Governor: [The Sayyid Ra'is «1» sends you his greetings and special regards. He has pointed out that in accordance with your wish; we have passed orders that the residence of the theology students possessing residency permits shall be renewed from tomorrow. Also, those desiring to proceed to Mecca for `Umrah «2» be granted return passage, with the exception of those linked to foreign intelligence agencies from among the spies and the lawbreakers. They must leave Iraqi soil by the end of the current Gregorian month. Otherwise, they will be handed over to the revolutionary court in accordance with the law.]
Imam: You do whatever you like, then come here and say that Sayyid Ra'is sends his regards. With that, you want to complicate the matter. Can matters be set right by sending regards? You have given exit permits to about three hundred students and have forced them to leave Iraq. But now you say that their residence permits will be renewed from tomorrow?
You mention that there are people who are spies with links to intelligence apparatuses. You must know that there are no such persons in the Najaf theological center. You will, perhaps, not be able to point a finger at even one or two whom you can call spies. It is not proper on your part to expel tomorrow whomever you wish on the excuse of being spies and intelligence agents.
Governor: [Firstly, the people to be deported are all lawbreakers. According to international law, they are offenders and should be handed over to courts of law. However, because of his interest in the theological center and to meet your demands, Sayyid Ra'is has cancelled the order to send them to the revolutionary court so as to facilitate their work. As for the doubtful cases, we will not take any action until we are a hundred per cent sure. We are prepared to give you our reasons and evidence to substantiate our claims in both cases. Let us know the instructors, `ulama' and students whom you hold in esteem and who have your confidence; we will allow them to stay.]
Imam: If you feel an attachment to the theological center and do not wish to see it closed down, allow the offenders residency, or renew their permits so that they stop committing offenses. Secondly, what you mention about letting you know of the people whom I hold in esteem, I should say that all of them are esteemed. There is absolutely no difference between the Afghan, Pakistani, Arab and Iranian students. I think highly of them; I respect them all.