The Canadian Caper: A Dangerous Mission to Rescued American Diplomats During the Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979–80

Introduction to the Iranian Hostage Crisis

In 1979, the Iranian Hostage Crisis caused significant disruption and uncertainty in international relations. The crisis involved the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran by Iranian students and the subsequent kidnapping of American diplomats. Among these diplomats were six individuals who were granted sanctuary by the Canadian ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor, and his Canadian colleague, John Sheardown. This daring mission became known as the Canadian Caper and played a critical role in the eventual escape of these diplomats.

The Events Leading to the Canadian Caper

The story begins in November 1979 when the six American diplomats were trapped in Tehran following the takeover of the embassy. These individuals included Consular Officers Robert Anders and Joseph Stafford, Consular Assistants Cora Amburn-Lijek and Kathleen Stafford, and Agriculture Attaché Henry L. Schatz. They sought refuge at the British Embassy, but the path to safety was blocked by a large crowd protesting near the embassy.

Sanctuary and Initial Rescue Efforts

Robert Anders invited the group to his home, marking the start of a six-day odyssey that quickly turned into a hidden survival mission. With the aid of the Thai cook, Somchai, the group managed to hide and avoid capture. Three days later, the Bazargan government fell, and a plan was devised to bring these diplomats to safety.

The Canadian Caper Comes to Life

The rescue mission was initiated through the bold actions of Ken Taylor and John Sheardown. Taylor, the Canadian Ambassador, and Sheardown, a Canadian immigration officer, collaborated to secure sanctuary in their personal residences for the six diplomats. This operation was deemed necessary despite the personal risk to Taylor and Sheardown.

Use of Canadian Passports and Deception

The Canadian government, with the support of the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs, Flora MacDonald, and Canadian Prime Minister, Joe Clark, authorized the issuance of Canadian passports to the diplomat. The passports were forged with Iranian visas, a task handled by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Tony Mendez, an expert in disguise and exfiltration, was brought in to create a believable cover story for the group. The cover story was that of a Hollywood film crew scouting locations in Iran, with the film being titled Argo for its Middle-Eastern setting.

The Execution of the Mission

The American diplomats boarded a flight to Zürich, Switzerland, on January 27, 1980, using the Canadian passports and forged documents to evade Iranian authorities. The Canadian Embassy in Tehran was then closed, and Ken Taylor and his staff returned to Canada as planned. The six American diplomats were now in hiding for 79 days until their safe escape.

Award and Recognition

Ken Taylor, John Sheardown, and their wives Patricia and Zena Sheardown, along with other embassy staff members Mary Catherine OFlaherty, Roger Lucy, and Laverna Dollimore, were appointed to the Order of Canada, Canada's second-highest civilian award. Ken Taylor was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress for his assistance to the United States.

Behind-the-Scenes and Controversies

A reporter from the Montreal newspaper La Presse, Jean Pelletier, uncovered the situation prior to its conclusion. However, he honored an agreement not to publish the story to protect the safety of those involved. This decision, made in the name of journalistic ethics, led to several challenges, one of which was the secret nature of the CIA's role in the mission. It was not until 1997 that the CIA's full involvement was officially revealed.

Conclusion

The Canadian Caper stands as a testament to the ingenuity and courage required during times of crisis. The mission not only helped save six American diplomats but also showcased the effectiveness of international cooperation in the face of adversity. The story of Argo also highlights the often backroom operations of intelligence agencies and how they can shape historical events.