This Day In 1970's History: Tuesday January 15, 1980
- A U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics this summer is likely if the Soviet Union does not withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by mid-February, Secretary of State Vance said. In an interview, he expressed frustration and pessimism about a negotiated solution soon of the crisis over American hostages in Iran. [New York Times]
- The Iranian crisis might be eased by the mass expulsion of American reporters from Iran, according to a prominent Iranian official. He suggested that the ouster might help calm the militants holding American hostages in their embassy in Teheran. The captors have gained wide publicity for rallies at the embassy and through occasional, selective interviews. [New York Times]
- Pakistan appealed urgently for aid and support, particularly from Western countries, in the face of what it regards as a grave threat posed by the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. The plea was made by President Mohammed Zia ul-Haq, who said that events were moving "toward greater chaos." High Pakistani officials said privately that they considered a new American aid offer inadequate.
Afghan rebels have been getting aid from the large Baluchi minority in southeastern Iran, according to diplomatic and press reports in Teheran. The assistance, which began surreptitiously more than a year ago, is said to be increasing as a result of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. Aid to the guerrillas resisting the Soviet-backed regime includes food, weapons, medical supplies and money. American allies moved to respond to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan at a NATO Council meeting in Brussels. Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher said he was encouraged by the various proposals. [New York Times]
- President Carter has won wide support for his moves against Moscow after its troops intervened in Afghanistan, but there is evidence of erosion of the sharply increased public support he has enjoyed for his handling of the hostage crisis in Iran, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll. The survey also found that, for the first time in 20 years of polling, a solid plurality felt that too little was being spent on the military. [New York Times]
- A rise in the Carter campaign staff in Iowa was acknowledged by administration and campaign officials. They said that about 30 members of the White House staff were on vacation or unpaid leaves of absence to campaign for President Carter in Democratic caucuses. They joined 35 full-time paid campaign aides there. [New York Times]
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