Cable No. 612, Foreign Minister to the Ambassador to Iran [Tanabe Ryuichi], 'Problem of the Release of the American Hostages (Dispatch of Prime Minister’s Special Envoy)'

Number: 064853-003

Draft Telegram

Drafted:  July 30, 1985

Primary: Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau Director-General

To: Ambassador to Iran      

From: Foreign Minister

Problem of the Release of the American Hostages (Dispatch of Prime Minister’s Special Envoy)

No. 612 Secret Top Urgent

(Limited Distribution)

Outgoing Joint Telegram No. 11021 Separate Telegram 1

You should explain the following to the Iranian Government regarding our intent in sending the Special Envoy in this matter.

1. Prime Minister Nakasone, happy to have been able to engage with Majlis Speaker Rafsanjani in a constructive and frank exchange of views on bilateral relations and the international situation on the occasion of his visit to Japan, also values it as highly meaningful for the future development of relations between Japan and Iran. The Prime Minister recognizes the need for both countries to take this opportunity to further facilitate communication. His decision to send to your country Yoshihiro Nakayama, a former ambassador to France who has a profound knowledge of the Middle East’s issues and the Prime Minister’s greatest trust, is part of that recognition. The Prime Minister strongly hopes that the Ambassador, as his representative, will be able to engage in meaningful exchanges of views with Majlis Speaker Rafsanjani, Prime Minister Mousavi, and Foreign Minister Velayati.

2. The Prime Minister, after having met Majlis Speaker Rafsanjani, toured several European countries and had Minister Abe visit a number of countries in the Middle East. Minister Abe, while in Jordan on his tour of the Middle East, had the opportunity to meet as well with Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz.

3. In light of changes to the international situation seen in the present period, such as the US-Soviet Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, taking into account our country’s recent diplomatic efforts, keeping in mind attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in October, and as part of a consideration of diplomatic issues for next year’s Tokyo Summit, the Prime Minister thinks that it would be useful to conduct with your country’s leaders, through Special Envoy Nakayama, a frank exchange of views regarding such international issues of concern to both our countries as peace in the Middle East, the Iran-Iraq conflict, and international terrorism and regarding the development of bilateral relations, including economic cooperation. The Prime Minister also sincerely hopes that such dialogue will make mutual understanding between our two countries even sounder.

4. Also, the Prime Minister has decided to entrust Special Envoy Nakayama with a letter to Majlis Speaker Rafsanjani [TN: portion of sentence blacked out].

5. In addition, as I would like this dispatch of the Special Envoy on the Prime Minister’s special mission to be kept strictly confidential, I would like the understanding and cooperation of your country’s government.

Passed to United States, Syria.

(End)