December 20, 1979
Page 37385
RELEASE OF AMERICAN HOSTAGES IN IRAN — SENATE RESOLUTION 318
Mr. ROBERT C. BYRD. Mr. President. across the Nation, in the coming days, bells will be ringing to mark the holiday season. But, as long as the American hostages remain captive in Iran, the bells will also be a reminder to us all of the continuing plight of the 50 Americans.
Throughout this trying period, which began with the takeover of the embassy in Tehran on November 4, the American people have stood united in our determination to see the hostages safely returned. For more than 6 weeks, in the face of extraordinary provocations, this country has demonstrated to the world our patience, restraint, and maturity.
The administration has worked through a variety of international channels in seeking to bring about a peaceful resolution of this crisis. The action of the United Nations Security Council calling for the release of the hostages was followed by a number of other indications of international support for the U.S. position. Furthermore, the International Court of Justice, in a unanimous opinion, ordered the immediate release of the hostages, told Iran to return the embassy and the consulates in Tabriz and Shiraz to U.S. control, and to allow the Americans to leave Iran safely.
As the International Court of Justice stated:
There is no more fundamental prerequisite for the conduct of relations between states than the inviolability of diplomatic envoys and embassies, so that throughout history nations of all creeds and cultures have observed reciprocal obligations for that purpose.
There was important additional evidence of support for the U.S. position this week. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher expressed strong backing for further moves by the United States including possible economic sanctions, if approved by the United Nations.
As of now, our Government is not seeking approval by the Security Council of economic sanctions against Iran — pending the outcome of current discussions by U.N. Secretary General Kurt Waldheim with the Iranians.
We must consider that possible course of action, however, as well as other steps to increase international pressure on Iran.
In this respect, I am pleased by Japan's agreement to a series of steps to heighten economic pressure on Iran, including a pledge not to extend new loans to Iran.
A few days ago, I was highly critical of Japan for allowing actions that had the effect of undercutting the effort to bring concerted international pressure on Iran.
Subsequently, Japan agreed to restrict its imports of Iranian oil to the level existing before the embassy seizure. The Japanese Government now says it will try to prevent further purchases of any Iranian oil on the spot market, after earlier Japanese purchases of 20 million barrels of Iranian crude originally intended for the United States.
Although I would hope to see Japan go even further in its cooperative effort with us, I commend the Japanese Government on these steps, which have brought Japan's role in economic measures against Iran up to those of our other major allies.
Despite the strong tide of international opinion, and the united position of the American people, the Iranian Government continues to act in defiance of the fundamental principles of human rights and international law. The terrorists and propagandists continue to prevail in Iran, even though the Shah departed last weekend for Panama. Mistruths and misinformation are used to manipulate the mobs in Tehran.
The specter of placing the hostages on trial or before an international tribunal is continually raised by the Iranians. I strongly concur with the position of the President and the administration that any such trial or exploitation of the captive Americans would be a grave provocation that could necessitate further and more serious action by the United States.
The actions of the United States have consistently demonstrated our dedication to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis, and to working through every available channel.
We should strongly discourage anyone from participating in such an international tribunal, particularly as long as the hostages remain in Iran. I find it difficult to countenance any participation in a so-called tribunal as long as the hostages are being held, a very basic fundamental violation of human rights. To participate in such an international tribunal would be to indirectly condone Iran's violations of international law, violations that have been unflinchingly condemned by the World Court.
The hostages remain the issue. We must not change our position on this. Until the hostages are returned, we must not allow ourselves or the world to be diverted to other issues. If certain groups within Iran wish to pursue the question of the Shah's record, this country's relationship with Iran, or other issues, they could do so through their own forums or they may attempt to pursue it through whatever international organizations they deem appropriate — after the hostages are returned. And it might well be appropriate for various groups to look into the bloody and repressive record of the current regime in Iran as well.
The American people will not be bought off by pledges to allow clergy to visit the captives, or perhaps allowing them to be served Christmas dinners. The hostages are captives who have been treated inhumanely, and no holiday dressing up is going to change that. They must be returned to this country. Nothing less is satisfactory.
Mr. President, on behalf of the distinguished acting Republican leader, Mr. STEVENS; on behalf of the distinguished chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Mr. CHURCH; on behalf of the distinguished ranking minority member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Mr. JAVITS, and other Senators, I am offering now a resolution that will make it unequivocally clear that the President of the United States enjoys the full and the unanimous and the complete support of the U.S. Senate in his efforts to win the release of the hostages through the full range of peaceful means. This resolution also makes it clear that the U.S. Senate stands ready today, tomorrow, the next day — any day — to reconvene, if it is necessary, to consider any legislation to aid the President in winning the release of the American hostages.
Let no one be misled into thinking that the congressional recess can be viewed as reducing the mounting pressures on the Iranian captors. As a matter of fact, the Senate, will be prepared to reassemble upon the request of the majority leader, after consultation with the minority leader, if necessary to act on this issue at any point.
I ask that the clerk state the resolution.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The resolution will be stated.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
Mr. ROBERT C. BYRD (for himself, Mr. STEVENS, Mr. CHURCH, Mr. JAVITS, Mr. PELL, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. STONE, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. MUSKIE, Mr. ZORINSKY, Mr. PERCY, Mr. HAYAKAWA, Mr. MOYNIHAN, Mr. EXON, Mr. MATSUNAGA, Mr. ROTH, Mr. WARNER, Mr. WEICKER, Mr. DOLE, Mr. BOSCHWITZ, Mr. HUMPHREY, Mr. THURMOND, Mr. JEPSEN, Mr. DURENBERGER, Mr. PACKWOOD, Mr. ARMSTRONG, Mr. PRESSLER, Mr. SCHWEIKER, Mr. DOMENICI, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. WALLOP, Mrs. KASSEBAUM, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. TOWER, Mr. HELMS, Mr. BAKER, Mr. BELLMON, Mr. MATHIAS, Mr. SCHMITT, Mr. STAFFORD, Mr. CHAFER, Mr. GARN, Mr. HATFIELD, Mr. HEINZ, Mr. LAXALT, Mr. HUDDLESTON, Mr. MORGAN, and Mr. LONG, proposes a resolution (S. Res. 318), as follows:
Whereas, since November 4, 1979, United States personnel have been held hostage in Iran, in violation of fundamental principles of human rights and international law; and
Whereas, numerous national governments, international organizations and institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, have called for the immediate release of those being held hostage; and
Whereas, the International Court of Justice, in a unanimous opinion, ordered the immediate release of the hostages, citing the historic inviolability of diplomatic envoys and embassies; and
Whereas, the Congress and people of the United States remain firm, resolute, and united in their determination to obtain the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of the United States personnel being held illegally in Iran; and
Whereas, in the face of extraordinary provocations, the United States has consistently demonstrated its desire to resolve this issue by peaceful means; and
Whereas, the leaders of Iran continue to act in contravention of the basic principles of civilized society and in defiance of international law and of the actions of duly constituted international organizations; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Senate expresses its full support for the President's efforts and for the cooperative efforts with other nations and international organizations, to win the freedom of Americans being held captive in Iran;
That the Senate calls on all nations to join with the United States in cooperative efforts to severely restrict economic, diplomatic, and commercial relations with Iran;
That any trial or public exploitation of the American hostages would be viewed by this nation as added provocation of the gravest character;
That the holding of the hostages in Iran remains the central and primary issue and that the American people will not be diverted from their determination to obtain their immediate release and safe return to the United States; and
That the Senate will convene at the call of the Senate leadership, and is prepared expeditiously to consider any recommendation of the President and any law or measure to aid in the task of gaining the freedom of the hostages.
Mr. ROBERT C. BYRD. Mr. President, this resolution has been cleared and, as a matter of fact, it has been modified by the members of the Foreign Relations Committee, including the chairman and the distinguished ranking minority member, Mr. JAVITS. Everyone has had some input. The request for immediate consideration has been cleared with that committee. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of the resolution.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate consideration of the resolution?
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution.