Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 7, 1983

Mr. [Ali] Abbaspour, the President's adviser, came and had some points regarding the five-year plan. It was decided that he would participate in the special commission. The Russian ambassador came. He brought greetings from the leaders of the [Soviet Union]. He wanted improved relations and complained about the slogan "Death to the Soviet Union." I explained the reasons for the emergence of this slogan and proved that the Soviet Union was at fault: I mentioned Soviet aid to Iraq in the war, the activities of the Tudeh Party, important confessions that we have not yet shared with the people, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and many other things, and pointed out the Soviet Union's mistakes. I emphasized the anti-imperialist character of the Iranian Revolution - which alone should be enough to satisfy the Soviets. He had no substantive answer, and I identified removing these factors as the means of improving relations.

The council of Tarbiat Modares University came. They gave a report on their work and programs and complained about the lack of resources and the Ministry of Science's lack of cooperation. A group of instructors and Sunni religious scholars came who had completed a three-month course; they gave an interesting report, and I spoke about Muslim unity. Dr. Beski and Hamid Lahouti came. Dr. Beski gave a report on his services in Gonbad-e Kavus and was concerned about pressure on opponents and proposed an amnesty. [He also] proposed transferring and establishing medical service centers outside Tehran.

After lunch and prayer, the leaders of the [Assyrian Christians] minority came; while declaring their loyalty to the Revolution, they pleaded for Dr. [Sargoun] Bit Oshana, the representative of the Assyrian minority in the Majlis - who has been arrested because of his membership in the Tudeh Party. I told them to watch the film of his confessions; if they deemed it appropriate, they should formally request a pardon and provide a guarantee.

I officiated at the marriage of Mr. Morvarid's nephew. In the afternoon, Mr. Khanian came; he was supporting Mr. Pakravan, the head of the Court of Audit - against his opponents - and wanted us to have more contact with the people, and proposed that American spare parts be supplied by another party. We attended the Economic Council meeting. The executive issues concerning the decisions were discussed, as was the issue of establishing a free port, which went nowhere; most of those present were not in favor. I came home at night; I am feeling somewhat unwell.