In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
During the struggle and victory of the revolution and from the outbreak of the war up to now, the noble nation of Iran has witnessed the sincerity, and efforts of the dear workers and esteemed officials of industries and factories, especially the dear ones in the oil company. The oil industry workers have indeed rendered the most meritorious services at the most sensitive circumstances. The value of their struggle with the taghouti (followers of evil) regime of the Shah in staging strike and shutting of the oil pipelines to foreigners and rendering a decisive blow to them will never be forgotten. Yet, more important than this is the fact that during the imposed war, notwithstanding the probability of enormous dangers and perpetual bombings of the oil and industrial centers, by relying on God Almighty and self-confidence, the officials and workers committed and sympathetic to the revolution have never become sluggish. Through firm determination they preserved the prestige of the revolution and honored Islam and Iran. In the most difficult times and circumstances, they kept on with the production and exportation of oil at the highest extent. Apart from repairing the destroyed centers, they continued the development of this important industry and the exploration deep in the heart of the seas, on the ground, and on top of mountain peaks. For many authorities these accomplishments are astonishing because at the height of enemies' nonstop attacks both the oil production and exportation of this country was not cut for even a day. This is nothing but favor of God, attention of the Savior (may our souls be his ransom) and love concealed in the hearts of these beloveds, the same love of the Basijis to the sacred defense. I have observed numerous cases of struggles of these lover-artists in reports and pictures. I am certain that if it were not for love of God and the school of thought, they would never be willing to continue working in, factories and refineries that have been surrounded by different kinds of dangers and being replete with incendiary materials. Congratulations to you, employees, employers and thinkers who bought for yourselves the fire of this world for the sake of pleasing God.
Apart from thanking the managers of the country's industries, especially the oil and gas industry, and ask them to prove to the world that through their effort and idea they can turn the wheels of the country's economy. God willing, through the glad tidings of the complete operation of the oil, gas and petrochemical industries in the not-too-distant future, they will bring delight to the eyes and hearts of the people of Iran. Through effort in this sacred attempt, you will prove to the people of the world that the post-war economic pressures will not make us dependent on any country. The anti-revolutionaries inside and outside the country as well as the imperialists of the left and right are campaigning in all arenas so that the post-war economic pressures would break the backbone of the nascent Islamic system. They have to bury this wish. People, who have prepared themselves for a protracted struggle under bombardments and in all vicissitudes, would never be willing to have the least leniency in facing the World Arrogance. The fact that post-war inadequacies cannot be immediately solved is among the self-evident truths. Some years' time is needed for elimination of the shortages. The dear ones who are working in the factories affiliated to the light and heavy industries, oil, gas, mines, energy, post and telegraph and telephone, transportation and other centers have to pay attention to God, not to listen to the enemies' propaganda. Remain firm and steadfast in running the wheels of the country's economy and industry.
Today, the world is closely watching your and our actions to see what we are doing and to what extent do we have the ability to confront difficulties. Today, your old father, Khomeini, asks you, workers, industrialists and experts to be careful lest the people should be again under the clutches of powers and superpowers. Post-war problems will surface one after another our nascent system will stand firm in facing them like a mountain. And the dear ones under the pressure of the wheels of life and economy, just as they have so far struggled for the sake of God and His religion, will also struggle to the utmost thereafter; otherwise, all the efforts during these years full of pain, anxiety and honor will be blown in the wind. The people's vigilance at the present condition is one of the factors for their victory over falsehood. And the people should not imagine that the penetrating hands of the (World) Arrogance and America have relented from act of wickedness. Everywhere and in every subject, the probability of their presence and sabotage is there. One must be extra careful lest there would be hand at work, spreading the propaganda that there was no more war and yet, the condition of the country has not improved. Will the effects of war end in a year or two? I kiss the hands and arms of all those who are working sincerely for the independence and self-sufficiency of the country. I advise you again to rely on God and never be under the East and the West. The people have to take their decision: Either comfort and consumerism, or enduring difficulties and independence. It is possible that this issue will take some years, but certainly our people will choose the second, which is independence, prestige and honor.
I do not see the need to point out the importance of oil in the world equations and international economy as well as crucial role of oil and energy industry in countries and policies. God willing, with enough attention, insight and meticulousness those who are taking charge of the affair would take care of these God-given treasures and reserves; to strive in improving and more and better utilization of them; and they would be successful in guaranteeing the needs of the society and the barefooted as well as in giving priority to the deprived regions. May God preserve this sacred spirit of military service and self-sacrifice in all the workers, employees and experts till the attainment of total independence and self-sufficiency. May God shower His martyrs with mercy and blessings; give health to the disabled war veterans; and allow the missing in action and prisoners of war to return to their country and lap of their dear families. May God's peace and mercy be upon you.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini
Dey 20,1367 AHS