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Eastern Europe 1989-1990 [OA 8486]
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Eastern Europe 1989-1990 [OA 8486]
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Speech Backup Alphabetical Files
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Eastern Europe, 1989-1990
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7
Taper prepared for internationnl
on party building, Hungary September 1989
The Lesson of the Polish Elections of June 1989
by Jacek Moskwa
The evolution of the Polish political system has gained momentum under the
influence of the two strike waves which swept the country in 1988: one in the Spring
and the other in the Autumn. These upsurges of labor unrest revealed that Solidarity
continued to command authority among the people. functioning at the same time
as a myth and a goal of action. This explains why the Communist rulers started to
talk to Lech Walęsa and eventually arrived at the idea of the 'round table.' In the
resulting negotiations. the opposition approached the parliamentary elections as a
price for the recognition of Solidarity. the widening of civic liberties. the promotion
of genuine local government. the restriction of censorship. and pluralism in the
mass media- rather than as a self-contained goal.
The same considerations induced the Solidarity representatives at the 'round
table' to endorse a concept of *nonconfrontational' elections which provided for a
predetermined distribution of seats in parliament on the strength of a new electoral
law. specially tailored for this occasion: 65% of the-seats were reserved for the govern-
ment coalition. comprising the Communists (PZPR. that is. Polish United Workers
Party). the United Farmers Party (ZSL). the Democratic Party (SD). and the three
minor Catholic groupings allied with the Communists. The coalition reallocated these
seats among themselves. leaving the electorate a choice between two candidates
from the same party. The remaining 35% of the seats (or 161 out of a total of 460)
were to be freely contested by the non-affiliated. Candidates could be put up either
by the Communists and their allies. or by at least 3.000 voters. As an additional
safeguard. 35 seats of the 299 reserved for the ruling coalition were to be filled by
the candidates from the 'national list.' who however were without rivals and hence
would run only in the first ballot. where 50% of the valid votes were needed for win-
ning the given seat. In the second ballot. held two weeks later. all the seats not
filled in the first ballot were to be contested again. but now without the 50% hurdle:
from each two candidates the one with the higher vote was: to win. no matter how
low the ballot was. But since there were no rivals on the 'national list.' the 35 candi-
dates from this list would not run again in the second ballot. Excepting the national
list.' all the candidates were grouped in constituencies of from 3 to 5 seats. In effect.
in the first round of the elections. in any constituency. a voter could cast his ballot
for one from each pair of candidates (either 3. or 4. or 5 pairs) and for any (or
none) of the 35 national list candidates.
The 'round table' accord provided further for the election of a second chamber
of parliament. the Senate with 100 seats. Here there was genuine freedom of choice
because all the seats were freely contested. except that the distribution of seats
was not proportional because each voivodship (province) got two seats. with the ex-
ception of the two most populated provinces: Warsaw and Katowice. which got three
seats in the Senate.
This highly complicated voting procedure (for an alternative description see the
appended material from News About Poland) had been devised in keeping with the
maxim observed by Tomasi di Lampedusa's hero of Leopardo. Prince Tancredo: "A
lot must be changed to allow nothing to change." The rulers' calculation was that
even if they were to lose the struggle for all the Senate seats and for 35% of the
Sejm (lower house) seats. they would still have a comfortable majority in the National
Assembly (the Sejm and the Senate in joint session). which was to elect the Presi-
dent. and also in the lower house to put up a government under their control.
As we know, this calculation was demolished by the voters. But on April 5, when
the 'round table' accord was being signed, nobody-could envisage the election outcome.
In a span of two months. the opposition could scarcely hope to set up the political
apparatus needed to conduct an effective election campaign. The political groupings
of the opposition were in an initial phase of organization and, unlike the Communists
and their allies. were lacking the necessary institutional background. The Solidarity
trade union was about to come out into the open. after many years of illegal activities
(in the 'underground') and was not in a position to become involved in the election
campaign. On the other hand, no other organization enjoyed as much prestige and
had the potential to ensure that the freely contested 100 Senate seats and 161 Sejm
seats are filled by truly independent people, rather than by proteges of the Commu-
nist party.
A major obstacle was the very limited access to the mass media. that is. television,
radio, and mass-circulation newspapers. To be sure. the 'round table' included a
subsection dealing with the mass media, but the approaching election campaign was
not in the center of attention. There was only Janina Jankowska. a former radio
journalist and winner of Prix Italia, who submitted a self-contained proposal for a
thorough reform of Radio and Television. but the idea was rejected out of hand by
the government side, on the understanding that, next to the armed forces and the
police. these media were the pillars of their hold on power. So the 'round table'
accord specified only that a certain amount of paper would be made available to
the revived Solidarity weeklies and to a daily newspaper of the opposition. The latter
(Gazeta Wyboreza) did not start appearing until four weeks before the elections
and its circulation was initially only 170,000, rather than the agreed-upon half a
million copies.
Even less had been won on the state-monopolized television: once a week Solidarity
was allowed to have a program of 45 min. (and 60 min. on the radio). In addition,
during the four weeks preceding the elections, on television the opposition was granted
short spans (exactly 23%) within the half-hour 'election blocs.' which amounted to
spans of 7 minutes: twice a day on the national TV network plus once a day locally.
On the radio, which had seven (either half-hour or quarter-hour) election blocs during
the day, the opposition had spans of from 3.5 to 7 minutes. Within these strictly
circumscribed spans Solidarity produced self-contained programs marked by a special
signal. In practice. numerous obstacles had to be overcome before the opposition
journalists and technicians could make full use of this very limited access to radio
and television (for more details. see the appended material from News About Polund).
Needless to say, the forces in control of radio and television did not miss the
slightest opportunity to campaign for their candidates in practically every kind of
program. especially on television. The matter is discussed in greater detail by my
colleague. Wojciech Maziarski.
Such were the circumstances in which the forces of the opposition grouped around
Lech Walesa as Solidarity chairman. resolved to take part in the parliamentary elec-
tions. A nation-wide list of candidates for the freely contested seats in both houses
of parliament was drawn up the Solidarity Civic (or Citizens') Committee. a body
originally set up in June 1987. when Lech Walęsa summoned 60 prominent figures,
among them the leaders of the banned trade unions and intellectuals who had become
known as supporters of Solidarity, for their first national conference. The conference
issued a declaraton on vital issues of public interest. and there followed two more
such declarations. In September 1988 the Civic Gemmittee was widened by including
the remaining members of the Solidarity National Executive (KKW), the leaders of
Individual Farmers Solidarity. and the leaders of the massive strikes of Spring and
Autumn 1988. Once the prospect of the 'round table' had acquired some reality (De-
cember 1988), the Committee was to function in an advisory and programming capacity
and, for this purpose. regrouped into 14 subcommittees for the various spheres of
public life. Eventually, nearly all Committee members took part in the 'round table'
negotiations. which comprised numerous sections and subsections, precisely in such
an advisory and programming capacity. Still, in view of the fact that the Civic Com-
mittee had been nominated by Lech Walęsa. both its role and composition were being
questioned right from the beginning. on the grounds that its members had not been
elected by the various political groupings of the opposition (even though leading mem-
bers of many of these groupings were involved on an individual basis).
Upon the conclusion of the 'round table,' the Solidarity National Executive recom-
mended that the advisory body be renamed into the Solidarity Civic Committee
and be entrusted with nominating the candidates for parliament and with conducting
the election campaign. The Executive also called on the regional bodies of the trade
union to set up parallel civic committees at voivodship (provincial) level.
This arbitrary decision provoked a stormy debate within the Civic Committee,
whose members disagreed with having the trade union dictate them how to run the
election campaign without paying attention to the new geography of oppositional
groupings that has emerged in the past few years. The leader of the rightist-Catholic
Young Poland Movement (RMP), Aleksander Hall (now appointed minister for political
parties), proposed an alternative formula: the Alliance for Democracy affiliating
the various opposition groups and parties which could nominate their candidates in
a more democratic style. Among those supporting this idea was Tadeusz Mazowiecki.
the present Prime Minister. who advised the trade union against becoming involved
in the election campaign. But the view prevailed that such a procedure would unduly
delay the campaign and reduce its effectiveness. The chief exponents of this view
(Lech Walęsa. Bronislaw Geremek. and JacekKuron) argued that Solidarity's legend.
symbols. and political potential must be put to use. Eventually. the stance of the
Solidarity National Executive was endorsed by the Civic Committee.
The controversy brought some unfortunate results. however. A number of leading
Solidarity activitists. among them Aleksander Hall. Tadeusz Mazowiecki, and Marcin
Król (editor of the monthly Res Publica and a leading figure of the young conserva-
tists) refused to run in the parliamentary elections. In addition, in those regions
(provinces) where civic committees had been formed earlier by people associated
with the elergy operating in working class neighborhoods and with the Catholic Intel-
ligentsia Clubs (KIK) an antagonism developed between these (old) committees and
the new ones formed by local Solidarity chapters.
- 3 -
The first and foremost task of the central election staff was to alleviate these
tensions. The ultimate argument was that Lech Walesa would support only the can-
didates selected jointly by the rival committtees. Not everywhere have these antago-
nisms been removed. In some regions (Lódź. Radom. Bydgoszcz) the rival committees
put up their own candidates. In those places the Solidarity candidates scored relatively
low in the first round of the elections.
Despite these quarrels, in most voivodships the civic committees emerged as a
broad, spontaneous, and pluralistic political movement relying chiefly on volunteers.
In fact. they have largely continued as such to this day, even though there was a
point at which the National Executive tried to put an end to their existence on the
assumption that they would emergence as rivals of the local Solidarity bodies. Most
recently. now that Tadeusz Mazowiecki has set up a Solidarity-dominated cabinet.
the civic committees will become a convenient ground for promoting democratic
local government and for supporting the budding reforms.
From the very beginning, the civic committees did not resemble a political party.
except perhaps a party of the American type, that is, a broad coalition of diverse
groups and trends on a historical and pragmatic rather than an ideological foundation.
The core of the committees is made up of not only Solidarity and Farmers Solidarity
activists but also members of the clergy serving in working class environments and
members of the Catholic Intelligentsia Clubs. The committees have released a tre-
mendous potential of civic activities and it can be stated safely that Solidarity owes
its electoral victory to them.
Initially, the provincial civic committees tended to submit complete lists of (local)
candidates for parliament. On the other hand. the (national) Civic Committee had
formed a central pool of candidates comprising members of the Committee and people
proposed by the national leaderships of Farmers Solidarity by the economic societies
(associating private businessmen), by the Dziekania Political Club (linked with the
Roman-Catholic hierarchy). and by the central council of attorneys. Those voivod-
ships where Solidarity was relatively weak were happy to excandidates of well-known
names "imported" into their provinces. For example, in Krosno where two deputies
and two senators were to be elected. as many as three of the four candidates had
their domicile in Warsaw. One was the famous actor Gustaw Holoubek. another
was Andrzej Szczypiorski. a writer of international standing. and a third was Professor
Jerzy Osiatyński, a leading economic expert of Solidarity, right now appointed as
chairman of the Central Planning Bureau.
But Krosno was not a typical voivodship. In actual fact. only 16 of the 161 candi-
dates for the Sejm and 25 of the 100 candidates for the Senate can be traced back
to the center. A majority of the Solidarity candidates were recruited from among
the local educated people: technicians. economists. teachers. A striking feature was
the small number of laborers. which reflected the tendency of Solidarity leaders
(Lech Walęsa. Zbigniew Bujak. Wladyslaw Frasyniuk) not to run for parliament.
In contrast. a very vocal group was that of activists of Farmers Solidarity who
entered a kind of competition with the other groupings. Other conflicts arose from
the divisions within Solidarity originating in the period of 'underground' activities.
This is where the "central" candidates fitted well as compromise solutions. next to
'neutral' Catholic activists. Relatively few of the Solidarity candidates represented
the strictly political groupings. Aside of a member of the Dziekania Club. there
was one car late from the Confederation of Independent Poland (KPN) and three
from the Ch ian Democrats. and these were chosen at local level.
- 4 -
The voivodship lists were endorsed by the local civic committees by secret ballot.
Sent in to Warsaw. they were compiled into the national list to be backed by the
(national) Civic Committee and Lech Walęsa himself. Only a few of these candidates
were finally omitted, the typical reason being their political stance under martial
law and the period of Solidarity's illegal existence. The most notable case was that
of Janusz Zablocki. the chairman of the Christian-Democratic Club. to whom excep-
tion was taken because of his record as Sejm deputy and member of the Consultative
Council set up by General Jaruzelski.
Some of the opposition politicians who had been omitted by the Solidarity Civic
Committee decided to enter on their own the race for the seats (35%) available to
the non-affiliated, in both the Sejm and the Senate. Such cases of competition with
the Solidarity-backed candidates were recorded in several election districts. In Cracow.
there was KPN leader Leszek Moczulski. in Katowice it was Kazimierz Switon (run-
ning against Adam Michnik), and in Warsaw it was attorney Wladyslaw Sila-Nowicki
(running against Jacck Kuroń). The latter two represented the (still unofficial) Chris-
tian Democrats and were thus ideological rivals of the two prominent Solidarity acti-
vists with social-democratic leanings. As it turned out, none of these "independents"
could seriously threaten the Solidarity-backed candidates, even though the two Chris-
tian Democrats were conspicuously backed by Józef Cardinal Glemp. the Primate of
Poland.
On balance. the Roman-Catholic Church. including influential circles of the Epis-
copate, took a supportive stance. The priests would allow Solidarity election meetings
to be held in their premises, without however engaging in open canvassing. There
were some cases where the clergy opposed Solidarity candidates who were known
to violate the Catholic rules of family life. But the most effective influence of the
Church was of an indirect kind. A statistical analysis of the election results revealed
that the highest voting turnouts and the most massive support for Solidarity were
recorded in the South-East. where the local communities had preserved their social
integrity largely thanks to the influence of the Church.
The way the Solidarity candidates were nominated attracted criticism from official
quarters as well as from some minor oppositional groupings, under the motto "Lech
Walesa's nomenklatura." In our election campaign we took up this challenge, present-
ing our candidates as "Lech Walesa's team." who were meant to enter Parliament
not in order to represent the interests of any local communities or specific opposi-
tional groupings but in order to accomplish sweeping political and economic reforms
on a national scale. A brief programmatic statement of our goals was displayed on
posters all over the country. Our slogan was that people of particular features and
dispositions had been selected.
The entire election campaign proceeded in keeping with this assumption. By cast-
ing their votes for the Solidarity candidates, the voters had a choice between
good and evil. "It's for the first time that- you can. choose choose Solidarity" ran
one of our popular slogans, displayed on posters. A veritable hit of our campaign
was a poster saying "High Noon. June 4, 1989" and showing Gary Cooper with a
voting paper in his hand.
- 5 =
Fortunately, Solidarity did not have to popularize a logo of its own. Since 1980
there has existed the visual symbol of the movement. firmly ingrained in people's
minds despite the official ban by martial law: the inscription SOLIDARNOŚĆ in
tightly jammed red letters (symbolizing people leaning against each other) against
a white background (white and red being the Polish national colors). with a tiny
Polish flag protruding from the letter N, as if flying above the heads of a crowd.
Practically all our posters, and there were millions of them. as well as countless
leaflets. placards, and stickers were adorned with the logo.
Naturally, we did display the individual traits of our candidates, at numerous
election meetings. often involving well-known actors and other personalities. and in
our radio and TV programs. But invariably the emphasis rested on the community
of objectives and the confidence vested in the candidates by Solidarity and Lech
Walęsa in person. Each of our candidates had a photo taken side by side with the
Solidarity leader, except for one candidate to the Sejm, and precisely this one failed
in the first round.
Our election strategy contrasted sharply with the line followed by our antagonists.
The Communists and their allies strove to present the election as a rivalry between
personalities rather than pograms. While Solidarity was stressing the political image
of our candidates, they sought to obliterate the political identity of theirs. hiding
them among the others. In many cases the party affiliation of the Communist candi-
dates was not even mentioned. Only the 35 candidates on the 'national list' carried
the stamp of officialdom. In all the other cases the voter was confronted by names
stripped of any identity. There was no way of finding out who of the candidates had
been proposed by the party hierarchy and who had collected the required 3,000 sig-
natures of support to register on his/her own. In addition, each voter was handed
from 5 to 7 voting papers (slates): one for each Sejm seat (i.e., from 3 to 5). one
with the Senate candidates. and the 'national list.' In some cases (e.g., Warsaw),
the Senate list comprised as many as 34 names! And since the voting papers did not
specify the affiliation of the candidates. the voters could not find their way without
special guidelines.
Only Solidarity did consistently provide such guidelines, showing the names of
our candidates in each electoral district. And since there was just one Solidarity
candidate per seat. the electorate had an easy choice. They only had to mark off
on the slates the names they found on a Solidarity leaflet (sort of 'horse.'), widely
distributed before voting day and, in many cases. freely accessible at stands put up
in the vicinity of the polling stations.
In effect, the voting turned into a kind of plebiscite. Even though Solidarity as
such had not given any explicit instructions, and Lech Walesa on the eve of the
elections disclosed that he would vote also for some of the national-list candidates
and other "reformers" from the government coalition. many semi-official represen-
tatives of Solidarity advised the voters to strike off all but the Solidarity-backed
candidates. This strategy converged with the popular tendency to "take revenge"
for the 45 years of moral degradation under a totalitarian and at the same time
inefficient system. For the first time in the lifetime of more than one generation
people were given an alternative. They could choose between the exponents of the
old system and Solidarity. We only assisted them in their choice.
- 6 -
This strategy yielded results which surpassed our most optimistic expectations.
All but one of our candidates to the Sejm won in the first round. mostly by a wide
margin, scoring from 60 to 90% of the ballot. From among the 100 Solidarity candi-
dates to the Senate. only eight had to stand in the second round (held two weeks later).
The success of Solidarity became even more visible against the background of
the humiliating defeat suffered by the government coalition. Popular sentiments
were SO much against the latter that in the first round (with the 50% hurdle) only
5 of the 299 seats reserved for them were filled: two from the 'national list' and
three more by candidates labelled either ZSL (two) or PZPR (one). but the three
only because they had received the blessing of the local Solidarity civic committees.
All the Senate seats would have fallen to Solidarity were it not for a provincial
entrepreneur who invested a sizeable portion of his fortune in the election campaign.
He was the only non-Solidarity candidate to score more than the second-best Soli-
darity nominee already in the first round of the election. And since he was able to
repeat this feat in the second round, the province of Pila in the North-West is the
only one in Poland having one senator who is not affiliated to Solidarity and who
forms a kind of one-man opposition in the upper house.
The biggest uproar was caused by the defeat of the 'national list' candidates. In
fact. it provoked a miniature constitutional crisis since the electoral law did not
specify what to do with the 33 (= 35 minus 2) vacant seats. Eventually, the govern-
ment coalition named new candidates (this time, two per seat) for the second round.
The second round of the parliamentary election attracted much less attention.
Only in those few provinces where the eight Solidarity candidates to the Senate
were running, and in the district where one of the Solidarity candidates had missed
the target. was the turnout anywhere in the vicinity of 60%. In all other districts
and provinces it was around 25% or lower. Still, from among the 294 Sejm seats to
be filled by the government coalition, an estimated 55 were won by people backed
unofficially by Solidarity.
When publishing the election results, the Communists managed to suppress the
data on turnout (attendance) and per cent of invalid votes for the particular electoral
districts. The results of the second round were published in an even more scanty
form: nothing about the turnout or per cent of invalid votes even nationwide. and
only the absolute number of votes cast for the given candidate.
All in all. the parliamentary elections of June 4 and 18 brought the Communists
a crushing defeat which could not fail to have far-reaching consequences. Today
we have to cope with them.
ces of Mead Data Central
PAGE
2
4TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1989 The Christian Science Publishing Society;
The Christian Science Monitor
July 31, 1989, Monday
SECTION: OPINION; Pg. 18
LENGTH: 657 words
HEADLINE: The Fight Over Western Civilization
BYLINE: By Edward J. Lynch. Edward J. Lynch is an associate at The Madison
Center in Washington, D.C.
BODY:
WESTERN civilization, Allan Bloom contends, is the majestic and
triumphant march of two principles: freedom and equality. William Bennett has
asserted that those two principles 'now define no less than a universal
standard of legitimacy. Charles Krauthammer even suggests, ''The perennial
question that has preoccupied every political philosopher since Plato What is
the best form of government? - has been answered. After a few millenia of trying
every form of political system, we close this millennium with the sure knowledge
that in liberal, pluralist, capitalist democracy we have found what we have been
looking for.'
Nevertheless, Western civilization is under attack. Most paradoxically, the
hour of apparent triumph is precisely when many universities are abandoning the
study of Western civilization to pursue ideas that might supplant liberal,
pluralist, capitalist democracy. This points out two areas of great public
concern.
First, though the West may have triumphed over other competitors for three
millennia, many people are uncertain why. Are the ideas of freedom and equality
superior to the alternatives? What are the alternatives? Is this a justified
conquest, or an accident based on economic power, not ideas? What other
principles were rejected for freedom and equality to win? In short, how well do
we understand the principles that occasioned this apparent victory?
Second, Western civilization remains under attack, not merely by people who
assaulted student protesters in Tiananmen Square, but by others within American
society who believe that there is something better. ''Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho/ Western
culture's gotta go,'' might well be the chant of a nihilist, but it could also
be the creed of someone who thinks he has a vision of a better way of life. Is
there a new system to replace Western freedom as a guiding principle? Or are
there alternatives that will surpass or enlighten Western principles, even in
this moment of apparent success?
If there is to be a struggle for the world's future, a thorough understanding
of Western civilization is a starting point. Those who would defend the apparent
victory of liberal, capitalist, pluralist democracy should know what they are
defending and why. The best way to understand the principles of Western
institutions is to read the authors who developed them, often in the heat of
long-forgotten struggles. Abandoning the study of these great minds in our
universities is intellectual disarmament in the enduring war of ideas.
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(c) 1989 The Christian Science Publishing Society, July 31, 1989
Those who would surpass Western civilization can do little better than focus
new attention on ideas and arguments that have been advanced against our way of
life. To recognize the depth of Marx's criticism of liberal democracy, to
understand the limits that Nietzsche saw to democratic life, or to comprehend
reasons why critics as diverse as Moses, Socrates, Jesus, and Freud can hardly
be understood as advocates of American democracy is to begin true cultural
criticism. Critics of liberal democracy should be able to explain exactly what
they would cast aside from our current heritage, and what is better.
A serious understanding of the arguments the West has produced is necessary
for future progress. Whether people wish to build upon or reject the currently
triumphant idea, the future can improve upon the past only to the extent that
people understand what might be gained, or lost, in altering or abolishing
Western forms of government. President Bush said in his inaugural address, ''For
the first time in this century - for the first time in perhaps all history - we
don't have to talk late into the night about which form of government is
better. But the events in Tiananmen Square and the effort to reshape the study
of Western civilization on American campuses both indicate that some are
unconvinced.
If ideas rather than force, are to guide progress, no one can ignore the
battles over books.
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4
8TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1989 The Washington Post
July 21, 1989, Friday, Final Edition
SECTION: EDITORIAL; PAGE A21
LENGTH: 804 words
HEADLINE: Stealth: The Weapon For Going It Alone
BYLINE: Charles Krauthammer
BODY:
Is a fleet of B-2 Stealth bombers worth $ 70 billion? Seventy billion is real
money, but it does not buy what it used to. At today's prices, it will buy you
16 months' worth of oil imports, or half an S&L bailout. Remember: The $ 23
billion already spent on Stealth research and development is gone. Killing
Stealth will not recover that money. The remaining $ 50 billion - about what
America spends on beer in a year --- spread through the 1990s amounts to about 1
1/2 percent of the defense budget, almost precisely what the B-1 (1982-86) and
the B-52 (1952-61) cost in their day.
What do we get for $ 70 billion? The manned bomber of the next century. The
only weapon that has the potential for finding and destroying mobile nuclear
targets and for ascertaining what has been hit. A $ 70 billion investment that
immediately degrades the Soviets' $ 350 billion air defense system.
Bombers are an essential third leg of the American nuclear deterrent. In one
respect, they are the best leg: they are uniquely recallable. Once ballistic
missiles are launched from land or sea, it's all over. Bombers give a president
10 hours to ponder the apocalypse.
Moreover, the B-2, like the B-52, will be able to carry out non-nuclear,
non-apocalyptic missions: the 1986 Libya raid, for example. Congressional
opponents argue that it is absurd to send a $ 500 million airplane to destroy a
$ 5 million bridge. What about the F-1115 that we sent to destroy Gadhafi's
tent? Was it absurd to send a $ 36 million plane to destroy something that costs
less than a Buick?
The idea of matching the cost of a weapon to the cost of a target is an
example of the silliness that passes for strategic thinking these days. It is
not the cost of the target that matters, but the magnitude of the threat it
poses. Chemical weapons factories, for example, are cheap. Are they therefore to
be attacked only with small arms?
If you have a mission deemed essential to the national interest, you carry it
out at least cost to yourself in men and machines. The cost of sending
radar-vulnerable F-111s against Libya was, we tend to forget, one downed plane
and two dead American flyers. The reason to have a very expensive but
radar-evading plane like Stealth, which can fly 10,000 miles on a single
refueling, is to be able to strike almost anywhere in the world with high
confidence that the planes and the men will not be shot down. We either want
that capability or we don't. If we do, we have to pay for it.
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(c) 1989 The Washington Post, July 21, 1989
We are soon going to need that capability more than ever. In this era of
Soviet retrenchment, "new thinking" about the post-Cold War world is much in
vogue. Notably missing from the Stealth debate is new thinking about the
strategic environment that dawns as the Cold War wanes. In a post-Cold War world
a major source of threats to American interests and American lives will be
"crazy states," like Libya and Iran, states armed with unappeasable grievances,
mobile missiles and chemical (possibly nuclear) weapons of massive destruction.
The other feature of a post-Cold War world will be the weakening of the
alliance structure established in the '40s and '50s, which afforded the United
States the luxury of bases and staging areas throughout the world. With the
decline of communism, these anti-communist alliances will decline, leaving
America increasingly on its own.
Given these two predictable developments, Stealth becomes a vital weapon. The
promise of Stealth is that it can take off from the United States, go anywhere,
strike undetected and return home without the need for foreign bases, support or
sufferance. It is the perfect weapon for the multipolar international
environment and the unilateralist American foreign policy of the future. Stealth
is the go-it-alone weapon for a go-it-alone world.
Moreover, the current international tranquillity offers a unique window of
opportunity for the United States, freed from the constraints imposed by crisis,
to think big and take the technological leap represented by Stealth. True, money
spent on Stealth is taken from readiness and from other weapons systems. But
readiness for what? In 40 years we have never been on less of a war footing.
Readiness --- money spent today for the contingency of war tomorrow -- is money
lost if there is no war tomorrow. (It is like term life insurance: if you make
it until tomorrow, you've lost today's premium.) The world will be decades
catching up to Stealth. If there ever was a time to trade some readiness for
immense technological advantage, this is it.
There is one more reason for building Stealth. It has nothing to do with
strategy. It has to do with aesthetics. No machine that beautiful should be
allowed to die. Expensive, yes. But, again: consider today's prices. Each
Stealth goes for no more than nine Van Goghs.
TYPE: OPINION EDITORIAL
SUBJECT: BOMBERS
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14TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1989 Time Inc. All Rights Reserved;
Time
July 3, 1989, U.S. Edition
SECTION: ESSAY; Pg. 74
LENGTH: 1001 words
HEADLINE: Disorders of Memory
BYLINE: Charles Krauthammer
BODY:
Washington is in the grip of a memorial epidemic. The success of the Viet Nam
Memorial has spawned demand for more. Memorials are in progress to Korean War
vets, to black Revolutionary War patriots, to women in military service, to
law-enforcement heroes, to women in Viet Nam, to Francis Scott Key, to Kahlil
Gibran (!). The hunger for memory etched in stone is exactly what one would
expect from a culture that, having just now transcended paper and entered the
radically ephemeral world of video, finds itself living in an ever moving
pastless present.
The first casualty is memory. Every advance in writing, from stone to clay to
paper to electronic blips, is at the same time an advance in erasing. In the
electronic age erasing has become literally effortless: it takes an act of
commission -- you must command your computer to SAVE -- to retain information.
Simple omission, or an electrical storm, turns computer thoughts to ether.
The ultimate instrument for forgetting is television. It is inherent in the
medium. The flickering image is impossible to retain. Who remembers the once
ubiquitous Mike Douglas? Frank Reynolds? Michael Dukakis? Pastlessness is
inherent in video, with its fast cuts and dissolving shots and rerecord button,
with its moving tape forever recording a vanishing now. For a television
society, every day is Today, This Morning and Tonight. Television life is a
rolling present relieved only by commercial breaks.
"To live in the present is like proposing to sit on a pin," wrote Chesterton.
Science makes a more severe judgment. It calls living in the present psychotic.
Not happy-go-lucky, devil-may-care living in the present, but the real thing.
Some individuals by reason of accident or disease (generally alcoholism) suffer
from what is called Korsakoff's psychosis: they have no memory. Not that they
have forgotten their ancient childhood memories. They often retain these. But
they have lost entirely the capacity to establish new memories. Everything they
see, everything they hear, everything they think, they forget within seconds.
Introduce yourself to a Korsakoffian, leave the room, and return a minute later.
He will have no recollection of you.
Not surprisingly, the amnesic society behaves much like the amnesic
individual. The Korsakoffian patient, for example, fills in his gaps with
fiction. He makes up stories, often gigantic confabulations, to make historical
ends meet. The video culture too fills in the gaps of real life with mountains
of fiction. (The average American absorbs more make-believe drama in a year than
his ancestors did in a lifetime.) And it ties history's loose ends with a form
of fabrication it calls docudrama.
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The Korsakoffian, moreover, has trouble functioning. He is always getting
things wrong. As modern industrial culture becomes more visual, its images more
transient, it has a hard time learning. It too is constantly surprised. Take the
shock with which news of the Chinese crackdown on the democracy movement was
received. Given Communism's 70-year history, marked by repeated reigns of
repressive terror, only a forgetting culture could have been 50 taken by
surprise. The week after the Tiananmen massacre, Hungary, which has a harder
time forgetting, staged B moving reburial of the men executed for leading the
1956 rebellion. The commemoration reminded us that Western Communism in its 40th
year produced precisely the same atrocity - freedom crushed with tanks and
terror -- that Eastern Communism is producing in this, its 40th year.
But amnesia, the disorder of advanced electronic societies, is not the only
possible derangement of national memory. There are cultures that remember
nothing and cultures that forget nothing. Forgetting nothing might be worse.
Remembering nothing produces a mere mindless, stumbling insouciance. Forgetting
nothing produces paralysis and death.
Beirut's warring factions, for example, have a prodigious capacity for
remembering injury. So too the Northern Irish, whose Protestants celebrate the
Battle of the Boyne ---- next year is the 300th anniversary ---- as if it took place
yesterday. The inability to forget, to let the slate be wiped clean, freezes
societies in anachronism and turns blood feuds into endless civil war.
It is because the inability to relinquish the past can produce such horror
that memory --- what place, what price, what power to give it - is a central
question in the great historical transition from dictatorship to democracy. All
the new Latin democracies, for example, are emerging from periods of brutal
dictatorship. What to do with this past? Uruguay chose, by referendum, a
forgetting. It voted to let the brutalities of military rule be bygone.
Argentina did the opposite. It prosecuted those who gave the orders for torture
and execution. The Argentine experience, however, with its semiannual military
revolts and its reversion to Peronism, seems an argument against too much
remembering.
Too much remembering. In Funes, the Memorious, Jorge Luis Borges tells the
story of a man who suddenly gains the ability to remember every iota of
information he has ever apprehended. Every vein of every leaf of every tree,
every formation of every cloud in every sky at every instant of his life he
sees. An avalanche of knowing renders him inaccessible, mystical and finally
defeated. Funes dies young. No mind can apprehend God's work, or man's, in all
its detail and survive. Forgetting, for men as for nations, is a biological
necessity, like sleep, a respite from consciousness.
We children of the electronic age, however, suffer differently. Forgetting is
all we do. We 50 feel ourselves forgetting that we contrive monuments of stone
--- to vets, to cops, to Kahlil Gibran, to whomever -- to anchor ourselves in
time. That which is written in stone endures, we figure. If the Ten Commandments
were given today, they would be flashed on the great Diamond Vision screen at
Yankee Stadium, and by sunup not a soul would remember.
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16TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1989 The Washington Post
June 23, 1989, Friday, Final Edition
SECTION: EDITORIAL; PAGE A23
LENGTH: 926 words
HEADLINE: Communist Imperative
BYLINE: Charles Krauthammer
BODY:
"Lord, if only I could have talked with Hitler, all this might have been
avoided.'
-- Idaho Senator William Borah, upon hearing of the Nazi invasion of Poland.
Last Tuesday, when Secretary of State James Baker went to Capitol Hill to
announce new sanctions against China, he was scolded by unmollified senators,
chief among them Gordon Humphrey, for his "pathetically weak" response to the
crackdown in China. "We missed an important opportunity to at least temper the
direction of the Chinese leadership," said Humphrey.
However injurious it is to American national pride, the fact remains that the
direction of the Chinese leadership is not tempered by the righteous protest of
foreigners. Certainly not by the righteous protest of Americans. Hours after the
administration's appeal for clemency for demonstrators sentenced to death, the
Chinese government responded with 10 bullets to the back of the head. An
American writ that does not extend to Panama City will not extend to Beijing.
But the Chinese authorities would have been undeterred even by America at its
zenith. When it comes to matters of state, most dictatorships are impervious to
foreign protest. And for the Chinese Communists the democracy movement was the
ultimate matter of state: a threat to the very existence of the regime.
This is made clear not only in Deng Xiaoping's June 9 speech now endlessly
repeated on Chinese television and in factory "study groups," but in the
pre-massacre speech of President Yang in which he told his military commanders
that "retreat means the downfall of the People's Republic of China and the
restoration of capitalism." Us or them. Communists always choose us.
If we cannot influence events, why then sanctions? As in the case of South
Africa, it is important to have no illusions about sanctions. They will not
materially help the people we want to help. Nor will they bring about our
desired political outcome. The main purpose for sanctions, in China as in South
Africa, is internal: to make us feel that we have expressed moral outrage in
some more than rhetorical way. Sanctions are a means of national
self-expression. It is entirely correct for a nation dedicated to a proposition
to express itself on issues of international morality. But such actions are not
to be confused with diplomacy.
They might also be insulated from politics. House Majority Leader Gephardt
led a delegation of congressmen to the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday. Not
surprisingly, he was told by the ambassador to mind his own business. "We made
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it very clear," Gephardt told the waiting cameras, "that all of the nations of
the world today, including China, have subscribed to a set of rules and
regulations governing human rights, the Helsinki Accords." Fine sentiment,
unfortunate reference. The Chinese are not signatories to the Helsinki Accords.
Waving parchment at Chinese Communists is a waste of time in the first place.
Those who insist on doing 50 regardless should at least read the text.
But won't the denial of international loans and other such sanctions have
some effect on the Chinese economy, the success of which is 50 highly prized by
the current leadership? They will, but Deng has made it clear that politics
takes precedence over economics. He knew full well what repression would cost in
terms of economic development. For the sake of power, the ultimate
Marxist-Leninist value, he decided to pay it.
These costs have been most clearly on display in Poland following the
smashing of Solidarity in 1981. The resulting scenario is this: the regime
retains power, but the population refuses to cooperate. A sullen work force, an
alienated intellectual class, and a general suspicion produce economic
stagnation. That is the real economic cost of repression. Western sanctions --
which, in any case, can confidently be predicted to be short-term, given the
West's attention span -- add only marginally to the cost.
The East European model is worth keeping in mind because in much of the
coverage of China the impression is given that the current repression is a
peculiarly Chinese tragedy, another abortive attempt at modernization, another
reactionary turn in 20th century Chinese history. In fact, the reign of terror
is not uniquely Chinese but characteristically communist --- from the massive
propaganda campaign, the show trials and the forced confessions, right down to
the invocation endlessly repeated in the media to "Love the party."
Now that Soviet communism has adopted a human face, the baby boom generation
has a hard time recalling what the Cold War was about. A popular revisionism
holds that the Cold War, fed on a mutual paranoia, was a cherished project of
the American right. In fact, China today has clarified the issue. It has
dramatically recreated precisely the kind of forces America fought during 40
years of the great twilight struggle.
Which is what makes Tiananmen Square an important event not just in Chinese
but in Western consciousness. It is the first time that this generation - too
young to remember Budapest 1956, too distracted to notice Prague 1968, too far
removed to fully absorb the Vietnamese gulag and the Cambodian genocide of the
'70s -- has finally been directly exposed to the meaning of Marxist-Leninism.
Because of Gorbachev, it is easy to think of Marxist-Leninism as a mere
failure. But it is more than that. It is a crime. Every generation needs its
demonstration of the barbarism at the core of communism. The martyrs of
Tiananmen Square have given us our Budapest 1956.
TYPE: OPINION EDITORIAL
SUBJECT: CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC; COMMUNISM
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20TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1989 The Washington Post
June 9, 1989, Friday, Final Edition
SECTION: EDITORIAL; PAGE A27
LENGTH: 802 words
HEADLINE: When Kingdoms Reform
BYLINE: Charles Krauthammer
BODY:
In this age of communist collapse it is an irony to be savored that Marxists,
who pride themselves on having deciphered the laws of history, should have so
impaled themselves on an iron law that dates back at least to 1789: kingdoms
fall when they start to reform.
When revolutionaries rewrite history, they always portray the tyrant just
overthrown as having grown increasingly overbearing and oppressive. But as de
Tocqueville noted, looking back on the French Revolution, the time of maximum
danger for despotism is precisely when it begins to relax its pressure: "The
most critical moment for bad governments is the one which witnesses their first
steps toward reform."
What was true for Louis XVI and, in our day, the shah, is most dramatically
true of the Chinese communists. Today's revolution occurs 10 years into Deng
Xiaoping's massive liberalization, which saw not only a radical freeing of the
economy but a dramatic opening to the West through travel, tourism, modern
communication and student exchanges (the means by which 62,700 Chinese have
acquired an extended taste of American democracy).
The lesson for other communists, like comrade Gorbachev, is clear: reform at
your peril. But the reason communism is now caught in such a vise is that, as
Gorbachev has concluded, communism has no choice but reform. Why? Because this
decade has revealed yet another iron law of history: in conditions of modernity,
totalitarianism is unsustainable.
This is a remarkable reversal of expectations. Dictatorship had long been
thought durable, democracy fragile. It was only six years ago that Jean Francois
Revel published "How Democracies Perish." But not even the American Founders
were sanguine about the chances of the long-term survival of democracy.
"Democracy never lasts long," wrote John Adams to John Taylor. "There never was
a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."
Yet democratic regimes have proved durable because of their extraordinary
adaptability. In the last 25 years, for example, American democracy has absorbed
the forces of civil rights, feminism, environmentalism, even rock culture, to
the point that they are now part of the established American landscape.
Peruvian scholar Hernando De Soto, author of "The Other Path," has chronicled
the myriad feedback mechanisms that Western democracies have built into the most
mundane political processes, such as rule-making. By inviting criticism,
hearings, debate and revisions by interested parties and ordinary citizens, even
the bureaucracy produces rules that reflect reality and yield some social
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benefit. Dictatorships and quasifeudal mercantilist states such as Peru have
nothing of the sort.
But democracies have always been flexible and dictatorships not. Why then now
do dictatorships seem such unstable political vehicles? Because technological
and social change has become 50 rapid. Where society, technology and culture are
essentially static, dictatorship can survive for generations. But modernity,
which is defined by its relentless exponential pace of change, makes the command
society a prescription for instability.
What drives history is not class struggle but ever accelerating change. In
such an environment, Darwinian laws of evolution apply. The adaptable"The
adaptable organism survives. Totalitarianism is a dinosaur of adaptability."
organism survives. Totalitarianism is a dinosaur of adaptability.
This is not to say that democracy and freedom are inevitable. The instability
of totalitarian systems may or may not eventuate in freedom. China, for example,
is faced with the prospect of civil war, or perhaps even a return to warlordism.
The most likely outcome is some massively repressive form of military rule. The
least likely outcome is victory for the democracy movement. When tanks contend,
it is unlikely that students will rule.
While the contention of tanks does not guarantee democracy, it does prefigure
the collapse of communism. Most advanced on that road is Poland, where the
party, humiliated in its first half-free elections, is begging Solidarity to
join the government to lend it the legitimacy it needs to govern. It is
precisely in China and Poland (and, we might add, Hungary), i.e., where reform
has been boldest, that collapse is most imminent. Reform communism may be
communism's last stage.
It is poetic justice that Marxism, which has 50 smugly and brutally claimed
the mantle of history, should now be subject to a series of historical
contradictions that make its own decline as inevitable as the decline it had
predicted for bourgeois democracy. History is the great god of the Marxist
heresy. In Beijing and Warsaw, history is speaking. And for communism the
verdict, to borrow the official government comment on the Polish elections, is
"truly disadvantageous."
TYPE: OPINION EDITORIAL
SUBJECT: COMMUNISM; DEMONSTRATIONS; POLITICS
R
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22ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1989 Time Inc. All Rights Reserved;
Time
June 5, 1989, U.S. Edition
SECTION: ESSAY; Pg. 90
LENGTH: 969 words
HEADLINE: Reflections on the Revolution in China
BYLINE: Charles Krauthammer
BODY:
Living as we are through the greatest global democratic awakening in history,
it is hard not to feel the thrill Wordsworth felt when contemplating the French
Revolution ("Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive/ But to be young was very
heaven!"). Of course Wordsworth lived to regret it. But there will be time for
that later. Now is the time to thrill.
At the stunning uprising in China, of course. But it is only the latest event
in the democratic demarche, which began with the Philippines and Korea and has
now reached wondrous proportions.
-- In Lithuania the Soviet-installed, Communist-controlled, erstwhile puppet
parliament votes for independence from the Soviet Union.
- In Hungary the two wings of the Communist Party are fighting over whether
upcoming multiparty elections mean the Communists will be voted out of power in
six years (the hard-line position) or sooner (the moderate position).
-- Argentina is about to witness the first transition of power from one
popularly elected President to another since 1922, though, by electing a
Peronist, the Argentines have proved once again that democracy is a people's
license to act stupidly.
- In Chile a 15-year-old dictatorship holds a referendum on itself and loses,
proving once again that democracy is a people's license to act enlightened.
--- Poland will not only hold free elections for the upper house of parliament
this month but, in a little noted provision of its pact with Solidarity, will
also have a popular election for President in six years.
With such goings-on, it's hard not to get gushy and to feel it a privilege to
have lived to witness such a dawn.
I admit to feeling a gush or two of Wordsworthian euphoria. Though a drawing
of Yuri Andropov graces my office wall (a warm reminder of the good old days
when The Enemy looked the part), I am a cold warrior who does not mourn the
passing of the great twilight struggle. The cold war made thinking simpler in a
"four legs good, two legs bad" (the Animal Farm axiom) sort of way. But simpler
doesn't mean better. There could be no happier outcome for the cold war than for
us to win it and for old cold warriors to face the invigorating challenge of
rethinking from the ground up what America's role in the world, if any, ought to
be.
But some of the gushing is getting out of hand. The most common bit of mush,
endlessly repeated, whether the reporting is from China or the Soviet Union or
Lithuania, is that once the genie of freedom is out of the bottle it can never
be put back in. This is rank sentimentalism. The idea that somehow, if people
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have tasted freedom, the taste cannot be wrung out of them is a fallacy 50 large
it is embarrassing just to hear it. Think only of this century. Russia tasted
freedom in February 1917 and by October had lost it for 70 years. Weimar Germany
tasted democracy for 14 years; it took Hitler and his storm troopers a few
months to eradicate it. (Had Hitler not started World War II, the taste might to
this day not have returned.) Hungarians let the genie out in 1956; five days and
5,000 tanks later, Khrushchev had stuffed it back in. Twenty-one years ago, the
Czechs tasted freedom for an afternoon. Tell the Czechs that today's "Moscow
Spring" is irreversible. Nothing is irreversible.
I admit that the genie cannot be put back in the bottle forever. Oppression
and extermination can repress the will to freedom for decades, sometimes
generations, but inevitably it reappears. That is the lesson we learn from the
earthquakes in China and the Soviet Union and Lithuania and Poland and Hungary.
The past decade has taught that the classical totalitarian theory of the ' 40s
and '50s was wrong. That theory, based on Stalin and Hitler as models, made the
then quite reasonable assumption that modern totalitarianism, harnessed to high
technology and mechanized power (Stalin was once called Genghis Khan with a
telephone), had the capacity not only to suppress freedom but also to eradicate
it. Classical theory postulated the brainwashed mind, utterly enslaved through
terror and manipulation. It supposed the shattered society, its mediating
structures and competing allegiances (family, church, union) destroyed, leaving
an atomized individual enslaved to the all powerful state.
Not SO. We learn that totalitarianism can terrorize individuals and shatter
civil society, but it cannot change human nature. The will to freedom can be
suppressed, but inevitably it returns.
But to say that the will to freedom cannot be suppressed forever is not to
say that it cannot be suppressed for a very long time. And from the point of
view of the individual with a finite life-span that is the same as forever.
There are many Soviets who have lived and died in this century and never known
freedom of any sort. Yes, the suppression of the Prague Spring did not forever
abolish the Czech hunger for freedom. But it did crush the life of an entire
generation.
No one knows where the Chinese revolution is leading. But the notion that
once a million people have marched in the streets, some carrying effigies of the
Statue of Liberty, things cannot be undone is wishful thinking. History has
provided a generous supply of Bonapartes and Lenins. Maos too. This is not
China's first revolution. And even if this one does succeed, it will not be the
last.
The will to freedom is, of course, a constant of human nature. But so is the
will to power. And power is intolerant of freedom. The drama of today's
revolution in China is the contest between the two. Neither will is absolute.
All victories are temporary.
Hail freedom! But precisely now that it is ascendant, do not assume that it
cannot be sent into long exile. Iran and Nicaragua and Cuba are now the
exception. But only a minute ago they were the rule. They can be again.
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FYI
TALKING POINTS: TRI-MISSION GREETING, BRUSSELS 12/4/89
* Members of the Brussels family, Ambassador Glitman, Ambassador
Taft, Ambassador Niles (Taft and Niles are new since your
previous visit)
* It's nice to see some familiar faces. When I was in Brussels
six months ago, you would have thought I'd at least wait a year
before I put you through a Presidential visit again.
* But, you know, that is one of the nice things about our crew
here in Brussels: you're ready for anything. You know the drill,
and you're pros.
* Because in these exciting times we need people like you:
unflappable, quick to respond, dedicated veterans of the foreign
policy process.
* The other thing I like about the operation here in Brussels is
your ability to work together. The Joint Administrative Service
support group typifies that kind of effort. And believe me, I
know what a visit like this demands of your admin offices.
Where's Nick Basky? Nick, it's professionals like you that make
these trips bearable. (Nick was also brought in to help out on
the Costa Rica trip)
* It's an exciting time for America. And particularly for you
here in Brussels. You've all seen the reports out of Malta, and
our meeting here with our partners in the Alliance. We are
standing on the threshold of a new era in our relationships with
the East, and you here are on the cutting edge.
*
(Here, you may want to give them a personal anecdote or
reflection about President Gorbachev or your meeting)
* Thank you for your commitment and your dedication. God bless
you and God bless the United States of America.
*
MEMBERS OF THE BRUSSELS FAMILY, AMBASSADOR GLITMAN, AMBASSADOR
TAFT, AMBASSADOR NILES (TAFT AND NILES ARE NEW SINCE YOUR
PREVIOUS VISIT)
*
IT'S NICE TO SEE SOME FAMILIAR FACES. WHEN I WAS IN BRUSSELS
SIX MONTHS AGO, YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT I'D AT LEAST WAIT A YEAR
BEFORE I PUT YOU THROUGH A PRESIDENTIAL VISIT AGAIN.
* BUT, YOU KNOW, THAT IS ONE OF THE NICE THINGS ABOUT OUR CREW
HERE IN BRUSSELS: YOU'RE READY FOR ANYTHING. YOU KNOW THE
DRILL, AND YOU'RE PROS.
* BECAUSE IN THESE EXCITING TIMES WE NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU:
UNFLAPPABLE, QUICK TO RESPOND, DEDICATED VETERANS OF THE
FOREIGN POLICY PROCESS.
-1-
*
THE IS OTHER THING I LIKE ABOUT THE OPERATION HERE IN BRUSSELS
SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP TYPIFIES THAT KIND OF EFFORT.
YOUR ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER. THE JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE
BELIEVE ME, I KNOW WHAT A VISIT LIKE THIS DEMANDS OF YOUR AND
ADMIN LIKE OFFICES. WHERE'S NICK BASKY? NICK, IT'S PROFESSIONALS
YOU THAT MAKE THESE TRIPS BEARABLE. (NICK WAS ALSO
BROUGHT IN TO HELP OUT ON THE COSTA RICA TRIP)
*
IT'S AN EXCITING TIME FOR AMERICA. AND PARTICULARLY FOR YOU
AND HERE IN BRUSSELS. YOU'VE ALL SEEN THE REPORTS OUT OF MALTA,
ARE STANDING ON THE THRESHOLD OF A NEW ERA IN OUR
OUR MEETING HERE WITH OUR PARTNERS IN THE ALLIANCE. WE
EDGE. RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE EAST, AND YOU HERE ARE ON THE CUTTING
* (HERE, YOU MAY WANT TO GIVE THEM A PERSONAL ANECDOTE OR
REFLECTION ABOUT PRESIDENT GORBACHEV OR YOUR MEETING)
-2-
* THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND YOUR DEDICATION. GOD
BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
-3-
Photo Copy Preservation
International
WEST MEETS EAST
playing the role of a Washington or
DeGaulle as they get underway."
Drawn by pure democracy, consultants are reborn in Eastern Europe,
Argentinian pollster Felipe
by James David Barber
Noguera has it right when he says
that "these countries are not just
At the invitation of numerous
There were surprises that awak-
going though a change of adminis-
emerging political parties in
ened our jaded band. For instance,
tration, but of regime."
Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Hun-
is there anything more vital to a
In Hungary we were scheduled
gary, Campaigns & Elections export-
campaign than lists of voters? Last
to seminar in "Karl Marx University."
ed its campaign training seminars
fall, Hungary did a major national
By the time we got there, the name
to Eastern Europe for sessions
referendum, a vote which decided
had been changed to "University of
March 6-16. One of the partici-
to delay the choice of a president
Economics of Budapest."
pants, James David Barber, was the
until the new parliament was elect-
The big news from the three na-
designated scribe. This is bis report.
ed. Surely anyone gearing up for a
tions we visited is that democracy
parliamentary election would want
has stepped out onto the high wire,
We arrived as humble teachers.
that referendum list specifying thou-
leaving behind the rigid communist
We left as activist allies, anxious to
sands of available voters. But to
platform, facing forward to a risky
help make democracy-real democ-
Hungarians, person-listing had been
chance to establish freedom and jus-
racy-happen in Eastern Europe.
a weapon of the secret police for
tice for all. Now is the hour to guar-
Our conscience was off limits.
more than four decades. Tear them
antee non violence, citizenship for
We didn't come to preach at the
up and throw them away, they said.
all, rational consent of the gov-
democratic converts like some pon-
We thought the rock-bottom
erned, genuine law to regulate the
tificating patriarch who drops in to
challenge of political journalism is
straighten out his children. From the
going to be how to write the story.
start, as our Canadian leader Gor-
But over there, the biggest challenge
don Robson put it, we were not in
is getting paper to print the story
Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and
on. In Poland, the Communists bill
Poland to instruct them on how to
their own newspapers 800 zlotys
imitate us. Our American leader,
(about 8 cents) for a section of
Campaigns & Elections publisher
paper. Solidarity, the democracy
James Dwinell, echoed Robson's
movement, is charged 5,000 zlotys,
sentiments when he said, "We are
per section. In Eastern Europe,
not here to teach but to learn. We
newspapers are powerful campaign
will show you our ways but as with
tools, not forums for unbiased re-
a menu, you need to choose the
porting.
tactics and strategies that are right
And, we thought, if you're run-
for you and your political culture
ning for office, surely you'd like to
and teach us.'
get your spouse on television or in
We came stressing cool tolerance
the newspaper. But to them, that
and open mindedness, and listened
implies nepotism-that if you win,
for their special needs and con-
your spouse will get a special job.
cerns. As Florida-based consultant
The political scene in Eastern Eu-
Lee Miller put it, "We offered you
rope is different from that in Eastern
hammers and nails."
New Jersey. As Wayne Johnson ob-
We whirled around, spending a
served, "We argue about zoning.
Democracy comes to Wenceslas Square, Prague
few days in each country, working
They're deciding whether or not to
economy and society, and secure,
seminars which started out sparsely
legalize private property."
democratically controlled foreign re-
populated in Budapest, and ended
The upcoming elections are not
lations.
in Warsaw with more than 350 polit-
like our 1988 model. They are
But to make it happen, leader-
ical party officials attending. On the
more like 1788, when our democra-
ship is necessary. In Hungary there
way, we changed. We fell off the
cy was being constituted in its basic
is a revulsion against coming out for
teacher's stool and took up the flag
fundamentals.) Tony Quinn may be
some new political star. In
of freedom. We planed back to
right in suggesting that "maybe we
Czechoslovakia, the opposite OC-
America eager to help democracy
should encourage them to think of
curred. The love for Havel, the play-
grow from the revolution.
[Vaclav] Havel and [Lech] Walesa as
wright-president, is almost universal.
April - May, 1990 Page 17
INSIDE
POLITICS
Photo Copy Preservation
In Poland, Solidarity leader Lech
coalitions, eyes lit up. A new ver-
supper with a beautiful 17-year-old
Walesa has increasingly quiet re-
sion of the Federalist Papers might
gypsy girl who is emerging as a
spect, as if he were becoming yes-
make a hit.
vivid volunteer among many who
terday's leader.
Media politics is on a roll, but
think a gypsy is an animal; when
More importantly, what's needed
wobbling. Christine LaPaille says
you breakfast with a reporter whose
is local leadership, from the village
that "as democracy emerges in these
weekly magazine was underground
on up. In Poland,
countries, the press
and now going public; or you walk
will emerge also."
the street with a woman translator
they need thousands
of candidates for
But virtually all the
about to have a third child, who
local and regional
radio, television, and
says she never joined the commu-
offices before the
newspaper facilities
nists because "you have to look
June election, an
are owned by the
your children in the eye;" those
event unknown
state. Harsh censors
happenings turn your mind.
since World War II.
at the top have been
Randy Gilliland, president of
Political parties
replaced by permis-
Gilliland & Co., a fundraising firm,
have been born, but
VEREJNOST
sive editors and pro-
put it this way: "After spending
they have yet to pass
ducers. Reporters on
many years in the American political
through their identity
PROTI
the street are invent-
arena, I had grown cynical. I had
crisis. Solidarity start-
NÁSILIU
ing their journalism
tired of petty political arguments
ed as a trade union
day by- day.
and in many ways lost my sense of
and is now an um-
The Slovak organization "Public
Democracy rests
political vision and idealism. This
brella for all sorts of
Against Violence" has become an
on citizens, which is
trip invigorated me. It made me turn
parties. As a Solidari-
umbrella for smaller Czech parties
why Campaigns &
back to the dreams and idealistic
ty M.P. put it, "What unifies us is the
Elections' seminars centered on the
views of my younger years."
will to fight the communists." But
age-old questions of democracy.
Such renewed dreams are spark-
with the communists on the way
How do you activate voters? Where
ing realities: Gilliland and Wayne
out, Solidarity must begin to orga-
do you get money to buy the tools
Johnson are raising funds for six
nize national unity.
for campaign action?
East European political organiza-
Hungary, on the other hand,
As the long days went on, those
tions, working to get U.S. newspa-
lacks a national umbrella. The
of us who listened and looked
pers to support papers in Poland,
Czechs have a broad-based "Civic
began to experience a newness of
and trying to have equipment con-
Forum" and the Slovaks the rapidly
life. When you have lunch with an
tributed to party offices.
broadening "Public Against Vio-
aging fellow working hard in poli-
Lee Miller, has taken on projects
lence." When our professional con-
tics after being jailed for six years as
in two countries for "organizational
sultants talked about how to build
a political prisoner; when you have
and communications opportunities."
C&E'S EASTERN EUROPE FACULTY
Ginnie Kontnik
Harriman Communications Center
Chuck Adams
Andrew Frank
Washington, DC
Adams and Co., Salem, OR
C&E, Washington, DC
Jerry Lampert
James David Barber
George Gibault
Principal Secretary to the Premier
Duke University, Durham, NC
Public Affairs Bureau, Victoria, BC
Victoria, BC
Robin Bell
Randy Gilliland
Christine LaPaille
International Center for
Gilliland & Company, Midlothian, VA
Agenda Communications
Development Policy, Washington, DC
Sal Guzzetta
Chicago, IL
Scott Berkowitz
Political Publishing, Alexandria, VA
Greg Lyle
C&E, Washington, DC
Wayne Johnson
Principal Secretary to the Premier of
Graham Bruce, M.L.A.
Wayne C. Johnson & Assoc.,
Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Government of British Columbia,
Sacramento, CA
Lindsay Mattison
Duncan, BC
Jennifer Kessler
International Center for
James Dwinell
C&E, Washington, DC
Development Policy, Washington, DC
C&E, Washington, DC
Kelly Kimball
Lee Miller
Barry Fadem
Kimball Petition Management
Miller Consulting Group, Ltd.
Bagatelos & Fadem, San Francisco, CA
West Los Angeles, CA
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Page 18 / Campaigns & Elections 10th Anniversary Issue
George Gibault, director of re-
daily from April until the June elec-
search for the Public Affairs Bureau
tion. The first one tells the Czech
John Sinclair, Inc.
in British Columbia, linked himself
voter: "VPN took you to the revolu-
to numerous agricultural enterprises,
tion in Wenceslas Square. Vote on
whose technical aid he will enlist
the ballot so we can finish the revo-
for urgent training needs.
lution!"
A stunning conversion from
To finish the revolution is to
preaching to participating happened
found democracy. In the capitol of
Copy
when Ginnie Kontnik, director of
Poland, we visited the great hall of
Harriman Communi-
the national parlia-
cations Center in
ment. Up front, fac-
Washington, and
ing the elected rep-
professional consul-
resentatives, is the
tants Kelly Kimball,
symbol of Poland, a
Image Management
Trish Whitcomb,
white eagle with
Issue Delineation
Barry Fadem, and
outstretched wings.
Grey Lyle struggled
The communists
Crisis Control
all night with "Pub-
left the eagle there
Strategic Consulting
lic Against Vio-
in 1945, but smash-
Public Relations
lence," the major or-
ed the crown off its
ganization working
head When we
Speech Writing
for democracy in
were there, workers
the Slovakia part of
were putting on a
Czechoslovakia.
new crown Will
Kontnik and the
Collecting political party volunteers in
the new crown of
rest see themselves
Wenceslas Square, Prague
democracy hold
as "volunteers who were asked to
firm on the head of the nation? The
help." And help they will. They
wonder and the uncertainty are still
have formed the nonprofit volun-
there.
teers for democracy to get donations
of high-tech equipment and a sup-
James David Barber is on the
Guaranteed
ply of detailed strategic advice. The
faculty of Duke University in North
Performance
group already has put together a set
Carolina as a James B. Duke Pro-
of four-minute television ads for
fessor of Political Science and Policy
Public Against Violence to be used
Studies.
Exceptional Results
Rev. James Noble
Cliff Scotton
Decatur, GA
New Democratic Party of Canada,
Phil Noble
Nanaimo, BC
The Palmetto Project, Charleston, SC
Amanda Smith
Felipe Noguera
Sex Equity Consultant, Durham, NC
Mora y Araujo Noguera,
Patricia Whitcomb
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bates & Associates, Indianapolis, IN
Beth Provinse
Robert White
John Sinclair, Inc.
Conotabs, Bethesda, MD
International Center for
28 Hart Avenue
Tony Quinn
Development Policy, Washington, DC
Hopewell, NJ 08525
Braun and Company
Sacramento, CA
VOLUNTEERS FOR DEMOCRACY
609/466-9223
Gianni Riotta
Several participants in C&E's trip
For more information
Corriere Della Sera, New York, NY
have formed a non-profit organiza-
tion to provide support for VPN, the
circle # 12
Gordon Robson
Slovak Democracy movement. If you
on reader response card
Robson and Assoc., Maple Ridge, BC
would like to donate computers,
Mary Robson,
faxes, copiers, your time, or anything
Robson and Assoc., Maple Ridge, BC
else, please call (800) 237-7842.
April - May, 1990 / Page 19
NEW YORK POST, TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1990
19
COMMENTARY
DON'T BLOCK GERMAN UNITY™
BY HENRY A.
within the European Com-
many's allies can do is to
munity.
KISSINGER
avoid providing incentives
The American stand has
to Germany for such a
been more complex. Presi-
course.
S it has been since the
dent Bush and Secretary of
1648 Treaty of West-
State James A. Baker have
The only realistic way to
phalia, the future of
put forward four principles
moderate the pace of events
which seek to reconcile Ger-
and to keep Germany in the
Germany is once again at
man national aspirations
Western community is to
the core of the revolution-
with historic European
come to an agreement on
ary changes rippling across
Europe.
fears:
the desired outcome and
And the reaction of the
That the principle of
then to plan together the
Western
democracies
self-determination be pre-
precise step to reach the
scems to prove George Ber-
served without prejudice to
goals
nard Shaw's aphorism that
Its outcome.
That German unifica-
LIKE many contempo-
"there are two tragedles In
tion take place within the
raries who experienced the
life. One is not to get your
framework of NATO and
Hitler regime and World
heart's desire. The other is
the European Community.
War II, I would have suf-
to get
Having deplored the divi-
. That unification be part
fered no sense of depriva-
tion had the issue of Ger-
sion of Europe for nearly
of a step-by-step process
half a century, the Western
That Germany reiter-
man unification remained
ate its support for the prin-
in limbo for a while longer.
democracies cannot decide
how to relate the eruption of
ciples of the Helsinki Act re-
West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl responds to cheers last month as East German Prime
Now that it has arisen, we
freedom in Eastern Europe
garding its borders.
Minister Hans Modrow (left) escorts him to Dresdon's Palace of Culture for press conference.
no longer have the option of
to the traditional policies of
Statesmen forget at their
deferring It to a more con-
peril that arcane language
venient moment.
Atlantic cohesion and Euro-
is not in itself reality.
And the four Allied com-
pean integration
the European equilibrium,
mass exodus of East Ger-
A faster pace of European
The gradualism being
manders jumped at a Soviet
For years conventional
German unification can be
mans is probable, exceeding
integration is highly desira-
wisdom denied the exist-
preached is not tled to any
proposal to hold for the first
pursued only at the cost of
the capacities of the Fed-
ble. But paradoxically It is
specific program, nor has
time since 1971 a meeting of
ence of any problem. The
an international crisis.
eral Republic to sustain.
most likely in the context of
Soviet grip on Eastern Eu-
any Western leader defined
the so-called Kommanda-
European politics will re-
Common economic poli-
a Western plan on German
tura, the four-power control
unification.
rope, and especially on the
German self-determination
vert to the patterns of the
cies are inevitable; a com-
German Democratic Re-
or a procedure for achiev-
commission for Berlin.
18th and 19th centuries. Out-
mon currency cannot be far
This is the best way of en-
public (GDR), seemed un-
Ing it.
These gestures, by treat-
side powers - especially
behind.
suring that European inte-
shakable.
As a result, the Western
Ing the East German state
the Soviet Union will be
Another impetus will be
gration and the Atlantic AI-
It was therefore expected
democracies run a huge
as the moral and political
given an opportunity to
supplied by the elections
liance are not perceived in
that West European Inte-
risk of turning Into partners
equivalent of the national
manipulate inter-German
scheduled for the two parts
Germany as a subterfuge
gration would move much
of the Soviet Union in de-
states of Eastern Europe,
rivalry.
of Germany this year. in the
for delaying unification
more rapidly than German
imply a Western interest in
For the 200 years prior to
East in May, in the Federal
The confederation pro-
unification
the status quo in Germany.
German unification, as
Republic in December.
posal of West German
Events both unforeseen
Over time this will generate
many wars were sparked
It in highly improbable
Chancellor Helmut Kohl -
and unsettling now belie
a sense that German na-
by Germany's division as
that the policies of the polit-
greeted 80 lukewarmly by
these assumptions.
Catering to
tional aspirations are in-
by its subsequent unity.
ical parties toward unifica-
his Allies represents the
Soviet power in Eastern
compatible with the West-
In truth, the choice of the
tion will being essentially
minimum compatible with
Europe has collapsed The
ancient fears
ern orientation of the Fed-
Western democracies is not
non-partisan vary on el-
German aspirations and in-
Brezhnev Doctrine, which
eral Republic.
50 great as their public pro-
ther alde of the dividing
ternational necessities.
committed the Red Army's
risks making
Germany's democratic
nouncements suggest.
line.
Overcoming their misgiv-
support to Communist re-
the West a
allies should think twice be-
For any attempt to make
Therefore the appeals of
ings, the Allies should de-
gimes, has been abandoned
fore they risk the Western
progress toward German
Germany's allies for gradu-
velop a long-range program
These events have ex-
partner of
connection of the Federal
unification conditional "on
alism are curiously irrele-
in four stages:
posed a gap between the
Republic by forcing Ger-
progress toward European
First, the elaboration of
West's declaratory policy
Moscow in
man leaders to choose be-
integration will defeat both
a
timetable for German
confederation to be com-
and its actions which, If not
tween their allies and their
- this is the weakness of
bridged, could wreck the
defending the
national goals.
the American principles. It
pleted within a two-year
achievements of four de-
They must not create a
will sooner or later turn
Any attempt to
period. The confederation
cades of Western states-
status quo
German problem in the
German:
nationalism
should have a common for-
manship.
name of avoiding it.
against European integra-
make progress
eign policy as its goal.
tion and Atlantic unity.
The implementation of
TO be sure, Western leaders
THE question of now w
The real choice before the
toward
another major step toward
fending the status quo and
continue to reaffirm their
treat East Germany inter-
Western allies 'IB whether
unification
European political integra-
in sharing in German eyes
commitment to German
nationally brooks no delay.
they fear German unity
tion beyond what is envis-
the opprobrium for the divi-
self-determination
In Eastern Europe demo-
more than they prize Euro-
sion of Germany heretofore
conditional on
aged for 1992 should be
But they all hedge their
cratic institutions are likely
pean integration and Atlan-
completed within a fixed
borne solely by the Soviet
to enhance domestic stabil-
tic cohesion.
time period after the estab-
pronouncements with
Union
progress
conditions that amount to
For decades the West has
ity. In the GDR, the opposite
The way to avoid German
lishment of the German
turning the Atlantic Al-
in certain to occur; free elec-
preponderance is not to as-
suspected Moscow of hav-
toward
confederation. including a
liance and European inte;
ing a German card up its
tions will generate pres-
cribe to It motives contrary
specific program to enable
gration Into obstacles to
sures for unification
to 40 years of responsible
sleeve. It would be Ironic if
European
the countries of Eastern Eu-
German policy, even less to
rope to enter Into associa-
German unification and, In
the West now handed that
No formula can alter the
the long term, barriers to
fact that the principal rea-
divide that country.
integration will
tion with the European
card to the Soviets just as
Should Germany, against
community.
the pro-Western orientation
democracy is prevailing in
son for the existence of the
East German state has
all present Indications and
defeat both
Concurrent negotiation
of the German state
Eastern Europe.
British Prime Minister
common sense, seek the
of a new European security
been as a communist out-
Margaret Thatcher, for in-
road of hegemony, Britain
system as a step toward full
THE danger of making the
post of the Soviet Union.
and France always have
vant, and assurances to the
unification
stance, has placed German
Kremlin and the East Ger-
Of course, if the East Ger-
unification at the end of a
the option of increasing
Soviet Union that no effort
Development of a pro-
man communists the key to
man population desires a
process of democratization
their cooperation within the
will be made to accelerate
gram to move from confed-
German national aspira-
separate state, no country
of Eastern Europe that in-
framework of European
the process could be dan-
eration to whatever form of
tions results not only from
in the world would object
cludes the Soviet Union and
and Atlantic institutions.
Western pronouncements
probably not even the Fed-
geroua.
German unity a process of
that by implication pre-
And the United States
eral Republic But the West-
As for the Soviet Union, It
self-determination gener-
but also from Western ac-
would surely use its influ-
ates.
serves the East German
tions.
ern nations would be taking
surely has the physical
state as a separate sover-
ence to prevent an outcome
power to prevent German
The opportunity to build a
Both Mitterrand and
a fateful step if they were to
eign entity for a period ex-
that it opposed in two wars.
Baker recently visited East
Incite such an evolution by
unification. But to do 80 by
truly new International sys-
tem must not be lost in a
pected to last 10-15 years.
Germany and met with
their own policies.
force would wreck the "Gor-
SEVERAL factors drive
maze of bureaucratic for-
At a recent press confer-
leaders with whom contact
bachev fever" in the Fed-
Whatever the time scale
ence, French President
German unification
had been shunned for 40
eral Republic on which
mulae masking old fears. It
for German unification or
Francois Mitterrand de-
The dissolution of Germa-
Moscow has staked 80
requires a clear vision of
years, who have been all but
its nature, the direction of it
clared that European Inte-
ny's Internal frontiers will
much and which it has
what lies ahead and above
repudiated by the East Ger-
must be established within
gration should precede Ger-
man public and who even
force the Federal Republic
worked hard to foster.
all an initiative equal to the
man unification, which
the next year.
to move rapidly toward the
now are making it difficult
The Kremlin can also
challenge before us.
hould take the form of a
Once two German states
for democratic parties to
equalization of living condi-
offer unification in return
-
special position of the GDR
especially democratic
tions in the two parts of
for Germany's loosening its
Henry A. Kissinger's analy-
organize.
ones become fixtures of
Germany. Otherwise, a
Western ties, The least Ger-
ses of world events appear
monthly in The Post.
est
Photo Copy Preservation
powers back
Estonia, for EAG
day with measures
government ties to Moscow al.
up republic ministries to manag
nomic initiatives.
Walesa in Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela, Nov. 20 (AP)
-ign debt
- Lech Walesa, the founder-of the Soli-
state's policy,
darity movement in Poland, arrived
.0 this country's long
Agence France-Presse
here today after a United States tour,
oreign monopolies and
Mtal," he said today. "For
President Nicolae Ceausescu made it clear yesterday
path toward democracy or capitalism. With him at
pledging that Eastern Europe and
he in its history, Rumania no
that for as long as he is in charge Rumania will not
the Communist Party congress in Bucharest was his
Latin America would work together in
improving their debt-ridden econo-
pays either tribute or interest."
follow other Eastern European countries along the
wife, Elena.
mies.
that
acterized
lessness
Reporter's Notebook
to
all
have
many
orthodox
Hungarians, Maestros of Ambiguity, Confront a Whole New Political Process
the
long-
under-
By R. W. APPLE Jr.
the best known of the dozen or so peo-
a little bit frisky. And it's hard to
speech? It's progress, I guess."
"We go all the time," Mrs. Laslo
grow-
Special to The New York Times
ple who say they will seek the office
think of very many people other than
said. "I saw my grandmother's tears
BUDAPEST, Nov. 20 - Put three
if the office is there to be sought.
Pozsgay who fill both of those bills."
The Natives Return
when they took our little piece of land.
Arafat,
Hungarians into a room, people say
Although he has his electoral prob-
beration
here, and they'll form seven clubs. So
lems, such as the presence of two
Bittersweet Humor Stops
Whatever else it is, it is a moment
My grandfather hanged himself. To
foreign
of high drama in the history of the
see this system crumbling, the. Com-
it is as political parties multiply in an-
other Communist-turned-Socialists in
the field, Mr. Pozsgay is given a good
In the old days, Budapest was the
ticipation of next year's elections for
Hungarians, a people whose origins in
munists on the run all over the world,
open-
Photo Copy Preservation
other
chance of winning. Especially by the
fountainhead of political jokes.
Central Asia live on in their splen-
almost makes up for all that."
Parliament.
low-
A Hungarian walks into a revolving
Free Democrats, a small party that
Even as the evolution of Hungarian
didly polysyllabic language, in the
mbassa-
door behind you, people also say here,
does not much like him: So they
politics began early this year, the
high cheekbones of people on the
Newest Conquerors
and comes out in front. So it is with
cooked up the referendum and col-
wisecracks continued. In May, this
protest
streets, and in the sense of isolation
One of the less savory elements of
lected the 100,000 signatures needed
was a favorite: Communism is the
the complex and devious tactics that
from the neighboring Slavs.
the changes that are transforming
the
to get the Government to authorize it.
long, hard road between capitalism
the new parties are devising.
To share that drama, many of those
this little country is the feeling of
con-
The Free Democrats figure that
and capitalism. By July it was: The
who were scattered around in the
Next Sunday, the nation will either
neocolonialism experienced by long-
ghtened
the Socialists and their allies will do
difference between the United States
world - first in 1939, again in 1948,
term residents. A British woman
goslavia
vote, or not, on whether it will hold a
point
of
presidential election, or not. If more
badly in the voting next spring, so
and Hungary is that the United States
and once again in 1956 - are travel-
commented that wherever she went
they want the new Parliament, in
has a Communist Party. Now, noth-
A
than 50 percent of eligible voters cast
ing back to Budapest.
here, she was. treated like a member
which Pozsgay supporters would
ing.
last
their ballots, and more than 50 per-
presumably be a minority, to choose
Mikroszkop, a political cabaret, is
Some are well known, like Paul
of the ruling class.
ondents
cent of them vote no, the presidential
still going, and so is Hocipo, a sa-
Kovi, one of the proprietors of the
Hungary has been conquered, plun-
were
election tentatively scheduled for
a President next summer.
Four Seasons restaurant in Manhat-
dered and ruled by foreigners for
tirical newspaper. But there are no
riving
Jan. 7 will be canceled. But if less
tan, who comes here for fun and to
many centuries - the Turks, the Aus-
To some people sitting on the side-
new one-liners circulating among the
S men-
than 50 percent vote, or if more than
lawyers, the bartenders and the hotel
help in the fight on behalf of ethnic
trians and the Russians, to name only
lines of this byzantine maneuvering,
50 percent vote and more than 50 per-
the main problem with it is that Mr.
Hungarians in northern Rumania.
the most recent overlords. Now we
concierges who used to retail them so
cent of them vote yes, then the elec-
shall see, Hungarians are saying to
Pozsgay seems to have just the qual-
avidly and so very malaciously.
But many are not well known. Vic-
tion will take place on schedule.
one another, whether the Americans
ities needed in a President.
tor and Iby Laslo are cases in point.
and the est-Europeans behave the
Clear? Certainly not, except to the
Now people can say what they
She was born in Hungary, and SO
"You need someone whom the Rus-
same way.
boys in the back room who thought it
mean, without the code of humor
were his parents. Having retired
up in the first place.
sians can trust not to try to pull out of
"whoneeds double entendre now?"
"It's inevitable," said Ronald S.
from his practice as a patent lawyer,
the Warsaw Pact, or something fool-
Lauder, the cosmetics heir and for-
asked Andres Sugar, a television re-
The purpose of the whole exercise
he and his wife split their time among
ish like that,' Western Ambassador
mer New -York mayoral candidate,
porter who used to delight in telling
Geneva, Vienna, Budapest and a
is to deny the presidency to Imre
said. "You need someone whom the
who is looking for investment oppor-
foreign visitors just slightly anti-
Pozsgay, a popular former Commu-
house in the California wine country.
liberals in Parliament can trust not to
Communist jokes. "Who needs to hide
tunities here. "Two, three years, and
M.
Hungary's odyssey has become a
nist, now a Socialist, who is probably
go for dissolution every time they get
behind jokes in the day of free
there will be a backlash against this
consuming passion for them.
capitalist exploitation."
erspectiv
Section 4
Chicago Tribune Sunday,November 12, 1989
Iron Curtain crumbling
'All bets are off' as predictability gives way to change and uncertainty
By Charles M. Madigan
fined areas of influence, with the Soviet
during similar events in the past.
would happen next, simply smiled and
the Warsaw Pact relationship is crum-
ne of the most important ele-
Union in firm control of its satellites in
As for checking the health of Soviet or
said, "All bets are off" in the world of
bling, along with assumptions about the
ments in Soviet-American rela-
Eastern Europe and the United States
East bloc leadership, the process involved
Soviet bloc prediction.
staying power of leaders in totalitarian
tions during four decades of the
cementing its relationship with the rest
taking a look at the lineup on Lenin's
If a persistent memory of Soviet lead-
states.
Cold War was predictability. Now that
of Europe through NATO. 1
tomb every Revolution Day, Nov. 7, or
ership is the image of a pathetic Leonid
The longest-serving communist ruler,
has been lost in the vortex of change in
If the behavior on the other side of the
reviewing Pravda to see whose face was
Brezhnev fumbling through a Revolution
Bulgaria's Todor I. Zhivkov, Friday an-
Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.
world was sometimes shocking, over
missing from the photos of the event.
Day speech late in his life, the reality is a
nounced his resignation after 35 years of
Although no one could ever say exactly
time it was not surprising. Invasions
It was a primitive, but generally de-
vibrant and unpredictable Mikhail Gor-
hard-line control. Democracy has already
what would happen, everyone could
were staged at the request for "fraternal
pendable, analysis constructed com-
bachev doing a standup Q&A for Mos-
arrived in Hungary and Poland, and the
safely assume, based on long experience,
assistance" from socialist neighbors. Dis-
pletely on the assumption of predictabili-
cow TV right after last week's military
demand for change is thundering across
that the central players would remain
sent was crushed.
ty.
parade, warning that an economic sword
much of what had been the rest of the
true to their roles.
Over the years, the events formed a
All of that has changed now. Uncer-
of Damocles was hanging over the na-
Soviet empire, too.
The world was carved into clearly de-
pattern of behavior so apparent that the
tainty has arrived to fill the gap created
tion.
If the abiding Cold War symbol is the
best way to predict how the Soviets and
by the death of predictability.
If the memory of Eastern Europe is of
Berlin Wall, the reality is East Ger-
Charles M. Madigan is The Tribune's
their satellites would react to an event in
One Western diplomat in Moscow, sol-
a bloc of passive, firmly controlled and
many's decision only last Thursday, in
senior national correspondent.
the future was to review their behavior
icited last week for his analysis of what
predictable countries, the reality is that
See Change, pg. 6
Photo Copy Preservation
SWEDEN
New East Europe
Helsinki
Tallinn
NORWAY
Stockholm
ESTONIA
born with mix of
LATVIA
pain, happiness
North
Copenhagen
Riga
By Paula Butturini
DEN
Baltic Sea
LITHUANIA
W
ARSAW-It's Friday and the news comes on
USSR
here at 5:15 p.m. and I'm hoping to see the
first TV pictures in Poland of what has been
Kaunas
happening in Berlin. People say it is a momentous
thing for the Germans, but I think it is a momentous
Minsk
thing for anybody who grew up with the atom bomb.
Gdansk
I can remember as a child sneaking out of bed and
POLAND
sitting at the top of the staircase in our house, listening
to my parents talking to their friends on a Saturday
Berlin
night about the horrors and fears of war with the
Poznan
Soviets. I would go to bed scared to death but I.
WEST
EAST
Warsaw
couldn't say anything because I wasn't supposed to be
GERMAN
up listening in the first place.
GERMANY
Wroclaw
Kiev
With the news from Berlin last night [Thursday
night], it was the first time we have felt, well, my God,
Born
Dresden
Krakow
maybe there is a chance! It was something on the order
EUROPE
of I will always remember the day John F. Kenne-
dy was killed and I will never forget this night.
Frankfurt
Prague
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Sometimes it seems the whole of Eastern Europe is
in chaos, but when you strip away the visible action,
the same thing is happening everywhere. Communism
used fear to control populations for four decades. But
Munich T
now the fear is being replaced by anger at the political
Vienna
and social mess it left behind after so many-years in
Zurich
Budapest
power.
AUSTRIA
There are two apparent options for Eastern Eu-
HUNGARY
ropeans, push for reform, or head west. One involves
AUSTRIA
There are two apparent options for Eastern Eu-
HUNGARY
ROMANIA
ropeans, push for reform. or head west. One involves
confronting a mammoth political challenge. And the
other one sometimes just breaks your heart.
I have been shuttling across Eastern Europe from my
Zagreb
Bucharest
base in Warsaw for the past two months, trying to
Belgrade
keep up with changes that seem to be happening at the
speed of light. Once a correspondent's job entailed
measuring the snail's pace of state socialism as it
YUGOSLAVIA
inched its way toward the pure communism of the
future. Suddenly it's the job of witnessing the passing
BULGARIA
of the old order.
Adriatic Sea
There is a new Eastern Europe being born, and like
Sofia
the process of childbirth, it involves a mix of happiness
and great pain. These days you see them both almost
ALBANIA
anywhere you go, and sometimes at the same time.
At Pomezi Nad Ohri, Czechoslovakia's northernmost
100
border crossing point into West Germany, it was only
Miles
Tirana
See Europe, pg. 7
Mediterranean Sea
Paula Butturini is The Tribune's East European cor-
Chicago Tribune/DAVID JAHNTZ
respondent.
Bush, aides struggle to find
Snapshots of life from
the right way to respond
'a brand-new ball game'
By Timothy J. McNulty
questions in his reclining desk
T
here'll always be a hustler.
spokeswoman, Malgorzata Nieza-
ASHINGTON-With a
chair in the Oval Office Thurs-
W
Gyorgy Tabori, 34, working
bitowska, was at a luncheon or-
momentous transforma-
day, the President twirled a pen-
with a big British public re-
ganized by Western journalists
Photo Copy Preservation
tion underway in East-
cil in his fingers and looked
lations firm, wants to become
recently when a loud, insistent
em Europe, President Bush and
hangdog and almost despondent,
Eastern Eurpope's first big-time
ring of the doorbell interrupted
his foreign policy advisers are in-
as if the Berlin Wall were going
political PR manager. "It's a
conversation. Niezabitowska, a
creasingly befuddled over finding
up instead of crumbling under
brand-new ball game and nobody
former Solidarity journalist,
a proper public response to the
the weight of a combined and
has any experience how to handle
looked a bit startled and then
lightning changes.
hopeful German citizenry.
it," Tabori says, launching into his
laughed. "Not very long ago,"
White House officials have
Friday morning the President
sales pitch in the bustling lobby of
she said, "that bell might have
been unable to come up with a
tried to change that impression
the Hyatt Hotel in Budapest,
been the police coming to detain
single initiative to capture the
during a speech in Dallas. "I was
Hungary. "People need to know
us for having an illegal
public's imagination or promote
moved, as you all were, by the
how to get prepared for an elec-
meeting-a Solidarity member
a greater role for the United
pictures of Berliners from East
tion, how to communicate to
talking with the Western press."
States in the political rear-
and West, standing atop the Wall
voters. They need to know how to
rangement of Europe that now
with chisels and hammers,
build a personal and party image.
seems inevitable.
celebrating the opening of the
And they need to know how to
What could Fidel Castro be
most vivid symbol of the Iron
run a local government. Nobody's
thinking of? In a factory visit last
Their inability to settle on a
Curtain," an upbeat Bush said.
ever done these things here.'
week, the Cuban leader lamented
strong presidential theme and to
the "very sad things" happening
He also acknowledged he had
elsewhere in the communist
focus America's response was
especially glaring in the last
not anticipated such rapid
Supporters of Czechoslovakia's
world but added, "Obviously, we
three days as Bush at first of-
change. "To be honest with you,
best- known dissident, playwright
respect everyone's right to solve
fered only tepid encouragement
I doubted that this would happen
Vaclav Havel, embarrassed the
their problems in the way they
to East Germany for its start-
in the very first year of this ad-
Communist Party daily Rude
see fit." In two major speeches
ministration
he said. "No
ling liberalization of emigration
Pravo by tricking it into printing
earlier this year, Castro adopted
policy.
one really accurately predicted
Havel's picture on his birthday.
the motto "Socialism or Death."
the speed of the changes in East-
Instead of giving his real name,
That attitude was a reflection
em Europe. Certainly I didn't.'
they used the name Ferdinand
of the thinking of his closest
Vanek, a semiautobiographical
Hungary's parliament is
aides, who are reluctant to em-
If the administration's policy of
a measured response is correct,
character who appears in several
seeking bids on removing the
brace in public the changes for
the pitch of his message seemed
of Havel's plays. During a big
giant 3,200-pound communist
fear they may eventually backfire.
antigovernment demonstration in
red star from atop the parliament
Trying to explain Bush's per-
disappointing and off-key. One
glum White House aide recog-
Prague on Oct. 28, protesters
building in Budapest. Two
formance, White House officials
nized the confusion in the Pre-
marched past the hospital where
months ago the government or-
insisted the President did not
Havel was being treated for a re-
dered all red stars removed from
sident's stance. "It looks like
want to "inflame the situation"
spiratory ailment and chanted,
public buildings, and lights on
we're getting way behind the PR
or appear to be gloating.
curve, he said.
Long live Ferdinand Vanek!"
the big star were switched off last
month. Church restorers had
But Bush may have overdone
Other presidential advisers
shown an interest in removing
his "prudent" pose. Answering
argue that "it's all going our
Poland's new government
the star, but say they might need
way," and they believe a high
an army helicopter to do the job.
Timothy J. McNulty is a Trib-
American profile might only en-
Compiled from reports by Trib-
It's to be replaced by a weather
une White House correspondent.
See Bush, pg. 6
Illustration by David Suter
une correspondents and wires.
See Snapshots, pg. 7
6
Section 4
Chicago Tribune, Sunday, November 12, 1989
was built on a foundation of mis-
Korea's attack on South Korea.
Change
trust. Four decades of skepticism
"It is quite striking and important
doesn't melt away in a few months.
to remember that it was the North
Continued from page 1
One of the problems of the new
Koreans, not the Soviets," Zimmer-
era is that the U.S. really doesn't
man said. "One of the most telltale
response to nothing short of a pop-
know how to trust the Soviets yet.
acts of Stalin's behavior was to pull
nd of Se
ular uprising, to allow its citizens
As optimistic as the political de-
Soviet troops out of North Korea
to pass freely to the West.
velopments in Eastern Europe ap-
to make sure the Americans didn't
Those old images were all ele-
pear to be, they come at the ex-
end up fighting the Soviets."
ments that played central roles in
pense of stability and at the loss of
That fact provided one of the
40 years of scholarship aimed at
the assurance that both sides knew
golden nuggets in early Soviet anal-
interpreting and anticipating Soviet
very well the limits of behavior,
ysis: that the Kremlin was not eager
behavior.
however bad it might have seemed
to take big risks.
Now Gorbachev's domestic polit-
at the time.
Predictability and awareness of in-
ical reforms have blotted out the
What is being abandoned is that
terests also played a role in the So-
meaning of much of that experi-
old, dependable formula that dic-
viet invasion of Czechoslovakia in
Sale
ence, glasnost has turned what was
tated where the U.S. and the Soviet
1968, and a bit of a role earlier
a trickle of information into a tidal
Union stood in relation to one an-
than that in the Soviet invasion of
wave, and the developments in
other, a theory embodied in the
Hungary in 1956.
East Germany, Hungary and Po-
State Department's policy of "con-
"Lyndon Johnson went out of his
land are forcing the world to find a
tainment of communism," which
way to let the Soviets know we
new definition for what it means to
dominated American foreign policy
weren't going to do anything in
patio
be East European.
for most of 40 years.
1968," Zimmerman said. The
ENCLOSURES. INC.
The contrast between historical
Some historians have argued
Kremlin also knew that there would
events and the events of the last
that, since the mid-1950s, the lines
not be a military response from the
few months is stunning.
of authority and behavior were so
West to the invasion of Hungary.
Twenty years ago, the develop-
clear that neither side made the
As valuable as that experience was
ments in East Germany or Hunga-
mistake of stepping into the other's
in setting the terms of the super-
ry would have seen everyone antici-
turf, with the sole and significant
power relationship, it has been ren-
pating the arrival of Soviet tanks,
exception being the Cuban missile
dered all but worthless by the devel-
or the push for change would have
crisis in 1962. Neither side wanted
opments in the Soviet Union and
been crushed long before it reached
American soldiers fighting Russian
Eastern Europe over the last few
any advanced stage.
soldiers.
years. It is part of old history.
These days, there is talk of taking
One of the most noteworthy de-
No one appears to be acting in
the Kremlin at its word when it
velopments in the early Cold War,
character anymore, a welcome
says it will not interfere in the de-
in the view of University of Michi-
change on one level, but a change
veloping turmoil of East European
gan Soviet specialist William Zim-
that makes everything more com-
nations. That element of trust is
merman, was that the Soviets played
plicated and less predictable on an-
brand new to a relationship that
no visible role at all in North
other.
Bush
expected at Bush's seaborne summit
mut Kohl in particular. He also in-
with Gorbachev are the crippled
tensified his preparations for the
economies in the Soviet Union and
supposedly "non-summit summit."
Continued from page 1
elsewhere in Eastern Europe. But
The U.S. attitude is calculated,
Bush, feeling the pressure of the
danger the economic and political
White House officials insist, to not
U.S. budget deficit and conservative
get ahead of events. There is still a
reforms in Poland, Hungary and
disdain for bailing out Warsaw Pact
now East Germany.
fear that rapid change could pro-
nations, already has rejected sug-
voke a reaction not unlike what
But on Capitol Hill and among
gestions that the U.S. could help
foreign policy experts in Washing-
happened in June to the pro-de-
with a new Marshall Plan.
ton, the greater concern is that ac-
mocracy students in Beijing's
Save Hundre
At the rendezvous in the Mediter-
Tiananmen Square.
celerated change in Eastern Europe
ranean, each leader will be looking
has already exceeded the adminis-
Bush's foreign policy advisers fear
for assurance that what is happening
Gorbachev could be forced into a
tration's ability to capitalize on
During Our End-Of-Seaso
in Eastern Europe will not threaten
similar reaction. "No one knows
events and project an image of
the other's overall interest.
bold leadership.
where the red lines are," said a Na-
"There are a number of areas
tional Security Council staffer. "But
Enclosures & Solari
Bush was elected in part because
where the two countries have paral-
there are red lines somewhere that
of his experience and expertise in
lel interests for very different rea-
we must not cross."
foreign policy, but his failure to be
sons," said an official helping to
out in front on these developments
Officials also worry that within
plan the shipboard meetings. But he
each nation, especially in East Ger-
Choose From Three Season Or Year-Round Enclo
could lead to serious problems in
quickly added a caveat: "It's not
talks with Soviet President Mikhail
many and Czechoslovakia but also
going to be a Yalta meeting to de-
in Poland, there are people eager
Custom Manufactured For Your Home, And Now, Even Mo
Gorbachev only three weeks away.
cide the future of Eastern Europe."
From talk of German reunifica-
to return to a more fascist regime,
Events have accelerated not only
tion to questions about European
ignoring both communist and dem-
Purchase Your Enclosure Or Solarium Now And Take Advant
overnight but even over lunch.
stability after 1992, American poli-
ocratic ideology.
Prices. Have It Installed This Fall Or Next Year In Time
When a senior State Department
cymakers suddenly find themselves
Some believe the greater danger
official arrived at the Washington
without the luxury of time.
lies in remaining tepid. "The Poles
bureau of The Tribune last week,
No U.S. policy toward the newly
speak to us in the language of liber-
he was told East Germany's entire
diverse East bloc has changed yet,
ty and freedom and independence,"
We Specialize In Enclosing Under
Cabinet had just resigned. "But I
former Vice President Walter Mon-
said one official, "but it may mean
just left my office," he said,
what we thought we didn't have to
dale said last week, expressing his
stunned by the news.
frustration after returning from a
worry about for another five years,
Bush himself has been spending
trip to Warsaw. "We sort of come
we have to worry about now.
more time on the phone, talking
back with the language of a book-
Among the subjects for discussion
You're Half Way There!
with West German Chancellor Hel-
keeper and bureaucrat.
The Best Is Yet To Come!
Chicago Tribune Charities presents
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Beautifully Enclosed Living Area And Extend
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Photo Copy Preservation
Chicago Tribune, Sunday. November 12, 1989
Section 4
and on the streets. But in Novem-
Europe
ades, a pain so great that its silence
cherish we save, calling it back time
ber, you have to look for more
overwhelms even the happiest
after time to reflect on the events in
subtle signs.
celebrations.
our lives. That is what I am seeing
Continued from page I
Turn on the TV and you are
Truth does have a way of coming
in Eastern Europe now. It is reflec-
likely to see someone in govern-
out eventually, and I am witnessing
ting on the events of its own life.
a week ago that I watched a
ment making a statement. A few
its sad reality now in Poland. Amid
Some of them are public reflections,
muddy blue Trabant auto rattle
years ago, maybe be was in jail, or
the cheers for reform, away from
like the scene at the Warsaw ceme-
into a parking area. The little car
wanted for antisocial behavior.
the cameras and personalities, sits
tery. And some of them are private.
sounded just like a lawn mower, its
Pick up the newspapers and they
Walbrzyska Street Cemetery in
A miller in central Poland once
two-stroke engine straining.
are full of information, a far cry
south Warsaw.
told me that his mother had been
A middle-aged East German
from the dull, official media that
There is a 15-foot high wooden
imprisoned for baking bread for the
couple climbed out, followed by
set the tone for so many years.
cross in the cemetery. A single or-
Home Army, the underground resis-
their son, his wife and a toddler in
You have to search for change in
ange taper burns at its foot. I'm
tance that fought first against the
a pink parka. The grandparents
much of the rest of Eastem Europe,
told that almost every day, some-
Nazis and later against the Com-
carried two stuffed duffel bags as
too. Sometimes the least apparent
one heaps fresh chrysanthemums
munists. He was 6 when she was
far as the border police would
things hold the most meaning-a
near the cross, as though it marked
allow. Then they just stood back
arrested. He never saw her again.
visit to the West German Embassy
the grave of someone beloved and
for a moment, looking at the trio
In Budapest, there is an old
in Prague, Czechoslovakia, a few
very recently departed.
getting ready to cross. They had no
woman who says she was never able
weeks ago, for example.
But the lost souls remembered at
camera, but it seemed they were
to determine what happened to her
I have never seen anything like it.
trying to chisel into memory a
this site suffered and died long ago
son after his disappearance in the
It was unbelievable-pure pande-
lasting image of three loved ones.
AP Laserphoto
in Josef Stalin's push to consoli-
Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Last
monium. East Germans everywhere,
Part of the exodus: East Germans walk and drive to freedom as
date his power at the end of World
1 watched their long. sad em-
June, she saw his name on a news-
camping on the lawn, resting on
brace. The young parents picked
three-tier bunk beds in the omate
they cross into West Germany from Czechoslovakia last week.
War II. There is not much left in
paper list. More than three decades
the grave but some bones. Some of
after he disappeared, she learned her
up their bags and took the baby by
old reception room. The place
the hand. They walked down a
the bodies were wrapped in paper
son had been killed, his remains
smelled like coffee and sweat and
decided to go all the way. Instead of
45 years and is covered with soot.
and lime to speed up the process
dumped in the same weedy ceme-
slight hill and up a long, winding
baby food and damp socks.
cleaning up the old act, it created an
Its beautiful 19th Century buildings,
curve until they were out of sight.
of decomposition.
tery plot as Imre Nagy, the
Photo Copy Preservation
Somebody said once that if given
entirely new one. The Communist
massive buildings, are crumbling. It
For more than an hour, the
I am told that the people buried in
Hungarian leader executed for
the chance, everyone would vote
Party was abolished and, voila! the
can't hold a candle to Prague, still
grandparents stood on that little spot
this particular deep grave had been
treason after the uprising.
with their feet. It's a pretty simple
Socialist Party was born.
unreformed but at least renovated in
in Czechoslovakia, weeping and
shot, hanged or tortured. Their nude
In Czechoslovakia, a farmer
formula. What you hate, you walk
The sense got from the public
a bid to lure tourists.
staring west toward the family they
remains were dumped at night. Re-
showed me some of the tools in use
away from. And that was certainly
was that this was all a lot of hooey.
had lost. It was a sad moment that
The buildings in Prague are beau-
cords from Mokotow Prison nearby
true in this case. In an East Ger-
at a collective farm. He recognized
How were they supposed to believe
tiful. Unfortunately, once you step
indicate 700 bodies were dumped
them because he and his father had
just might have a happy ending
many where no democracy existed,
that a party that had ruled for 40
inside, memories of the smell at the
between 1945 and 1948. But I've
someday. Between then and now,
used them years ago, before the state
the exiles were voting with their
years as the Communists could be-
old West German Embassy with its
heard estimates that climb into the
the East Germans decided to open
claimed their land. He can still point
feet, and the trail to freedom at
come the Socialists overnight?
the border. Maybe the next picture
pack of stranded East Germans are
thousands by the time the midnight
to the boundaries of his old farm,
that point carried them through the
The transformation has not gone
evoked. If reform must cut to the
they etch into their memories will be
burials stopped in 1956.
and he says he remembers that some
old embassy in Prague.
well. I have been told there were
a happy one. You can always hope.
very foundation of a society, renova-
It's one of the saddest realities of
of the tools belonged to a neighbor.
Like all refugees across time,
700,000 to 800,000 members of the
tion should, too. Or at least it
If that chapter of the impact of
people salvage just the important
what is happening right now in East-
A few days before the East Ger-
Communist Party in the very recent
change persists from my visit to
should try to do something about
things they can carry. It strikes me
em Europe. Pieces of dark history
mans opened the Berlin Wall, I
Czechoslovakia, the reality back on
old days, but the new Socialist Party
the smell in the hallways.
that the possessions of these exiles
buried long ago are pushing their
chatted with a middle-aged man
the streets of Warsaw is a lot less
has only 35,000 members.
were a good measure of what had
It's easy to make jokes about
way back to the surface, like the
standing near the Pomezi border
dramatic. Tremendous changes
been important to them. A couple
People don't seem to be paying
Eastern Europe or to feel no small
bones of the dead, and all of the
crossing. In his own exhumation of
have occured in Poland over the
much attention to it.
of suitcases. Maybe a child's favor-
amount of pride as an American
pain and fear that marked the dec-
history, he recalled that the state had
past few months, but you have to
ite stuffed toy. It is a meager col-
One thing that hasn't changed
over the political developments.
ades of tight Soviet control are com-
refused him permission to attend his
search to find them.
lection, and that may be the one
about Budapest is the look. Bu-
But again, when you go searching
ing back with them.
father's funeral in the West.
I am writing this in a nice house
reason why they are heading west.
dapest looks like a dirty Vienna, a
for meaning, sometimes you find
Good memory is one of life's
That was many years ago. His
on the southern edge of town.
Vienna that hasn't been cleaned in
If they had a tractor-trailer of
pain that has been buried for dec-
most powerful mysteries. What we
voice still shook with anger.
There are fruit trees in the back
belongings and a life they cher-
yard that offer an umbrella of bril-
ished, they wouldn't be leaving.
liant white flowers in the spring
But once these refugees kissed
and a canopy of green during the
their friends and families goodbye,
summer. But in November, with its
there was nothing much else to leave
rains and its grayness, Warsaw
behind but an ideology in collapse.
looks just like death.
People all over Eastern Europe
I have watched the retreat of
are making those kinds of choices
communism in Poland for quite
now. And even though I know they
some time now, and there aren't
happened, some of them are diffi-
many signs of that ideology in evi-
cult to believe.
dence. Solidarity has its posters
I was in Budapest when the
and symbols all over the place, but
Hungarian Communist Party made
they were there even before, when
a very unusual decision. Everyone
the organization was not legal.
was angry about communism in
This is a nation with a troubled
Hungary. Their own revolution in
Why Settle For A
history and constantly bubbling po-
1956 had been brutally crushed by
litical rhetoric. It's what they talk
the Russians. But now the winds of
about in the bars and restaurants
change were blowing. So the party
ing of values inside and outside the
Snapshots
times, will strip them of the smell
of cheap sensation and myth, while
Medicare Supplement
contributing to an objective view on
Continued from page 1
the rich and complex period of the
vane.
'60s in our film.
...
...
In Poland, the dollar has gone
Alexander Dubcek, the man who
into a free fall. Worth 12,000 zlo-
engineered the "Prague Spring,"
tys on the black market only a
was a nonperson for years, effec-
couple of months ago, a dollar now
tively in exile as a provincial forest-
buvs only 4,800 zlotys. Poles with
ry official until he reappeared a
That Gives You
dollars-it's legal to have them-
week 320-on Soviet television.
mio a tree tan. worm 12,000 210-
engineered an INBUL
tys on the black market only a
was a nonperson for years, effec-
couple of months ago, a dollar now
tively in exile as a provincial forest-
buys only 4,800 zlotys. Poles with
ry official until he reappeared a
I nal GIVES IUU
dollars-it's legal to have them-
week ago-on Soviet television.
are thronging to hard-currency
The sympathetic treatment of Dub-
shops because it's suddenly cheaper
cek, in a documentary on the
10 buy, say, a TV set for dollars
events of 1968, was taken as a
there than to convert dollars to
clear sign that Moscow is reassess-
zlotys and buy one on the regular
ing the Soviet invasion.
market (assuming one can be
...
found). Other popular items: or-
Atty. Gen. Dick Thornburgh,
anges, bananas and chocolate.
fresh from a visit to the USSR,
...
says it would be "foolish" to
In Czechoslovakia, all films made
preclude the possibility of enlisting
More Paperwork
in the 1960s and banned after Sovi-
an unlikely ally in the fight against
ct tanks crushed the reforms of the
international terrorism and drug
"Prague Spring" in 1968 may now
traffic. He was talking about the
be shown. Cautious government
KGB-but he said he retains a
cultural officials were quick to add,
"healthy skepticism" and there's a
thowever, that the decision wasn't
catch that has to be cleared up
meant to paint that period in a
first: The Soviets have to renounce
benign new light. Said one: The de-
state-sponsored terrorism. "What
cision "will make it possible for a
their response will be," he said, "I
Than Coverage?
better and more objective determin-
don't know."
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So Much More.
Red Profs Get Pink Slips as Mandatory Marxism Courses End
In universities throughout East-
strating against their Communist
professors and other instructors
work teaching the politics of Cen-
But even instructors said the
By Marc Fisher
ern Europe, the rigid, Soviet-in-
rulers.
are expected to lose their jobs.
tral and Eastern Europe. It won't be
material was most effective as a
Washington Post Foreign Service
spired curriculum that made Marx-
The sole purpose of Marxism-Le-
Some are applying to teach in oth-
easy. When employers hear that an
soporific. "This department had
EAST BERLIN-In 90 days,
ism-Leninism and Russian-language
ninism courses, said Beatrix Schulz,
er departments. Some are trying
applicant
taught
Marxism-
long ago ceased to be current,"
Prof. Eckhard Lassow's profession
courses mandatory for all students
a freshman language student at
to retrain themselves in other
Leninism, "it sounds almost like you
Lassow said. "We emphasized the
will no longer exist
is being eliminated, to be replaced
Humboldt, "was to put the ideology
fields. And some expect to be out
were in the Stasi," the now-dis-
good parts of East Germany but
Beginning in August, the Marx-
by the more flexible system that
of the country in the péople's
on the street, learning firsthand
solved secret police, Lassow said.
didn't say what was bad. We didn't
ism-Leninism department at East
governs West European higher ed-
heads."
about one aspect of Western econ-
Marxism-Leninism courses at
talk about the fact that our econ-
Berlin's Humboldt University will
ucation.
From early childhood through
omies they often criticized in
East German universities were a
omy didn't always work."
be dissolved. No longer will every
The dramatic change in the
college years, students were sur-
class-unemployment.
form of political control and a mech-
The content of courses was or-
college student in the country be
structure of East European educa-
rounded by banners and posters
"The problem isn't only in the
anism for recruiting and training
dained by the Communist Party's
required to study four years of
tion seems quick to university in-
that read: "The study of Marx is
Marxism department," Lassow
the party elite. Every student, re-
policy-making Central Committee,
Communist ideology. No longer will
structors, but quite late to many
all-powerful because it is the
said. "It touches other depart-
gardless of prospective profession,
according to George Turner, head
students' career paths-no matter
students. East Germany will have
truth." Now, said first-year stu-
ments as well, such as economics.
had to pay considerable attention to
of West Berlin's department of
what fields they enter-depend on
adopted a Western currency, econ-
dent Kirsten Lommatzsch, "the
Anyone who leaves the university
courses in socialist theory and the
education. The primary task of
their performance in frustratingly
omy and political system before it
only place you might see that mot-
now will have a difficult time find-
history of the workers' movement
East Germany's six universities
vague political theory classes.
gets around to scrapping a teaching
to is maybe in a comedy show or a
ing another job."
because scholarships and job place-
was "to train qualified cadres in all
And no longer will Lassow and
system that was vastly unpopular
cabaret."
Lassow is studying political sci-
ments were based in part on grades
sectors of society and to carry out
his colleagues have jobs.
long before citizens began demon-
At Humboldt alone, about 80
ence these days, hoping to find
in those classes.
See UNIVERSITY, A43, Col. 1
upset the victor's stomach
work.
run, this is a victory that could
favor of capitalism. But in the long
"economically been decided in
attractive.
bad."
Germany, will once again prove
ing in the Soviet Union and East
material he spent decades study-
that the ideas of Marx and Lenin,
differently
cialism.
Right now, he said confidently,
"Everyone knows they didn't think
the university. In fact, he said,
vor with the party officials who ran
the Communists only to curry fa-
gue that they sang the praises of
Many of his colleagues now ar-
ferently, Lassow said.
now, say, We always thought dif-
"It's horrible how many people
form we had here.'
believe in Marxism but not in the
tell job interviewers that "I still
to be conservative." He plans to
as a criminologist, "it will be useful
Broecker said that to get a job
in cold storage while they look for
have therefore put their theories
liefs, academics must eat. Many
But whatever their personal be-
ism is bad. Now we see it isn't all
ciety. They taught us that capital-
deal with the problems in the so-
fed the ideology, and we didn't
study just Marxism. We were just
boldt. "The mistake here was to
year criminology student at Hum-
said Fred Broecker, 24, a first-
is the right view of the world,"
the curriculum.
step.
Lassow says he is convinced
"My conviction is that Marxism
to keep a communist presence in
tors and some students are trying
ical requirements, many instruc-
welcomed the ending of the polit-
Although many students have
people who strongly believe in so-
colleges are still dominated by
Humboldt and other East German
fuel the drive for Westernization,
fessors and students have helped
European countries, where pro-
Unlike universities in other East
indoctrination is only a preliminary
the heavy emphasis on political
sity systems, he said. Eliminating
the East and West German univer-
frustrated initial efforts to blend
ference in intent and structure has
nists,' Turner said. That deep dif-
society as defined by the Commu-
research geared to the needs of
UNIVERSITY, From A41
Of Communism
Mandatory Study
E. Germany Ends
Photo Copy Preservation
U.S.NEWS
One answer to the German question
Everyone is better off with Germany inside NATO-including Moscow
Where did the cold war be-
BY JOSEF JOFFE
ed. Indeed, the very demise of that empire is
gin? In Germany. Why? Be-
the most telling difference. The Warsaw Pact
cause of Germany. What
and communism were inflicted on the East;
was item No. 1 on the Washington summit
NATO and democracy embody the fondest wishes of the
agenda last week? Again, Germany.
West. The East Europeans are happy to see the Soviets go; the
That's new. Virtually all of the past sum-
West Europeans (even on the left) would be traumatized if the
mits, since Dwight Eisenhower first met with
Americans shipped out. NATO serves the interest of its
Nikita Khrushchev in 1959, revolved around classical super-
members; the Warsaw Pact was but a tool of Soviet expan-
power stuff: How many nukes for me, how many for you? Arms
sionism, and thus it is only right and fitting that it should go.
control dominated the agendas, and the endless shuffle over
This is not just a debating point. With the pact collapsing,
megatons, throw-weights and MAD (Mutually Assured De-
NATO is the only security organization still left. It provides
struction) determined the chore-
legitimacy for the American
ography of negotiation.
presence, a seasoned framework
The Washington summit was
for cooperation and an indis-
a première because the cozy
pensable insurance policy against
world of the cold war is no more.
perils lurking just beyond the So-
"Germany on my mind" was the
viet climb-down from empire.
theme song because postwar or-
Who wants a loose cannon?
der came unstuck last Novem-
What if Gorbachev falls? What if
ber, when the Berlin Wall came
the Soviet empire descends into
down. And with it fell the entire
another smuta, a "time of trou-
architecture of partition that had
bles" engendered by a succession
lent almost immutable stability
crisis and internal revolt? What
to the security affairs of Europe.
if Yugoslavia explodes? What if
Cast in concrete, the wall also
the free market in Eastern Eu-
symbolized the very essence of
rope does not deliver, propelling
the Forty Year War between the
les misérables westward and
U.S. and the U.S.S.R., which re-
turning the Oder River between
mained "cold" only because of
Poland and Germany into West-
the nuclear balance of terror.
ern Europe's "Rio Grande"?
Germany was divided because
Take any scenario and you will
neither power would let go of the
be glad to have NATO in place.
greatest prize of World War II.
But there is a final argument
And so, now we find ourselves
that even the Soviets understand.
back at the beginning. Though
The fall of the wall. Border guards exchange hats
Nobody, and that includes most
the cold war is said to be over,
Germans, wants a doose cannon
the underlying conflict is not. The Great Question is still the
on the deck. By now, even the Poles have come out in favor of
same: What to do with Germany, the country in the middle,
German membership in NATO on the simple Realpolitik
that by virtue of economic clout and geographic position is
premise that a greater Germany tied to the West is better than
bound to become No. 1 on the continent. Nor have the
a giant completely unfettered. Now, and for many years to
answers changed. The West says a united Germany must be
come, only NATO plus the U.S. can mute everybody else's
part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. And the
fears of the German colossus unlimbering its muscles. And
Soviet Union says "Nyet." That, with all respect to Mikhail
though the Soviets pretend otherwise, they know that Germa-
Gorbachev, is the wrong reply.
ny-in-NATO serves their security interests, too.
The linchpin. To begin with, the Soviet answer conceals a
But that is not their position. They favor a "Pan-European
hidden agenda that is not hard to grasp. NATO minus Germa-
security system" that would "transcend" the alliance. This is
ny is no NATO at all. Remove Germany and you are left with
the European equivalent of a Wild West posse, with all the
Britain (an offshore island), France (outside of the unified
good citizens ganging up on whoever broke the peace. Yet we
NATO command), Spain (ditto) and Italy (isolated from the
remember what happened to Gary Cooper in "High Noon."
rest by neutral neighbors). Remove the German linchpin and
When the gunslingers came calling, the victim was on his
you might just as well send the Americans packing. France
own. So was Abyssinia in 1935, when Haile Selassie pleaded
kicked U.S. forces out in 1966 and shows no sign of remorse.
with the League of Nations to make good on its "collective
Belgium and Holland? A bit crowded, just right for a platoon
security" guarantees against Fascist Italy. "Collective securi-
and a pontoon somewhere on one of those lovely canals.
ty"-one for all, all for one- did not work yesterday and it
To which Gorbachev would doubtless reply: "What's wrong
will not work tomorrow, because nations are loath to sacrifice
with pulling the plug on NATO? Haven't I just done the same
their own interests on the altar of abstract justice. Such a
to my very own Warsaw Pact by letting its members go and
system assumes security; it cannot create it.
withdrawing my troops from Hungary and Czechoslovakia?"
Mikhail Gorbachev should know better. No one will wel-
In debate strategy, this is known as the "fallacy of false
come the U.S.S.R. into the "common European Home" as
symmetry." NATO and the Warsaw Pact are not the same;
long as there are 385,000 Soviet troops squatting in East
the Western Alliance does not have to commit suicide just
Germany. And Gorbachev surely knows that the U.S.S.R. is
because the Soviet empire in Eastern Europe has self-destruct-
alone in wanting to separate Germany from NATO.
U.S.NEWS & WORLD REPORT, June 11, 1990
Photo Copy Preservation
33
THE WASHINGTON POST
Bill Bradley
Photo Copy Preservation
We Can't Afford Not to Help East Europe
And we could do it for one percent of the defense budget.
The Bush administration's unfair attack
economic stabilization programs, our gov-
choice but to abandon hope of achieving the
on House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt's
ernment should provide firm assurances
prosperity its people's sacrifice and courage
speech at the Center for National Policy
that our markets will be open to the goods
have surely earned.
was a blatant attempt to cover up a major
and services these countries produce. Un-
Ironically, Germany is the example of
inadequacy of the president's policy toward
less people believe this, they simply won't
why debt relief is a strategic opportunity.
Eastern Europe. The $380 million the pres-
invest anywhere near the sums required for
At the end of World War I, the victors
ident proposed to bolster economic growth
real prosperity. This means granting Most
turned their backs on the need to lower the
and democracy in the region is barely
Favored Nation status and extending mem-
burden of Germany's debt and repara-
enough to bail out a single major failed S&L,
bership in international economic and finan-
tions-with disastrous results. After World
much less jumpstart national economies
cial institutions as soon as these countries
that have been dead for decades. Congress
War II, the allied powers avoided a repeat of
are ready.
should seize the initiative and set aside an
their earlier mistake and granted Germany
We must also facilitate access to up-to-
amount of up to one percent of the defense
deep debt relief in the 1953 London Agree-
date technology and equipment. The U.S.
budget as a catalyst for East European
ment on German Debt. Such enlightened
government should take the lead in revamp-
reconstruction.
self-interest should guide us in dealing with
ing strategic-trade controls SO that East
Poland in the 1990s.
For almost half a century, the Soviet threat
European nations can buy the robots, com-
rested on troops stationed in the client re-
These initiatives are not costly. We could
puters and other items they will need in a
gimes Stalin set up in Central Europe. Our
do them all for less than one percent of the
modern economy. This can be done without
defense budget. But unless we contribute
security efforts focused on deterring Soviet
touching sensitive military issues.
assaults on Western Europe. Last year that
these resources, we will be missing the
defense cost about $125 billion.
In addition, the U.S. government should
opportunity to collect a security dividend-
Now new democratic governments have
both military and economic-of our own.
begun to insist that Soviet forces go home.
At the same time, we should recognize
The political and economic success of these
that the Soviet Union is in a different
East European democracies would significantly
circumstance. We should stand ready to
enhance our own security. Instead of a band of
respond forthrightly to the transition from a
hostile armies, we could face a line of healthy,
centrally planned to a market-based econo-
prosperous economies anchored in the West.
my. But as leading Soviet reformers them-
Although Eastern Europe's movement to-
selves recognize; reconstruction aid and
ward reform seems irreversible, success is
guaranteed investment would be a mistake,
at least for now. Mikhail Gorbachev's im-
unfortunately far from guaranteed. Even
those countries that have made the most
pressive strides in liberalizing Soviet soci-
progress-Poland, Hungary, Czechoslova-
ety have yet to extend to the economic
kia-face enormous problems because of
front. A nation that has an economy larger
the legacy of Stalinist controls imposed on
than Japan's, that is burdened with a 60-
them by the Soviet Union. Yet each has
year history of collectivism, that unlike
already faced up to the fact that success
Eastern Europe has yet to bite the bullet of
means submitting to the rigors of interna-
price decontrol and other crucial reforms,
tional competition and shedding rigid price
that still spends huge sums on military
controls. This is a revolutionary change.
forces it does not need and cannot get food
The potential investment needs of East-
from field to shelf without much of it rot-
BY BILL SNEAD THE WASHINGTON POST
ern Europe are enormous. According to a
ting: such a country simply cannot use
leading Western bank, Eastern Germany
provide technical assistance to build the insti-
foreign aid efficiently enough now to justify
could absorb $500 billion in the next 10
tutions critical to the pluralistic market-based
asking American taxpayers to foot the bill
years, and Poland's needs are even greater.
economies: tax, banking and accounting sys-
for it. I'd rather spend that money at home.
With such massive needs, the question is
tems, a judicial system to enforce contracts
Finally, we should remember that if East-
how best to get momentum quickly into the
and protect private property, an educational
ern Europe succeeds, the patterns of eco-
process of development.
system to instill new attitudes and skills that
nomic and political relations and the percep-
After World War II, the genius of the
are indispensable in a democratic entrepre-
tions of mutual interest that evolve during
Marshall Plan lay in its premises: self-help,
neurial society, viable political parties and an
the transition will endure long into the
free trade and European economic integra-
independent press. The U.S. government can
future. That's the lesson of the Marshall
tion. The United States provided some ma-
mobilize Americans-especially those with
Plan If we give help, we can forge lasting
terial resources and an open market, while
East European roots and language skills-to
bonds based on common democratic values,
Europe provided domestic political leader-
help.
cultural ties and economic, interests. If we
ship and private initiative. For the most
Our government can advise on converting
fail to provide sufficient support, we cannot
part, the salvation of Eastern Europe like-
military resources to meet pressing needs
realistically expect that Western Europe,
wise has to come from within. The member
such as roads, telecommunications and pol-
Japan and the other nations we leave to pay
states understand that, which is why they
the costs will look after our interests.
lution controls. We should also cooperate
have already embarked on radical economic
with Western Europe and Japan in providing
Nor should we be surprised if the future of
and political reform. But they need our help
seed capital to modernize production systems
Eastern Europe has a major impact on Western
to sustain their revolution.
and promote competitive small businesses.
Europe's economic evolution. Americans are
This doesn't only mean more money.
In Poland, we must take the lead in
unlikely to be pleased with the outcome unless
Training and know-how are also important.
our contribution is commensurate with our
marshaling support for the new govern-
There's an enormous requirement for pri-
ment's urgent request for a comprehensive
interests. And our contribution will not be big
vate sector initiatives in filling in these
enough unless our ambition for our values is
reduction of its huge foreign debt and debt
gaps, and efforts are already under way,
bold enough. This is the time to seize the
service. This debt-some $40 billion, most-
especially by West Europeans. But the U.S.
initiative for democracy. If President Bush fails
ly owed to West Germany-is one of the
government can also make a major contri
world's highest and least payable debt bur-
to do so, Democrats in the Congress have an
bution, as Sen. Joe Biden's effort in the
obligation to try, now,
dens. It clouds prospects for desperately
Foreign Relations Committee recognizes,
needed investment by Poles and foreigners
The writer is a Democratic senator from
Aside from supporting East European
alike. Without a solution, Poland has little
New Jersey.
NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1990
Upheaval in the East: The Curtain Goes Up in Bonn
Poles Are Promised Role in Talks on German Unity
By SERGE SCHMEMANN
When the border
the Western powers and West Ger-
Bonn's sensitivity to the concerns and
Special to The New York Times
many determined to keep a united Ger-
apprehensions of its neighbors and
BONN, March 14 - The two Germa-
nys and the four World War II Allies
is the issue,
many in NATO, and the Soviet Union
allies. The Chancellor finally agreed
wary of any such arrangement.
last week to have both German Parlia-
held their first formal talks on German
Warsaw will be
Poland's western border is among
ments adopt matching pledges on the
unity today and emerged with an
the questions left formally unresolved
sanctity of the frontier, but Warsaw
agreement to include Poland in the-dis-
after the war. It was for this reason
invited.
has continued demanding something
cussions when they came the ques-
that when the "two plus four" talks
even stronger.
tion of Polish borders.
were begun in Ottawa a month ago, Po-
Diplomatssafd the United States was
The meeting, under the "two plus
land began its quest for formal reas-
anxious to show progress toward reas-
four" formula, was to have dealt
surance that a united Germany will
suring Poland before f visit to Wash-
largely with procedural matters,
premise is inherent in the talks being
recognize the existing borders.
ington/nexteweekebyrPrime"Minister
awaiting the elections in East Ger-
dubbed the "two plus four.'
Kohl's Stand Provokes Furor
Tadeusz-Mazowiecki. France has also
many to start substantive discussions.
The other Allies had proposed rotat-
sided strongly with the Poles, and both
But the fact that a decision was made
ing the talks among all their capitals,
But Poland's initial request to take
on inviting Poland demonstrated the
the Soviet Union and Britain have pub-
but there was no indication on how
part in the talks when its borders were
licly called on Bonn to meet Warsaw's
sensitivity and urgency the issue has
Bonn had prevailed.
discussed was rejected by Chancellor
demands.
attained in recent weeks, and it was a
While the official purpose of the talks
Helmut Kohl. In subsequent weeks, Mr.
triumph.for/Poland'scampaign to gain
is to prepare a formal end to the ves-
Kohl also, repeatedly evaded, Poland's
The combined pressure was evi-
reassurance that a united Germany
demand for formal declarations by
dently enough to overcome whatever
tiges of military occupation, including
will not try to reclaim territories trans-
Allied control over Berlin, the more im-
both Germanys of their intention to ac-
reservations West Germany still had.
ferred to Poland after the war.
portant role of the negótiations is to in-
cept Poland's existing border along the
Those reservations, in any case, would
Emerging after the first daylong ses-
sure that a united Germany will not be-
Oder and Niesse rivers.
have been only from Mr. Kohl and his
sion of senior Foreign Ministry offi-
Christian Democrats, since Foreign
come a source of instability in Europe.
cials from the two Germanys, the
Mr. Kohl's clumsy handling of the
Minister Genscher has publicly de-
Security issues loom as the most
United States, the Sovlet Union, Britain
issue churned up something of an inter-
clared himself in favor of giving Po.
complex matter to be discussed, with
and France, the chief West German
national furor, raising questions about
land the reassurance it needs.
delegate, Dieter Kastrup, said the par-
ticipants "agreed Poland will be in-
vited as soon as questions are dis-
cussed that especially affect its bor-
Fact Car
ders."
Poland Expresses Satisfaction
In Warsaw, the Government spokes-
man, Zbigniew Augustynowicz, was
quoted as saying, "Any decision con-
E
cordant with our demands is greeted
con
here with satisfaction.'
alli
Mr. Kastrup said the talks otherwise
lor
comprised "an initial exchange of
Gei
ideas on which topics are to be handled
blo'
on the agenda of future sessions." He
sign
said that the discussions were held In a
und
"businesslike manner," and that par-
mu
ticipants had agreed to keep the con-
1
tents confidential.
gar
No date was set for the next meeting,
Re:
but a more formal inaugural session in
par
East Berlin at the level of foreign
back
ministers is expected soon after East
Char
Germany elects its new Parliament on
man
Sunday and the Parliament installs a
government.
M:
Hans-Dietrich Genscher, the West
a cit
German Foreign Minister, said: "The
ined
start of these talks is a moving experi-
ern
once for the Germans. It makes clear
incri
again how much the situation in Eu-
lawy
rope has changed."
oust
The meetings of the Germanys and
last
the Allies were agreed on in Ottawa a
pub
month ago as a forum for negotiating
cra
the formal conclusion of all occupation
rights by the victorious powers, and
their consent to the reunification of
I:
Germany. The arrangement agreed to
yea
at these talks will then be presented to
vic
the 35-nation security conference of At-
sla
lantic and European countries.
ent
the
Bonn Prevails on Venues
S00
West Germany, reportedly won
an
agreement for its proposal to alternate
sessions thereafter between East Ber-
fic
lin and Bonn, an arrangement the Ger-
WI
Photo Copy Preservation
mans want to underscore their prem-
se
ise that they have primacy in the dis-
Sc
cussion of their future. That same
fic
German Unification Talks
Get Underway in Bonn
All Sides Agree on Limited Role for Poland
deciding which issues will be left to
By Marc Fisher
the Germans themselves and which
Washington Post Foreign Service
will not. Although both East and
BONN, March 14-The two Ger-
West Germany are sovereign
manys and the four victorious World
states, the Four Powers still have
War II powers today began the de-
some legal and military authority
tailed and delicate task of recreating
over Germany and wield ultimate
a single German state without jeop-
administrative control over Berlin.
ardizing peace in Europe.
The Two-plus-Four talks-the
The talks opened here while the
name was designed to assert Ger-
most prominent West German pol-
man self-determination while ac-
iticians joined their neophyte col-
knowledging a role for the foreign
leagues in East Germany today, woo-
powers-are expected to ~last
ing voters in Sunday's election there
months, perhaps well into the fall,
with the promise of quick unity.
U.S. and German diplomats said.
However, the diplomats who
Poland, Italy and other European
gathered for 7½ hours of talks at
nations, meanwhile, are pressing
Bonn's Foreign Ministry are
for a role in any decisions about the
charged with devising a more mea-
future of their continent.
sured reunification that takes into
One issue was resolved after the
account the security concerns of
West Germans, continuing efforts
Europeans and the four Allied pow-
to calm the fears of their neighbors,
ers.
last night dropped their:opposition
The two German representa-
to Polish participation in the-talks.
tives, a democrat and a communist,
Dieter Kastrup, West Germany's
sat side by side, confident of a com-
leading negotiator, said all six par-
mon position that would have been
ticipants agreed today that Poland
Photo Copy Preservation
unfathomable only a few months
should take part when the German-
ago. With the Germans were the
Polish border is discussed.
Soviet, British, French and Amer-
But other obstacles remain, and
ican representatives, each with
an American involved in planning
their own concerns about the form
the talks said, "The more you look
of the new Germany and its impact
at it, the more complicated it gets.
on the balance of power.
Do Soviet troops stay in East Ger-
The initial sessions of the unifi-
many? Will there be a World War II
cation talks are to be devoted to
See GERMANY, A32, Col. 3
THE WASHINGTON POST
German Reunification Talks Open in Ba
GERMANY, From A29
peace treaty? Two-plus-Four will take months
and months.
"But even that is not so simple. Events will
rule. The real pressure is coming from 2,000
people a day leaving the East and crossing to
West Germany. If that grows larger, or if the
people take to the streets again, these talks have
to go into hyperspeed."
The six nations have already gotten stuck on
some procedural issues, including where to meet.
The Germans want to alternate between Bonn and
East Berlin; the French and Soviets want to in-
clude Paris and Moscow to emphasize that these
are not exclusively German talks.
West Germany's Kastrup said the next round
of talks would be held in East Berlin after Sun-
day's East German elections.
Once the meetings progress, the main obsta-
cles are expected to be on military issues. The
Soviets, who have 350,000 troops in East Ger-
many, want the united Germany to be neutral.
Representatives of the Germanys, the United States, Britain, Frind the Soviet Union gather in Bonn.
West Germany and the Western powers want
the country to remain in NATO, which has
troops except a small contingent of Americans
American Soviet negotiators find themselves
400,000 troops in West Germany. The Western
within five to 10 years.
equally to set, up a transitional period in
powers have said they do not intend to station
NATO Secretary General Manfred Woerner
which hus of thousands of NATO and Soviet
any troops in what is now East Germany.
said today that NATO is open to "allowing the
troops wemain on German soil.
Beyond the basic question of neutrality lie sev-
Soviets to maintain a presence for a certain time
The $s also want a united Germany to
eral issues that divide the Soviets from the oth-
in East Germany."
begin pl reparations to Poles, Soviets and
ers at the table. Moscow's representative, Ana-
But none of the countries in the talks has yet
other Europeans who lost property or fam-
toly Adamishin, a specialist on European affairs,
developed a proposal spelling out a detailed image
ily to Nggression in World War II.
wants to make sure that the new Germany can-
of a united Germany that belongs to NATO but
The rations question, which surfaced last
not pose a threat to its neighbors.
has Soviet troops in its eastern section.
month ng West German Chancellor Helmut
West German and U.S. sources here said Ada-
West Germany has told its allies that it is will-
Kohl's ate with the Polish government over
mishin's proposals include moves to remove all
ing to accept limits on its military and to pay for
the staftheGerman-Polish-border,t threatens
nuclear weapons from Germany, place strict lim-
the continued presence of Soviet troops in a unit-
to divine Western powers. Although last
its on the size and powers of the German mili-
ed Germany, Western diplomats said.
down and guaranteed the existing
tary, require Germany to pay for the stationing
U.S. diplomats said the Four Powers are agreed
the easiest path to German unity would involve
borden Poland, France has taken up the cause
of Soviet and NATO troops in Germany during a
of thees, who say they deserve a place at the
transitional period, and withdraw all foreign
the least change in current security arrangements.
Two-pFour talks because of past German ag-
Therefore, one-diplomat involved in the talks said,
gressagainst their country.
A28 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22. 1990
THE WASHINGTON POST
TEXT OF HAVEL'S SPEECH TO CONGRESS
Reuter
Havel wishes to dissolve the Warsaw Pact tomorrow
proached democracy for a mere 20 years, between the
ear Mr. President, dear senators and
and NATO the day after that, as some eager journalists
two world wars, and now for the three and a half
members of the House, ladies and gen-
have written. Vaclav Havel merely thinks what he has
months since the 17th of November last year.
tlemen:
already said here, that for another hundred years
The advantage that you have over us is obvious at
My advisers advised me to speak on this
American soldiers shouldn't have to be separated from
once.
important occasion in Czech. I don't know
their mothers just because Europe is incapable of being
The communist type of totalitarian system has left
why. Perhaps they wanted you to enjoy the sweet
a guarantor of world peace, which it ought to be in or-
both our nations, Czechs and Slovaks, as it has all the
der to make some amends, at least, for having given the
nations of the Soviet Union and the other countries the
sounds of my mother tongue.
The last time they arrested me, on Oct. 27 of last
world two world wars.
Soviet Union subjugated in its time, a legacy of count-
year, I didn't know whether it was for two days or two
Sooner or later, Europe must recover and come into
less dead, an infinite spectrum of human suffering, pro-
years. Exactly one month later, when the rock musician
its own and decide for itself how many of whose soldiers
found economic decline and, above all, enormous human
Michael Kocab told me that I would be probably pro-
it needs so that its own security, and all the wider im-
humiliation. It has brought us horrors that fortunately
posed as a presidential candidate, I thought it was one
plications of that security, may radiate peace into the
you have not known.
of his usual jokes.
whole world.
It has given us something positive, a special capacity
On the 10th of December, 1989, when my actor
Vaclav Havel cannot make decisions about things
to look from time to time somewhat further than some-
friend, Jiri Bartoska, in the name of the Civic Forum,
that are not proper for him to decide. He is merely put-
one who has not undergone this bitter experience. A
nominated me as a candidate for the office of president
ting in a good word for genuine peace and for achieving
person who cannot move and lead a somewhat normal
of the republic, I thought it was out of the question that
it quickly.
life because he is pinned under a boulder has more time
the parliament we have inherited from the previous
to think about his hopes than someone who is not
regime would elect me.
Proposed Goals for Helsinki Two
trapped that way.
Nineteen days later, when I was unanimously elected
What I'm trying to say is this: We must all learn
president of my country, I had no idea that, in two
Four, Czechoslovakia thinks that the planned summit
many things from you, from how to educate our off-
months, I would be speaking in front of this famous and
conference of countries participating in the Helsinki
spring, how to elect our representatives, all the way to
powerful assembly and that what I say would be heard
process should take place soon and that, in addition to
how to organize our economic life so that it will lead to
by millions of people who have never heard of me and
what it wants to accomplish, it should aim to hold the
prosperity and not to poverty. But it doesn't have to be
that hundreds of politicians and political scientists
so-called Helsinki Two conference earlier than 1992, as
merely assistance from the well-educated, powerful and
would study every word that I say.
originally planned.
wealthy to someone who has nothing and therefore has
When they arrested me on Oct. 27, I was living in a
Above all, we feel it could be something far more spe-
nothing to offer in return.
country ruled by the most conservative communist gov-
cific than has so far seemed possible. We think that Hel-
We, too, can offer something to you: our experience
ernment in Europe, and our society slumbered beneath
sinki Two should become something equivalent to the
and the knowledge that has come from it.
the pall of a totalitarian system.
European peace conference, which has not yet been
This is a subject for books, many of which have al-
Today, less than four months later, I'm speaking to
held, one that would finally put a formal end to the Sec-
ready been written and many of which are yet to be
you as the representative of a country that has set out
ond World War and all its unhappy consequences.
written. I shall therefore limit myself to a single idea.
on the road to democracy, a country where there is
Such a conference would officially bring a future
The specific experience I'm talking about has given
complete freedom of speech, which is getting ready for
democratic Germany in the process of unifying itself.
me one great certainty: Consciousness precedes being,
free elections and which wants to create a prosperous
into'a new pan-European structure which could decide
and not the other way around, as the Marxists claim.
Photo Copy Preservation
market economy and its own foreign policy.
about its own security system. This system would nat-
For this reason, the salvation of this human world lies
It is all very extraordinary. But I have not come here
urally require some connection with that part of the
nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human
to speak of myself or my feelings, or merely to talk
globe we might label the Helsinki part, stretching west-
power to reflect, in human meekness and in human re-.
about my own country. I have used this small example
ward from Vladivostok all the way to Alaska.
sponsibility.
Vice President Quayle listens as Vaclav Havel, Czechosloyak
of something I know well to illustrate something gen-
The borders of the European states, which, by the
Without a global revolution in the sphere of human
playwright turned president, addresses Congress members.
eral and important.
way, should gradually become less important, should fi-
consciousness, nothing will change for the better in the
We are living in very extraordinary times. The hu-
nally be legally guaranteed by a common, regular trea-
sphere of our being as humans, and the catastrophe
man face of the world is changing so rapidly that none
idly that, in the flood of work, we have literally no time
ty. It should be more than obvious that the basis for
toward which this world is headed-be it ecological,
of the familiar political speedometers are adequate.
even to be astonished.
such a treaty would have to be general respect for hu-:
social, demographic or a general breakdown of civili-
We playwrights, who have to cram a whole human
man rights, genuine political pluralism and genuinely
zation-will be unavoidable. If we are no longer threat-
life or an entire historical era in a two-hour play, can
Europe to 'Seek Its Own Identity'
free elections.
ened by world war or by the danger that the absurd
scarcely understand this rapidity ourselves. And if it
Five, naturally we welcome the initiative of President
mountains of accumulated nuclear weapons might blow
gives us trouble, think of the trouble it must give to
What does all this mean for the world in the long run?
Bush, which was essentially accepted by Mr. Gorba-
up the world, this does not mean that we have defini-
political scientists who spend their whole life studying
Obviously, a number of things. This, I am firmly con-
chev, according to which the number of American and
tively won. We are, in fact, far from the final victory.
the realm of the probable and have less experience with
vinced, is a historically irreversible process and, as a re-
Soviet troops in Europe should be radically reduced. It
We are still a long way from that "family of man." In
the realm of the improbable than us, the playwrights.
sult, Europe will begin again to seek its own identity
is a magnificent shot in the arm for the Vienna disar-
fact, we seem to be receding from the ideal rather than
without being compelled to be a divided armory any
mament talks and creates favorable conditions not only
growing closer to it. Interests of all kinds-personal,
The World in Bipolar Terms
longer. Perhaps this will create the hope that, sooner or
for our own efforts to achieve the quickest possible de-
selfish, state, nation, group, and, if you like, company
later, your boys will no longer have to stand on guard
parture of Soviet troops from Czechoslovakia but indi-
interests-still considerably outweigh genuinely com-
Let me try to explain why I think the velocity of the
for freedom in Europe or come to our rescue because
rectly as well for our own intention to make consider-
mon and global interests. We are still under the sway of
changes in my country, in Central and Eastern Europe,
Europe will at last be able to stand guard over itself.
able cuts in the Czechoslovak army, which is dispropor-
the destructive and vain belief that man is the pinnacle
and of course in the Soviet Union itself, has made such
But that is still not the most important thing. The main
tionately large in relation to our population.
of creation and not just a part of it and that therefore
a significant impression on the face of the world today
thing is, it seems to me, that these revolutionary changes
If Czechoslovakia were forced to defend itself against
everything is permitted.
and why it concerns the fate of us all, including you
will enable us to escape from the rather antiquated strait-
anyone, which we hope will not happen, then it will be
There are still many who say they are concerned not
Americans.
jacket of this bipolar view of the world and to enter at last
capable of doing so with a considerably smaller army,
for themselves but for the cause, while they are demon-
I would like to look at this first from the political
into an era of multipolarity, that is, into an era in which'all
because this time its defense would be, not only after
strably out for themselves and not for the cause at all.
point of view and then from a point of view that we
of us, large and small, former slaves and former masters,
decades but after centuries, supported by the common
We are still destroying the planet that was entrusted to
might call philosophical.
will be able to create what your great President [Abra-
and indivisible will of both its nations and its leadership.
us and its environment. We still close our eyes to the
Twice in the century, the world has been threatened
ham] Lincoln called "the family of man."
Our freedom, independence and our newborn democ-
growing social, ethnic and cultural conflicts in the
by a catastrophe. Twice this catastrophe was born in
Can you imagine what a relief this would be to that
racy have been purchased at great cost, and we shall
world. From time to time, we say that the anonymous
Europe, and twice you Americans, along with others,
part of the world which for some reason is called the
not surrender them.
megamachinery we have created for ourselves no long-
were called upon to save Europe, the whole world and
Third World, even though it is the largest?
For the sake of order, I should add that whatever steps
er serves us but rather has enslaved us, yet we still fail
yourselves. The first rescue mission, among other
One, as you certainly know, most of the big wars and
we take are not intended to complicate the Vienna dis-
to do anything about it.
things, provided significant help to us, Czechs and
other conflagrations over the centuries have tradition-
armament talks but, on the contrary, to facilitate them.
In other words, we still don't know how to put mo-
Slovaks.
ally begun and ended on the territory of modern Czech-
Sixth, Czechoslovakia is returning to Europe. In the
rality ahead of politics, science and economics. We are
Thanks to the great support of your President
oslovakia, or else they were somehow related to that
general interest and in its own interests as well, it wants
still incapable of understanding that the only genuine
if
and
the
Slovaks.
ally begun and ended on the territory of modern Czech-
Sixth, Czechoslovakia is returning to Europe. In the
rality ahead of politics, science and economics. We are
Thanks to the great support of your President
oslovakia, or else they were somehow related to that
general interest and in its own interests as well, it wants
still incapable of understanding that the only genuine
[Woodrow] Wilson, our first president, Tomas Garrigue
area. Let the Second World War stand as the most re-
to coordinate its return, both politically and economically,
backbone of all our actions, if they are to be moral, is
Masaryk, founded our modern independent state. He
cent example.
with the other returnees, which means, above all, with its
responsibility.
founded it, as you know, on the same principles on
This is understandable: Whether we like it or not, we
neighbors, the Poles and the Hungarians.
Responsibility to something higher than my family,
which the United States of America had been founded,
are located in the very heart of Europe and, thanks to
We are doing what we can to coordinate these re-
my country, my company, my success-responsibility
as Masaryk's manuscripts held by the Library of Con-
this, we have no view of the sea and no real navy. I
turns. And at the same time, we are doing what we can
to the order of being where all our actions are indelibly
gress testify.
mention this because political stability in our country
so that Europe will be capable of re-accepting us, its
recorded and where and only where they will be prop-
In the meantime, the United States made enormous
has traditionally been important for the whole of Eu-
wayward children. Which means that it may open itself
erly judged.
strides. It became the most powerful nation on earth,
rope. This is still true today. Our government of nation-
to us and may begin to transform its structures, which
The interpreter or mediator between us and this
and it understood the responsibility that flowed from
al understanding, our present Federal Assembly, the
are formally European but de facto Western European,
higher authority is what is traditionally referred to as
this. Proof of this are the hundreds of thousands of your
other bodies of the state and I, myself, will personally
in that direction but in such a way that it will not be to
human conscience.
young citizens who gave their lives for the liberation of
guarantee this stability until we hold free elections,
its detriment but rather to its advantage.
If I subordinate my political behavior to this imper-
Europe and the graves of American airmen and soldiers
planned for June.
Seven, I have already said this in our parliament, and
ative, mediated to me by my conscience, I can't go far
on Czechoslovak soil.
We understand the terribly complex reasons, domes-
I would like to repeat it here in this Congress, which is
wrong. If, on the contrary, I were not guided by this
But something else was happening as well. The So-
tic political reasons, above all, why the Soviet Union
architecturally far more attractive.
voice, not even 10 presidential schools with 2,000 of
viet Union appeared, grew and transformed the enor-
cannot withdraw its troops from our territory as quickly
For many years, Czechoslovakia, as someone's mean-
the best political scientists in the world could help me.
mous sacrifices of its people suffering under totalitarian
as they arrived in 1968. We understand that the arse-
ingless satellite, has refused to face up honestly to its
This is why I ultimately decided, after resisting for a
rule into a strength that, after World War II, made it
nals built there over the past 20 years cannot be dis-
co-responsibility for the world. It has a lot to make up
long time, to accept the burden of political responsibility.
the second most powerful nation in the world.
mantled and removed overnight.
for. If dwell on this and so many important things, it is
I am not the first, nor will I be the last, intellectual to
It was a country that rightly gave people nightmares,
Nevertheless, in our bilateral negotiations with the
only because I feel, along with my fellow citizens, a
do this. On the contrary, my feeling is that there will be
because no one knew what would occur to its rulers
Soviet Union, we would like to have as many Soviet
sense of culpability for our former reprehensible pas-
more and more of them all the time. If the hope:of the
next and what country they would decide to conquer
units as possible moved out of our country before the
sivity and a rather ordinary sense of indebtedness.
world lies in human consciousness, then it is obvious
and drag into its sphere of influence, as it is called in
elections, in the interests of political stability. The more
Eight, we are, of course, delighted that your country
that intellectuals cannot go on forever avoiding their
political language.
successful our negotiations, the more those who are
is so readily lending its support to our fresh efforts to
share of responsibility for the world and hiding their
All of this taught us to see the world in bipolar terms as
elected in our places will be able to guarantee political
renew democracy. Both our peoples were deeply moved
distaste for politics under an alleged need to be inde-
two enormous forces-one a defender of freedom, the
stability in our country, even after the elections.
by the generous offers made a few days ago in Prague
pendent.
other a source of nightmares. Europe became the point of
Copy Preservation
at Charles University, one of the oldest in Europe, by
It is easy to have independence in your program and
friction between these two powers, and thus it turned
Helping Soviets on Road to Democracy
your secretary of state, Mr. James Baker. We are ready
then leave others to carry that program out. If every-
into a single enormous arsenal divided into two parts.
to sit down and talk about them.
one thought that way, pretty soon no one would be in-
In this process, one half of the arsenal became part of
Two, I often hear the question: How can the United
dependent.
that nightmarish power, while the other, the free part,
States of America help us today? My reply is as para-
Long Way From Family of Man'
I think that you Americans should understand this
bordering on the ocean and having no wish to be driven
doxical as the whole of my life has been. You can help us
way of thinking. Wasn't it the best minds of your coun-
into it, was compelled, together with you, to build a
most of all if you help the Soviet Union on its irrevers-
Ladies and gentlemen, I've only been president for
try, people you could call intellectuals, who wrote your
complicated security system to which we probably owe
ible but immensely complicated road to democracy.
two:months, and I haven't attended any schools for
famous Declaration of Independence, your bill of human
the fact that we still exist.
It is far more complicated than the road open to its for-
presidents. My only school was life itself.
rights and your Constitution and who, above all, took
So you may have contributed to the salvation of us
mer European satellites. You, yourself, know best how to
Therefore, I don't want to burden you any longer
upon themselves practical responsibility for putting
Europeans, of the world and thus of yourselves for a
support as rapidly as possible the nonviolent evolution of
with my political thoughts, but instead I will move on to
them into practice? The worker from Branik in Prague
third time. You have helped us to survive until today,
this enormous multinational body politic toward democ-
an area that is more familiar to me, to what I would call
that your president referred to in his State of the Union
without a hot war this time but merely a cold one.
racy and autonomy for all of its people. Therefore, it is
the philosophical aspect of these changes that still con-
The totalitarian system in the Soviet Union and in
message this year is far from being the only person in
not fitting for me to offer you any advice.
everyone, although they are taking place in our
Czechoslovakia, let alone in the world, to be inspired by
most of its satellites is breaking down, and our nations
I can only say that the sooner, the more quickly, and
corner.of the world.
those great documents. They inspire us all; they inspiré
!
are looking for a way to democracy and independence.
the more peacefully the Soviet Union begins to move
As-long as people are people, democracy, in the full
us despite the fact that they are over 200 years old:
The first act in this remarkable drama began when
along the road toward genuine political pluralism, re-
sense of the word, will always be no more than an ideal.
They inspire us to be citizens.
Mr. [Mikhail] Gorbachev and those around him faced
spect for the rights of the nations to their own integrity
One may approach it as one would the horizon in ways
[Speaking English]: When Thomas Jefferson wrote
the sad reality of their country, initiated a policy of per-
and to a working-that is, a market-economy, the
that may be better or worse, but it can never be fully
that "governments are instituted among men, deriving
estroika. Obviously, they had no idea either of what they
better it will be not just for Czechs and Slovaks but for
attained. this sense, you, too, are merely approach-
their just powers from the consent of the governed," it
were setting in motion or how rapidly events would un-
the whole world.
ing democracy. You have thousands of problems of all
fold. We knew a lot about the enormous number of
was a simple and important act of the, human spirit.
And the sooner you yourselves will be able to reduce
kinds, as other countries do. But you have one great
What gave meaning to that act, however, was the fact
growing problems that slumbered beneath the honeyed,
the burden of the military budget borne by the Amer-
advantage: You have been approaching democracy un-
that the author backed it up with his life. It was not just
unchanging mask of socialism.
ican people.
interruptedly for more than 200 years, and your jour-
his words; it was his deeds as well.
But I don't think any of us knew how little it would
To put it metaphorically, the millions you give to the
ney toward the horizon has never been disrupted by a
I will end where I began: History has accelerated. I
take for these problems to manifest themselves in all
East today will soon return to you in the form of billions
totalitarian system.
believe that once again it will be the human mind that
their enormity and for the longings of these nations to
in savings.
Czechs and Slovaks, despite their humanistic tradi-
will notice this acceleration, give it a name and trans-
emerge in all their strength. The mask fell away so rap-
Three, it is not true that the Czech writer Vaclav
tions that go back to the first millennium, have ap-
form those words into deeds. Thank you.
Havel Urges U.S. to Help Soviets on 'Irreversible
Road to Democracy'
HAVEL, From A1
agreed to stay in close touch at this time of
Havel called for "a global revolution in the
But the extraordinary rise of the once-
world peace." Europe, perhaps under a "new
rapid change. Both expressed their support
sphere of human consciousness."
banned playwright and his fellow actors and
pan-European structure," would be able to
gcoday will soon return to you in the form of
for [Soviet] President Gorbachev's reforms
The audience even applauded Havel's
musicians to the top of the Czechoslovak
"decide for itself how many of whose soldiers
usillions of savings." At this, the audience
and his encouragement of peaceful change
observation-not often the subject of
government prompted warm laughter as
it needs so that its own security
may
ra-
e soke into a hearty round of applause,
in Eastern Europe and both agreed that the
House floor debate-that "consciousness
Havel began his speech by saying, "The last
diate peace into the whole world.
ined by Gen. Colin L. Powell, chairman of
presence of American troops is a factor for
precedes Being, and not the other way
time they arrested me, on Oct. 27 of last
"Czechoslovakia is returning to Europe,"
e Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other service
stability and security in Europe."
around, as the Marxists claim."
year, I didn't know whether it was for two
Havel said, and is no longer "someone's
(efs.
In his address, Havel wore half-lens
Havel's speech lacked some of the per-
days or two years."
meaningless satellite." He said he will try for
lavel's speech capped a two-day visit
glasses and spoke mostly in Czech with a
sonal, emotional connection that sur-
Havel, responding to reported differ-
"the quickest possible departure of Soviet
to improve relations and trade with
monotone translation by his press secretary,
rounded Polish leader Lech Walesa's ad-
ences with the Bush administration over
troops from Czechoslovakia," and will make
United States. He met for 2½ hours
Mikhail Zantovsky.
dress last November. Walesa, surrounded
U.S. troops in Europe, said, "It is not true
substantial cuts in the Czechoslovak army.
day with President Bush, who offered
Still, his speech, half political review and
by Polish-American members of Congress,
that the Czech writer Vaclav Havel [pro-
"A considerably smaller army" was all
A27 06several important financial and trade
half philosophical discourse, was heartily
was more openly emotional; the gravelly
nounced Vats-laf Hav-el] wishes to dissolve
that would be needed, since the country
its, and returned to the White House
applauded when, in accented English, Havel
voiced Havel had a more low-key delivery.
the Warsaw Pact tomorrow and NATO the
would now be defended "by the common and
day for an unscheduled 45-minute
declared, "When Thomas Jefferson wrote
The only Czechoslovak member of Con-
day after that."
indivisible will" of the citizenry. "Our free-
g before leaving for New York.
that 'governments are instituted among
gress is Rep. Robert J. Mrazek (D-N.Y.). In
Havel said that "for another hundred
dom, independence and our new-born de-
3 secretary Marlin Fitzwater said of
men, deriving their just powers from the
the gallery, Czechoslovak tennis star Mar-
years, American soldiers shouldn't have to be
mocracy have been purchased at great cost,
ay's meeting, "They talked at some
consent of the governed,' it was a simple
tina Navratilova wiped away tears as she
separated from their mothers just because
and we will not surrender them." he said as
about
the
future
of
NOVEMBER 18 1989
The
Economist
Photo Copy Preservation
Beyond the Wall
O
F ALL places, it was in divided Berlin in
ble than China's of scattering protesting
divided Germany in divided Europe
crowds in a hail of bullets. And if Mr Krenz
that the cold war erupted into an east-west
cannot defend creaking communism in East
street party. Cautiously in Poland and Hun-
Germany, it remains quite possible that a
gary, now jubilantly in East Germany, people
Russian-presumably not Mr Gorbachev-
power has taken on communist power and
might be tempted to try.
pulled off some famous victories-not least,
For beyond Germany the fate of Eastern
the breaching of that dreary symbol of Eu-
Europe remains closely bound to the fate of
rope's division, the Berlin Wall. If Europe's
perestroika in Russia. And perestroika is not
1989 revolution can continue on its peaceful
going well. So far Mr Gorbachev has watched
path, it will change more than the rotting
the communist rout in Poland, Hungary and
communist edifice of Eastern Europe. The en-
East Germany with apparent equanimity, if
tire structure of postwar Europe will be transformed as well.
not encouragement. Yet he still has conditions he would like
So far, the changes sweeping Eastern Europe have not
to hold to: the communist party must not be humiliated,
gone the way of the doomed revelries of Tiananmen Square.
meaning it should retain at least a share of power; and for the
Whether this progress can continue towards democracy and
time being nobody should leave the Warsaw pact. The pace of
prosperity depends upon a whole cascade of uncertainties.
change; however, and the degree of anti-Soviet feeling are
First of these is what happens in Germany, the place where
such that Hungary is already in danger of pushing past him. If
the Warsaw pact holds together or unravels.
it did, Poland and East Germany would want to follow. At
The really big victories for East Germany's fledgling oppo-
that point Mr Gorbachev, perestroika and the prospect of a
sition-free elections, an end to party control over govern-
freer Eastern Europe could conceivably end in military
ment, unshackling the economy-have yet to be won. Its
crackdown.
leader, Mr Egon Krenz, promises new elections, but with only
That is a prospect that the West must keep up its guard
the present (until now communist-dominated) parties al-
against, as it revels in the news from central Europe. But in a
lowed to compete. Without genuinely free elections to a par-
year when the most quixotic optimists have repeatedly been
liament really independent of party control there can be no
proved too cautious, the chances must be for a less cataclys-
confidence that gestures made in a moment of near panic,
mic outcome. Even that, indeed even a successfully
including the new freedom to travel, will stick.
democratising East Germany, will merely lead to the next im-
By opening the borders, Mr Krenz is gambling that he can
ponderables for both Germany and Europe.
release the pressure for more far-reaching change at home.
The opposition is already worried that the mood of protest
Gunboat diplomacy
will be smothered in "West Berlin chocolate". That fear is
Mr Gorbachev may raise one, and possibly two, of these when
probably exaggerated: the past three months' exodus to the
he meets Mr Bush for their Mediterranean summit next
West have shown that East German discontents are first
month. He has hinted that, for the time being at least, he
about freedom, second about material comfort. And West
would prefer to stick. with two Germanies. Nothing too de-
Germany's chancellor, Mr Helmut Kohl, promises no more
manding in that, since for the time being it seems to be what
cash for East Germany unless it holds free elections. Even so,
many West Germans and East Germans want too. But in or-
with an election of his own looming next year, and East Ger-
der to help fend off the charge at home that he is selling out
many's economy badly weakened by the haemorrhage of
the Soviet empire in Eastern Europe, he may offer Mr Bush a
skilled workers to the West, Mr Kohl may be tempted to be
deal: free elections in East Germany in return for the neutral-
more generous than he should. The best way for West Ger-
ity of both Germanies, together perhaps with the withdrawal
mans to help the East is to stand back, hands in pockets, until
of all foreign troops from Europe by, say, 2000. Mr Gorba-
Mr Krenz accepts a free-market democracy.
chev may then add a second uncomfortable offer: for the two
He will probably have to. So far each barrier he has
separate Germanies some day to become one, but with the
thrown up to protect party rule has been rudely trampled
same two conditions attached.
down. Yet it would be wrong to assume that he will not fight
Mr Bush need not clear his throat for long before he an-
back. East Germans may have lost their fear of the party, but
swers: a time when East Germans are struggling to win their
the party has not yet lost its power of retaliation. For all the
freedom after 40 years of communist dictatorship is no time
recent images of smiling soldiery, the army is still no less capa-
for East and West to start dictating their future to them. Neu-
THE ECONOMIST NOVEMBER 18 1989
13
Washington Journal
Radio and the Freeing of Europe
By Dale Russakoff
former Politburo member Jozef
in the name of Radio Free Eu-
Washington Post Staff Writer
Czyrek, who greeted them wryly:
rope, the communist anathema,
"Well, I must say it's an honor to
to cover the Polish Parliament.
High above Connecticut Av-
meet with an organization as
The permit expired Dec. 21, he
enue, amid the tangle of tongues
powerful as Radio Free Europe."
said, "but I keep it as a souvenir."
that is the Washington bureau of
The network's Washington bu-
When Solidarity leader Lech
Radio Free Europe, some of the
reau has a central newsroom
Walesa addressed Congress in
Photo Copy Preservation
clocks are set to local time, some
staffed by American news report-
November, Kalabinski was asked
to Moscow time, some to Munich
ers who pride themselves on be-
to be his translater and accepted
time. And some are just wrong-
ing dispassionate and has private
without reservation. His was the
but who has time to change them
gravelly and heartfelt English
when you're rewriting history by
rendition of Walesa's opening
the minute?
words, "We the people," that
This week it is Nestor Ratesh,
brought down the house.
senior correspondent for Ro-
For Ratesh, the Romanian who
mania, who is dizzy with exhaus-
emigrated in 1973, it is still hard
tion. The Romanian-service went
to absorb the events of the last
round-the-clock soon after the
month. He tells of a traditional
massacre in Timisoara. And Ra-
Romanian New Year's Eve party
tesh, a passionately anti-commu-
of exiles here, which normally is
nist emigre, went on alert with it.
a night of drinking and dancing.
Now, nursing a cold, he is try-
"But this year, everyone was
ing to reorder a desk heaped with
so excited, more than drinking
clippings and notes about yet an-
and dancing we talked about
other revolution no one antici-
what had happened," he said.
pated, while assembling reports
"For the very first time in the
about U.S. aid to Romania and in-
history of the Romanian people,
terviewing scholars on what it all
BY PETER HOEY-THE WASHINGTON POST
they took their fate in their own
means. A 1990 calendar lies
hands. It wasn't the Soviet Union
wrapped in plastic on his window-
offices filled with emigre com-
or America or some international
sill. "I'm still in 1989," he ex-
mentators who are as passionate
treaty that decided their fate. It
plains, as if in a rapture.
as they come. All of them will
was themselves. And for all the
Several weeks ago it was the
say, as does Kalabinski, whose of-
bloodshed, you have to say it was
Slovak commentator who was in
fice is adorned with a Solidarity
a kind of cleansing, after so many
a frenzy, and the Hungarian a few.
poster, "I am a journalist, above
decades of cowardice and collab-
weeks before- that. And a few
all."
oration.
months ago it was Jacek Kalabi-
A target of the communist
"It suddenly gives you pride to
nski, the Pole, whose booming
government who went under-
be a Romanian-even an exiled
voice has been famous in his
ground and then emigrated dur-
Romanian. We were a little em-
homeland since before martial
ing martial law, Kalabinski made
barrassed that Romania was a
law when he was a Polish Nation-
his first trip home last October to
country in which nothing hap-
al Radio correspondent.
cover the new coalition govern-
pened. We had such a hard time
The past year has been as ex-
ment. "It was a funny situation,"
trying to answer all those ques-
traordinary for Radio Free Eu-
he said. "My friends are now Cab-
tions from Americans, from
inet members, members of Par-
rope as for Europe itself. The
French. There were suggestions
liament."
U.S.-funded radio network cre-
of cowardice and a lack of pride,
Large and bearded, legendary
and all of a sudden the Romanians
ated in the Cold War to send
for his energy, he burned up the
become heroes. All over Eastern
news, culture and opinion
airwaves with 36 stories in 14
Europe it was kind of a picnic, but
through an Iron Curtain that
days. During an interview on the
in Romania it was a real, popular,
sought to keep it out has been
exodus from East Germany, he
violent revolution. They invested
covering the realization of its
said, a spokesman for the com-
blood. Thousands of people were
own dream-even playing a role
munist-controlled Interior Min-
killed fighting for liberty."
in it.
istry, which houses the secret po-
He appears on the verge of
When officials of the U.S.
lice, stopped in mid-sentence and
tears, but suddenly he sinks into
agency that oversees the net-
said: "My God, if I'd been talking
his chair and calms himself. "It's
work recently went to Warsaw to
to you only six months ago, I'd
very moving," says, "but then
arrange to open a bureau
have had to arrest myself."
you sit down in front of the mi-
there-an unthinkable goal six
Even now, he said, it is amaz-
crophone and you have to be cool
months ago-they said they met
ing to have in his wallet a permit
and objective."
Preservation
powers." That is the muffled voice of the State Depart-
The Quadrille
ment, speaking with its head in the ground. Today it is
gradualism that is imprudent, given the collapse of the
East German government. ("Who was Egon Krenz?" asked
of Nations
a sardonic banner at a protest rally while Krenz was the
head of state.) What now is this NATO to which leaders say
they are committed, world without end, amen? The world
that made NATO necessary may have ended. Does "due
regard" for Allied rights refer to the vestigial occupation
rights? If so, the less said the better. As for European
States of mind
integration," George Walden, a British M.P., writes: "One
precede states. In
of the major incentives to postwar European integration
was the threat from the East: it is not easy to see how its
what matters most,
sudden diminution can be used to justify a stampede
towards federalism."
consciousness,
President Mitterrand, meeting last week with Gorba-
Germans are one
chev, said his position had not changed, which of course
meant that it had. Previously he had said, "I have no fear
people again.
of German reunification." Now he says: but only if Ger-
mans accommodate "the interests of others." France is not
famous for sacrificing its sovereignty on the altar of other
arx is confirmed, kind of, by the collapse of
people's interests, but its anxiety is understandable. It is
M
Marxist regimes: states are indeed withering
axiomatic that France wants a Germany strong enough to
away. East Germany, the fourth country to
keep the Soviet Union at bay but weak enough to be held in
secede from communism in as many months,
check by Luxembourg. De Gaulle hoped that a special
is becoming a bourgeois democracy (that is
Franco-Soviet relationship would preserve Europe's bal-
now an aspiration; until recently it was an epithet) and
ance of power. But what if the special relationship is
collapsing toward reunification with another, the Federal
between a reunified Germany and the Soviet Union? There
Republic. For 40 years East Germany has been a Potemkin
are precedents-Rapallo in 1922, the Hitler-Stalin pact of
state, a façade of legality. In the 1970s, recognizing
1939-for sudden reversals of German-Soviet relations.
the lethal threat of German national sentiment, the re-
After the war a French officer in occupied Germany wor-
gime changed its description of itself from "a Socialist
ried about the day when Germans might do that ágain:
state of the German nation" to "a Socialist state of workers
"We all know that every time they come to an agreement
and farmers." It has had only one raison d'être, to be a
with the Russians they arrive in Paris."
Soviet salient in the Cold War. It is socialist or it is
Gray dream: Germany invaded France three times in 70
nothing. It is now nearly nothing because East Germans
years (1870, 1914, 1940) but it is farfetched to worry about
have been over into the present-Berlin's Kurfürsten-
a fourth invasion. Still, it is natural that the French and
damm-and it works.
others worry about the Fourth Reich bestriding Europe,
East Germany's befuddled, apolitical intelligentsia, its
with Berlin shoving aside Brussels as the center of gravity.
thinking stunted by decades spent frozen like a fly in
Events are rekindling Bismarck's aspiration for Germany
amber, talks vaporously about some "third way," some
to be Europe's "honest broker," this time as a bridge
"humane socialism." But the masses want none of it. At a
between East and West. There is a history of German
Leipzig rally a man identifying himself as a "plain crafts-
economic and cultural penetration in the East. As a Bun-
man" wins loud applause when he says socialism has failed
destag member says, "German history and culture are
and any "new socialism" will, too. "We are not," he says,
more tightly linked with our neighbors in Central Europe
"laboratory rabbits." Neither are they East German.
than with EC nations such as Portugal and Spain."
Diplomats, blinkered by their prejudice in favor of exist-
It is not yet 1990 and already "Europe 1992," the statists'
ing arrangements, whatever they are, are often the last to
gray dream of a "deepened" European integration inflicted
see what is happening. Today they are earnestly asking a
by Eurocrats in Brussels, looks like an anachronism.
question that history has already answered: Will Germany
Should Germany, with its quickened sense of self and of its
be reunified? It already is. Institutional details remain to
capacity for collective action, now aspire to the role of
be resolved but in what matters most, consciousness, Ger-
Gulliver, bound down by a thousand threads of red tape
mans suddenly are one people again. The crucial steps in
spewed forth from Brussels?
the making of the United States (1776, 1789) were made
Timothy Garton Ash says the puncturing of the Berlin
possible by the fact that people were thinking like Ameri-
wall did for Germany what the pope's 1979 visit did for
cans. States of mind precede states.
Poland: it caused an epiphany (Ash writes of the "pentecos-
Gorbachev says reunification is for "history to decide." It
tal quality" of the Berlin experience), a sudden comprehen-
did, long ago. The boldness of this generation of Germans is
sion by the people that they all felt and thought the same
ratification of 20 generations of evolving nationhood. Poli-
way. They quickly understood that they could be, collec-
ticians who think history can be tamed by legalisms are
tively, a body politic, strong when acting in concert. The
trying to lasso a locomotive with a cobweb lariat.
result in both cases was solidarity. In Poland a trade union
In Brussels-that preposterous pretender to the role of
midwifed the rebirth of a nation. In Germany the result
Rome in a new empire of homogenized Europe-President
soon will be reunification. So as we turn the corner on the
Bush said Germany's movement toward reunification
last decade of the century we are heading back to the
"must" be gradual and "should occur in the context of
future, to the 19th-century quadrille of nations. Despite
Germany's continued commitment to NATO, an increas-
the castles being built in the air by the bland utopians of
ingly integrated European Community, and with due re-
Brussels, those dreamers of European unification, the new-
gard to the legal role and responsibilities of the Allied
ly assertive nations are not about to wither away.
84 NEWSWEEK DECEMBER 18, 1989
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1989
A19
It's Too Early to Relax Technology Curbs for East Bloc
For the West Germans, the Coordinat-
relegated to "second-class" status. But
ing Committee on Multilateral Export Con-
had delivered 6,000 COCOM-embargoed
Maintaining the COCOM restrictions may
while Mr. Genscher and the Italians were
machine tools to the U.S.S.R., and nearly
require a certain economic sacrifice on the
trols (COCOM) is "outdated." For the Ital-
playing to the grandstands, another mès-
ians, the strategic export controls the West
all of them were funneled directly to proj-
part of Western manufacturers, but drop-
sage was being quietly delivered by the
ects run by the Soviet Military Industrial
has enforced for the past 40 years, by vir-
ping them would require an even greater
back door.
Commission.
tue of lists drawn up at COCOM, need sub-
sacrifice in terms of Western security.
It was that message the COCOM dele-
Half of the 6,000 machines were West
stantial revision. Formany in the U.S., es-
COCOM seeks to determine "what
gates heard when they met in Paris and
German. Japan, Italy, Britain and France
pecially in the machine-tool industry, the
needs to be controlled on strategic
agreed on measures to strengthen enforce-
were also major violators. The most recent
COCOM controls have meant significant
grounds, no more, no less," Mr. Wendt
ment of controls. In the coming months,
case (and this Is how the "6,000 machine
sacrifices, lost opportunities and reduced
COCOM will set specific performance stan-
said in a July interview. "There is ample
tools report" came to be identified to the
market share. A 1987 report by the League
room for trade with the Warsaw Pact out-
dards for strategic export controls to
of Concerned Scientists estimates that
public) concerned deliveries of sophisti-
which all members are expected to adhere.
side of COCOM-controlled goods. Take
S
high-technology export controls cost U.S.
cated machine tools made by Olivetti in It-
The aim, COCOM delegates said, is to
the case of Poland and Hungary. In recent
Faly to a Soviet aeronautics factory, where
businesses as much as $9 billion every
discussions with the European Community,
make "the fence outside of Europe
they were used to help build the Yak 41
year in lost sales.
these nations have not been asking for
stronger" by the end of 1992 when trade
fighter-bomber. On this basis, the U.S. told
In Mikhail Gorbachev's view, as ex-
barriers inside Europe go down.
strategic technologies at all. Instead, they
n-
pressed before the European Parliament in
other COCOM members it was willing to
have been asking for basic agricultural
1-
In the 1970s, when detente sparked a
agree to significant streamlining of the CO-
equipment-such as secondhand tractors!
dramatic upsurge in high-technology trans-
COM lists, "but only if everyone else
al
Europe
fer agreements with the U.S.S.R., Western
agreed to better enforcement."
Besides, COCOM nations have been able
manufacturers, selling to eminently "civil-
e-
Furthermore, as the most recent edition
to apply licenses for manyhigh-technology
lp
ian" foreign-trade organizations such as
By Kenneth R. Timmerman
of the Pentagon's annual estimate of Soviet
sales to Poland and Hungary all along.
U-
V/O Technopromimport, fueled the most
Military Power revealed, Soviet military
Since May, the U.S. has even lifted its "no
remarkable modernization of the Soviet
A
spending has continued to rise in real
exceptions" policy toward the U.S.S.R., in,
nt
military-industrial manufacturing base
terms by 3% since 1985, when Mr. Gorba-
force since the Soviet invasion of Afghani-
Strasbourg on July 6, COCOM should be
ed
since World War II. Sophisticated Western
stan in 1979.
chev took over as general secretary of the
"dismantled" SO West and East can join
and Japanese machine tools were sold to
in
Soviet Communist Party. During this time,
Talk about dissolving COCOM, or doing
together into a common European home.
iis
the Baltic Shipyards in Leningrad, which
the Soviet military has completed the mod-
away with COCOM scrutiny of high-tech
West Europeans also lobbied heavily for
turned out a whole new generation of silent
en
ernization of its entire ballistic-missile
sales to the communist bloc, simply misses
changes in COCOM rules; in the weeks
nuclear attack submarines. These con-
fleet, including two new categories of
the point. The reformers within the War-
leading up to the Oct. 25-26 high-level
VA
tracts led by Toshiba in Japan, Kongsberg
ICBMs, the SS-24 and SS-25. It has intro-
saw Pact don't need the type of technology
meeting in Paris of the 17-member CO-
in Norway and Forest-Line in France will
ent
duced new classes of nuclear-powered bal-
COCOM controls; only the Warsaw Pact
COM. West Germany's foreign minister,
cost the U.S. taxpayer as much as $30 bil-
listic-missile submarines, new fighters,
military has such needs. Further relaxing
ity
Hans-Dietrich Genscher, told a radio audi-
lion, according to former Navy Secretary
new tactical missiles, and is working on a
strategic export controls, even. toward
ence in Bonn that Western nations "have
John Lehman if the U.S. is to maintain a
new generation of tanks. New Soviet
countries such as Poland and Hungary,
to assist the reform-oriented countries via
ht
credible deterrent. Thanks to Western
weapons are regularly designed on West-
will send the wrong message. These con-
comprehensive cooperation" and "transfer
b-
technology, Soviet submarines can now ap-
ern computers, built with Western machine
trols exist because the Warsaw Pact exists
of technology." That required a review of
proach to within 10 nautical miles of the
tools and driven by Western computer
as a military alliance, and because pact
at
the lists of high-technology goods barred
et.
U.S. coastline undetected, instead of 200
chips that have slipped through the CO-
nations continue to divert some 60% of
from export to communist countries.
miles as before.
In
COM net.
their industrial base to military produc-
Furthermore, Italian President France-
is
In early October, the State Depart-
Warsaw Pact high-technology pur-
tion. Change these basic equations; and
SCO Cossiga said in Washington on Oct. 12
er-
ment's senior representative for strategic
chases in the West have primarily served
there will be plenty of time to reconsider
that the West should "review and recon-
trade, Ambassador Allan Wendt, and the
on
the military, and not the consumer. Even
COCOM controls. But to drop the controls
sider" the restrictions on high-tech sales to
its
newly appointed head of the Defense Tech-
today, when the Soviets are clamoring for
beforehand would serve only to strengthen
Poland, Hungary and other Soviet-bloc
of
nology Security Agency, William Rudman,
more highly sophisticated computer-driven
the military and discourage reform.
countries. Italy's foreign minister, Gianni
d-
toured European capitals to present dra-
machine tools, bubble memories and gal-
de Michelis, added that Polish and Hun-
matic new figures on illicit machine-tool
or
lium arsenide computer chips, 60% of the
Mr. Timmerman, a Paris-based jour-
garian industries must have access to up-
es
deals with the Soviet bloc. Since 1983, they
apartment fires in Moscow are caused by
nalist, is author of a recent book on Soviet
to-date machine tools and technology or be
said, European COCOM nations and Japan
the explosion of Soviet-built television sets.
diversion of technology.
;N
0
es
es
Preservation
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Sov Tech TRANS
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FYI
files
ARRIVAL STATEMENT IN BRUSSELS, 12/3/89
D1
Today, we met in Malta, Winston Churchill's "tiny rock of
history and romance." Ancient stepping stone to Europe. Today,
the crossroads of East and West.
And tonight we meet in Brussels. Tonight we stand at the
crossroads of history, on our way to a Europe whole and free.
It is a always a pleasure to return to Brussels. This city
represents the finest that Europe has to offer in friendship and
hospitality. It also represents the strength and vitality of
European institutions, nourished and protected for more than 40
years by the security shield of NATO -- one of the great success
stories of our century.
Brussels symbolizes a vibrant and growing trans-Atlantic
partnership -- one that has helped foster the astounding changes
we are seeing today.
The modern Atlantic Alliance was born at sea. It was on a
battleship off the coast of Canada that Franklin Roosevelt met
Winston Churchill during Europe's darkest hour, great leaders in
a rendezvous at sea, a rendezvous with destiny.
The legacy of that meeting became known as the Atlantic
Charter, significant not for its details, but for its vision.
It spoke of a day when all peoples, in all nations, would
freely choose their form of government, and live lives rich with
opportunity and hope. It spoke of a day when nations would
resolve their differences at the negotiating table, not on the
field of battle.
Tonight, I have come to Brussels to share with our friends
and allies the results of that vision -- results born of strength
and solidarity, continuity and commitment.
It seems like the world is changing overnight. But the
yearning for freedom lives within all of us, and always has.
That simple truth is manifested in the thunderous events taking
place a few hundred kilometers to the East. And that simple
truth brought Mikhail Gorbachev and I together in a windswept
harbor off Malta.
The seas were as turbulent as our times. But it was not an
ill wind carrying us on our mission. No, it was the winds of
change. Strong and constant. Profound.
And today, as the sun broke through the clouds, we could
both see a new world taking shape -- a new world of freedom.
Here in Brussels, only six months ago, we pledged as Allies
to work together to end the division of Europe. We now stand at
the threshold of making that dream a reality.
My presence here, and that of my NATO colleagues,
underscores the importance we attach to consultations within the
Alliance. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister
Martens, Secretary-General Woerner, and E.C. Commission President
DeLors.
It is an exciting time for the Alliance, for Europe, and for
America. I have come with good news. Thank you, God bless you,
and good night.
Chun
al.
PRESIDENT'S AFTERNOON INTERVENTION
FYI
ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE
INTRODUCTION
THIS MORNING I REVIEWED MY DISCUSSIONS WITH PRESIDENT
GORBACHEV AT MALTA AND WE HEARD FROM PRIME MINISTER
ANDREOTTI AND PRIME MINISTER MULRONEY ABOUT THEIR RECENT
MEETINGS WITH HIM.
I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY THIS AFTERNOON TO TALK
ABOUT A SUBJECT OF EVEN BROADER SCOPE: THE FUTURE SHAPE OF
THE NEW EUROPE AND THE NEW ATLANTICISM.
A TIME OF CHOICE
WHEN WE LAST MET IN MAY, OUR SUMMIT DECLARATION DESCRIBED
THE SETTING AS A "JUNCTURE OF UNPRECEDENTED CHANGE AND
OPPORTUNITIES." IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS, WE HAVE WITNESSED
EVENTS THAT HAVE FINALLY BEGUN TO MATCH OUR HOPES THESE
FORTY YEARS. OUR DREAMS FOR AN HISTORIC TRANSFORMATION OF
EUROPE FROM A DIVIDED CONTINENT INTO A CONTINENT WHOLE AND
FREE ARE COMING TRUE.
THE ALLIANCE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1949 TO PROVIDE THE BASIS
FOR PRECISELY THE EXTRAORDINARY EVOLUTION WHICH IS OCCURRING
IN EASTERN EUROPE TODAY.
THIS YEAR THE PEOPLE OF THE EAST MADE FUNDAMENTAL CHOICES
ABOUT THEIR DESTINY, AND GOVERNMENTS THERE BEGAN TO HONOR
THE CITIZEN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE. WHAT THESE CHANGES AMOUNT TO
IS NOTHING LESS THAN A PEACEFUL REVOLUTION.
THE TASK BEFORE US IS TO CONSOLIDATE THE FRUITS OF THIS
PEACEFUL REVOLUTION AND PROVIDE THE ARCHITECTURE FOR
CONTINUED PEACEFUL CHANGE. GREAT CHOICES ARE BEING MADE,
AND GREATER OPPORTUNITIES BECKON.
THE FIRST PRINCIPLE FOR EUROPE'S FUTURE: OVERCOMING THE DIVISION
OF EUROPE THROUGH FREEDOM
IN ANY TIME OF GREAT CHANGE, IT IS GOOD TO HAVE FIRM
PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE OUR WAY. OUR GOVERNMENTS COMMITTED
THEMSELVES AGAIN IN MAY TO SEEK AN END TO THE PAINFUL
DIVISION OF EUROPE. WE HAVE NEVER ACCEPTED THIS DIVISION.
THE PEOPLE OF EVERY NATION HAVE THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE THEIR
OWN WAY OF LIFE IN FREEDOM.
OF COURSE, WE HAVE ALL SUPPORTED GERMAN REUNIFICATION FOR
FOUR DECADES. AND IN OUR VIEW, THIS GOAL OF GERMAN
UNIFICATION SHOULD BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES.
FIRST, SELF-DETERMINATION MUST BE PURSUED WITHOUT PREJUDICE
TO ITS OUTCOME. WE SHOULD NOT AT THIS TIME ENDORSE NOR
EXCLUDE ANY PARTICULAR VISION OF UNITY.
2
SECOND, UNIFICATION SHOULD OCCUR IN THE CONTEXT OF GERMANY'S
CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO NATO AND AN INCREASINGLY INTEGRATED
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, AND WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE LEGAL ROLE
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ALLIED POWERS.
THIRD, IN THE INTERESTS OF GENERAL EUROPEAN STABILITY, MOVES
TOWARD UNIFICATION MUST BE PEACEFUL, GRADUAL, AND PART OF A
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS.
LASTLY, ON THE QUESTION OF BORDERS WE SHOULD REITERATE OUR
SUPPORT FOR THE PRINCIPLES OF THE HELSINKI FINAL ACT.
AN END TO THE UNNATURAL DIVISION OF EUROPE, AND OF GERMANY,
MUST PROCEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND BE BASED UPON THE VALUES
THAT ARE BECOMING UNIVERSAL IDEALS, AS ALL THE COUNTRIES OF
EUROPE BECOME PART OF A COMMONWEALTH OF FREE NATIONS. I
KNOW MY FRIEND HELMUT KOHL COMPLETELY SHARES THIS
CONVICTION.
THE ROLE OF NATO
THE POLITICAL STRATEGY FOR NATO THAT WE AGREED UPON LAST MAY
MAKES THE PROMOTION OF GREATER FREEDOM IN THE EAST A BASIC
ELEMENT OF ALLIANCE POLICY. ACCORDINGLY, NATO SHOULD
PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY, AND REFORM WITHIN EASTERN
COUNTRIES AS THE BEST MEANS OF ENCOURAGING RECONCILIATION
AMONG THE COUNTRIES OF EASTERN AND WESTERN EUROPE.
THIS EFFORT RECALLS THE ORIGIN OF NATO AS A POLITICAL
ALLIANCE OF NATIONS SHARING THE SAME FUNDAMENTAL VALUES, A
FOUNDATION ON WHICH I EXPECT NATO WILL INCREASINGLY BUILD IN
THIS NEW AGE OF EUROPE.
ALLIANCE SUPPORT FOR REFORM AND POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE EAST
NEEDS TO BE BROAD, MULTIFACETED, AND FLEXIBLE. IT SHOULD
NOT ONLY BE A QUESTION OF ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE -- AS
IMPORTANT AS THAT MIGHT BE -- BUT OF STEPS TO SUPPORT
GREATER POLITICAL PLURALISM, OPEN UP FLOWS OF INFORMATION,
DEVELOP NEEDED TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, AND PROVIDE THROUGH OUR
DEFENSE AND ARMS CONTROL EFFORTS A STABLE SECURITY
ENVIRONMENT FOR INDIVIDUAL EUROPEAN STATES, BOTH EAST AND
WEST.
THIS FITS THE CONCEPT OF "NEW MISSIONS FOR NATO" WHICH I
PROPOSED WHEN I WAS HERE LAST MAY FOR OUR SUMMIT.
BUT WE ALSO MUST REMAIN CONSTANT WITH NATO'S TRADITIONAL
SECURITY MISSION. THE POTENTIAL FOR STRIFE IS INHERENT IN
ANY PERIOD OF FUNDAMENTAL POLITICAL TRANSITION. IN SEEKING
AND PREPARING PEACEFUL CHANGE, THIS ALLIANCE ALSO MUST
REMAIN A RELIABLE GUARANTOR OF PEACE IN EUROPE, AS IT HAS
BEEN FOR FORTY YEARS. IT UNITES THE FREE STATES OF THE
ATLANTIC COMMUNITY IN SHARING RISKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS
WE WORK TOGETHER TO NURTURE AND GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
NEW EUROPE.
3
AS A DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE AND PARTNERSHIP OF DEMOCRACIES, NATO
SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS THREATENING BY THE EAST. RATHER, IT
CAN HELP MANAGE PEACEFUL CHANGE IN EUROPE IN A WAY THAT
PRESERVES SECURITY AND STABILITY FOR ALL STATES. A HEALTHY
NATO WILL SUPPORT BOTH MOVES TOWARD GREATER UNITY WITHIN
WESTERN EUROPE AS WELL AS THE DISSOLUTION OF BARRIERS WITH
THE EAST.
ALTHOUGH THIS IS A TIME OF GREAT HOPE, WE MUST NOT BLUR THE
DISTINCTION BETWEEN PROMISING EXPECTATIONS AND PRESENT
REALITIES.
MY GOVERNMENT THEREFORE REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE ALLIANCE
STRATEGY FOR THE PREVENTION OF WAR, BASED ON A MIX OF
NUCLEAR AND CONVENTIONAL FORCES.
I PLEDGE TODAY THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL MAINTAIN
SIGNIFICANT MILITARY FORCES IN EUROPE AS LONG AS OUR ALLIES
DESIRE OUR PRESENCE AS PART OF A COMMON SECURITY EFFORT.
AS I SAID AT NATO EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE U.S. WILL REMAIN A
EUROPEAN POWER. THAT MEANS THE U.S. WILL STAY ENGAGED IN
THE FUTURE OF EUROPE, AND IN OUR COMMON DEFENSE.
THIS IS NOT OLD THINKING. IT IS GOOD THINKING. OF COURSE I
WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LESS MILITARIZED EUROPE. EVERYONE HERE
KNOWS HOW STRONGLY I SUPPORT THE PROGRESS BEING MADE IN THE
NEGOTIATIONS ON CONVENTIONAL FORCES IN EUROPE TOWARD AN
AGREEMENT THAT WOULD REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE CONVENTIONAL
FORCES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE EAST-WEST DIVIDE.
THIS CFE AGREEMENT WOULD DRAMATICALLY CUT BACK WARSAW PACT,
PARTICULARLY SOVIET, FORCE STRENGTH. THIS HAS GREAT
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROCESS OF REFORM IN EASTERN EUROPE AS
WELL AS FOR THE SECURITY OF WESTERN EUROPE. AND IT WOULD
PROVIDE FOR A CAREFULLY MANAGED AND RESPONSIBLE SET OF
ALLIED REDUCTIONS AS WELL.
AS WE SEEK TO ADJUST OUR MILITARY POSTURE TO THE CHANGING
POLITICAL CLIMATE, I CAN THINK OF NO BETTER MODEL THAN THE
CFE PROCESS AS A WAY TO COORDINATE OUR RESPONSES TO THE NEW
REQUIREMENTS OF EUROPEAN SECURITY. WE MUST STAND TOGETHER
FOR NEGOTIATED, COORDINATED, STABILIZING REDUCTIONS AGAINST
A RUSH TO THROW OFF DEFENSE BURDENS, AGAINST A RETURN TO THE
NARROW PROTECTION OF SELF-INTEREST THAT COULD BE so
DANGEROUS AT A TIME WHEN EUROPEAN POLITICS ARE IN A STATE OF
FLUX RIVALED IN MY ADULT LIFE ONLY BY THE IMMEDIATE
AFTERMATH OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
YET, THE CFE PROCESS HAS NOT REALIZED ITS FULL POTENTIAL.
LAST MAY WE AGREED TO SEEK AN AGREEMENT WITHIN ONE YEAR. WE
HAVE MADE GOOD PROGRESS SINCE THEN, BUT TOO LITTLE AND TOO
SLOWLY TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY BEFORE US:
THE CHANCE TO EASE THE SOVIET ARMY OUT OF EASTERN EUROPE AND
SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE RISK OF SURPRISE ATTACK AND
AGGRESSION.
4
WE AS POLITICAL LEADERS NEED TO REMAIN FIXED ON THIS GOAL
AND TO RE-ENERGIZE OUR BUREAUCRACIES AND NEGOTIATORS TO
SEIZE THIS URGENT OPPORTUNITY. I HOPE YOU AGREE WITH ME ON
THE NEED FOR ACTION NOW. IF WE IN THIS ALLIANCE ARE NOT
EQUAL TO THE CHANGES THAT ARE GOING ON IN EUROPE AROUND US,
THE CFE PROCESS COULD BE OVERRUN BY EVENTS. THAT COULD BE
DANGEROUS AND WE MUST AVOID IT.
SIMILARLY, WE NEED TO GIVE THOUGHT TO HOW THE ALLIANCE CAN
BEST MAINTAIN, IN THE MIDST OF CHANGE, DETERRENCE AT THE
LOWEST POSSIBLE LEVEL OF FORCES.
FOR THAT REASON, I AM PREPARED TO LOOK WITH AN OPEN MIND AT
WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN TOGETHER ACHIEVE EVEN LOWER LEVELS OF
CONVENTIONAL AND NUCLEAR FORCES IN EUROPE AS PART OF A
NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT.
THE ROLE OF CSCE
MANY OF THE VALUES THAT SHOULD GUIDE EUROPE'S FUTURE ARE
DESCRIBED IN THE FINAL ACT OF THE CONFERENCE OF SECURITY AND
COOPERATION IN EUROPE. THESE VALUES ENCOMPASS THE FREEDOM
OF PEOPLE TO CHOOSE THEIR DESTINY UNDER A RULE OF LAW WITH
RULERS WHO ARE DEMOCRATICALLY ACCOUNTABLE.
I THINK WE CAN LOOK TO THE CSCE TO PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN
THE FUTURE OF EUROPE.
EARLIER THIS YEAR, I SUGGESTED WE EXPAND THE CSCE HUMAN
RIGHTS BASKET TO INCLUDE FREE ELECTIONS. GIVEN THE CALLS
AND COMMITMENTS TO ELECTIONS IN MANY NATIONS TO THE EAST,
THIS COULD BE AN EXCELLENT TIME FOR THE CSCE TO ASSUME THIS
ADDITIONAL MANDATE.
IN ADDITION, THE "ECONOMIC BASKET" OF THE CSCE HAS BEEN
UNDERDEVELOPED. I SUGGESTED TO CHAIRMAN GORBACHEV THIS
WEEKEND THAT WE COULD BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO THIS ASPECT OF
CSCE BY FOCUSING ON THE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS INVOLVED IN THE
TRANSITION FROM STAGNANT PLANNED ECONOMIES TO FREE AND
COMPETITIVE MARKETS.
IN SUM, THE THIRTY-FIVE NATIONS OF THE CSCE BRIDGE BOTH THE
DIVISION OF EUROPE AND THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. IT IS A
STRUCTURE THAT SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE MUCH TO THE
FUTURE ARCHITECTURE OF EUROPE.
THE ROLE OF THE EC
I ALSO APPRECIATE THE VITAL ROLE THE EC MUST PLAY IN THE NEW
EUROPE.
BEFORE MY TRIP TO MALTA, PRESIDENT MITTERRAND CALLED TO
SHARE WITH ME THE VIEWS ABOUT RECENT EVENTS EXPRESSED AT THE
EC MEETING HE HAD CALLED. AND I KNOW THE COMMUNITY WILL BE
RETURNING TO THESE TOPICS IN STRASBOURG LATER THIS WEEK.
5
IT'S MY BELIEF THAT THE EVENTS OF OUR TIMES CALL BOTH FOR A
CONTINUED, PERHAPS EVEN INTENSIFIED, EFFORT OF THE TWELVE TO
INTEGRATE, AND A ROLE FOR THE EC AS A MAGNET THAT DRAWS THE
FORCES OF REFORM FORWARD IN EASTERN EUROPE.
THAT'S WHY I WAS EXCEPTIONALLY PLEASED THAT WE AGREED AT THE
PARIS ECONOMIC SUMMIT ON A SPECIFIC ROLE FOR THE EC IN THE
GROUP OF 24 EFFORT TO ASSIST POLAND AND HUNGARY. NOW THE G-
24, CATALYZED BY EC EFFORTS, MUST DELIVER. ONE KEY STEP IS
TO HELP POLAND ASSEMBLE THE $1 BILLION STABILIZATION FUND IT
HAS REQUESTED TO SUPPORT THE MAJOR MACROECONOMIC OVERHAUL
PLAN IT INTENDS TO PUT IN PLACE WITHIN WEEKS.
I RECOGNIZE, OF COURSE, THAT THE EC CANNOT BEAR THIS BURDEN
ALONE. THE UNITED STATES WILL BE AT THE COMMUNITY'S SIDE IN
THIS NOBLE ENDEAVOR.
I ALSO AM COMMITTED TO A CLOSE U.S. PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EC.
WE ARE BOUND TOGETHER BY COMMON VALUES AND DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS BY SHARED INTERESTS. so WE SHOULD
LOOK FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR TIES SO A NEW ATLANTICISM WILL
PULL IN HARNESS WITH A NEW EUROPE.
CONCLUSION
WE STAND ON THE THRESHOLD OF A NEW ERA. WE KNOW THAT WE ARE
CONTRIBUTING TO A PROCESS OF HISTORY DRIVEN BY PEOPLES
DETERMINED TO BE FREE. THE PEOPLE OF EUROPE, ESPECIALLY THE
BRAVE CITIZENS OF THE EAST, ARE ILLUMINATING THE FUTURE.
YET THE OUTCOME IS NOT PREDESTINED. IT DEPENDS ON OUR
CONTINUED STRENGTH AND SOLIDARITY AS AN ALLIANCE. IT
DEPENDS VITALLY ON THE ACTIONS WE TAKE, AS GOVERNMENTS AND
INDIVIDUALS, TO OFFER LEADERSHIP, PROTECTION, AND
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THIS PROCESS OF PEACEFUL TRANSFORMATION.
EUROPE IS CHANGING, AND WE WILL BE EQUAL TO THE CHANGE. OUR
TRANSATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP CAN CREATE THE ARCHITECTURE OF A
NEW EUROPE, AND A NEW ATLANTICISM, WHERE SELF-DETERMINATION,
AND INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM EVERYWHERE REPLACE COERCION AND
TYRANNY, WHERE ECONOMIC LIBERTY EVERYWHERE REPLACES ECONOMIC
CONTROLS AND STAGNATION, AND WHERE LASTING PEACE IS
REINFORCED EVERYWHERE BY COMMON RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF
MAN.
THE WASHINGTON POST
1 AM LOOKING FOR COMMON GROUND
For the Record
- Bush on china
From an article by Misha Glenny,
Central Europe correspondent for the
British Broadcasting Corp., in The
Listener magazine (Nov. 30):
Many factors have contributed to the
change in Czechoslovakia. The rise to
power of Mikhail Gorbachev was of
course a pre-condition. The tireless and
often thankless work of Czechoslovakia's
dissident community has played an enor-
mous part.
But according to Jirina
Siklova, a founder signatory of Charter
77, 21 August 1988, the 20th anniversa-
to Beijing
ry of the invasion, opened the last chap-
ter of Stalinism in Czechóslovakia. "None
it promis-
of us, opposition or officials, believed that
10,000 young people would demonstrate
ing. The
on that day. And when Naegele broad-
ninese to
cast his piece that night on Voice of
prolifer-
America people throughout the republic
t on the
realized that something fundamental had
which is
changed."
ged their
For the past four years, the impact of
if not at
MASSACRE
Jolyon Naegele, the VOA's Eastern Eu-
lationship
rope correspondent, on Czechoslovak
VICTIMS
politics has been greater than most jour-
ng wrong
nalists can dream of in a lifetime
e implica-
Naegele has communicated the ironic mu-
d to stop
ances of Czechoslovak reality to people
n the part
inside the country more effectively than
prevent it
anyone else before him.
this have
Naegele's success was due partly to
een dealt
DISSIDENTS
one of the cardinal sins committed by
liplomatic
[Gustav] Husak and [Milos] Jakes. While
onducted
publicly embracing glasnost, they insisted
via our
on feeding one of Europe's most educat-
ed populations with huge doses of indi-
e United
FREEDOM
gestible verbal hogwash. It was this
efront of
which ensured that the overwhelming
majority of the population listened regu-
ously, it
larly to the VOA, the BBC and Radio
DW much
Free Europe. The role of these radio sta-
ondemns
©1989
tions will now change as the Czechoslo-
nces and
vak journalists rediscover the heritage of
ons with
Capek, Peroutka and Vaculik.
imposed
secuting
eedom.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SENT BY:AFL CIO CONVENTION '89;11-14-89
4:14AM ;
2027450180->
2024566218; 1
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
MARCAN FEDERATION OF UNITED
815 Sixteanth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
LANE KIRKLAND PRESIDENT
THOMAS R. DONAHUE SECRETARY-TREASURER
(202) 837-5000
Fraderick O'Nest
Albert Shanker
Edward T. Hanley
Angelo Fosco
Kenneth 1 Glaytock
William H Wynn
William W. Winplainger
John DeConcini
Wayne E Glenn
COMMUNITY + AFL INDUSTRIAL is
Joyce D Miller
John J. Sweeney
James € Hattleld
Barbare Hutchinson
Richard 1. Killoy
Vincent R Sombrette
Gerald W. McEntee
William M Byweter
Marvin J Boode
Owen Bleber
John T Joyce
Lynn A Witherns
Morton Bahr
Larry Dugan J'
Milan Stone
Robert A. Georgine
Gene Upshaw
Jay Masur
Lenore Miller
Jack Sheinkman
John J. Barry
John A. Gannon
Sigurd Lucassen
William J. MeCanny
Date: 11/14/89
FAX Phone Pcggy Number:
To: Dooley 456-6218
From: David st John
Department: President's Office
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AFL-CIO
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION 202-637-5010
YES
Address of Lech Walesa
to the AFL-CIO Convention
Washington, D.C.
November 14, 1989
Dear American friends, President Kirkland, Executive Council:
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the AFL-CIO:
the years, both good and bad.
between Solidarity and the AFL-CIO is strong and enduring. It has been shaped over
This is a meeting that has been a long time in coming. The bond of friendship
human freedom.
You have proven to be our most steadfast allies in the trade union struggle for
Meany Human Rights Award, which I had planned to pick up exactly eight years ago.
I am honored, at long last, to accept on behalf of my trade union the George
changing the political face of Poland and of the world. And that movement has been
A vast movement for democracy and freedom is developing in my country. It is
like you and I.
made possible only through the peaceful struggle of working people, of trade unionists
Today the working people of Poland are struggling to rebuild their country, to
create a stable, democratic society. We will need your help. And we know we can
us down.
count on it. You have been unfailing and reliable allies, and we know you will not let
Today I am here, in the United States, as a trade unionist. I am here also
countrymen in its ranks and among its leaders.
Pole. And I am proud that your trade union movement includes so many of as my a
For millions of my compatriots, the route across the Atlantic was the route of
in in 1619, some of my countrymen--glass workers-staged the first strike in American history
themselves in an unfamiliar country whose name they associated with freedom. When,
hope. It was long and exhausting. Millions of Poles travelled for weeks to finally find
to the this Jamestown colony, they lit a flame of freedom and human dignity that is burning
freedom they had so often missed in their own country.
day at home, in Poland, and here in the United States. Here they found the
a few hours--which made me realize how much the world had grown smaller. And not
My journey across the Atlantic was entirely different. Not only because it lasted
to thing is that I travelled across the Atlantic just to tell you that hope has found its
only because from the very moment I arrived here, I felt at home. The most important
the freedom in their own country-the breeze many people once had to seek on this side of
Poland too. For the first time in several dozen years, Poles can feel the breeze way of
provided most difficult days, the moments of despair and hopelessness. The us
survive in the the power of human dreams. You encouraged us in this belief. You helped
faith ocean. We knew that the time would come, and we had been awaiting it full of
efforts to set up legal free trade unions. Thanks to your support at international struggle the
right to by you and some other friends enabled us to continue our for help
reduced isolate us from the world trade union movement failed, and forums,
solidarity to with silence. Now the time has come to thank you; to thank we were for not
thanks to the Solidarity--with the cause so many people considered lost and you which your
the road to victory. stubbornness of Poles and the perseverance of our friends, has put us now, onto
SENT BY:HFL CIO CONVENTION '89;11-14-89 4:16AM ;
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2024566218; 3
Lech Walesa
2
November 14, 1989
One easily finds friends when one is successful. But when you are in trouble,
there is suddenly hardly anybody to be seen But at least you can know for sure that
those who stayed by you are the ones you can rely on. And this is the kind of
friendship you value most even when you are again surrounded by new allies and
sympathizers attracted by your new success.
Many people considered Solidarity a lost cause. Many analyzed the balance of
power and concluded that we had nothing while our opponents had everything. We were
presented as Don Quixotes pursuing unrealistic goals. We were advised to reconcile
ourselves to so-called realities of life and were condemned when we refused to do so.
For many politicians, we were either a troublesome partner or a burdensome obstacle
in their diplomatic game. Opinions were voiced that our activities might threaten
international stability, thus posing a threat to peace.
We could not agree to this kind of thinking. And not because we lacked realism.
We decided to contribute to world peace in a different way--it was realism which told
us one could not build enduring peace based on injustice and slavery. We learned this
through our Polish experiences, but this is in fact a universal formula valid everywhere,
in every geographical latitude and in every culture. This formula applies to all
totalitarian and dictatorial systems, regardless of the ideology they profess or the
catchphrase they hide behind. None of those systems has the right to pose as a defender
of peace. Peace has to be the work of free people who speak for themselves.
To discern this fact and to understand it-this is realism. This same realism told
us it was impossible to suppress the desire for freedom in Poland for any long stretch
of time. This desire found its reflection in our movement. And this is why we kept
repeating the words which became the motto of the last few months in Poland: There
is no freedom without Solidarity.
It was realism that made us know that it is impossible to reform the country when
peoples' mouths are gagged and their hands are bound, as it is they who must implement
reforms. Our movement came into being as a movement of working people. For several
dozen years much was done in our country to deprive people of the willingness to work
and of faith in work's meaning. Solidarity came into being as a movement whose main
task was to restore the value of work and its dignity. This task was our guiding principle
in 1980, and later, until the imposition of martial law. We did not lose sight of this
principle even as we worked underground and tried to persuade the authorities to choose
the road of reforms. Today much more depends on us then ever before in the last
40 years.
Of course, eight years ago everything may have seemed easier. When in August
1980 I jumped over the wall surrounding the Gdansk Shipyard, I did not know what our
protests would lead to, but I knew perfectly well what it was that we had to do. Today
I often dream that I can find myself in such clear-cut situations as those in the past.
Maybe today I would have slightly more difficulty jumping over that wall, but today I
would not mind having only that one difficulty.
Of course, we have taken upon ourselves full responsibility for the country. There
was no other choice. True enough, nobody with an ounce of common sense in him
would be willing to take over a bankrupt enterprise in a hopeless condition, but what can
one do if that enterprise happens to be one's own country? We could have said that we
didn't ruin it and so we don't have to worry about its rebuilding. But it is we who have
had to undertake this task, risking a lot in the process--an awful lot. We had to do it
because we owe it to the people who trusted us and who cast their votes for us in the
June elections. We were driven to it by our sense of responsibility for our country. We
took over a country which was in a catastrophic state. The 40-year experiment with the
For those 40 years, Poland was separated from the road to which she had once belonged.
communist political system caused a devastation which is almost impossible to clear up.
Even book-keeping in enterprises was changed to such a degree that a Polish accountant
can hardly communicate with his Western opposite number.
Nobody has ever tried transforming a planned economy into a market-oriented
one. There are no handbooks or seasoned experts in this field. Everything has to be
TUN
89;
11-14-89
4:17AM ;
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Lech Walesa
3
November 14, 1989
performed for the first time, and not in a laboratory but in a country where people are
exhausted by an economic crisis that has lasted 15 years-longer than anywhere else in
the world. In addition to all this, we carry a heavy burden of debts incurred on our
behalf in the '70s without anyone asking our permission or seeking our opinion on the
matter. However, those who gave us money at that time were not bothered by this fact.
They did not ask critical questions or express doubts. They did not follow the advice of
independent economists who kept warning against investing money in projects aimed at
satisfying the megalomania of the authorities rather than the country's economic needs.
Today we are being told that the West has had a bad experience with extending loans
to Poland and that they have to be careful.
We have nothing against being careful, on the contrary, we tried to encourage this
attitude in the 70s. If the West had been more cautions at that time, we would have
been in a different situation at present. We are not trying to talk anyone into
carelessness. We are only trying to convince our partners that they should not wait too
long. In Eastern Europe everything is in short supply, even, or rather first and foremost,
time. No one knows how much time we have left to reform our economy, but we all
realize it is not much. If we fail to convince people that although things are changing
slowly they are nevertheless changing for the better, then this breeze of freedom I spoke
of will soon disappear, leaving behind only a sense of bitterness accompanying
unaccomplished dreams. It will result in a defeat for us, but not only for us.
Sometimes we feel as if we are swimming chained hand and foot, trying to
summon all our energy just to make it safely to the shore. And on the shore there is
a cheering crowd of people who offer us their admiration instead of simply throwing a
life-belt. We want to make it to the shore, we want to join the community of democratic
countries with efficient economies. And I think this would also be to the advantage of
these countries. Putting money in dictatorships usually turns out to be a short-term
business. Investing money in a democratic country is always profitable, even if it does
not bring immediate results. And when a new partner joins the community of market-
oriented economies it can only bring profit for everyone. I know that investing money
in Poland requires a little bit of courageous thinking, or maybe a bit of imagination. But
I also know that in America there are more imaginative and courageous people than
anywhere else in the world, and these qualities are indispensable when exploring
something new, something as yet unfathomed I know that the pioneer spirit which
made this country big and free is still around. I would like you to transplant this spirit
to Poland. I would like Americans to smooth the way for big business with Poland. A
friend of Poland should now go into business with her and should encourage others to
follow suit. Our country needs your experience, your knowledge, your modern
technologies. If you engage in any activity in our country, others will emulate your
example. The world is awaiting your signal, it is watching you. Do not let the world
and us wait any longer.
Such is the fate of a Polish trade unionist-he has to launch a publicity campaign
for private entrepreneurship. I would not like anybody to think that I made an about-
face. Nowadays in Poland the defense of workers is not based on demanding more
money, which in our country has no real value and for which one cannot buy anything.
At present defending workers means building a normally functioning economy that would
allow increasing production and letting people earn more money. Such an economy can
be only built together with the trade unions; it cannot be built against them.
That is why Solidarity is still indispensable for Poland as a movement of reforms
to reshape our country into a European state. A year ago we were saying: "There is
Solidarity." no freedom without Solidarity." Today we can say: "There are no reforms without
Within the last few months we have achieved more than we could have hoped for.
We have a legally operating free trade union; we are strongly represented in Parliament
and even in the government. All this has been achieved through our own efforts, but
by recession and inflation rather than police repressions, we need this international
also thanks to an international solidarity with Poland. Today, when we are threatened
friends solidarity no less than in the past. Therefore I am addressing my appeal to our
who have proved to be reliable in the most difficult of times: Help Poland you, make
SENT BY:AFL CIO CONVENTION '89;11-14-89 4:18AM ;
2027450180->
2024566218:# 5
Lech Walesa
4
November 14, 1989
her way to the shore of freedom. Help realize this hope that finally has come to our
country. Uphold your solidarity with Solidarity. Let the road of hope--embarked on by
millions of Poles on their way to America--be a road of friendship of two free nations:
the Polish and the American.
Dear Brothers and Sisters. Dear Brother Kirkland. Once again I wish to say how
honored I am to be here, in the United States, as guest of your great trade union
movement. I am delighted to see in this hall the many faces of the movement that has
always assisted us in times of need.
I am happy to be able to greet you with the words of the famous American trade
union anthem that links our two movements together:
"Solidarity forever"
-30-
Dan mcf.
DEPARTMENT GREAT OF THESTAID THE OF
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
STATE CAPITOL
TOWA
DES MOINES. IOWA 50319
515 281-5211
TERRY E. BRANSTAD
GOVERNOR
CONDITION OF THE STATE MESSAGE
By
The Honorable Terry E. Branstad
Governor of Iowa
January 9, 1990
Des Moines, Iowa
Delivered Before a
Joint Convention
of the
73rd General Assembly
(FOR RELEASE AT 10:00 A.M.)
Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Justices
and Judges, State Officials, Senators and Representatives,
Distinguished Guests and Friends.
Before I begin this morning, I would like to take a moment to
welcome a very special family to these chambers - Tibi and
Marilena Craici and their children, Dan and Anamaria.
The Craici's were born, married and had their two children in
Romania. Tibi was an electrical engineer and Marilena a
mechanical engineer there. They were more fortunate than many
of their countrymen. Yet, Tibi told me last week, "We had
everything except freedom."
A few years ago, they fled their homeland as political
refugees. Today, Tibi and Marilena Craici are realizing their
dream of freedom here in Iowa. Iowa is now their home.
It was thus with horror that a month ago the Craici's watched
thousands of their compatriots gunned down while marching for
freedom. We can only imagine the joy in their hearts as they
witnessed Romania throw off a 40-year yoke of brutal
oppression. Finally, all Romanians are realizing their dream
of freedom.
Page 2
1989 was the year when the Cold War melted; the Iron Curtain
parted; and the Berlin Wall came tumbling down. First it was
Hungary, then Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria
and finally Romania. One by one, people in Eastern Europe
threw off the mantle of oppression and demanded freedom and
democracy.
Today, let us salute all the brave Romanians and other Eastern
Europeans who risked their lives to bring freedom to their
lands. Please join me in welcoming the Craici's to this
special place they now call home, Iowa.
As we enter the 1990's, the prospects for peace in the world
are greater than at any other time in the 20th Century and we
Iowans should take at least a small measure of pride in knowing
that we helped make that happen. Our state has always been a
force for peace in the world.
Even though it was more than 30 years ago, we vividly recall
Nikita Khrushchev's visit to Roswell Garst's farm near Coon
Rapids. In the 70's, Iowans pushed for expanded trade with the
Soviets and in the 80's, Iowa was the very first state to
establish a sister-state relationship in the Soviet Union.
Page 3
For Iowa, peace means prosperity. The next ten years offer
extraordinary opportunity for our state. Yes, the 90's could
well be Iowa's best decade.
Lest we forget, the 80's taught us some important lessons.
Ten years ago today, we had just come off a decade of great
prosperity. Farmland values had yet to hit their peak;
manufacturing jobs were at an all time high, and inflation-
induced growth seemed never ending.
Yet, there were dark clouds on the horizon. Interest rates
were beginning to soar; a grain embargo had just been imposed
on the Soviets and the wheels of commerce were slowing down.
We were not prepared to deal with the result.
Those dark clouds rained distress on Iowans like no time since
the 30's.
We watched in dismay as the floor fell out of the economy, land
values plummeted, bankruptcies mounted, unemployment neared
double digits, and many Iowans moved to other parts of the
country in search of jobs.
Page 4
Never again. Never again will we enter a decade SO vulnerable
to the shifts of economic trends. Never again will we become
complacent and uncompetitive. Never again will we let our
economy rest on a one-legged stool. Never, never again.
Yes, in the 1980's times were tough, but Iowans were tougher.
We learned some lessons from the farm crisis and used them to
help Iowa turn a new direction. We set out a plan and stuck to
it: to strengthen and diversify Iowa's economy; to build on our
strengths in agriculture and education; to improve our business
climate; to promote and market Iowa.
Now the sun is shining on our horizon. Our strategy is paying
dividends. Over the past three years, we have seen a dramatic
comeback in the Iowa economy.
*
In 1989, record numbers of Iowans were working and
unemployment in our state remained among the lowest in
the nation.
*
Land values are up 45 percent since 1986.
*
40 percent of Iowa firms have plans for expansion.
*
And in the first 10 months of 1989, exports are up
20 percent.
Page 16
We can be proud of the economic comeback that together we
helped start in the 80's; but the job is not completed. We
must not rest until all Iowans share in our recovery. We can
make the 90's the best decade in the Twentieth Century.
Like our ancestors, the Craici's have decided to call Iowa
home. They like the quiet and comfortable life in our state
and the freedom and security it provides. They understand that
this is a special place to live, work and raise a family.
Former Iowans are coming back, realizing that only Iowa can be
home. This is a special place where friendliness, honesty and
kindness are a way of life.
New Iowans marvel at our attention to the environment, our
quality of life and our unparalleled commitment to education.
All of this we must develop. All of this we must nurture. All
of this we must preserve.
Page 17
Let us not permit partisan or personal differences to divert us
from this task -- to make the 1990's Iowa's decade, a decade to
come home to Iowa.
Come home to a state that is strong and safe; clean and
compassionate.
Come home to a state with open arms for families like the
Craici's seeking freedom and hope and opportunity.
Come home to a state where our children and our children's
children can find jobs and family and community.
Come home to this special place -- Iowa -- a beacon of hope in
the Heartland of the world.
FRESS
-F RTI. NTO S STAT
FOR RELEASE: 6:01 a.m. LOCAL TIME
12:01 a.m. EST
"FROM REVOLUTION TO DEMOCRACY:
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
IN THE NEW EUROPE"
ADDRESS BY
SECRETARY OF STATE JAMES A. BAKER, III
CHARLES UNIVERSITY
PRAGUE, CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Wednesday, February 7, 1990
For further information contact:
On an autumn day in Washington, D.C., seventy-two years
ago, a messenger brought an envelope to the White House. A
clerk stamped the enclosed letter, "Received, October 18, 1918."
The letter was sent by an elderly former professor from
Prague to his friend, a former professor from Princeton.
The letter was timely, for on that very day, October 18,
the Princeton professor, Woodrow Wilson, President of the
United States, was considering a recent proposal from the
Austro-Hungarian Empire.
That letter to the White House was the Declaration of
Independence of the Czechoslovak Nation. Thomas Masaryk had
sent it.
As our twenty-eighth President read the document from the
man who would be your first President, he must have been
stirred by the words that recalled our own declaration of
independence from an empire. He must have been moved by the
closing passage:
"The forces of darkness have served the victory of light,
-- the longed-for age of humanity is dawning. We believe
more." in democracy, we believe in liberty, - and liberty ever
That same day, October 18, Woodrow Wilson sent his reply to
the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He recognized the Czecho-Slovak
National Council as a "government clothed with proper
authority." And he insisted that Czechs and Slovaks, not an
emperor in Vienna, should be the judges of their own destiny.
democracy and self-determination, did not last.
But the wisdom of Masaryk and Wilson, the rationality of
The days of reason of 1918 yielded to the unreasoning
darkness of 1938 and 1948. Czechoslovakia witnessed - and
endured - frightening totalitarian power and the breakdown of
the European order. The United States returned to Europe, and
America's young men died, resisting Nazi and Fascist
expansionism. aggression. Then America stayed in Europe to contain Stalinist
Now the revolutions of 1989 have revived an age of reason
for Czechoslovakia and Eastern and Central Europe.
That is what brings us together in this special place.
Twenty-two years ago, students just like you -- students
like Jan Palach - joined during a fateful Prague Spring to
-2-
restore the vibrant democratic society that once stood at the
of "normalization," by the unreason of the era of stagnation.
heart of Europe -- only to be crushed by the twisted normality
Now you -- the students of this great university -- have
revolution. taken part, heroically and responsibly, in your velvet
So it is especially fitting for me to come here, to
Czechoslovakia, to Prague, to this university, to talk with you
democratic revolutions.
about how we might promote, perpetuate, and protect Europe's
Never again should you -- or any other people -- have
totalitarianism steal away your freedom.
unable to effect, much less shape, your own destiny. Unable to
Never again should you be just the objects of history,
us, without us, against us.
do anything but cry out: "o nas, bez nas, proti nam" -- about
From Revolution to Lasting Democracy
In December in Berlin, I discussed four key features of the
new European architecture: NATO, the EC, CSCE, and a
continuing American role in Europe.
Here in Prague, I want to resume that discussion. I
to share my thoughts on how Czechoslovakia and its neighbors want in
democracies that draw strength from the new architecture.
Central and Eastern Europe can move from revolutions to lasting
across Europe - here in Prague and in Bratislava, in Warsaw
The historic, democratic movements that we are witnessing
and Budapest, in Berlin, Sofia, Belgrade, and Bucharest hold
can great promise for all of us. They hold the promise that -- Europe
achieve what President Havel has called "the era of
free." freedom." What President Bush has called a "Europe whole and
"4/he
Economist
We must work to fulfill that promise and to protect
be Indeed, we all know that initial impulses for democracy it. not
become the year of building anew.
enough. If 1989 was the year of sweeping away, 1990 must may
this region.
Four challenges confront the newly emerging democracies of
First, the spirit of revolution needs to move from
with way and free elections that establish open parliaments
streets to fair into the government. Transitional regimes need the to give
systems need to respect the rule of law and fundamental
a place for opposition. The new democratic political
-3-
individual rights and liberties -- including freedom of speech,
minority rights.
assembly, religion, and the press. Majority rule must respect
Second, the spirit of the New Europe needs to be reflected
in security arrangements that remove the threat of military
aggression or intimidation and promote the peaceful settlement
of disputes. Elections and new security treaties will be
mutually reinforcing, for only freely-elected governments can
legitimize the security arrangements the treaties will codify.
Third, the spirit of economic reform needs to move forward
to allow free men and women to enjoy economic liberty --
including the rights to private ownership and to work alone or
collectively in markets where prices are set by individual
choices, not centralized diktat. The improved performance and
freedom of market economies will be necessary to help sustain
popular support for the new democracies.
may determine that they can better support and sustain their
also be a fourth: Some of the new democracies of the region
Following from these three challenges, I suggest there may
common effort if they do so in concert, perhaps through some
form of regional cooperation.
In each of these efforts, the evolving institutions of
New Europe -- NATO, the EC, CSCE -- will play important roles. a
So will America. For as you make progress toward
democratic ideals, so do we, for that is the essence of
America. Both Wilson and Masaryk understood that.
ahead. But neither should we underestimate the great
None of us should underestimate the difficulty of the work
opportunity presented all of us by your courage.
As President Havel said on New Year's Day, "Let us
both ourselves and others that politics does not have to teach be the
art of the possible, especially if this means the art of
speculating, calculating, intrigues, secret agreements
pragmatic maneuvering, but that it also can be the art of and the
world better.
impossible, that is the art of making both ourselves and the
Free Elections -- The First Challenge
Two months ago in Berlin, I emphasized that
based for on the consent of the governed are the first governments requirement
an enduring peace in Europe. Americans value
the self-determination because we value the dignity and of
governments can stand.
self-determination is the only basis upon which legitimate
individual. We value it, too, because the principle freedom of
-4-
The steps you take are not just your own. They are also
steps forward for all states that have a stake in a legitimate
European order, including the United States and the Soviet
Union. Only through the legitimacy of democracy will we
achieve a resilient and lasting stability.
Governments accountable to their peoples, and more
concerned with the livelihood of their citizens than with their
apparats, armies, or secret police, will secure a Europe whole
and free in a way armies of tanks never could. Democratic
governments are far more likely to promote the well-being of
their citizens than to pursue expansionist, aggressive aims.
President Gorbachev also appears to have understood this
opportunity. By word and deed, this new Soviet leadership
seems to agree that legitimacy, not force, is the only way to
ensure European stability. As Foreign Minister Shevardnadze
said just last month, "We are emerging from a difficult past.
We are emerging from it, having learned well its main lesson:
Only an advanced democracy can give guarantees against the
violence." abuse of power and can secure a nation against repression and
Since self-determination through a free and fair election
is the right that secures all others, President Bush has called
for adding free elections to CSCE nations' human rights
obligations. This proposal would commit all 35 CSCE
participating states to hold periodic and genuine elections,
permit free party activity, and require that elections be open
to foreign observers. Between now and the Copenhagen CSCE
conference, the United States will propose new provisions to
the CSCE process.
support, monitor, and carry out a free elections regime within
United States in sending observer delegations to ensure that
Indeed, I propose that all CSCE member states join with the
of the people.
the people power elections of 1990 genuinely represent the will
Romania it would invite U.N. observers to its elections. Now I hope
No proposal could be more timely. Last month, Romania said
being the first nation to invite CSCE observers.
will give our CSCE observer proposal greater impetus by
should be the year the people move into their parliaments.
1989 was the year the people took to the streets. 1990
I would like to add one cautionary note. We are
elections. Let me be clear: The peaceful transition
engaged in practices that will obstruct truly free and region fair
by indications that some of the governments in the troubled have
tolerate democracy now under way in Central and Eastern Europe will to not
seen the GDR and Romania, such actions will only undercut we have
in rear guard maneuvers from any quarter. As
-5-
the legitimacy of this vital process. And any steps that
undercut the creation of legitimate governments will increase,
not decrease, instability. That is in no one's interest.
We will proceed on the basis of a new democratic
differentiation: any backsliding in the movement to create
legitimate governments will isolate a nation from the support
we can provide.
Challenge Consolidating Changes in Europe's Security: The Second
The democratic imperative is the first and most basic
challenge. But the second challenge is no less important. I
want to state our objective as clearly as possible: We must
preceded it.
leave behind not only the Cold War but also the conflicts that
After 1918, you built a strong democracy and a vibrant
effective security.
economy, but 1938 and 1948 proved the necessity for enduring,
political ones. And CFE is a critical step toward an agreed
The lesson is clear: Military changes must keep pace with
and codified security system. Last week President Bush made a
new proposal that should bring an effective CFE Treaty to a
rapid conclusion.
The United States is confident that such an agreement will
promote a stable strategic relationship in Europe. That
occupation. of invasion and end the unjust presence of any army of
relationship should minimize and deter the threat of any army
We also believe that enduring security necessitates
our allies desire it - to reassure the nations of Europe,
continued U.S. military role on the continent -- for as long a as
intimidation, or coercion.
large and small, that we will stand by them to resist invasion,
We can make the European strategic situation more
predictable and perhaps less threatening by encouraging
example, openness Canada and transparency will in military affairs. Next week, greater for
Measures are reduce where President through oriented The we tensions negotiations a within hope Bush's system primarily to CSCE on proposal of begin the overflights offer on host toward continent. negotiations Confidence to the a vehicle overcome Open on Yet and short Skies toward for the our Security ongoing notice. Conference suspicions present implementing Building efforts proposals in of Ottawa, secrecy to
would action against the West. We also need danger to of develop Eastern measures offensive that
the
nation impede an assertion of military might by any European
against any other.
-6-
So today I propose that we start exploring the expansion of
the confidence and security building measures agenda. For
example, we should consider new proposals to promote greater
military transparency between neighboring states, especially
along border areas, and to open the military budgets of all 35
CSCE nations to public scrutiny.
NATO will continue to play an important role in ensuring
strategic stability and predictability in Europe -- West and
East -- but NATO must also evolve to assume new missions. As a
political alliance, NATO offers a cohesive structure that can
help address old and new European animosities and fears --
outside and inside NATO. As a security alliance among sixteen
like-minded democracies, NATO should consider how it might
facilitate collective action against non-traditional threats --
such as proliferation and regional conflicts. As a political
and a security alliance, NATO can assist in the verification of
Europeans. arms control and security agreements to the benefit of all
Challenge Economic Requirements for the New Democracies: The Third
Free elections and treaties on conventional forces and
confidence building measures will help advance and consolidate
your people power revolutions. But if steps are not taken to
promote economic vitality, then the stability of Europe may be
threatened again. This is one of the painful lessons of the
now face the long and trying labor of regenerating societies
inter-war years. The newly emancipated peoples of this region
devastated by half a century of totalitarian rule.
A major part of this effort must clean up your rivers,
central-planning as were your economies themselves.
lakes, forests, soil, and air - damaged just as badly by
Because the circumstances of each nation differ
considerably, it would be a mistake to apply a mechanistic
stages of economic reform to which the United States, the
assistance formula. I believe, however, we can, identify
and the other nations of the Group of 24 should tailor support. EC,
First. some nations will need short-term emergency aid to
medicine, fall. and disaster relief. We will be there to break the
cope with severe shortages of necessities - for example, food,
especially in agriculture.
undercut the revitalization of homegrown solutions -
But we will seek to do so in a way that does not
million this in medical supplies since 1982 to aid the people
the American organization, AmeriCares, has sent over $80
The private sector can play a key role here. For instance,
American pharmaceutical companies -- over 800 of them.
region. And their supplies are donated primarily from of
Second, all the new democracies will need help in the
transition from broken down Stalinist command economies to
market systems driven by the engine of private enterprise.
Your new Finance Minister, Vaclav Klaus, recently made a
succinct statement at an international meeting that went to the
heart of the problem: We don't need the old types of
cooperation, he reminded an old thinking Eastern colleague, we
need business!
Businesses need market prices and an opportunity to
compete. It is up to you to provide a conducive legal
environment, to turn over or sell factories to private owners,
and to lift the heavy hand of excessive government
intervention. It is up to us to help draw foreign investors,
offering incentives where appropriate, and even at times to
supply seed money for local private ventures. It is up to all
of us to lend a hand - especially through multilateral
financial support - to democratic economies struggling to
manage such difficult transition problems as debt payments,
stabilization of currency values, and currency convertibility.
That is exactly what we are doing for Poland and Hungary,
where the United States alone has offered about $1 billion in
various assistance measures. And just last week, President
Bush asked Congress for $300 million for assistance to Eastern
Europe. While some of our assistance will be available to all,
the progress a government makes in meeting the challenges I
have outlined will influence the availability of the full range
of aid.
Third, we must integrate the new market democracies into
the international economic system. You need access to IMP and
World Bank resources. You need barriers to trade removed
bilaterally and through GATT, so potential investors will know
they can export to other markets. You need access to high
technology. To meet this need, the United States is
considering with its allies adjustments in the COCOM system
that could enable you to have access to technology, provided
you will protect it and forego industrial espionage.
We have been pleased the European Community has assumed a
major role in coordinating economic assistance, because the
availability of the EC market for the nations of Central and
Eastern Europe is vital. We recognize, as well, that others
including the United States, Japan, and the EFTA nations --
should also play significant roles so the new market
democracies can assume their proper independent place within
the whole of Europe and the larger international system.
Czechoslovakia and other nations of Eastern Europe warrant
special recognition at this historic time. Therefore, I am
pleased to announce that we will support the offer of
the government of Czechoslovakia to locate the new European
Development Bank for Reconstruction and Development here in
Prague, in the center and heart of Europe.
PA/PRS
0101
-8-
principles. an opportunity to establish European-wide adherence conference to
I also look forward to the Bonn CSCE economic as
better If CSCE is to fulfill its potential, it needs market a
economic transition. to market economies and promote ongoing the respect for
developed economic component that will aid
liberty and open markets.
CSCE Summit
economies. Free elections. CFE and security. Dynamic market
for they the United mutually reinforcing. Together they offer together
Standing are alone, each of these is important. But
Together of 1989 become the democracies of the ensure
revolutions States and others that want to an that agenda the
one power: they the can people. help build governments that answer 1990s. to only
This agenda draws from and builds on the CSCE framework.
It should be the agenda of a CSCE Summit.
points. a 35-nation CSCE Summit this year if the Summit addresses participate three in
Therefore, the United States stands ready to
U.K. and genuine to establish a CSCE commitment to hold U.S. and
One, proposal we need to make substantial progress on the
legitimate baseline requirement for establishing a a new,
and are the elections. Free elections should be human periodic right
European political order.
arrangements. at the establishing new, legitimate security
Two, Summit we must - complete the CFE Treaty -- so it can be signed
well, substantive including progress and possible proposals in other agenda based on
Three, we should clearly define the Summit
example, CSCE's replace, potential we the might 1992 economics. for Helsinki advancing Review This reform way, Meeting in it a can and New prepare demonstrate Europe. for, areas For not as
FRG has suggested. to support its work in the three baskets, develop as the
institutions consider how CSCE can gradually
U.S. Bilateral Programs for Czechoslovakia
have shown that Against no Violence, Czechs and Slovaks of the Civic
and for the Public Under the sure guidance program Forum
Czechoslovakia. Let me say a word about our bilateral assistance
government. democratic gains, and leads to a is peaceful,
consolidates change is too rapid when it together
revolution. Our assistance can help you continue legitimate your
0244
PA/PRS
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In recognition of your country's dramatically changed human
rights situation, I ám pleased to announce that the President
will notify the Congress that he is waiving the Jackson-Vanik
Amendment. This waiver will open the way for Most Favored
Nation status for Czechoslovakia after we negotiate a trade
agreement. And when Czechoslovakia's parliament passes new,
liberal legislation on free emigration, the United States will
declare Czechoslovakia in full compliance with Jackson-Vanik,
as we have done with Hungary, so that Czechoslovakia can enjoy
MFN status without the requirement of an annual waiver.
The President will also request authority for the U.S.
Overseas Private Investment Corporation to operate in
Czechoslovakia to encourage and offer financial support to
private U.S. investors.
And we will support your recent request to rejoin the IMF.
The United States will also:
Support you economically by making Czechoslovakia eligible
for the export-credit guarantees of our Export-Import Bank
and Commodity Credit Corporation; by seeking legislation to
promote technical assistance; by negotiating a bilateral
investment treaty; and by coordinating this assistance with
the multilateral efforts of the Group of 24.
Support you ecologically by proposing a joint
U.S.-Czechoslovak study to determine the most cost
effective way to deal with your serious air pollution
problems; by encouraging you to participate in the Budapest
Regional Environmental Center announced by President Bush
last July; and by intensifying our dialogue on all
transnational issues, including the environment, drug
trafficking, and terrorism.
Support closer ties between our peoples by increasing
cultural and educational exchange programs; by beginning a
Peace Corps English language program here: by establishing
USIA cultural centers in Bratislava and in Prague; and
above all, by reopening our consulate in Bratislava. These
steps will go far toward reestablishing our historical ties
with both the Slovak and Czech peoples.
I also have one more U.S. initiative to announce today, an
idea specially suited to safeguarding your democracy and those
of your neighbors. It starts from the assumption that just as
you have won your own freedom, so too will well informed
citizens protect freedom by setting wrong to right. As Thomas
Jefferson wrote almost 200 years ago, "Where the press is free,
and every man able to read, all is safe."
These were and are wise words.
The United States proposes, therefore, the establishment of
a Fund for Independent Broadcasting and a Free Press. Our goal
02/07/90
10:00
2,202 647 0244
PA/PRS
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is to support cooperative development of commercial and
non-profit radio and television broadcasting and free press in
Czechoslovakia and the rest of Central and Eastern Europe. The
Fund would solicit participation and contributions from Western
private corporations and institutions. This Fund's principal
purpose would be to assist groups in the region that wish to
start independent radio, television, and print enterprises.
The Fund could provide seed money for start-up costs as well as
technical assistance. It would also provide training in the
United States and other Western countries in the use of
equipment standards. and development of professional broadcast and print
New Associations in the Region and Europe: The Fourth Challenge
In a region that has suffered so greatly from the
distortion of national interest and from international
isolation, I am encouraged by the first signs of coordination
and possible new association among newly democratic states.
President Havel and others have opened the discussion. We
recognize that the growth of legitimate multilateral
organizations that reflect the economic political and security
interests of this region will develop as they are needed, but
permit me, if you will, to think out loud for a few moments.
independent nations in every other region in the world. As in
The United States has supported voluntary associations of
Western Europe after World War II, we believe that the
new forms of cooperation.
of political and economic reconstruction may be strengthened process by
build international civil society and overcome old
democracy and are, in a sense, a natural way for democracies to
We believe voluntary associations follow naturally from
animosities. Indeed, association may also give you additional
strength to build democratic institutions at home, because the
lessons and success of one may assist another.
beneficial economic cooperation in the region by officials of
We welcome, for example, the recent discussions of mutually
the governments of Hungary, Poland, and Czechoslovakia,
and including a possible free trade agreement, free flow of capital
labor, harmonized financial systems, and a convertible
and accounting unit. Economic integration can enhance efficiency
growth. Common infrastructure projects can assure
compatible communications, transport, and energy networks.
have the countries in association from others. Indeed, nations
The purpose of such closer ties should not be to isolate
the every interest in overcoming the enforced associations your
this global economies. No longer should the circumstances
and past that actually discouraged your entry into the European of
continent subject you to characterization as "The of
Between"; you can, instead, establish a region of recognition Lands
547 0244
PA/PRS
-11-
and respect. Working together, you might strengthen your
position and fashion a special relationship with the EC, the
nations of EFTA, or the U.S.
If you do work together, we will respect your decision by
providing our assistance in a way that supports your
association. The choice of whether to associate and in what
form is of course entirely yours to make.
A Commonwealth of Free Nations
Today in Prague and two months ago in Berlin, I have
elaborated upon the President's vision of a Europe whole and
free. I have described America's vital role in building that
new Europe together with you. By respecting the principles of
self-determination and democratic choice, we believe that the
old divisions of Europe can be overcome. The legacy of 1938
and 1948 can be left behind, and the hopes of 1918 and 1968 can
be fulfilled.
Before I came to speak to you this morning, I visited the
place where, twenty-one years ago, Jan Palach set himself on
fire to protest fear and terror. There is little that an
American official can tell this audience about his sacrifice.
But I know that among the students of his old university
man. gathered here today, the student Palach would not be a lonely
For in affirming your dignity as individuals, you have
reclaimed more than the future of your generation. In
recovering your independence as Czechs and Slovaks, you have
begun more than your country's historic return to Europe. You
have indivisible. shown that, in the words of your president, freedom is
When the "freedom trains" bearing East German citizens
pulled out of Prague last year, hundreds of your countrymen
stood and cheered. But the freedom train of 1989 did not stop
at the East German border or the Czechoslovak border or the
Hungarian border, just as it did not stop at the border of
Poland or Bulgaria or Romania or Yugoslavia.
It is the great promise of our historical moment that the
return to freedom and the return to a whole Europe are bound
together - and can only succeed together. And I believe the
day will come when any European can stand in any European city
- in Prague or Paris, in Berlin or Budapest - and see only
countries of free individuals, a. continent of free parliaments,
a commonwealth of free nations. For as more and more people
one that should never end.
today understand in more and more places, freedom's journey is
impossible. President Havel was right. Politics can be the art of the
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LETTER FROM ALBANIA
wp 4/3/90
More temporal concerns involve
privations and get priority access to
housing and perennial shortages of
food.
Decades Past Still Loom Large in Everyday Life
everything from toilet paper to milk
Party propagandists are quick to
and meat. With a birth rate rivaling
list Albania's blessings-no drugs,
that of a Third World country, Al-
no AIDS, no alcoholism, no crime,
bania is hard-pressed to feed and
no foreign debt, no income tax, no
TIRANA, Albania
concern. The electrified frontier
High in the ramparts of the Ve-
statues, Stalin photographs and
house its population, which has tre-
This isolated European nation is
fence along Albania's borders with
netian fortress at the town of
streets galore, and the only city in
bled to 3.2 million since the end of
homosexuality and no automobile
filled with images that reflect a
Greece and Yugoslavia is a throw-
Gjirokaster, Albanians proudly dis-
the world still named after the late
World War II. A potentially rich
congestion. Private cars are
country still very much rooted in
back to the Cold War in these days
play an artifact from the cold war-
Soviet leader.
country, three-quarters of it is
banned.
the past.
of East-West detente, as are the
an intact U.S. Air Force T-33 jet
Even official Albanian paintings
mountainous.
Whatever the regime's accom
and sculpture are in the socialist-re-
plishments in transforming a once
The trucks and buses are straight
passes required for travel outside
trainer they said they forced down
:Visitors were shown a two-room
out of the 1940s, mostly Chinese
one's locale.
while on a "spying mission" in 1957.
alism tradition favored by Stalin, as
apartment shared by five members
backward land, its defenders ac
models dating from Albania's two-
But Albanians have long memo-
Those were the days when West-
is the wide square in Tirana, where
of the same family-that is well
knowledge greater progress else
decade relationship with Beijing,
ries and innate suspicions of for-
ern strategists were worried by the
an enormous gilt statue of Hoxha
enough off to afford a refrigerator
where in once impoverished south
which effectively ended on a sour
eigners born of invasions dating
presence of Soviet submarines in
keeps haughty watch. Even the pri-
and a washing machine. They are
east Europe. Greeks have fou
note of Marxist rhetoric in 1978 fol-
back to the Romans and 500 years
the warm-water port of Vlore. That
vations and excesses associated
kept in the outside hall for lack of
lowing Chinese moves to improve
of Ottoman occupation. Three-quar-
concern disappeared in 1961 when
with Stalin still seem to afflict Al-
times the per capita income of Al
space.
ties with the West. Oil field equip-
ters of the country remains off lim-
Albanian Communist leader Enver
bania.
Another two-room flat compris-
banians, Yugoslavs twice as muc
and Turks a bit more.
ment, complete with derricks,
its to foreign diplomats, who are
Hoxha broke with his Soviet coun-
ing a kitchen and bedroom was oc-
would not be out of place in Texas
forbidden contact with ordinary Al-
terpart, Nikita Khrushchev, and
cupied by its original tenants and a
Although Albanians privatel
banians. Foreign tourists, welcome
closed the naval facilities.
RELIGION WAS abolished when
recently married couple.
compare their plight to that of th
of the 1930s.
Teams of horses and oxen draw
only in groups, are bussed around
But China stepped in, pumping in
Albania became the world's first of-
Well-placed Albanians regularly
spied-upon, ill-fed and poorly heate
carefully selected itineraries by
billions of dollars worth of aid in re-
ficially atheist country, and church-
plows through the fields, where wo-
rise at 4.30 a.m. to line up for milk,
Romanians under Nicolae Ceat
men with white head scarves sow
watchful minders.
turn for the right to use Albania as
es and mosques in this once pre-
which less favored fellow citizens do
cescu, even critics of the gover
wheat from wide baskets. Fashions
a base to propagandize Europe with
dominantly Moslem country were
without. Every month a family is
ment concede that Albanian leade
denunciations of capitalism and
turned into museums. Although
seem stuck sometime in the late
entitled to a single chicken and a lit-
1960s, with men's trousers favor-
Marxist revisionism, as practiced
making the sign of the cross in pub-
are not corrupt and lead compa
ALONG ALBANIA's Ionian
tle more than two pounds of ground
ing bell-bottoms and womens' shoes
coast, Kim Philby, the Soviet mole
by the Kremlin and its Eastern Eu-
lic is punishable by three years' im-
atively discreet lives. The par
meat and another two pounds of
given to square toes and thick heels
inside British intelligence, caused
ropean satellites.
prisonment, Christians worship pri-
whatever other meat is available,
elite lives in a carefully guarded b
and soles.
an American-planned invasion force
For Hoxha, who ruled for four
vately, fast for Lent and paint red
small area of a few blocks near t.
usually lamb or, unfortunately for
The brown smoke belching from
of anti-Communist exiles to come to
decades until his death in 1985, the
Easter eggs in keeping with a tra-
the many Moslems, forbidden pork.
university in Tirana and receiv
factory smokestacks is still consid-
grief in the 1950s by tipping off
only foreigner to be trusted was
dition of the Greek Orthodox
Often, no meat is available, al-
better food, limousines and spec
ered proof of industrial power rath-
Moscow, which in turn informed
Stalin. All these decades later, Al-
Church, to which their families once
though the 120,000 members of the
beach houses.
er than a cause for environmental
Tirana.
bania still boasts Stalin busts and
openly belonged.
Communist Party endure no such
- Jonathan C. Rand
Albania Shows Signs
of Easing Up as Last of
Stalinist Strongholds
By JONATHAN C. RANDAL
LA Times 5/6/90
THE WASHINGTON POST
Some specialists speculate that
TIRANA, Albania-The gov-
pro-democracy sentiment here
ernment of Albania, Europe's last
could be focused in Shkoder, with a
Stalinist bastion, is under siege.
long Roman Catholic record of
Economic necessity and fears of
anti-Communist resistance, and in
following other East European
the increasingly restive ethnic
Communist governments into ob-
Greek community. Together, the
livion are forcing the country's
Christian minorities make up about
reluctant leadership to open what
one-fifth of the population in the
may be the most closed of Marxist
atheist state.
societies and undertake limited do-
Traditionally, the ruling Com-
mestic reforms.
munists have kept the population
Rarely since the Communists
in line through a mixture of repres-
seized power in 1944 has the gov-
sion, nationalist pride and fear of
ernment appeared more vulnerable
foreign invasion.
to unpredictable domestic and for-
But now, the government faces
eign forces, in the view of diplo-
dangers for which-the thousands of
mats and analysts who are specu-
concrete bunkers scattered across
lating about when-not if-the
the land serve no practical pur-
government here will fall.
pose. Ingredients for turmoil are at
A five-day visit to Europe's most
hand despite the reputation for
reclusive, repressive and impover-
effective repression of the Siguri-
ished country, a land of 3.2 million
mi, the pervasive and dreaded
people on the mouth of the Adriatic
secret police.
Sea flanked by Yugoslavia and
For one thing, Albania is
Greece, suggested that the Albani-
strapped for hard currency. Fur-
an government is becoming defen-
thermore, insufficient rains this
sive about the hard-line, isolation-
winter point to a third successive
ist philosophy under which it has
bad harvest, and the government
governed.
recently announced cutbacks in
As a result, the Albanian leader-
hydroelectric power. Albania's ill-
ship, which long ago distanced
maintained and obsolete industrial
itself from other Communist pow-
plant is nearing exhaustion.
ers and insists that it will not
Because of the collectivization of
follow other East European coun-
farming and sizable food exports
tries down the road of reform, is
for hard currency, the government
trying to impose gradual change
is barely able to feed Europe's
from above, out of fear of being
poorest-per capita annual income
swept out of power from below. As
is estimated at under $900-and
one diplomat put it, Albania is
fastest-growing population, which
experimenting with perestroika-
increases by about 60,000 people
Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorba-
chev's name for his restructuring
every year.
efforts-"without calling it peres-
troika."
eople's expectations also ap-
But diplomats and other analysts
pear to be rising. Because of
say the changes being made by the
access to Greek, Italian and Yugo
country's leaders are likely to ac-
slav television, Albanians are
celerate demands for change from
aware of events abroad, and some
a people said to be tired of the
indicated in conversations here
secret police repression, lack of
that they are impatient for a con-
basic freedoms and shortages of
sumer society. An English-speak-
meat, milk, soap, toilet paper and
ing Albanian university student in
consumer goods.
Tirana spoke knowledgeably about
"This time something is brew-
CBS, NBC and American serials
ing," said a foreign visitor with
extensive knowledge of Albania.
television. broadcast in English on Yugoslav
"People are ready to explode."
Meanwhile, party propaganda
sounds increasingly defensive.
I
n December, students at Tirana
"We could have been a second
University protested a lack of
Switzerland," said a Communist
adequate heating as well as other
Party tour guide, "but we pre-
living conditions, according to re-
ferred our independence and feel
ports. Then, in mid-January, a
proud that we did not hold out our
student-led demonstration erupted
hands to anyone for aid.'
in the northern city of Shkoder,
In the past, such appeals to
according to reports accepted as
nationalist pride have struck a
accurate by foreign governments.
deep chord among Albanians for
The crowd's attempts to tear
whom the last 45 years of Commu-
down a statue of the late Soviet
nist rule represent their longest
dictator Josef Stalin sparked spec-
unbroken period of independence.
ulation about a nascent democracy
Aibanian history has been marked
movement in this country, where
by five centuries of Ottoman occu-
dissidence in the past has been met
pation, neighbors' efforts to parti-
with ruthless repression. As many
tion the country after formal inde-
as 400 arrests were made in Shko-
pendence was declared in 1912 and
der, according to specialists in the
an Italian invasion during World
West who follow Albanian affairs,
War II. It is not at all clear if such
and about 100 people are believed
an appeal will have the same effect
still in custodv.
now.
Please see ALBANIA, A31
LOS ANGELES TIMES
ALBANIA: Hard-Liners Are Under Siege
Continued from A30
So far, Communist leader Ramiz
F
ive years after his death, Hox-
ing a case involving four brothers
ha's influence is still felt,
caught trying to escape across the
Alia has reacted cautiously to the
thanks to a personality cult featur-
border and allegedly tortured and
growing pressures. In late January,
ing billboard exhortations from 69
dragged through their village be-
the Central Committee of the Al-
published volumes of his writings,
hind tractors.
Junian Party of Labor. as the
statues, photographs and an ex-
But early in April, Albania gave
Communists call themselves,
pensive memorial in Tirana.
way in a landmark case involving a
adopted potentially significant re-
Underlining Alia's inability to
28-year-old ethnic Greek who
forms. But they stopped well short
put his personal stamp on domestic
jumped over the Greek Embassy
of following Communist parties in
affairs is the fact that the ruling
fence and sought asylum. The man,
other countries that abolished their
People's Assembly has been un-
who had been imprisoned repeat-
guaranteed leading role in society
changed for the last six years. He
edly for his religious beliefs, was
and introduced multiparty democ-
has, however, encountered less
issued a Greek passport and flown
racy.
resistance in foreign affairs.
to Athens nine days later.
Key measures approved here
Even before what Alia recently
Albanian determination to im-
included decentralizing political
called "the tragedy" of the fall of
prove long-spurned relations with
and economic decision-making, in-
East European communism, Alba-
the rest of the world now centers
troducing production incentives,
nia sought to improve long-
on a visit scheduled this month by
developing private home owner-
spurned relations with foreign
U.N. Secretary General Javier
ship and improving Albania's much
governments and international in-
Perez de Cuellar. Although Perez
criticized human rights record.
stitutions as a way out of its
de Cuellar is expected to raise
economic and financial predica-
human rights violations, his pres-
U
nder consideration is penal
ment and self-imposed diplomatic
ence will help build Albania's self-
isolation.
image as a member of the world
code reform, including a re-
Despite a constitutional clause
community.
duction in the long list of infrac-
outlawing foreign debt, the gov-
The government has proved
tions punishable by death; and
re-establishment-of the Justice
ernment has signed important
adroit in suggesting that it will
Ministry and the right of a defend-
'deals with Western firms based on
tolerate greater liberalization than
ant to have a lawyer, both of which
"buy back" provisions paying off
it in fact does. For example, direct
were abolished in 1967. Such
foreign investment with products.
dial telephone service initiated and
changes would eliminate the peo-
An Italian firm is interested in
paid for by the U.N. Development
inles tribunals that human rights
offshore gas and oil prospecting
Fund opened with 54 countries
organizations abroad have criti-
rights and provides agricultural
recently, an advance in telecom-
machinery and a regular truck
munications that elsewhere could
cized as allowing condemnations
on the basis of little more than
ferry service to Trieste. West Ger-
be construed as opening yet anoth-
hearsay.
man firms are renovating chrome
er major window on the outside
and nickel plants, and France re-
world. But-few telephones, public
In the first, if indirect, response
cently signed an important con-
and private, exist in Albania, and
to charges of failing to provide
tract to supply hydroelectric tur-
those that do can be easily moni
official information about political
bines.
tored
prisoners, the government said in
Business sources also have re-
March that 83 of the country's
ported that Albania has stream-
3,850 prison inmates were detained
N
onetheless, visitors said they
lined its once cumbersome bureau-
note a relaxation of suspicion
for seeking to overthrow it "by
cracy since the East European
and a greater tolerance for once-
violence." Other sources said there
order collapsed in 1989.
taboo foreign influences.
may be 15,000 to 20,000 political
Greek visitors, previously
prisoners. The last annual report of
T
his winter, the government
obliged to sleep in government-
Amnesty International, the Lon-
also signaled a desire for ac-
owned hotels where surveillance is
don-based human rights monitor-
commodation with the United
assured, are now allowed to stay
ing group, said, "It is impossible to
States and the Soviet Union. In
with Albanian relatives. Until last
estimate their numbers."
what diplomats called a character-
year, only Albanian emigres were
Overall, the reforms appear to
istically Albanian rewriting of his-
allowed to enter on U.S. passports,
reverse trends toward greater ag-
tory, Deputy Foreign Minister
but two American journalists were
ficultural collectivization and cen-
Sokrat Placa told the Associated
allowed to visit Albania with no
tralized industrial planning. But so
Press in February that the lack of
more ado than admonition to
far, no enabling legislation has
relations with Washington is "not
write positive articles."
been adopted, despite repeated
our making" and that the ball is in
That is a far cry from the days
promises in recent weeks by high-
their court."
when dollars sent by emigre Alba-
placed Albanian officials that the
Perhaps even more surprising
nians were returned as tainted
rubber-stamp Parliament will act
has been Albania's improved ties
capitalist money.
this year.
with its southern neighbor, Greece,
And starting this spring, more
The delay has sparked specula-
which persuaded Tirana to join a
Albanians are expected to be al-
tion that Alia and his pragmatic
foreign ministers conference with
lowed to go abroad on group visits
allies are being stymied by old-
four other Balkan powers.
to Greece, Italy and Turkey. In the
guard Stalinists grouped around
Only late last year, Greek For-
past, few Albanians were allowed
the widow of Enver Hoxha, the
eign Minister Antonis Samaras and
to travel abroad-mostly party and
government's founder who ran Al-
the Greek Orthodox Church com-
government officials, university
bania with an iron hand for four
plained about human rights viola-
professors and other members of
decades by liquidating rivals.
tions of the Greek minority, includ-
the Establishment