LONDON -- "Speak softly and carry a big stick" -- that was the advice of ebullient U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt in the early part of the 20th century. It may still have some relevance today.

The kidnapping by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard of 15 British service personnel in the Shatt-al-Arab waters at the top end of the Persian Gulf raises once again the complex issue of how such situations should best be handled. Whether they are released promptly, which could be happening as these words appear, or whether they are going to be held for a prolonged period, the whole incident provides some important lessons for the modern-day resolution of international quarrels -- for which Roosevelt had such a concise answer a century or so ago.

First, his advice about speaking softly is probably more relevant than ever today in this world of globalized media coverage and instant information. Megaphone denunciations by either side were never going to get anywhere in this ugly incident, as British diplomats clearly realized at the outset. Only after a few days, and with the greatest reluctance, did they release the facts showing that the British sailors and marines were captured in Iraqi, not Iranians, waters -- a fact that was, of course, promptly disputed by the Iranians with counter-facts and assertions, and a hardening of positions all round.