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This file contains most of this material relates to Soviet citizen, Dr. Mikhail Shtern.

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4520590
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International Relations - Soviet Cases
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4520590
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document
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International Relations - Soviet Cases
description
This file contains most of this material relates to Soviet citizen, Dr. Mikhail Shtern.
citationUrl
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4520590
collections
Philip W. Buchen Files
Philip Buchen's General Subject Files
subjects
Soviet Union
United States-Soviet relations
Human rights
Jews
Emigration and immigration
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https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/presidential-libraries/ford/grf-0019/574067/Batch0002/38-0019-f-4520590.pdf
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https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4520590
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4520590
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1976-01-01
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1
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1976
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1975-06-01
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6
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1975
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https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/presidential-libraries/ford/grf-0019/574067/Batch0002/38-0019-f-4520590.pdf
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The original documents are located in Box 20, folder "International Relations - Soviet Cases" of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Digitized from Box 20 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library DESK FILE August applied for visa Nov. 11, 1973 Notified May 29, 1974 and father arrested same day; August to Israel Father 57 - 6 months solitary - trial for having accepted bribes - conviction, Dec. 1974 -- 69 of 70 witnesses retracted charges -- 1 perjured testimony Poor physical condition Strict regime at hard labor Victor with mother, but has been told of expulsion Mother has cancer of brain Richard Coombs - Soviet Desk CEROL DESK FILE August applied for visa Nov. 11, 1973 Notified May 29, 1974 and father arrested same day; August to Israel Father 57 - 6 months solitary - trial for having accepted bribes - conviction, Dec. 1974 -- 69 of 70 witnesses retracted charges -- 1 perjured testimony Poor physical condition Strict regime at hard labor Victor with mother, but has been told of expulsion Mother has cancer of brain Richard Coombs - Soviet Desk FORD is LIBRARY 038ALD DESK FILE August applied for visa Nov. 11, 1973 Notified May 29, 1974 and father arrested same day; August to Israel Father 57 - 6 months solitary - . trial for having accepted bribes - conviction, Dec. 1974 -- 69 of 70 witnesses retracted charges -- 1 perjured testimony Poor physical condition Strict regime at hard labor Victor with mother, but has been told of expulsion Mother has cancer of brain Richard Coombs - Soviet Desk FORD 3. 018870 LIBRARY Desk file August appliod for VISA Nov. 11, 1973 Notified May 29, 1974 & father arrusted same day; August to Israol Father 5) - C MOS. solitory - trial for having accepted bribes - conviction, Doc, 44 - 49 of 70 witnesses retracted charges - / perjured tastimony Poor physical condition Strict regime of hard labor Victor with mother, but has to oon Fold of expolsion Mothor has concor of brain Washin Richard Coombs Sourt Desk LIBRARY GERALD : FORD THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON Your visitors left the attached with Boo. LIBERRY AN INTERFAITH APPEAL FOR ml THE LIFE OF DR. MIKHAIL SHTERN TO: Mr. Nikolai Podgorny President U.S.S.R., As Christians and Jews who believe that human life is sacred, we ap- peal to you on behalf of Dr. Mikhail Shtern, former Chief of the De- partment of Endocrinology at the Vinnitsa Hospital. For thirty years Dr. Shtern was dedicated to alleviating human suf- fering. He organized the first endocrinological clinic in the Western Ukraine and was responsible for the elimination of the thyroid dis- eases endemic to the area. In his capacity as Medical Director of a sanitorium for orphans he gave selflessly of his talents and compas- sion to children whose parents were killed by the Nazis. Now Dr. Shtern faces eight years in a Soviet prison camp, and we ease and from a paralyzing spinal ailment. UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS 134 JACKSON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK 11550 (516) 741-8077 fear that he cannot survive his term, for he suffers from heart dis- As Dr. Shtern has already served one year in prison, We ask you in the name of humanity to grant (516) 538-5454 him clemency and allow him to rejoin his family. Rabbi A. Nathan Abramowits Rabbi Morris Gorden Betty Miller Meras Wagehal Lealio Cass Irvin K. Older Dr. Alan Abramson Sally Gorfein Dr. Paul M. Wapner David Carliner Alfred Olonoff Joseph Miller Dr. Herbert S. Waxman David Civval George Paley Mr. & Mrs. David Abrama David Gorin Gene Minkow Rabbi Lewis A. Weintraub Dr. Jack S. Cohen Dr. Yale J. Pava Rabbi Mendel Abrams Ralph Gottlieb Gila Moldoff Jack L. Moline Michael Evans Welfeld Murray Coben Harvey Pollard, M.D. Dr. Richard I. Andron Moses Gosowsky Sister Jeannine Morin Henrietta Wexler Dr. Naomi Coval Martha Radovsky Charlotte & Jerry Anker Frieda Greenberg Dr. Ronald D. Wilbur Eather Davidoff Bernard T. Resnick Dr. Alvin Arts Jane & David Greene Sam & Selma Mostow Lonnie Wilets Robert Davidoff Leonore Richter Avrum I. Ashery Dr. Ronald B. Gross Ruth Newman Michael & Bonnie Within Jerome P. Davis Harriet Rosen Rabbi Marvin Bash Ursula Gyurck Dr. Joseph Newmeyer Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman Jeanette Okin Howard Witt Mr. & Mrs. Jerome J. Dick Hanni Rosenbaum Sally Haver Louis Wolff Gloria Diugacs Irving M. Rosenboum Mr. & Mrs. Herbert N. Heller Mr. & Mrs. Giora Hadar Julius Okin Rabbi Kenneth R. Herger Rabbi Martin S. Halpern Joann M. Overholt Donald Wolpe Dr. Irving Diugacz David L. Rosenstreich, Frances Wroblewski Max Donor Hernard Rubin Herbert J. Bixhorn Mary Healy Richard Pernisiaro Mort Yadin Dr. Gerlad Ehrenatein Dr. Allen Rutchik Charles & Deborah Moth Susanne Heard David E. Pinsky Dr. & Mrs. Steven Zimmet Morris Elatein David Sacks. M.D. Rabbi Joseph M. Brandriss Michael & Shayne Hoffman Marjorie R. Pinsky Paulette A. Pisaniello Rabbi Louis Zivil Dors Engelstein Howard C. Sadowsky David Brodetaky Sandy & Paul Jacoby Arnold A. Brown Max Jaffee Dr. Mordecai M. Popoviser Evelyn J. Tudor Harold Engelstein Janet Sadowsky Malvin Tudor Abraham Feder Gale Salue Hank Bruder Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kahn Rabbi Tzvi H. Porath Yale J. Pava Ben Feldman David Sanders Dr. Norman Buckman Martin L. Kamerow Rev. Robert L. Pruitt Jack Budman Mr. & Mrs. Manny Kandell Vivian Rabineau Harry Lampert Bernard S. Gershan Sam Sanders F. Ridge Gerda Soharf Naomi Levin Gershan Gerda Scharf Richard Burg Mr. & Mrs. Chester Karinsky Rabbi Louis J. Cashdan Eileen Renee Rivkin Diane Scolnick Julius Goldberg Herbert L. & harf Victor Karpf Rabbi Morris Casriel Kats Bernard Rosenberg Sam Sanders Robert Goldberger, M.D. Diane Scolnick Anthony J. Cavatain Margot Champagne Robin Kaufman Mr. & Mrs. Leonard G. Rosenberg David Sanders Dr. Richard Gordon Eugene Schwalb Harriet Rosen Isidore Graber Dr. Shoshana Segal Gerald Charnoff Dr. David Kelsen Michelle Saidman Al Weiner Sarah Graber Harry Seltser Amalyah Coble Rabbi Jerome Kestenbaum Perry J. Saidman Dr. & Mrs. Sidney Shankman Rabbi Samuel Scolnie Dr. Richard M. Kaha Abraham Gross Dr. & Mrs. Elliot S. Cohen Vladimir Kievsky Dr. Alan Berger Dr. Milton Gurvits Paul Silpe Franklyn T. Cohen M. Kathrynn Kirby Sister Ann Seeley Rhoda Adler Mark Hammer Joan Silverberg C. Grafton Cole Dr. Alan Kirsch Jack A. Serber Daniel L. Alkon, M.D. Dr. Eliahu Heldman Marion Silverstein Maria Contino Dr. Bernard Kleinman Ernest M. Shalowite Augusta Convisser Rabbi Robert S. Klensen Dr. Sol Sherry Stanley Anderson Judith Heldman Martin Silverstein POST JUNE 17, 1975 PAGE 16A Dr. Christian B. Anfinsen Dr. Pierre A. Henkart Arthur J. Simon Barbara Cuban Nora Klion Fred Shulman Mara Kochba Rickey Shulman Dr. Julius Axeired Alan Hochberg Belle Simon Dr. Leon Cytryn Halo Wines Bauer Flora B. Horowits Lester Smith Dr. Eliot Dardik Sara & Andrew Krulwick Lenore R. Siegelman Elill Davis Arnold & Linda Kusmack Henry Segal Richard Beuer George Ibars Meta Smith Enriqueta Degaal Peggy Laves Harry Silberglatt Joseph Ben-Eliyahu Harold Kahen Meyer Steinberg Dr. Samuel Ben-Sasson Dr. Richard M. Kahn Max Sucher Marie L. Degrace Theodore H. Levin Bert Silver Beverly Dietrich William C. Levy Janet & Mark Singer Dr. Alan Berger Stuart Kauffman, M.D. Sylvia Sucher Mr. & Mrs. Alan Drattell Dr. & Mrs. Robert Lewit Dr. L. James Snyder Dr. Mones Berman Eugene Kline Joseph M. Tarshis Haim M. Solomon Abraham Bernstein Miriam Kline Evelyn J. Tudor Veronica Dundon Irwin Losman Rabbi Sheldon E. Elster Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Losman Maximilian S. Beschloss Edward Kopelowits Melvin Tudor Martin W. Spickler Alan Birkenfeld Irwin J. Kopin, M.D. Harold Warshawsky Ellen & David Epstein Sydney Manekofsky M. A. Stanten Francine Blazer Mr. & Mrs. Leo Kramer Irving Warshawsky Rabbi Seymour L. Essrog Mr. & Mrs. Joel Manon Dr. Arthur I. Steinberg Rev. John F. Steinbruck Walter Blaser Shoshanna Kugler Jerome Warshawsky Thomas C. Fichandler Dr. Bernard Margolis Ann S. Blumenthal Harry Lampert Sheila Warshawsky FORD Zelda Fichandler Sol Margolis Mr. & Mrs. J. Michael Stern Isidor Blumenthal Dr. Harold Lecar AI Weiner William S. Filler Rabbi Eliot Marrus Morton J. Taske Evelyn Fingerman Marcia C. Mazur Herman Taube Rayah Blumenthal Raye Liptzin Robert E. Weisen WASHINGTON Dr. Robert Blumenthal William H. Liptain Abraham Weitzmen Lucy Flanagan Marian McCarthy Karla Tievsky Sister Charlotte Fraser Kenneth Trabert M.D. Harold Bebroff Marguerite Mayo Phillip Werbel Patricia McNeil Gussie Vetram Hy J. Brandwein Judge Eli Mellan Fanny Weisblatt GERALD Frances Gendelman Zorka Melich Irving Gendelman Dr. Edwin Mendelssohn Harry D. Breelau Sara Mellan Irving Weissblett Dr. & Mrs. Jacob Trombke Harry Canter Marty Mevorach Dianne Wiest Rabbi Norman S. Goldman Daniel F. Metwman Sam Volkman Dr. & Mrs. Alban Goldstein Ureula Michaeli Douglas Wager Irving Cantor Murray Milrod Max Wright alter Golman Jenny Cantor Carl F. Nathan. M.D. Dr. Zvi Vogel Alton Miller Marc R. Wagshel Dr. Marchall Nirenberg Robert Adelstein. M.D. PARTIAL LIST OF SPONSORS NATIONAL INTERFAITH COMMITTEE FOR DR. MIKHAIL SHTERN, 2920 ARLINGTON BLVD., ARLINGTON. VA. 22204 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 18, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: BRENT SCOWCROFT T.W.B. FROM: PHILIP BUCHEN SUBJECT: Dr. Mikhail Shtern Congressman John Wydler from New York asked Max Friedersdorf to have me meet with Ms. Inez Weissman, who is President of the Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry, and with Dr. August Shtern in regard to August's father, Dr. Mikhail Shtern. The father is a noted Jewish endocrinologist from the Ukraine who has recently been sentenced by the Ukrainian Supreme Court to 8 1/2 years of hard labor, after a trial on charges brought only after the defendant declined to persuade his son August from emigrating to Israel. This case has apparently aroused considerable sympathy in this country and has resulted in an ad on June 8, 1975, in the New York Times and one in the Washington Post on June 17, 1975, copies of which are attached. I also have an English-language account of the facts of the case as presented by the prisoner's attorney to the Ukrainian Supreme Court, if you care to see it. The people who called on me would like the help of the President or Dr. Kissinger. I have, of course, made no comment on what, if anything, can be done in this regard. I assume that others in the Administration, as well as Members of the Congress, will be approached to help motivate this Administration to act. There- fore, I would appreciate your good counsel on what should be done to respond to the persons concerned. Attachments Tuesday 6/17/75 Meeting 6/18/75 10 a. m. 4:30 Cong. John Wydler's office called back to confirm 225-5516 a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday 6/18) at 10 a. m. for Dr. August Shtern of Israel. Mrs. Singer's mother is ill and won't be able to come with Dr. Shtern; however, the President of the Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry -- Inez Weissman -- will accompany him, as well as Miss Grayce Perlbinder. I have advised that in the event something is urgently 225-5516 scheduled we will call Gloria Pershing in the Congressman's office so that the meeting can be rescheduled if necessary. FORD is LIBRARY 070839 June 16, 1975 Dear Jack: I have your letter of today's date about the possibility of Mrs. Lynn Singer and Dr. August Shtern meeting with the Counsel to the President on June 16, 17 or 18. Your letter has been passed along to Mr. Philip Buchen and you will hear from his office as soon as possible. With kindest regards, Sincerely, Max L. Priedersdorf Assistant to the President The Honorable John W. Wydler House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Pace: w/incoming to Philip Buchen for further action. MLF:VO:vo FORD is LIBRARY 07V830 JOHN W. WYDLER COMMITTEES; FIFTH DISTRICT, NEW YORK SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUBCOMMITTEES: MINORITY FLOOR MANAGER AVIATION AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES N.Y. REPRESENTATIVE Congress of the United States RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION SPACE SCIENCE AND APPLICATION DISTRICT OFFICE: House of Representatives 150 OLD COUNTRY ROAD GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS MINEOLA, NEW YORK 11501 Washington, D.C. 20515 TELEPHONE: CH 8-7676 SUBCOMMITTEE: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES June 16, 1975 Mr. Max L. Friedersdorf Special Assistant to the President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Max: My constituent Mrs. Lynn Singer, Vice President of the Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry, 134 Jackson Street, Hempstead, New York, has asked my help in arranging a meeting with the Counsel to the President, for herself and Dr. August Shtern of Israel. I understand from Mrs. Singer that Dr. August Shtern is a native of the Ukraine who emigrated to Israel. He is currently visiting in the United States on behalf of his father, Dr. Mikhail Shtern, a noted Jewish endoctrinologist from the Ukraine who is a Soviet prisoner-of-conscience, having recently been sentenced by the Ukrainian Supreme Court to some 8-1/2 years at hard labor. Mrs. Singer and Dr. August Shtern will be here in Washington June 16, 17 and 18th and if at all possible would like to meet at that time, or at any other early date, with the Counsel to the President to discuss the case of Dr. Mikhail Shtern. Any assistance you may properly be able to render on this request will be much appreciated. Sincerely yours, John W. Wydler, Member of Congress JWW:gp Dennis Clift is the person who prepared this memo for General Scowcroft. Clift advises that the person in State to talk to is: Mr. Mark Garrison Soviet Union Affairs 632-3738 A offof z 520 4217 2020 MEMORANDUM 4254 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL July 7, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: PHILIP BUCHEN FROM: BRENT SCOWCROFT SUBJECT: Dr. Mikhail Shtern Thank you for your memorandum of June 18 concerning your recent meeting with Mrs. Weissman and Dr. August Shtern, during which they sought the help of the President or Secretary Kissinger in behalf of Shtern's father, Dr. Mikhail Shtern. Our embassy in Moscow reports that Mikhail Shtern was arrested for the economic crime of speculation, but that this arrest was probably linked to his own advocacy of the right to emigrate and his son's emi- gration to Israel. The case is in the hands of the Soviet Government, which regards it strictly as an internal matter. Nevertheless, the expressions of concern in the U.S. -- a humanitarian concern -- have been made known quite clearly to the USSR. We feel that the best way to make progress on emigration and humanitarian issues is to continue to strengthen our relations with the Soviet Union on a broad front, thus encouraging Soviet flexibility and respect for issues so important to the United States. As you know, the Soviet Union views emigration and criminal cases as extremely sensitive elements in our relations and tendsto view each action in this area -- official or private as reflections of U.S. policy. I believe, as a general rule, it is in our best interests to turn inquiries or requests for meetings concerning Dr. Shtern or other similar cases over to the Department of State for action and reply. State is accustomed to dealing with these requests and with individuals wishing to express their concern over these sensitive cases. Furthermore, the State Department is usually aware of the specific circumstances involved in each special case and can therefore more appropriately deal with the problem. ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL SOVIET JEWRY COMMITTEE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 July 21, 1975 Mr. Phillip Buchen The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Buchen, Before President Ford departs to attend the European Conference on Security and Cooperation I appeal to you to use your influence to bring an urgent case to his attention. Mikhail Edelman and his wife , Feiga, of Riga (Avotu 35, apt. 11, Riga, Latvian SSR, USSR) have been waiting since 1971 for permission to leave the USSR for Israel. For two years he has not received any of the many letters sent to him from the USA. His letter of appeal, which was brought out of the USSR, is attached and explains his situation in full. We see the joint Apollo-Soyuz Space Project as the latest expression of detante. Let human detente follow! I urge you to do your utmost for the Edelmans. Mrs. Edelman's health is failing. The President's action for them is the Edelmans only hope. Shalom IvaL.Ritt "Iva L. Ritt Eva L. Ritt (Mrs. David) Chairwoman - SOVIET JEWRY COMMITTEE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA Çaptain Mikhail Edelman 9 59 from Riga who has been waiting four years for exit visa while his daughter and grandchildren were per- mitted to go to Israel describes the situation in the following letter: TO ALL JEWS OF THE WORLD: I, Mikhail Edelman, am 59 years old, I live in the USSR, Riga- Avotu 35, apt. 11. My only daughter, my grandchildren as well as all the rest of my relatives and sisters of my wife are living in Israel. Until March 1971 I worked as a captain of a merchant ship. Then our family applied for emigration to Israel and while my daughter and sisters were allowed to leave, my wife and I were refused. For the past four years these refusals have continued on the grounds of "secrecy" of my former work. In the beginning the KGB set a three year waiting period, but since then the period has been extended to five years, seven years and now again to five years. During these years of waiting I as a person "leading a parasitic and anti-social way of life" had to work as a carrier and now I am unemployed. I worked hard all my life. I became a sailor forty-two years ago and since 1946 I served as a captain with a " break" in the 1950s (imprisonment under Stalir During the war I spent four years in a German concentration camp waiting for death every day. Now I wonder whether I will live to see my daughter and my grandchildren again. My wife, Feiga, now fifty-seven used to be a nurse during the war. She dedicated all her life to work and to her family. She is now very ill. Both of us suffer greatly from the seperation from our dear ones. Every day of our forced detention in the USSR deprives us of our strength health and hope. I have exhausted all methods of appeal in the USSR and I therefor appeal to the world public and to my People FORD and request People and my Homeland. Help me go to Israel and join GERAL my daughters, LIBRANI my Signed: Mikhail Edelman SOVIET JEWRY COMMITTEE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 July 21, 1975 Mr. Phillip Buchen The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Buchen, Before President Ford departs to attend the European Conference on Security and Cooperation I appeal to you to use your influence to bring an urgent case to his attention. Mikhail Edelman and his wife, Feiga, of Riga (Avotu 35, apt.11, Riga, Latvian SSR, USSR) have been waiting since 1971 for permission to leave the USSR for Israel. For two years he has not received any of the many letters sent to him from the USA. His letter of appeal, which was brought out of the USSR, is attached and explains his situation in full. We see the joint Apollo-Soyuz Space Project as the latest expression o detante. Let human detente follow! I urge you to do your utmost for the Edelmans. Mrs. Edelman's health is failing. The President's action for them is the Edelmans only hope. Shalom EvaL.Ritt Eva L. Ritt (Mrs.David) Chairwoman - SOVIET JEWRY COMMI OF CENTRAL FLORIDA GERALD LIBRAR Captain Mikhail Edelman , 59 from Riga who has been waiting four years for exit visa while his daughter and grandchildren were per- mitted to go to Israel describes the situation in the following letter: TO ALL JEWS OF THE WORLD: I, Mikhail Edelman, am 59 years old, I live in the USSR, Riga- Avotu 35, apt. 11. My only daughter, my grandchildren as well as all the rest of my relatives and sisters of my wife are living in Israel. Until March 1971 I worked as a captain of a merchant ship. Then our family applied for emigration to Israel and while my daughter and sisters were allowed to leave, my wife and I were refused. For the past four years these refusals have continued on the grounds of "secrecy" of my former work. In the beginning the KGB set a three year waiting period, but since then the period has been extended to five years, seven years and now again to five years. During these years of waiting I as a person "leading a parasitic and anti-social way of life" had to work as a carrier and now I am unemployed. I worked hard all my life. I became a sailor forty-two years ago and since 1946 I served as a captain with a " break" in the 1950s (imprisonment under Stalir During the war I spent four years in a German concentration camp waiting for death every day. Now I wonder whether I will live to see my daughter and my grandchildren again. My wife, Feiga, now fifty-seven used to be a nurse during the war. She dedicated all her life to work and to her family. She is now very ill. Both of us suffer greatly from the seperation from our dear ones. Every day of our forced detention in the USSR deprives us of our strength health and hope. I have exhausted all methods of appeal in the USSR and I therefor appeal to the world public and to my People and request Help me go to Israel and join my daughters, my People and my Homeland. ATES POSTA ® MGMWSHT HSA 1-041842A204 07/24/75 western union Mailgram UNITED * SERVICE U.S.MAIL ICS IPMHENA HEM ******* 01358 MGM HEMPSTEAD NY 100 07-23 0522P EDT ZIP 20500 THIS MAILGRAM WAS TRANSMITTED ELECTRONICALLY BY WESTERN UNION TO A POST OFFICE NEAR YOU FOR DELIVERY HON PHILIP BUCHAN WHITE HOUSE PENN AVE WASHINGTON DC 20500 WE ASK YOU TO USE YOUR GOOD OFFICES TO SUGGEST TO PRESIDENT FORD THAT AS A REQUISITE FOR HIS ATTENDENCE AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN HELSINSKI, THE CAUSE OF SOVIET JEWRY BE ON THE AGENDA, AND A CONSTRUCTIVE CONCLUSION BE NECESSARY-- I.E. THE RIGHT OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR EMIGRATION BE GRANTED VISAS, AND THOSE WHOSE INVITATIONS HAVE NOT YET BEEN DELIVERED RECEIVE THEM WITH PERMISSION, WE ALSO ASK THAT THE CASE OF DR MIKHAIL SHTERN BE INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA. WE FEEL THAT IT IS IRONIC THAT A CONFERENCE CALLED ON BEHALF OF REUNIFICATION AND FREEDOM FOR ALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE CAUSE OF THE JEWS IN THE SOVIET UNION, WE TAKE THE PRIVILEGE OF ASKING YOU TO INTERCEDE DUE TO OUR MEETING WITH YOU AND YOUR INTEREST IN THE CASE OF DR MIKHAIL SHTERN UNION OF COUNCILS OF SOVIET JEWS 01844 EST MGMWSHT HSA QERALD FORD LIBRARY 5241 (R2-74) REPLY BY MAILGRAM SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR WESTERN UNION'S TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBERS 801 TO3 98580 YM 08810 415 MAHOUB 91JIH9 MOH 3VA иизя 38U0H 3TIHW 50205 30 иотэитнеаи TO REPLY BY MAILGRAM, PHONE WESTERN UNION TOLL FREE ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT: ALABAMA 800 325 5300 NEW YORK ARIZONA 800 648 4100 Areas 315, 518, 607 & 716 800 257 2221 ARKANSAS 800 325 5100 Areas 212, 800 257 2211 CALIFORNIA 800 648 4100 Except Manhattan 962 7111 COLORADO 800 325 5400 Bronx 962 7111 CONNECTICUT 800 257 2211 - OT 8301990 000 Queensioy seu 01 UOY 459 8100 3W 800 257 2211 DELAWARE Brooklyn 459 8100 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ERT. TA 800 909 NORTH CAROLINA TAHT 0809 800 257 2231 FLORIDA THIVOS 90 800-325 55001MT DAKOTA 800 5400 GEORGIA 3.8. ОИА SHT 14.0800325 5300 30 IDAHO 803 031J99A 800/246/4109 380HT JOKLAHOMAISIA 3HT ,3,1 --800 325 8100) ILLINOIS 3VAH SMOITAT 800 380HW 380HT OREGON ОЗТИАЯЗ 38 800 648 4100 INDIANA IOWA X8A 08JA 3w 800 325 5200 00 325 5100 HTIW M3HT PENNSYLVANIA Areas 215 & 717. 0383VIJ30 изза 800 257 2211 THY тои KANSAS .АОИЗДА 3HT 800 38 иязтна 90 40 38A 800257 2221 KENTUCKY 90 RJAH38 ио 0.3800l ARHODE ISLANDORI 81 T.I. TAM80 257 2221 3W LOUISIANA 90 CANAE 3HT 3.0800 328 5300 ОИ 8300 ОИА 2231 38 MAINE GT UOY DMIMBA 25Z 3HT T31V08 800 325 5300 MASSACHUSETTS MARYLAND SHT 01 тазязти 800 257 2211 800 257 2221 СИА UOY TENNESSEE TEXAS RUO OT 300 800 325 5100 800 325 5300 ит MICHIGAN 800 325 5300 UTAH иязтна JIAMMIN 800 4100 AO MINNESOTA 800 325 5300 30. 18.00 257 2221 MISSISSIPPI 800 325 5200 VIRGINIA 800 257 2221 MISSOURI 800 342 5700 WASHINGTON 800 648 4500 MONTANA 800 325 5500 WEST VIRGINIA 800 257 2221 NEBRASKA 800 325 5100 WISCONSIN 800 325 5200 10 NEVADA 800 992 5700 WYOMING 800 648 4500 NEW HAMPSHIRE 800 257 2221 ABH THEWMOM NEW JERSEY 800 632 2271 NEW MEXICO 800 325 5400 OR DIAL WESTERN UNION'S INFOMASTER SYSTEM DIRECTLY: FROM TELEX 6161 FROM TWX 910 420 1212 July 25, 1975 Dear Mr. Garrison: Enclosed is correspondence involving the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife. At the same time, I am also sending you a copy of my memo to General Scowcroft and his reply to me in the case of Dr. Mikhail Shtern. I assume that these cases have already come to your attention, but if there are any further steps that are desirable, I trust you will take over. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mr. Mark Garrison Director Office of Soviet Union Affairs Romm 4217 Department of State Washington, D. C. 20520 Enclosures FORD is LIBRARY July 25, 1975 Dear Mr. Garrison: Enclosed is correspondence involving the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife. At the same time, I am also sending you a copy of my memo to General Scowcroft and his reply to me in the case of Dr. Mikhail Shtern. I assume that these cases have already come to your attention, but if there are any further steps that are desirable, I trust you will take over. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mr. Mark Garrison Director Office of Soviet Union Affairs Romm 4217 Department of State Washington, D. c. 20520 Enclosures FORD LIBRARY July 25, 1975 Dear Mr. Garrison: Enclosed is correspondence involving the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife. At the same time, I am also sending you a copy of my memo to General Scowcroft and his reply to me in the case of Dr. Mikhail Shtern. I assume that these cases have already come to your attention, but if there are any further steps that are desirable, I trust you will take over. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mr. Mark Garrison Director Office of Soviet Union Affairs Roma 4217 Department of State Washington, D. C. 20520 Enclosures 06 FORD LIBRARY Marrison, July 25, 1975 Dear Mr. Garrison: Enclosed is correspondence involving the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife. At the same time, I am also sending you a copy of my memo to General Scowcroft and his reply to me in the case of Dr. Mikhail Shtern. I assume that these cases have already come to your attention, but if there are any further steps that are desirable, I trust you will take over. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mr. Mark Garrison Director Office of Soviet Union Affairs Romm 4217 Department of State Washington, D. c. 20520 Enclosures 1080 LIBRARY is THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON July 26, 1975 Dear Mrs. Ritt: Thank you very much for your letter of July 21, 1975, concerning the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife of Riga. The President is deeply concerned for those unable to exercise fundamental human rights -- including the right of emigration. The upcoming Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe which the President will soon be attending represents a step forward in improving relationships between the Soviet Union, on the one hand, and the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, on the other. Although the proposed declaration will not necessarily bring a solution to the problems you pose, it will represent a step forward toward reunification of families and toward increased human con- tacts and flow of information among the nations involved. In this way, the views of the U. S. Government and of organizations like yours may in time be more effectively conveyed and could alleviate the situation about which you are particularly concerned. I am at the same time sending a copy of your correspondence to the State Department. Sincerely, They J.Buchen Philip GV. Buchen Counsel to the President Mrs. David (Eva) L. Ritt Chairwoman Soviet Jewry Committee of Central Florida 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 cc: Mr. Mark Garrison FORD LIBRARY & 038870 Department of State MGMWSHT HSA 111 the 1-041842A204 07/24/75 western union Mailgram UNITED Si RECEIVIDING ICS IPMHENA HEM U.S.MAIL * 01358 MGM HEMPSTEAD NY 100 07-23 0522P EDT ***** ZIP 20500 HON PHILIP BUCHAN WHITE HOUSE PENN AVE WASHINGTON DC 20500 WE ASK YOU TO USE YOUR GOOD OFFICES TO SUGGEST TO PRESIDENT FORD THAT AS A REQUISITE FOR HIS ATTENDENCE AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN HELSINSKI, THE CAUSE OF SOVIET JEWRY BE ON THE AGENDA, AND A CONSTRUCTIVE CONCLUSION BE NECESSARY-- I.E. THE RIGHT OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR EMIGRATION BE GRANTED VISAS, AND THOSE WHOSE INVITATIONS HAVE NOT YET BEEN DELIVERED RECEIVE THEM WITH PERMISSION, WE ALSO ASK THAT THE CASE OF DR MIKHAIL SHTERN BE INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA, WE FEEL THAT IT IS IRONIC THAT A CONFERENCE CALLED ON BEHALF OF REUNIFICATION AND FREEDOM FOR ALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE CAUSE OF THE JEWS IN THE SOVIET UNION, WE TAKE THE PRIVILEGE OF ASKING YOU TO INTERCEDE DUE TO OUR MEETING WITH YOU AND YOUR INTEREST IN THE CASE OF DR MIKHAIL SHTERN UNION OF COUNCILS OF SOVIET JEWS 01:44 EST MGMWSHT HSA is FORD GERALD LIBRARY UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS 134 Jackson Street, Room 403 Hempstead, New York 11550 (516) 538-5454 OFFICERS (516) 741-8077 Inez Wessman PRESIDENT Dr. Robert Wolf July 24, 1975 1st VICE-PRESIDENT Si Frumkin 2nd VICE-PRESIDENT Irene Manekotsky 3rd VICE PRESIDENT Hon. Philip Buchan Lynn Singer The White House TREASURER Washington D.C MEMBERS OF STEERING COMMITTEE Dear Mr. Buchan, Dr. Louis Rosenblum Howard Wexler Stuart Wurtman I would like to again thank you for allowing us to meet with you and discuss the tragic case of MEMBER COUNCILS Dr. Mikhail Shtern. We feel that the Internation- al Conference, to be held in Helsinki, serves as Western Region prime time for discussion of the general problems Arizona Council on Soviet Jews of Soviet Jews and the particular case of Dr. Bay Area Council Mikhail Shtern. To ignore these issues would be on Soviet Jewry a deceit. San Diego Council for Soviet Jewry Southern California Council for Soviet Jews We appeal to you to use your good offices to sug- Soviet Jewry Action Group gest to the President the need for the inclusion of Soviet Jewry in the Helsinki agenda. Central Region Cincinnati Council Thank you for your concern and sympathies for the for Soviet Jewry plight of Soviet Jews. Cleveland Council on Soviet Anti-Semitism Detroit Committee for Soviet Jewry Omaha Committee Sincerely, for Soviet Jewry preguleisman Eastern Region Inez Weissman Action for Soviet Jewry (Boston) President Greater Philadelphia Council for Soviet Jews Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry Oceanfront Council for Soviet Jews South Florida Conference it / on Soviet Jewry Washington Committee IW:rw for Soviet Jewry GERALD enc. AND AN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION DEDICATED TO THE GOAL "LET MV UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry 134 Jackson Street, suite 403 Hempstead, New York 11550 (516) 538-5454 (516) 741-8077 for immediate release: July 24, 19 UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS APPEALS TO FORD TO INCLUDE SCVIET JEWRY ISSUE AND CASE OF DR. MIKHAIL SHTERN IN HELSINKI AGENDA The national Union of Councils for Soviet Jews, with its headquarter in Hempstead, New York, appeals to President Ford for the inclusion of the problems of Soviet Jews, and particularly the case of Dr. Mik hail Shtern, the imprisoned Jewish endocrinologist who was sentenced to eight years in a Soviet labor camp on trumped up charges of bribei of two chickens, one goose, some vegetables, 70 eggs, and 770 rubles over a twenty year period, in the agenda of the International Confer- ence to be held next week in Helsinki. While visiting the United States, Dr. August Shtern, the son of Dr. Mikhail Shtern, had met with Philip Buchan, the top legal advisor to President Ford in a White House meeting, along with officers of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews. At that meeting, Mr. Buchan showe great interest in the case of Dr. Shtern, and the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews feels that the time has come for White House action. Although the International Conference in Helsinki has been called on behalf of the problems of "reunification and freedom of all people," the Soviet Jewry question has been deliberately left out. Ms. Inez Weissman, president of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews and the Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry stated: We feel that it would be a grave deceit to hold an international conference on 'reunification and freedom' and ignore the problem of Soviet Jews. The Soviet Union has, in the past months, in- creased the harrassment of Jews, from the denial of visas to the incarceration of innocent men like Dr. Shtern. The President must not allow the Helsinki conference to be a mockery, but sub- stantive results pertaining to the Soviet Jewry issue must be forthcoming. Although the Soviet Union has, in the past, been a signatory to many documents deploring inhumane practices and sup porting the right of freedom for all people, such as the Human Rights Declaration of the United Nations, in its practices, the Russian government has not adhered to its signature. We thus as that President Ford not only demand that meaningful resolutions on behalf of Soviet Jews be passed and signed, but also carried out. The various member councils of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews, who are situated throughout the United States, have not only appealed to the President, but have asked their congressmen and senators to use cing of Soviet Jewry in the Helsinki agenda. their good offices and relations with the President to insure FORD the pla- GERALD LISTARY SOVIET JEWRY COMMITTEE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 July 21, 1975 Mr. Phillip Buchen The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Buchen, Before President Ford departs to attend the European Conference on Security and Cooperation I appeal to you to use your influence to bring an urgent case to his attention. Mikhail Edelman and his wife , Feiga, of Riga (Avotu 35, apt. 11, Riga Latvian SSR, USSR) have been waiting since 1971 for permission to leave the USSR for Israel. For two years he has not received any of the many letters sent to him from the USA. His letter of appeal, which was brought out of the USSR, is attached and explains his situation in full. We see the joint Apollo-Soyuz Space Project as the latest expression ( detante. Let human detente follow! I urge you to do your utmost for the Edelmans. Mrs. Edelman's health is failing. The President's action for them is the Edelmans only hope. Shalom Iva L. Ritt Eva L. Ritt (Mrs. David) Chairwoman - SOVIET JEWRY COMM OF CENTRAL FLORIDA GERAL LIBRARY MEMORANDUM 4254 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL July 7, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: PHILIP BUCHEN FROM: BRENT SCOWCROFT SUBJECT: Dr. Mikhail Shtern Thank you for your memorandum of June 18 concerning your recent meeting with Mrs. Weissman and Dr. August 'Shtern, during which they sought the help of the President or Secretary Kissinger in behalf of Shtern's father, Dr. Mikhail Shtern. Our embassy in Moscow reports that Mikhail Shtern was arrested for the economic crime of speculation, but that this arrest was probably linked to his own advocacy of the right to emigrate and his son's emi- gration to Israel. The case is in the hands of the Soviet Government, which regards it strictly as an internal matter. Nevertheless, the expressions of concern in the U.S. -- a humanitarian concern -- have been made known quite clearly to the USSR. We feel that the best way to make progress on emigration and humanitarian issues is to continue to strengthen our relations with the Soviet Union on a broad front, thus encouraging Soviet flexibility and respect for issues so important to the United States. As you know, the Soviet Union views emigration and criminal cases as extremely sensitive elements in our relations and tendsto view each action in this area official or private as reflections of U.S. policy. I believe, as a general rule, it is in our best interests to turn inquiries or requests for meetings concerning Dr. Shtern or other similar cases over to the Department of State for action and reply. State is accustomed to dealing with these requests and with individuals wishing to express their concern over these sensitive cases. Furthermore, the State Department is usually aware of the specific circumstances involved problem. in each special case and can therefore more appropriately deal with the ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL LIBRARY GERALD R. FOND THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 18, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: BRENT SCOWCROFT FROM: PHILIP BUCHEN T.W.B. SUBJECT: Dr. Mikhail Shtern Congressman John Wydler from New York asked Max Friedersdorf to have me meet with Ms. Inez Weissman, who is President of the Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry, and with Dr. August Shtern in regard to August's father, Dr. Mikhail Shtern. The father is a noted Jewish endocrinologist from the Ukraine who has recently been sentenced by the Ukrainian Supreme Court to 8 1/2 years of hard labor, after a trial on charges brought only after the defendant declined to persuade his son August from emigrating to Israel. This case has apparently aroused considerable sympathy in this country and has resulted in an ad on June 8, 1975, in the New York Times and one in the Washington Post on June 17, 1975, copies of which are attached. I also have an English-language account of the facts of the case as presented by the prisoner's attorney to the Ukrainian Supreme Court, if you care to see it. The people who called on me would like the help of the President or Dr. Kissinger. I have, of course, made no comment on what, if anything, can be done in this regard. I assume that others in the Administration, as well as Members of the Congress, will be approached to help motivate this Administration to act. There- fore, I would appreciate your good counsel on what should be done to respond to the persons concerned. Attachments GERALD ? real June 16, 1975 Dear Jack: I have your letter of today's date about the possibility of Mrs. Lynn Singer and Dr. August Shtern meeting with the Counsel to the President on June 16, 17 or 13. Your letter has been passed along to Mr. Philip Buchen and you will hear from his office as soon as possible. With kindest regards, Sincerely, Max L. Friedersdorf Assistant to the President The Honorable John W. Wydler House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Ibcc: w/incoming to Philip Buchen for further action. MLF: vo : vo LIBRARY GERALD : FORD RITY FLOOR MANAGER SUBCOMMITTES: AVIATION AND INCORTATION MMITTEE ON COMMITTEES Congress of the United States RESEARCH AND cen SLOPMENT N.Y. REF RESENTATIVE ENERGY RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION DISTRICT OFFICE: House of Representatives SPACE SCIENCE AND APPLICATION 150 OLD COUNTRY ROAD MIN_OLA. NEW YORK 11501 TELEPHONE: CH 8-7676 Mashington, B.C. 20515 GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS SUBCOMMETTED INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES June 16, 1975 Mr. Max L. Friedersdorf Special Assistant to the President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Max: My constituent Mrs. Lynn Singer, Vice President of the Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry, 134 Jackson Street, Hempstead, New York, has asked my help in arranging a meeting with the Counsel to the President, for herself and Dr. August Shtern of Israel. I understand from Mrs. Singer that Dr. August Shtern is a native of the Ukraine who emigrated to Israel. He is currently visiting in the United States on behalf of his father, Dr. Mikhail Shtern, a noted Jewish endoctrinologist from the Ukraine who is a Soviet prisoner-of-conscience, having recently been sentenced by the Ukrainian Supreme Court to some 8-1/2 years at hard labor. Mrs. Singer and Dr. August Shtern will be here in Washington June 16, 17 and 18th and if at all possible would like to meet at that time, or at any other early date, with the Counsel to the President to discuss the case of Dr. Mikhail Shtern. Any assistance you may properly be able to render on this request will be much appreciated. Sincerely yours, John W. Wydler, JWW:gp Member of Congress LIBERRY GERALD ? FOR July 26, 1975 Dear Mrs. Ritt: Thank you very much for your letter of July 21, 1975, concerning the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife of Riga. The President is deeply concerned for those unable to exercise fundamental human rights -- including the right of emigration. The upcoming Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe which the President will soon be attending represents a step forward in improving relationships between the Soviet Union, on the one hand, and the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, on the other. Although the proposed declaration will not necessarily bring a solution to the problems you pose, it will represent a step forward toward reunification of families and toward increased human con- tacts and flow of information among the nations involved. In this way, the views of the U. S. Government and of organizations like yours may in time be more effectively conveyed and could alleviate the situation about which you are particularly concerned. I am at the same time sending a copy of your correspondence to the State Department. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mrs. David (Eva) L. Ritt Chairwoman Soviet Jewry Committee of Central Florida 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 CC: Mr. Mark Garrison Department of State FORD is LIBRARY 07V839 July 26, 1975 Dear Mrs. Ritt: Thank you very much for your letter of July 21, 1975, concerning the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife of Riga. The President is deeply concerned for those unable to exercise fundamental human rights -- including the right of emigration. The upcoming Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe which the President will soon be attending represents a step forward in improving relationships between the Soviet Union, on the one hand, and the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, on the other. Although the proposed declaration will not necessarily bring a solution to the problems you pose, it will represent a step forward toward reunification of families and toward increased human con- tacts and flow of information among the nations involved. In this way, the views of the U. S. Government and of organizations like yours may in time be more effectively conveyed and could alleviate the situation about which you are particularly concerned. I am at the same time sending a copy of your correspondence to the State Department. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mrs. David (Eva) L. Ritt Chairwoman Soviet Jewry Committee of Central Florida 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 GERALD FORD LIBRARY ec: Mr. Mark Garrison Department of State July 28, 1975 Dear Ms. Weissman: Your mailgram concerning the President's visit to the International Conference in Helsinki did not reach me until Saturday, July 26, after the President's departure. Although the issues you raise are not on the agenda for specific discussion in the limited time avail- able for private meetings between the President and General Secretary Brezhnev, the general nature of the proposed declaration on Security and Cooperation in Europe does offer considerable hope. It will represent a step forward toward reunification of families and toward increased human contacts and flow of information among the nations involved. In this way, the views of organizations like yours may be more effectively conveyed and can alleviate the situation about which you are particularly concerned. Thank you for your expressions of interest and concern. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Ms. Inez Weissman President Union of Councils for Soviet Jews 134 Jackson Street Room 403 Hempstead, New York 11550 R. FORD LIBRARY UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS 134 Jackson Street, Room 403 Hempstead, New York 11550 (516) 538-5454 OFFICERS (516) 741-8077 Inez Weissman PRESIDENT Dr. Robert Wolf July 24, 1975 1st VICE-PRESIDENT Si Frumkin 2nd VICE-PRESIDENT Irene Manekofsky 3rd VICE-PRESIDENT Hon. Philip Buchan Lynn Singer The White House TREASURER Washington D.C MEMBERS OF STEERING COMMITTEE Dear Mr. Buchan, Dr. Louis Rosenblum Howard Wexler Stuart Wurtman I would like to again thank you for allowing us to meet with you and discuss the tragic case of Dr. Mikhail Shtern. We feel that the Internation- MEMBER COUNCILS al Conference, to be held in Helsinki, serves as Western Region prime time for discussion of the general problems Arizona Council of Soviet Jews and the particular case of Dr. on Soviet Jews Bay Area Council Mikhail Shtern. To ignore these issues would be on Soviet Jewry a deceit. San Diego Council for Soviet Jewry Southern California Council for Soviet Jews We appeal to you to use your good offices to sug- Soviet Jewry Action Group gest to the President the need for the inclusion of Soviet Jewry in the Helsinki agenda. Central Region Cincinnati Council Thank you for your concern and sympathies for the for Soviet Jewry plight of Soviet Jews. Cleveland Council on Soviet Anti-Semitism Detroit Committee for Soviet Jewry Omaha Committee Sincerely, for Soviet Jewry pregubiseman Eastern Region Inez Weissman Action for Soviet Jewry (Boston) President Greater Philadelphia Council for Soviet Jews Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry Oceanfront Council & TORO for Soviet Jews South Florida Conference on Soviet Jewry GERALD Washington Committee IW:rw LIBRARY for Soviet Jewry enc. AN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION DEDICATED TO THE GOAL "LET MY PEOPLE GO!" UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry 134 Jackson Street, suite 403 Hempstead, New York 11550 (516) 538-5454 (516) 741-8077 for immediate release: July 24, 197. UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS APPEALS TO FORD TO INCLUDE SOVIET JEWRY ISSUE AND CASE OF DR. MIKHAIL SHTERN IN HELSINKI AGENDA The national Union of Councils for Soviet Jews, with its headquarters in Hempstead, New York, appeals to President Ford for the inclusion of the problems of Soviet Jews, and particularly the case of Dr. Mik- hail Shtern, the imprisoned Jewish endocrinologist who was sentenced to eight years in a Soviet labor camp on trumped up charges of bribery of two chickens, one goose, some vegetables, 70 eggs, and 770 rubles over a twenty year period, in the agenda of the International Confer- ence to be held next week in Helsinki. While visiting the United States, Dr. August Shtern, the son of Dr. Mikhail Shtern, had met with Philip Buchan, the top legal advisor to President Ford in a White House meeting, along with officers of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews. At that meeting, Mr. Buchan showed great interest in the case of Dr. Shtern, and the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews feels that the time has come for White House action. Although the International Conference in Helsinki has been called on behalf of the problems of "reunification and freedom of all people," the Soviet Jewry question has been deliberately left out. Ms. Inez Weissman, president of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews and the Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry stated: We feel that it would be a grave deceit to hold an international conference on 'reunification and freedom' and ignore the problems of Soviet Jews. The Soviet Union has, in the past months, in- creased the harrassment of Jews, from the denial of visas to the incarceration of innocent men like Dr. Shtern. The President must not allow the Helsinki conference to be a mockery, but sub- stantive results pertaining to the Soviet Jewry issue must be forthcoming. Although the Soviet Union has, in the past, been a signatory to many documents deploring inhumane practices and sup- porting the right of freedom for all people, such as the Human Rights Declaration of the United Nations, in its practices, the Russian government has not adhered to its signature. We thus ask that President Ford not only demand that meaningful resolutions on behalf of Soviet Jews be passed and signed, but also carried out. The various member councils of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews, who are situated throughout the United States, have not only appealed to the President, but have asked their congressmen and senators to use their good offices and relations with the President to insure the pla- cing of Soviet Jewry in the Helsinki agenda. Print Care THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON July 31, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: BILL BAROODY FROM: PHILIP BUCHEN T.W.B. Attached is an incoming letter from the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews requesting me to address its annual conference on August 29 - September 1, 1975, in Hempstead, New York. I plan to decline but am submitting this letter to you for advice as to whether I should offer someone else from the Administration to appear. Attachment FUND is DERALD LIBRARY UNION OF COUNCILS FOR SOVIET JEWS 134 Jackson Street, Room 403 Hempstead, New York 11550 (516) 538-5454 OFFICERS (516) 741-8077 Inez Weissman PRESIDENT Dr. Robert Wolf 1st CE-PRESIDENT July 29, 1975 Si Fromkin 2nd VICE-PRESIDENT Irene Manekolsky 3rd VICE-PRESIDENT Hon. Philip Buchan Lynn Singer TREASURER The White House Washington D.C. MEMBERS OF STEERING COMMITTEE Dr. Louis Rosenblum Dear Mr. Buchan, Howard Wexler Stuart Wurtman The Union of Councils for Soviet Jews is holding its annual conference on August 29 through Sep- MEMBER COUNCILS tember 1, 1975, at the Holiday Inn, Hempstead, Western Region New York, for the purpose of reviewing the cur- Arizona Council rent status of Jews in the Soviet Union. Our on Soviet Jews members represent councils throughout the United Bay Area Council on Soviet Jewry States. San Diego Council for Soviet Jewry Southern California Council for Soviet Jews It would be our pleasure to have you address the Soviet Jewry Action Group conference on Saturday, August 30, as a spokes- man for the President and the Administration. Our national membership would look forward to the privilege of meeting with you and hearing Central Region your remarks. Cincinnati Council for Soviet Jewry Cleveland Council on Soviet Anti-Semitism We eagerly await your response and thank you for Detroit Committee for Soviet Jewry your consideration. Omaha Committee for Soviet Jewry Sincerely, Eastern Region Action for Soviet Jewry (Boston) Lym Singer Greater Philadelphia Council for Soviet Jews Lynn Singer Long Island Committee for Soviet Jewry Oceanfront Council & FORD for Soviet Jews South Florida Conference on Soviet Jewry GERALD Washington Committee LS:rw LIBRARY for Soviet Jewry July 26, 1975 Dear Mrs. Ritt: Thank you very much for your letter of July 21, 1975, concerning the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife of Riga. The President is deeply concerned for those unable to exercise fundamental human rights -- including the right of emigration. The upcoming Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe which the President will soon be attending represents a step forward in improving relationships between the Soviet Union, on the one hand, and the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies, on the other. Although the proposed declaration will not necessarily bring a solution to the problems you pose, it will represent a step forward toward reunification of families and toward increased human con- tacts and flow of information among the nations involved. In this way, the views of the U. S. Government and of organisations like yours may in time be more effectively conveyed and could alleviate the situation about which you are particularly concerned. I am at the same time sending a copy of your correspondence to the State Department. Sincerely, Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mrs. David (Eva) L. Ritt Chairwoman Seviet Jewry Committee of Central Florida 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 FORD is LIBRARY 07V830 CCI Mr. Mark Garrison Department of State THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 9, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR Mr. Mark J. Garrison Director, Office of Soviet Union Affairs Per our conversation, I have enclosed at Tab A the most recent letter which Mr. Buchen received from Mrs. Ritt, Chairwoman- Soviet Jewry Committee. Mrs. Ritt's December 22 letter men- tions a couple named Tamara and Emanuel Neifach, in addition to the Edelmans. Enclosed at Tab B is a copy of Mr. Buchen's July 26 letter to Mrs. Ritt in which he mentions the upcoming Helsinki conference as a hopeful sign for the reunification of families. Your advice as to how to handle the December 22 letter would be much appreciated. In particular, we would need your direction on how to respond to Mrs. Ritt's statement about the Helsinki Agreement and on whether there is anything positive we can report about the Edelmans' exit visa problems. Thank you. Bobbie Bobbie Counsel Greene Kilberg to the Associate President GERALD R. FORD LIBRANT THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON July 26, 1975 Dear Mrs. Ritt: Thank you very much for your letter of July 21, 1975, concerning the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife of Riga. The President is deeply concerned for those unable to exercise fundamental human rights -- including the right of emigration. The upcoming Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe which the President will soon be attending represents a step forward in improving relationships between the Soviet Union, on the one hand, and the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, on the other. Although the proposed declaration will not necessarily bring a solution to the problems you pose, it will represent a step forward toward reunification of families and toward increased human con- tacts and flow of information among the nations involved. In this way, the views of the U. S. Government and of organizations like yours may in time be more effectively conveyed and could alleviate the situation about which you are particularly concerned. I am at the same time sending a copy of your correspondence to the State Department. Sincerely, They W.Buchen Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mrs. David (Eva) L. Ritt Chairwoman Soviet Jewry Committee of Central Florida YOAD 1701 Lee Road, #361-L GERALD Winter Park, Florida 32789 LIBRARY cc: Mr. Mark Garrison Department of State THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 27, 1976 Dear Mrs. Ritt: Thank you for your letter of December 22 in which you discuss the plight of the Mikhail Edelman and Emanuel Neifach families of Riga, who have been refused Soviet exit permission to emi- grate to Israel. The Soviet Government is well aware of the deep concern of the American people and Government about the situation of Soviet Jews refused the right to leave the USSR and settle in the country of their choice. We believe our Government's sustained support for the principle of free emigration and our raising of this human rights issue with Soviet officials at all levels have been important factors influencing Soviet policies which have made it possible for over 100, 000 Soviet Jews to emigrate since 1971. However, the U.S. Government has no standing to raise individual cases of Soviet citizens who wish to depart the USSR for Israel. We do, of course, make frequent representations with the Soviet author- ities via our Embassy in Moscow on behalf of individuals who have applied to leave for the United States, and we hope our more general efforts to promote freedom of emigration will benefit families such as the Edelmans and Neifachs. Although the Final Act of the Conference in Helsinki is not a treaty with legally binding commitments, it does set standards for the behavior of the signatories in a number of areas, including human rights. Seen in this context we believe it represents an important step which lends added support to our interest in promoting concepts such as family reunification. FORD LIBRARY 2 I sincerely hope that the Edelman and Neifach families are reunited very soon. Sincerely, Philip W. Counsel to the President Mrs. David Ritt Chairwoman-Soviet Jewry Committee Central Florida Jewish Community Council 851 North Maitland Avenue Maitland, Florida 32751 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL 392 January 20, 1976 MEMORANDUM FOR BOBBIE GREENE KILBERG FROM: for Jeanne W. Davis SUBJECT: Reply to Mrs. Ritt By memorandum of January 9, you requested the Department of State to provide a recommended reply to a letter received by Mr. Buchen from Eva L. Ritt of the Central Florida Jewish Community Council (Tab B). We concur in the proposed reply which the Department of State has forwarded (at Tab A). GENNED LIBRARY - Central Florida Jewish Community Council 851 NORTH MAITLAND AVENUE / MAITLAND, FLORIDA 32751 / 305 645-5933 HAROLD H. BENOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ? December 22, 1975 Mr. Phillip Buchen Counsel to the President The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Buchen, I wish to bring two cases of severe suffering to President Ford's attention. Zipperah and Mikhail Edelman (Avotu 35,apt.11, RIGA, LATVIAN SSR, USSR) have been waiting over six years to emigrate to Israel to be reunited with their only daughter and her family. Recently the OVIR (RIGA, LATVIAN SSR, USSR) has hinted at the possiblity of issuing them an exit permit in January, 1976. A letter from the President to the OVIR urging them to issue the Edelmans their exit visa is of a great urgency and would be of supreme help! Also in RIGA are Tamara and Emanuel Neifach (Suverova St. No. 113, Apt. 51, RIGA, LATVIAN SSR, USSR) and their daughter-in-law Maria. Maria expects her first child in two months. Her husband has been in Israel since October, 1975. The Neifachs have been waiting 12 years for permission to emigrate to Israel. Again I ask for President Central Florida Jewish Community Council 851 NORTH MAITLAND AVENUE / MAITLAND, FLORIDA 32751 / 305 645-5933 HAROLD H. BENOWI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY Tranno? Ford to write to the OVIR( OVIR, RIGA, LATVIAN SSR, USSR) to urge them to grant the required exit visas. Just two letters by the President may bring freedom to these people. I hope you can convince the President to act on behalf of the Edelmans and Neifachs. These are just two cases where the Soviet government has net lived up to the Helsinki Agreement. What actions is the President taking to pressure the Soviet Union to comply? Thanking you for your kind attention to my appeal 1701 Lee Road, apt. 361-L Sincerely, Winter Park, Florida 32789 EvaL.Ritt Eva L. Ritt (Mrs. David) Chairwoman-Soviet Jewry Committee P.S. please send me coppies of correspondence on behalf of the Edelmans and Neifachs THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON July 26, 1975 Dear Mrs. Ritt: Thank you very much for your letter of July 21, 1975, concerning the case of Mikhail Edelman and his wife of Riga. The President is deeply concerned for those unable to exercise fundamental human rights -- including the right of emigration. The upcoming Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe which the President will soon be attending represents a step forward in improving relationships between the Soviet Union, on the one hand, and the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, on the other. Although the proposed declaration will not necessarily bring a solution to the problems you pose, it will represent a step forward toward reunification of families and toward increased human con- tacts and flow of information among the nations involved. In this way, the views of the U. S. Government and of organizations like yours may in time be more effectively conveyed and could alleviate the situation about which you are particularly concerned. I am at the same time sending a copy of your correspondence to the State Department. Sincerely, They Philip W. Buchen Counsel to the President Mrs. David (Eva) L. Ritt Chairwoman Soviet Jewry Committee of Central Florida 1701 Lee Road, #361-L Winter Park, Florida 32789 cc: Mr. Mark Garrison Department of State