Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
415892635
label
Foreign Policy [1989]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
415892635
contentType
document
title
Foreign Policy [1989]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13894-015
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Tony Snow Subject Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
415892635
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
65f75f818ce08e52
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
foia Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Snow, Tony, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1988-1993
OA/ID Number:
13894
Folder ID Number:
13894-015
Folder Title:
Foreign Policy [1989]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
18
29
2
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
8241
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 6, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AND PRIME MINISTER SHAMIR OF ISRAEL
UPON DEPARTURE
FOR
The South Grounds
BILLIE
TAYLOR
12:15 P.M. EDT
POLICY
485-8037
THE PRESIDENT: Well, the Prime Minister Shamir and I
have had a very productive meeting. My message to him and, through
him, to the government and the people of Israel was clear. We are
friends, strategic partners, and allies. And the mutual interests
that bind together the people of the United States and Israel are
broad and deep. The Prime Minister and I dedicated ourselves to
maintaining and, where possible, improving the relationship between
our two countries. Both of us are committed to this goal.
Throughout the world, old enemies are finding ways to
talk to one another and to end conflicts in a manner that preserves
the basic interests of all concerned. This can and must happen in
the Middle East. The Arab-Israeli conflict can be resolved. Peace,
security, and political rights can be attained through direct
negotiations. The status quo serves the interests of no one.
In this spirit, I reiterated to Prime Minister Shamir the
resolve of the United States to assist the parties of the Middle East
in their pursuit of a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli
conflict. Our responsibility as friends and as partners in the
search for peace is to help develop approaches that enhance peace
prospects. Problems do not resolve themselves; leaders acting with
courage and vision solve problems. Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat
demonstrated this truth a decade ago at Camp David. Today's leaders
can afford to do no less.
I reassured the Prime Minister that the fundamental basis
of our approach to a Middle East settlement has not changed. The
United States is committed to a comprehensive peace achieved through
direct negotiations based on U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242
and 338. This remains the building block for a viable negotiation
for a durable settlement. This is our goal. With regard to final
status issues, I reaffirmed to the Prime Minister that we do not
support an independent Palestinian state, nor Israeli sovereignty or
permanent occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
To move the peace process forward, I discussed with the
Prime Minister, as I had earlier this week with President Mubarak, an
ambitious but realistic approach. Progress will require meaningful
steps to reduce tensions, political dialogue between Israel and
Palestinians, and clear indications that all concerned are prepared
to think creatively about key substantive issues. Israel has an
obligation to contribute to this process, but it cannot be expected
to assume the entire burden. The Palestinians, the Arab states, and
other interested parties must demonstrate that they, too, are willing
to make peace a reality.
I stressed that no peace process can succeed in a
political vacuum. I believe it is in Israel's interest to engage in
a serious dialogue with Palestinians that address their legitimate
political rights. The United States believes that elections in the
territories can be designed to contribute to a political process of
dialogue and negotiation. We urge Israel and the Palestinians to
arrive at a mutually acceptable formula for elections. And we plan
MORE
- 2 -
in the days and weeks ahead to work toward that end.
In negotiations, Israel understands that Palestinians
will be free to bring their own positions and preferences to the
bargaining table. The Prime Minister assured me that Israel is
committed to negotiating an agreement on final status that is
satisfactory to all sides. And he made it clear that interim
arrangements on Palestinian self-rule are not the end of the road,
but are directly linked to a broader political process that includes
negotiating and concluding and agreement on final status.
I'm encouraged by the Prime Minister's assurance that all
options are open for negotiation. The Prime Minister and I agreed
that our governments would remain in close touch to ensure that
everything possible is being done to promote the prospects for peace
in the Middle East. And speaking for myself and for the American
people, I want to assure everyone that the United States is committed
to promoting this goal.
Mr. Prime Minister, we're delighted you're here. The
floor is yours, sir.
PRIME MINISTER SHAMIR: Thank you, Mr. President. I am
honored to be here today. Let me first, on behalf of the people of
Israel and on behalf of my wife and myself, express our warm wishes
on your assuming the mantle of leadership of the United States and
the free world.
We have cherished your personal friendship and warm
humanitarian concern for many years. We shall never forget the help
you have extended our brothers and sisters in distress, just as we
shall always remember the role the United States has played in our
history.
Our alliance is based on common values and shared
interests. Our agreements on strategic cooperation and free trade
area benefit both countries. They help us continue as a vanguard of
democracy in the Middle East. I am confident that under your
administration our bonds of friendship and cooperation will grow even
stronger.
Our two nations share the values and ideas of the free
world and the ideals of democracy and freedom. What we do not share
is a neighborhood. For us the carnage in Beirut, the use of poison
gas against civilians, and acts of terrorism and fanaticism are not
news from afar. For as they are events happening around the corner;
they are our daily reality. If there is one mistake Israel cannot
afford to make, it is the mistake of forgetting where we live.
I would like to reiterate here what I said to you in
private: we shall make the greatest possible efforts to achieve
peace, short of endangering the security of our state. We consider
the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River,
which is an objective of the PLO, a mortal threat to our security.
I have assured you that we would sit with anyone,
anytime, anywhere, without preconditions if we thought it would
advance the cause of peace. But we cannot lend ourselves to any
steps that will result in a Palestinian state, which is a
prescription not for peace, but for war. I can assure you we will be
forthcoming. We believe the Camp David Accords based on Resolutions
242 and 338 are the cornerstone of peace in our region. We
faithfully abide by your agreements and we expect others to do so, as
well.
Mr. President, to advance the cause of peace, we have put
forward a four-point peace initiative. First, we propose an effort
to make the existing peace between Israel and Egypt based on the Camp
David Accords a cornerstone for expanding peace in the region. We
call upon the three signatories of the Camp David Accords at this
10th anniversary of the treaty of peace to reaffirm in deed their
dedication to the Accords.
MORE
- 3 -
Second, we call upon the United States and Egypt to make
it clear to the Arab governments that they must abandon their
hostility and beligerency toward Israel. They must replace political
warfare and economic boycott with negotiations and cooperation.
Third, we call for a multinational effort under the
leadership of the U.S. and with substantial Israeli participation to
finally solve the Arab refugee problem perpetuated by Arab
governments while Israel absorbs hundreds of thousands of Jewish
refugees from Arab countries. All these refugees should have decent
housing and live in dignity. This process does not have to await a
political solution or to substitute for it.
Fourth, in order to launch a political negotiating
process, the proposed free democratic elections, free from an
atmosphere of PLO violence, terror and intimidation among the
Palestinian Arabs of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Their purpose is to
produce a delegation to negotiate an interim period of self-governing
administration. To shape modalities and participation in the
elections will have to be discussed. The interim phase will provide
a vital test of coexistence and cooperation. It will be followed by
negotiations for a permanent agreement.
All proposed options will be examined during these
negotiations. This is an outline of our comprehensive plan for
peace. It is based on democratic principles. It addresses the real
issues. Together, I believe we can achieve these goals.
May God lead us to the right decision. Thank you, Mr.
President.
END
12:25 P.M. EDT
Photocopy-Preservation
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1989
A15
The Democratic Message of Wei Jingsheng Holds True Today
During Beijing's Democracy Spring, in
According to the laws of history, the
What road is that? It is called the "so-
would be impossible not only to continue
1978, a young Chinese electrician, Wei
new will not come until the old is gone.
clalist road. According to the definition of
further development but also to preserve
lingsheng, wrote a series of articles on the
Now that the old is gone, the people are
the Marxist ancestors, socialism means
the fruits of the present stage of develop-
politics of his country and the universal
rubbing their eyes in eager expectation.
that the people, or the proletariat, are
ment. The experiences of our great moth-
need for democracy. Mr. Wei was arrested
Finally, with God's blessing, they got a
their own masters. Let me ask the Chinese
erland over the past 30 years have pro-
m March 29, 1979, and sentenced to 15
great promise-the "four modernizations.'
workers and peasants: With the meager
vided the best evidence.
years in prison. He is still serving that sen-
Chairman Hua, the wise leader, and Vice
wages you get every month, whose master
Why must human history take the road
tence-if, indeed, he is still alive. China's
Chairman Deng, an even wiser and greater
and what kind of master can you be?" Sad
toward prosperity or modernization? The
communist authorities allow no communi-
leader in the people's minds, have de-
to relate, you are "mastered" by some-
reason is that human beings need a pros-
cation with Mr. Wei, and there are no de-
feated the "gang of four,' and the very
body else.
perous society to produce realistic fruits
finitive reports on his condition.
eager hope for democracy and prosperity
What is true democracy? It means the
and to provide them with maximum oppor-
The most famous of Mr. Wei's essays is
by those who had shed their blood at Tian-
right of the people to choose their own rep-
tunity to pursue their first goal of happi-
'The' Fifth Modernization-Democracy."
anmen Square seemed soon to material-
resentatives to work according to their will
ness, namely freedom. Democracy means
At The Asian Wall Street Journal, it has
ize.
and in their interest. Only this can be
the maximum attainable freedom so far
become a tradition to reprint that essay at
However, to the people's regret, the
called democracy. Furthermore, the peo-
known by human beings. It is quite obvious
the start of each new year. Certainly any
hated old political system has not changed
ple must also have the power to replace
that democracy has become the goal in
and even any talk about the much hoped
their representatives any time so that
contemporary human struggles.
Asia
for democracy and freedom is forbidden.
these representatives cannot go on deceiv-
Is the struggle for democracy what the
Now do people have democracy? No.
ing others in the name of the people. This
Chinese people really want? The Cultural
Do they want to be masters of their own
is the kind of democracy enjoyed by people
Revolution was the first occasion for them
destiny? Definitely yes. This was the rea-
in European and American countries. In
to demonstrate their strength, and all reac-
son for the Communist Party's victory
accordance with their will, they could run
tionary forces trembled before them. Be-
over the Kuomintang. But what has hap-
such people as Nixon, de Gaulle and Tan-
cause the people had then no clear orienta-
attempt to understand Asia today must
pened to the promise of democracy when
aka out of office. They can reinstate them
tion and the democratic forces did not play
take into account Mr. Wei's axiom, that
victory was already won? The slogan of
if they want, and nobody can interfere with
the main role in the struggle, the majority
the modernization of any country-West or
people's democratic dictatorship was fol-
their democratic rights.
of them were bought over by the autocratic
East-requires democracy. In the 10 years
lowed by that of the dictatorship of the pro-
In China, however, if people even com-
tyrant, led astray, divided, slandered and
since Mr. Wei went to prison, the world
letariat.
ment on the already dead "Great Helms-
finally violently suppressed. Thus these
has seen a democratic tide pulling at the
There is no need now to determine the
man Mao Tse tung" or the "Great Man"
forces came to an end.
Philippines, South Korea, Pakistan and, to
ratio of Mao Tse-tung's merits and short-
without peers in history, the jail will be
Today, 12 years later, the people have
an increasing degree, Nationalist China on
comings. He first spoke about this as a
ready for him with open doors and various
finally learned where their goal is. They
Taiwan. In Communist China, the demo-
self-defense. People should now think for a
unpredictable calamities may befall him.
have a clear orientation and a; real
cratic urge has yet to be met. As Mr. Wei's
while and see if, without Mao Tse-tung's
Will there be great disorder across the
leader-the democratic banner. The Xidan
prison term grinds into its second decade,
autocracy, China would be in its present
land and deflance of laws human and di-
Democracy Wall has become their first
il seems fitting to share with an American
backward state. Are Chinese people stupid,
vine once people enjoy democracy? Do not
battlefield in their fight against reactionar-
audience the excerpts from his "Fifth
or lazy, or unwilling to enjoy wealth? Are
recent periodicals show that just because
ies and their struggle will certainly be vic-
Modernization" reprinted below.
they expecting too much? Quite the oppo-.
of the absence of democracy, dictators, big
torious, or, as SO often talked about, the
Journals, magazines and radios no
site. Then why?
and small, were defying laws human and
people will certainly be liberated. This is a
longer play up themes on dictatorship of
The answer is quite obvious. Chinese
divine? How to maintain democratic order
slogan with new significance. There' will
the proletariat and class struggle. One rea-
people should not have taken this road.
is the domestic problem requiring solution
still be bloodshed and sufferings, and we
son is that this line of propaganda was
Then why did they take it? Only because
by the people themselves, and there is no
may be covertly plotted against. However,
used as some magical power by the "gang
they were led by that self-exalting auto-
need for the privileged overlords to worry
the democratic banner cannot be obscured
of four" who have been overthrown. An-
crat. If they did not take this road, he
about it. Therefore, judging from past his-
by the miasmal mists. Let us unite under
other reason, which is even more impor-
would exercise dictatorship over them. The
tory, a democratic social system is the ma-
this great and real banner and march to-
tant, is that the people have had enough of
people could see no other road, and there-
for premise or the prerequisite for all de-
ward modernization for the sake of the
it SO that it can no longer deceive any-
fore had no choice. Is this not deception?
velopments-or modernizations. Without
people's peace, happiness, rights and free-
body.
Can there be any merit in deception?
this major premise or prerequisite, it
dom!
Washington Ponders a Mideast Role
As Bush Meets Arab, Israeli Leaders
Mr. Bush meets Egyptian President Hosni
WASHINGTON
Mubarak today, Israeli Prime Minister
INSIGHT
4/3/89
Yitzhak Shamir Thursday and Jordan's
King Hussein on April 19, the talks will
By GERALD F. SEIB
determine the extent and shape of adminis-
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
tration diplomacy and help set the tone for
WASHINGTON - As President Bush
the nascent U.S. dialogue with the Pales-
launches into a period of intense Middle
tine Liberation Organization.
East diplomacy, a basic question is rat-
High Profile Questioned
tling around inside his administration: Is it
For good reasons, administration ana-
wise for the U.S. to get deeply involved in
lysts question the wisdom of a high-profile
the Arab-Israeli mess right now?
U.S. role now in resolving the Palestinian
Administration officials are understand-
problem. When the U.S. gets too involved,
ably skeptical about becoming too em-
they note, both Arabs and Israelis tend to
broiled. But a variety of factors suggest
focus on making peace deals with the U.S.
that the U.S. should take a moderately ac-
rather than with each other.
tive role in trying to transform the vio-
But the proposals that Israel's Mr. Sha-
lence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip into
mir plans to bring on his White House visit
a constructive peace process.
illustrate why the U.S. is needed to play
Whatever details are discussed when
the role of persistent prodder. The Israeli
leader will suggest moving toward peace
talks by allowing Palestinians in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip to elect representa-
tives for talks with Israel. Mr. Shamir will
insist, though, that the Palestinian uprising
on the West Bank, the so-called intifada,
end before any talks begin.
Mr. Shamir's goal-to create home-
grown Palestinian leaders Israel can deal
with-is logical. But it may be 20 years too
late. Jerusalem has undercut the credibil-
ity of West Bank elections by expelling
elected Palestinian mayors when they did
things that angered Israeli leaders.
Moreover, now that the U.S. has opened
face-to-face talks with the Palestine Liber-
ation Organization, It may no longer be
sufficient for Israel to start thinking about
creating other credible Palestinian leaders
on the West Bank.
Bridging the Gap
Israel may have to be convinced that if
it wants to talk with credible Palestinians.
from the occupied territories, it must talk
with Palestinians openly designated by the
PLO. And the PLO will have to be con-
vinced that if it wants talks to get started,
it must delegate the task to some West
Bank Palestinians because Israel simply
isn't ready to talk to the PLO directly. As
Avi Pazner, Mr. Shamir's chief spokes-
man, reiterated in remarks to reporters
Friday, the PLO "isn't a partner on any-
thing for Israel."
In short, the trick at the moment will be
to bridge the gap between Palestinians in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with whom
Israel can comfortably negotiate, and the
PLO leaders outside the territories, who
are recognized by Palestinians just about
everywhere as the legitimate leaders of
their people. The U.S. probably is needed
to nudge both sides across this divide.
There are other reasons why Washing-
ton should be involved now. For one, the
U.S. raised expectations throughout the
Middle East with its historic decision last
December to open talks with the PLO. If it
doesn't follow up that precedent-breaking
step, it would both fail to exploit a poten-
tial opening and raise doubts about the
steadiness of its foreign policy. The Soviet
Union has shown in recent weeks that it
would love to capitalize on any doubts
about America in the region.
Still, as administration officials assert,
it probably wouldn't be smart for the U.S.
to be a hard-charging leader of a Middle
East peace process now. The chances of
success aren't high enough yet, and such
an American role would tend to take the
pressure off both Palestinians and Israelis
to make their own tough choices. But a
low-profile U.S. diplomatic effort may well
be the grease needed to keep the gears of
Arab-Israeli diplomacy moving.
Photocopy-Preservation
A14
4/5/89
REVIEW & OUTLOOK
Middle Eastern Realities
The Middle East, its problems nor-
It is difficult to find in Israela
mally far away, is on America's door-
sponsible official who doubts. that the
step this week. Israel's Yitzhak, Sha-
Arab riots and the current peace over-
mir and Egypt's Hosni Mubarak are
tures are part of a broader military
both making separate visits to talk
strategy. While the PLO chairman,
with President Bush. With Secretary
Yasser Arafat, is talking peace to the
of State Baker in the lead, Mr. Bush is
Americans and the Western press, his
talking about an international peace
PLO colleagues are reminding the
conference and the need for "a new
Arabs of the "phased plan" adopted in
atmosphere." Over the years; Wash-
1974 by the Palestine National Council
ington probably has spent more time
in Cairo. The plan eyes the destruc-
sitting in rooms in Washington talking
tion of Israel in phases, starting with
about the Middle East than any other
the declaration of a PLO state on any
foreign-policy problem. We suspect
land that can be gained and operating
the quality of that talk would benefit
from there
greatly if both George Bush and Jim
As recently as November of last
Baker personally toured those por-
year, the PLO journal Al Yom Al-Sa
tions of the old Palestine Mandate
bah quoted Abu Iyad, Mr. Arafat's
that sit at the heart of this matter.
key deputy, as saying that the PNC
We did SO recently, particularly the
decisions last year In Algiers, which
hills of Samaria. The United Nations
set the stage for the current peace
had allotted these hills to the Jordan-
overtures, "are a refinement of the
ians in 1947. They would still have
Palestinian position as adopted in the
them but for the fact that in 1967 dur-
Phased Plan in Cairo 14 years ago.
ing the Six Day War, when it looked
The PNC session in Algiers in 1988
as if Israel would be destroyed by
was meant to revitalize this program
Syria and Egypt, Jordan belatedly
and to create a mechanism to get it
joined the fray, only to lose Judea as
moving
well as Samaria. Arab attacks in 1973
In January, the Agence France
falled to destroy Israel, and Jordan
Press quoted Nayif Hawatmeh, chair
abandoned its claim to the lands last
man of the Democratic Front for the
year.
Liberation of Palestine, a PLO constit-
We entered by car northeast of Tel
uent, as saying, "The Palestine strug
Aviv, at a point where according to
gle should now be aimed at creating a
the old lines of 1949, Israel was but
state in the West Bank and Gaza. This
nine miles wide. The rocky hills rise
will not prevent us from achieving our
sharply (some, but: not all, have
final aim of liberating all of Pales-
enough grass to graze goats, and in
tine." Mr. Bush's State Department
the valleys there is increasing agricul-
Arabists undoubtedly can provide him
ture by Arabs and Jews). In 1977 in
with reams of this documentary mate-
Judea and Samaria there were 25
rial.
Jewish settlements and two more un-
Even in the volatile politics of the
der construction; today there are 138.
Middle East it's important to note
Our guide-Ariel Sharon, who was a
gradations of responsibility among the
minister involved in the development
players." Egypt concluded and has
of this region when much of the ex-
honored a peace with-its Israeli neigh-
pansion was planned-routed us near
bor. In resolving the Taba dispute re-
or through a dozen of these towns,
cently, Egypt showed an ability to ne-
meat concrete and stucco housing,
gotiate responsibly toward a goal,
some with factories, university or ag-
rather than bluster for the world me
ricultural buildings.
dia. Jordan obviously wants out of this
To the Israelis, the most striking
conflict. It is harder to gauge pre-
cisely the intentions of a Saudi Arabia
thing about this area is its military
that is embarking on a $30 billion
significance by three important meas
arms-buying binge
ures: depth (from the Samarian hills
But can Israel assume that any of
one can scan with the naked eye the
Israeli coast and its main population
these could stand aside in a war pro
voked by Arab hotheads such as Iraq
centers); the eastern front (a quick
and Syria? Israel faces on its eastern
drive inland and one is looking at the
front more combat divisions than the
Jordan River and the potential inva-
21 active divisions that exist in the
sion routes of Jordan, Syria and
Iraq and Jerusalem (these hills feed
U.S. Army; Iraq's army alone has
ballooned since 1979 to 47 divisions
to the approaches of Israel's capital)
Jewish towns now overlook the most
from seven. Israeli analysts have lit-
tle doubt that were a Palestinian state
Important military vantage points, in
to be set up on the West Bank the re-
persections and roads.
gion's forces would gradually (or sud-
It is sobering to stand in the Sa
denly) be brought forward and, with-
marian hills with General Sharon, to
out a buffer, the Jewish state would
listen to his explication of their mill-
be in mortal peril.
tary significance and to be reminded
To put it plainly, what is at stake
by him that Czechoslovakia's key de-
in any new" political arrangement is
fensive positions lay in the Sudeten
Israel's survival. And in turn what is
land, which was lost through peace
at stake for the United States is the
negotiations at Munich. One thing the
credibility of this country commit
visitor notices is how small the per-
ment to an embattled nation that has
spectives are in this region, which is
remained a democratic outpost for 40
why global strategists worry about a
years. Rather than see Israel de-
Photocopy-Preservation
conflict today escalating out of con-
stroyed in any war, the U.S. almost
trol. Imagine, for instance, the impli-
certainly would feel forced to inter-
cations of Iraqi chemical weapons be
vene, politically and perhaps militar
ing launched indiscriminately aboard
ily. If, however, it remains the goal of
inaccurate missiles. Israel would no
U.S. policy to prevent war in this re-
doubt take what measures it thought
gion, it is no doubt easier to do.so by
necessary to end an assault by such
making its loyalties clear now rather
weapons.
than when the armies are moving
59
erally expanding and one is generally con-
tracting.
d.
The report the first piece of economic
data for March-comes as economists are
at odds over whether a recession is immi-
nent or whether the economy is still steam-
ing along in its seventh year of expan-
URNAL
sion.
The purchasers said experience indi-
cates that if the March average were to
continue for the rest of the year, it would
be consistent with real, or inflation-ad-
justed, gross national product growth of
WHITE OAK, MARYLAND
about 2.5%.
The purchasers' index measures new
orders, production, vendor deliveries, in-
ventory and employment. The report, com-
The Outlook
piled from data provided by more than 250
purchasing managers, looks at several eco-
New 'One-Worlders'
nomic measurements and asks whether
each one strengthened or weakened from
Are Conservatives
the previous month.
Orders increased for the 46th consecu-
WASHINGTON
tive month, but the increase slowed
The "one-worlders" are back
sharply. For the month, 27% of the pur-
Once upon a time, it was fashionable
chasers said orders were better, while 55%
said they were unchanged and 18% said or-
to label as "one-worlders" radical so-
ders were worse. The new orders index fell
cialists who believed that national gov-
to 50.9% from 55.9% in February, for its
ernments were an anachronism and
lowest level since June 1985. The pur-
that the peoples of, the world would one
chasers said the weakness in order growth
day unite under a single workers' state.
"suggests an even slower economy as it
Those folks aren't very numerous any-
enters the second quarter."
more. Even in the Soviet Union, the
The report said the production index fell
concept is in disrepute.
to 50.7% from 53.7% the previous month,
its third consecutive drop. The price index
But some new "one-worlders' have
rose to 68.3% in March from 66% in Febru-
emerged-conservatives, this time
ary. The purchasers said the rate of in-
They are the economists and academics
crease in the price index was the lowest in
who believe that in a global economy with
22 months except for February, but prices
goods and especially capital surging across
are still rising. In March, 41% reported
political borders, the economic fortunes of
higher prices, 54% reported prices un-
individual countries aren't important any-
changed, and 5% said prices were lower.
more. The U.S. trade deficit and other sta-
Vendor deliveries slowed again in
tistics, they argue, are only artificial figures
March, but by the smallest margin in more
in what has become a multinational corpo-
than two years, the report said. It added
rate economy in which political distinctions
that inventories declined for the third
matter little. It's all one big market, they
month in a row, indicating that manufac-
contend, so why worry about it?
turers aren't building stocks at a time of
These experts see the world economy
slower growth.
almost solely in financial terms and dis-
Further reflecting a slowing economy,
pute the Idea that relative economic
the purchasers' employment index fell for
flows can have real long-term effects on
the second month in a row, to 49.4% from.
national security or geopolitical power.
49.7% in February. It now stands at its
When it comes to whether the U.S. re
lowest since last May.
mains a world leader if its junior allies
The government will release March
are Its senior creditors, their motto is,
data on the labor force Friday, and many
"Don't worry; be happy."
economists are forecasting a slightly
The U.S. trade deficits with Japan and
higher unemployment rate. But they cau-
Hong Kong don't matter any more than a
tion that the March report may look weak
leficit Kansas might run with Montana,
partly because February's 5.1% rate was
hey argue. After all, it's all one system-
one world. Or, there's this variation, from a
U.S. government economist: "It doesn't
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL (USPS 664-880)
11501 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Md. 20904
matter if Hong Kong fixes its currency to
the dollar; they' just operating like a part
Published daily except Saturdays, Sundays and
general legal holidays. Second class postage is paid
of the Federal Reserve System.
at New York, N.Y., and other mailing offices. Sub-
scription rates (postage paid): In the United States,
But, unlike Kansas and Montana, Japan
territories and possessions, two years $217, one year
and Hong Kong aren't part of our politi-
$129, 6. months $65, 3 months $34; to other countries,
two years $583, one year $312, 6 months $156.50.
cal union. Their citizens don't pay taxes to
Editorial and publication headquarters at 200 Liberty
support American schools and public health,
St., New York, N.Y. 10281. POSTMASTER: Send ad-
dress changes to The Wall Street Journal, 200 Bur-
and their sons and daughters don't enlist in
nett Road, Chicopee, Mass. 01020.
All Advertising published In The Wall Street Jour-
the U.S. military. They are economic part-
nal is subject to the applicable rate card, copies of
ners and strategic allies, but they are not
which are available from the Advertising Services
Department, Dow Jones & Co. Inc., 420 Lexington
nor do they wish to be-part of the Ameri-
Ave., New York, N.Y. 10170. The Journal reserves
can nation. And so, they do have economic
the right not to accept an advertiser's order. Only
publication of an advertisement shall constitute final
interests and characteristics distinct from
acceptance of the advertiser's order.
our own.
The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to re-
publish news dispatches originated by The Wall
Just last month, a top Japanese thinker
Street Journal. All other republication rights are re-
served.
and management consultant; Kenichi Oh-
mae, startled a Washington audience by in-
sisting that multinational corporations, not
countries, matter. He, dismissed the U.S.
trade deficit as a fiction, saying that so long
as U.S. multinationals were content to make
products in Japan, the shouldn care if
fewer American goods are exported.
THE WASHINGTON POST
R
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1989 A13
come. "Rewriting the act is not go-
Talks on Revising War Powers Resolution Reaching Deadlock
ing to be easy," he said, with some
lawmakers wanting to repeal the
law "root and branch" and others
By David Hoffman
Congress, and among lawmakers in
White House over deployments
tisan cooperation on national secu-
intends to continue pressing for his
insisting that the congressional
Washington Post Staff Writer
both parties and both chambers
such as President Ronald Reagan's
rity issues. He met with a group of
proposal despite the impasse in
reins on foreign policy be tightened!
"This doesn't seem to be some
naval reflagging operation in the
lawmakers who had urged a new
talks with the White House.
In reaching a compromise on aid
Although President Bush has
thing that is possible to- resolve
Persian Gulf. Nixon and his succes-
effort to avoid the partisan wran-
Shortly after the inauguration,
to the Nicaraguan contra rebels,
called, for a new bipartisan consen-
quickly," said a participant in recent
sors have refused to acknowledge
gling of the Reagan years. Two of
Baker met with a group of House
Bush agreed to an unusual deal in
sus in foreign policy, recent private
discussions between Secretary of
the measure's constitutionality.
the most sensitive issues have been
leaders, including Speaker Jim
which four key committees effec-
talks between the administration
State James A. Baker III and con-
Many leading House and Senate
the War Powers Resolution and
Wright (D-Tex.) and Majority Lead-
tively will have veto power over the
and Congress on revising the con-
gressional leaders.
members also have declared the
procedures for notifying Congress
er Thomas S. Foley (D-Wash.), to
aid, an arrangement that White
troversial 1973 War Powers Res-
In his campaign last year, Bush
resolution unworkable. Some, in-
of covert actions.
explore a possible compromise. But
House counsel C. Boyden Gray crit-
olution have revealed deep and pos-
called for repeal of the War Powers
cluding Senate Judiciary Committee
The early overtures toward bi-
recently, sources said, Foley in-
icized as congressional encroach-
sibly irreconcilable differences, ac-
Resolution, saying it represented an
Chairman Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-
partisanship from Bush raised the
formed Baker that Congress re-
ment on presidential power.
encroachment on the constitutional
cording to administration and con-
Del.), have suggested strengthen-
possibility of some compromise on
mains badly divided on the issue.
Although Bush went along with
gressional sources.
prerogatives of the president. The
ing the law; others, including Sen-
the war powers issue, especially
"The general sense we got was
the compromise, White House offi-
resolution, passed over President
ate Majority Leader George J.
since Mitchell and Senate Armed
that we'll have to deal with this
cials said he was not prepared to
While some discussions may con-
Richard M. Nixon's veto in 1973,
Mitchell (D-Maine), have urged
Services Committee Chairman Sam
when we get to a crisis," an admin-
make such concessions on the War
tinue, officials said prospects ap-
includes a provision requiring con-
that the legislation be scrapped and
Nunn (D-Ga.) have pushed an alter-
istration official said. "The mem-
Powers Resolution and that Bush
pear dim for an early, compromise
gressional approval for the presi-
another mechanism substituted to
native that would repeal the reso-
bers are all over the map."
would not accept a permanent con-
on one of the most nettlesome for-
dent to keep U.S. troops in combat
provide for cooperation between
lution and establish a permanent
But a congressional participant
sultative group of lawmakers.
eign policy issues of the last 15
for more than 90 days.
the president and Congress.
group of congressional leaders who
said the administration failed to re-
"He doesn't want something that
years. They said fundamental dif-
The measure has led to repeated
At the outset of his presidency,
would consult regularly with the
alize how contentious revising the
will have to meet every other Wed-
ferences remain between Bush and
conflicts between Congress and the
Bush expressed a desire for bipar-
president. Officials said Mitchell
War Powers Resolution would be-
nesday," a senior aide said.
Photocopy-Preservation
KEN ADELMAN
Mon.MARCK G 1986
When our
lambasted Romania for demolishing
villages, destroying cultural and his-
torical sites, and repressing religion.
Hungary supports a Western insis-
diplomacy
tance that the United Nations inves-
tigate such squalid practices.
If this Communist leader can
whispers
forthrightly denounce human indig-
nities in an allied Communist nation,
why is our president keeping mum
about worse conditions in a different
hy do presidents fumble
Communist land?
W
SO on human rights?
As Bob Dylan said, "You don't
On what should be a
need a weatherman to know which
clear winner after all,
way the wind is blowing." Today, the
that's what America is all about, and
wind is blowing our way, toward
where the world is heading pres-
greater freedom and free enter-
idents flounder about. It's largely
prise.
because of false faith in "quiet diplo-
Dictators' days. are numbered.
macy."
Leaders can no longer be legitimate
President George Bush ended his
authoritarians.
Asian sweep with limp protests over
Every. government seeks legiti-
authoritarian practices in China,
macy, bestowed these days by the
which kept the leading Chinese dis-
peoples' consent, which is best ex-
sident from the president's barbe-
pressed in free and fair elections.
cue. The White
This change in
House spokesman
world values has
later said Mr.
"Quiet diplomacy" is
come largely
Bush prefers to
from a públic out-
handle human
no way to approach
cry against op-
rights low-key
human rights now, if
pression.
and in private.
Practicing
Let's hope not.
Let's hope that
it ever was.
"quiet diplo-
macy" softens
was the beginning
that outcry, and
and end of relying
can be an excuse
primarily upon "quiet diplomacy" in
for "no diplomacy." That was true
this presidency.
under Mr. Nixon, who lacked suffi-
Granted, Mr. Bush is not uniquely
cient appreciation for democratic
wrong. President Richard M. Nixon
procedures here, let alone abroad.
still extols "quiet diplomacy" as the
And it may have been true of Mr.
most productive way of springing,
Bush in China.
people from oppressed lands. His
But even when practiced, "public
successor, Gerald R. Ford, kept
diplomacy" surrenders the public
Alexander Solzhenitsyn out of the
debate to dictators. It leaves the
White House, and Ronald Reagan
tiptoed through three summits
molding of world public opinion to
the oppressors rather than to the lib-
softly murmuring about Soviet
erators.
abuses until he unfurled as "Ronnie
That warps the truth. After Pres-
Appleseed" to spread the message of
democracy in Moscow.
ident Bush departed, China's party
leader asserted that Chinese dissi-
And granted, pushing human
dents threaten the economic re-
rights in China is tricky business,
forms. This is part of an old line that
given America's security interests,
economic and social rights take pre-
Photocopy-Preservation
China's cultural makeup and legiti-
cedence over political and civil
mate questions of the effectiveness
rights.
of our banging on them.
That's self-serving and wrong.
Even Jimmy Carter, human rights
The focus on economic and social
devotee, ran into trouble when meet-
rights assigns power to the govern-
ing with Chinese leader Deng Xiao-
ment, which is supposed to provide
ping in 1979. After Mr. Carter
those goods, rather than to the in-
pushed for freer emigration, Deng
dividual, where civil and political
retorted coyly, "Fine. We'll let them
rights naturally reside.
go. Are you prepared to take 10 mil-
lion?" Hearty-harrs filled the Oval
Besides, political rights are su-
Office.
preme. They allow economic and so-
"Quiet diplomacy" is no way to
cial benefits, as well as assure civil
approach human rights now, if it
liberties. As said by Fang' Lizhi, the
ever was.
Chinese dissident barred from the
Why should the Free World leader
Bush barbecue, "You can't develop a
cling to such a tepid approach when
modern economy without democ-
the un-Free World leader praises lib-
racy."
erty? "Freedom of choice is a univer-
"Quiet diplomacy" mistakes the
sal principle which allows no excep-
trees for the forests. While it can
tions," Soviet President Mikhail
help release individuals or groups
Gorbachev told the U.N. General As-
repressed or detained, it cannot ef-
sembly last December. Surely an
fectively tackle the prime problem
American president cannot relin-
of an oppressive political system.
quish the moral high ground and
Human rights is not case work. To
dive underground just as the Soviet
equate the two makes progress on
president goes public in champion-
specific cases who's released?
ing human rights.
who's kept from the barbecue? the
And Mr. Gorbachev is not alone.
measure of U.S. commitment, rather
In another amazing move last week,
than our push for systematic change
the Hungarian deputy foreign min-
to assure that no more abuses can
ister publicly accused a fellow Com-
happen.
munist country of abuses. At the
Democracy has, at long last, come
U.N. Human Rights Commission, he
out of the closet. Its value has be-
come universally recognized. Let's
not be the ones to put it back in hid-
Ken Adelman is a nationally syn-
ing with a return to "quiet diplo-
dicated columnist.
macy."