotiations for January 16

DRAFT 14B Attachment A Draft Basic Contingency Statement on Negotiations for January 16 During the 14 months since the American hostages were illegally seized in Tehran, this Administration has given the highest priority to securing their early and safe release. The Administration has made a number of proposals for the solution of this crisis in a manner which preserved national honor and the rights of American citizens with legitimate claims against Iran while taking into account the interests of Iran. The American proposals presented to Iran through the Algerian intermediaries on January 1 represent a reason- able solution. We regret that Iran has not responded positively to these proposals. It is now evident that the crisis will not be resolved by January 20 when President-elect Reagan assumes office. This Administration has carefully conducted the process over recent weeks in such a way as to leave the new Administra- tion free to make its own choices for handling this situation in the future. We are confident the Congress, the American people and the families of the hostages will give the new Administration the same understanding and firm support which DECLASSIFIED they have shown throughout this crisis. Per: Rac Project Possible Additions Relating to Trials ESDN; NLC-6 31-9-5-6 BY C NARA DATE 7/21/15 If we have unofficial indications that Iran has rejected our response and threatens to try the hostages: * Insert sentence "These proposals are now withdrawn (suspended) with the understanding that they may be renewed or revised by the incoming administration.'