This Day In 1970's History: Wednesday January 14, 1981
- The way for a U.S.-Iranian accord to free the 52 American hostages was apparently opened by enabling legislation approved by Iran's Parliament after more than four hours of sometimes raucous debate and impassioned appeals by the chief Iranian negotiator. The bill, which seems to be the key to resolving the 14-month dispute, authorizes the arbitration of claims against Iranian assets.
Washington was warily optimistic about the Iranian Parliament's approval of the arbitration of claims in the hostage dispute. United States officials called the vote "apparently a step in the right direction," but noted that a final agreement had not been reached. It was anticipated that the next 48 hours would be crucial in determining whether the 52 Americans will be freed before the Carter administration leaves office on Tuesday. [New York Times]
- President Carter exhorted Americans to continue the struggle to prevent nuclear war, conserve the environment and enhance human rights. In a 15-minute farewell speech televised from the Oval Office, he stressed themes that were central to his presidency and also cautioned against dangers posed by "single-issue groups and special-interest organizations." [New York Times]
- Chrysler won conditional approval from the Chrysler Loan Guarantee Board for $400 million in government loan guarantees based on a revised survival plan. The complex plan, which the corporation's chairman said could bring up to $2 billion in relief to the ailing auto maker, calls for major financial concessions from the United Automobile Workers, the corporation's creditors and its suppliers. [New York Times]
- A decontrol of domestic crude oil prices will be accelerated under an executive order that Ronald Reagan will issue soon after his inauguration as President, his chief domestic adviser said. Congressional specialists estimate that the acceleration would net the government about $2 billion in additional revenue this year from the new "windfall" profits tax, but would have little impact on consumer costs. [New York Times]
- Four White House posts were filled, and Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, flew from Los Angeles to Washington to prepare for his presidential inauguration Tuesday. The latest appointees are Richard Darman and Francis Hodsoll, who were aides in President Ford's administration; Richard Williamson, an aide to Senator Paul Laxalt of Nevada, and Michael Evans, who will be Mr. Reagan's photographer. [New York Times]
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