This Day In 1970's History: Tuesday December 16, 1980
- Iran's "final answer" on conditions for the release of the 52 American hostages has been approved by Ayatollah Khomeini, Prime Minister Mohammed Rajai announced. He said that the captives could be freed by Christmas if Washington provided certain "financial guarantees," which he did not specify. The crux of the dispute still appeared to be the complex monetary issues involved.
Washington warned against hopes that the hostages might be freed soon. Officials had no details on Iran's latest position, but some saw encouraging signs in Teheran's continuing statements about efforts to resolve the 13-month dispute. [New York Times]
- Sharply higher crude oil prices were approved by the 13-member exporting cartel under an accord that will permit charges up to $41 a barrel and wide pricing flexibility for each OPEC country. Private and government analysts calculate that the agreement could increase gasoline and heating oil charges paid by Americans from 5 to 7 cents a gallon. [New York Times]
- Alexander Haig was nominated as Secretary of State by President-elect Ronald Reagan, who also named Raymond Donovan, a New Jersey construction company executive, as Secretary of Labor. Senate Democrats said that before voting to confirm the retired general as Secretary of State they would look into Mr. Haig's role in the Watergate scandals. [New York Times]
- The 98th Congress adjourned, ending a five-week, post-election session and Marking the close of 26 years of Democratic control of Capitol Hill. The adjournment followed approval of stop-gap financing for many key government agencies. Deleted from the measure before final passage was a proposal to raise salaries for members of Congress and high government officials by about 16 percent. [New York Times]
- Higher federal salaries were urged by a presidential advisory commission. It recommended raises ranging above 40 percent for members of Congress, high executive branch officials and federal judges. The commission cited a "quiet crisis" caused by a "massive exodus" of officials and difficulties in attracting qualified successors. [New York Times]
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