Office of the Historian

392. Memorandum Prepared in the National Security Council1

Washington, December 6, 1979

1. Zia Speaks on Iran and U.S.: During conversations yesterday with Ambassador Hummel and his senior aides, President Zia voiced his support of the U.S. in its current difficulties with Iran and again expressed his sorrow about the embassy burning. On the Iranian situation, Zia stated that the President should show “his teeth,” i.e., a bit of power, and that “not every Tom, Dick and Harry could be allowed to mock the U.S. as Qadhafi had done with his behavior over the attack on the American embassy in Tripoli.”2 However, the U.S. should not use military force now against the Iranians. Later it might be entirely justified, and Zia might then privately approve the use of force. While emphasizing that Pakistan’s geographic proximity to Iran necessitated certain accommodations, Pakistan would endeavor to reestablish its lines of communications with the Iranian foreign ministry and assist us in diplomatic channels. Zia advised us that we should put more pressure on the USSR to make more forthright statements in support of respect for international law. Hummel observes that while Zia did not seem eager to take a personal initiative with the Iranian authorities as some of his advisers had hinted privately, this initiative may yet bear fruit after other Pakistani officials consider it. As for our bilateral relations and the effect of the embassy attack on them, Zia made it clear that Pakistan assumed full responsibility not only for all damages to all our facilities but for restoration of them to there original shape and form.3 (Islamabad 13371 NODIS,4 PSN 37210) (S)

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Pakistan.]

  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, President’s Daily CIA Brief File, Box 23, 12/5/79–12/9/1979. Secret. Carter wrote “Zbig, J” in the upper right-hand corner of the memorandum.↩
  2. In telegram 310572 to all NEA posts, December 2, the Department reported: “1030 local time December 2, demonstrators broke into Embassy at Tripoli, Libya. Chancery on fire. All Americans got out safely. Most classified documents, material destroyed. All posts should take full precautions immediately. With Shah’s departure from New York for San Antonio, this could be very difficult period.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790555–0275)↩
  3. In the left-hand margin next to this sentence, Carter wrote: “Let them do so”.↩
  4. In telegram 13371 from Islamabad, December 5, Hummel reported his December 5 meeting with Zia. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850040–2142, P850040–2147, N790009–0648)↩