November 4, 1980 - Day 367
There was a cheerful, even holiday atmosphere among the twenty thousand demonstrators who crowded into the grounds of the American Embassy. It was the first time the public has been allowed into the compound, which is still called 'a nest of spies' by students who stormed it, one year ago.

The crowd shouted slogans against the American government, although none against the 52 hostages. Demonstrators wearing President Carter and Uncle Sam masks were dragged about in chains and the prevailing mood was that the entire crisis was nearing its end.

Despite warnings from Hojjatoleslam Khomeini, the Ayatollah's son, that the hostage problem is far from being resolved, one man seemed to speak for the crowd when he said, "It's all history. The drama is over."

It's not known where or how the Americans spent their first anniversary or if they've even been advised of the present stage of negotiations.

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