December 20, 1979
Page 37593
A LETTER TO IRAN
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, President Carter designated December 19 as "National Unity Day" to symbolize Americans' support for the freeing of American hostages in Iran. I emphasize "symbolize" because from the first day that Iranians took some of our citizens as hostages, Americans have in reality made every day since then a National Unity Day.
The sense of unity Americans are portraying during this time of crisis is unprecedented in recent times. It is expressed in many ways, individually as well as in organized demonstrations of concern.
Earlier this month, I received a letter from two constituents, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Smith of Mount Vernon, Maine, on the question of Iran. The letter is a copy of one they had mailed to the Iranian Mission in New York, making an appeal for the release of the hostages.
The thoughts they express are a proud reminder of the American spirit. Mr. President, I ask that their letter be printed in the RECORD.
The letter follows:
MOUNT VERNON, MAINE,
December 3, 1979.
THE IRANIAN MISSION
New York, N.Y.
Gentlemen: The American people are willing to try to understand why the Iranian people are so angry at the Shah and at us. We have much to learn it appears. But we cannot learn these things from a group of people who jump up and down screaming. We cannot respect a people who hold our people and create a climate of hatred and fear in both our countries.
We feel that President Carter is doing the only thing that he can in light of the outrageous way our people are being treated.
Surely the large number of Iranian students in this country attending our universities speaks for itself. You place value on education and freedom as we do. You know your sons and daughters here will not be imprisoned because we have respect for the laws protecting them.
These people you are holding are our sons and daughters who were guests in your country. You are behaving like gangsters and holding them for ransom.
We are coming into our Christmas Season, which in this country is marked by the spirit of brotherhood of all mankind. It would be a wonderful thing if Iran would show some of that spirit and return these people to us for Christmas.
Sincerely,
MARION SMITH.