Reagan Asks Ex-Hostage Not to Tell Details

President Reagan today asked television journalist Jeremy Levin to refrain from revealing any details to colleagues about his ordeal as a hostage in Lebanon that “even inadvertently” might endanger four other Americans presumed kidnaped by the same terrorists.

“I can’t tell you how gratified Nancy and I were to learn of your escape,” Reagan said in an on-air telephone conversation with Levin over the Cable News Network. “Your abduction and that of our other Americans has weighed heavily on us for nearly a year. And not . . . a day has gone by that you weren’t in our prayers.”

“Mr. President, I’ve felt them,” Levin said. “And I’ve not only felt yours and Nancy’s, I’ve felt the prayers of all my fellow citizens. And it helped.”

‘Most Difficult Ordeal’

Reagan politely made clear to Levin, who was CNN’s Beirut bureau chief when he was abducted 11 months ago, that while “whatever information you can provide our officials will be helpful,” he should not publicly reveal to fellow newsmen anything that might imperil the remaining hostages.

“I know this has been a most difficult ordeal,” Reagan said. “And I know also in the days ahead you’ll no doubt be beset by those in your profession who want, and ultimately deserve to know, your full story.

“But I think I can also be sure of your good judgment to say only that which won’t cause, even inadvertently, harm to those who are still held hostage. And our efforts, please be assured, are going to continue . . . to bring about their safe return also,” Reagan said.

Levin told Reagan that “it wasn’t until just a couple days ago, of course, that I learned about your reelection, and I wanted to congratulate you on that and also congratulate you on the historic proportions of the landslide.