First Middle East Division, 'Problem of the Release of the American Hostages in Lebanon (Briefing Material for the Prime Minister [Nakasone])''

Secret

(Briefing Material for the Prime Minister)

Problem of the Release of the American Hostages in Lebanon

July 31, 1985

First Middle East Division

1. The Situation So Far

(1) In January this year, the US side requested – via a visit from the US Embassy’s Counselor Clark to Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau Deputy Assistant Minister Kume – that Japan appeal to Iran for the release of the hostages. Deputy Assistant Minister Kume then spoke to Iranian Ambassador to Japan Gavahi, saying that it would be welcome if the Iranian Government were able to exercise its influence in some form for the release of the hostages. Ambassador Gavahi said that he would convey the request to his country.

(2) In April this year, Bureau Director-General Miyake requested the cooperation of the Iranian Government in regard to the matter on the occasion of his visit to Iran.

(3) The Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau Director-General strongly appealed to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ardebili, who had come to Japan in advance of the June visit to Japan of Majlis Speaker Rafsanjani.

(4) In July this year, on the occasion of Minister Abe’s visit to Syria, the Minister made an appeal to Foreign Minister Shara for Syria to work towards the release of the hostages. Foreign Minister Shara replied that there were also President Assad’s instructions and that the Syrian Government was doing its utmost.

2. Present Request from President Reagan and Our Response

(1) On the 28^th, President Reagan contacted Prime Minister Nakasone by telephone and requested his cooperation in the release of the seven American hostages. In response, the Prime Minister replied that he would do his utmost. (Later, [TN: section blacked out] President’s Assistant McFarlane made a similar request of Ambassador Matsunaga.)

(2) On the 29^th, we instructed Ambassador Matsunaga to inform the US side: “Our country intends to make from this point onward the utmost effort in regard to this matter. Minister Abe plans to send immediately a special message to the foreign ministers of Iran and Syria.”

(3) Our side’s response to this matter is as follows:

(a) Minister Abe plans to send a special message to the foreign ministers of Iran and Syria (now in the process of receiving approval).

(b) We are now preparing to send Ambassador Nakayama next week as the Prime Minister’s envoy to both countries. In addition, we are considering entrusting the Ambassador with a letter from the Prime Minister.