We continue to pursue these specific goals: first, to protect the present and long-range interests of the United States;  secondly, to preserve the lives of the American hostages and to secure, as quickly as possible, their safe release, if possible, to avoid bloodshed which might further endanger the lives of our fellow citizens;  to enlist the help of other nations in condemning this act of violence, which is shocking and violates the moral and the legal standards of a civilized world; 