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Matlock Chron March 1984 (2)
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135840538
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Matlock Chron March 1984 (2)
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351
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Records of the National Security Council, Directorate of European and Soviet Affairs (Reagan Administration)
Jack F. Matlock, Jr.'s Chronological Files
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1986-12-31
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1983-01-01
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1983
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Matlock, Jack F.: Files
Folder Title: Matlock Chron March 1984 (2)
Box: 3
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
DOCUMENT
NO. AND TYPE
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
1. memo
from Matlock to Robert McFarlane re: customs ban (1p)
3/13/84
P-1
R 9/7/07 NLRRM02-009 rt 13
P-5
etter case
(8402004)
2. memo
from amtlock to Mcl arlane re: gift from Mrs. Massie (1p)
3/13/84
P1
R 5/23/03 MOZ-009 # 14
B. memo
from McFarlane to the President re: Mrs. Massie's gift (1p)
n.d.
P-1
R
a
)
15
etter case
(8402040)
4. memo
from Matlock to McFarlane re: presidential statement (1p)
3/13/84
P-1
L
r
#16
5. memo
from Charles Hill to Mel Farlane re: presidential statement (1p)
3/12/84
P1
R 10/17/05 M02-009 #17
etter case
(8402094)
6. memo
from Matlock to Farlane re: Berlin air corridors (1p)
3/15/84
P-1
R 5/23/03 MOZ-009 #18
7 memo
from Hill to MeFarlane re: Berlin air corridors (3pp)
3/13/84
P-1
R 10/17/05 MOZ-009 # 19
P5
B. checklist
Te: Berlin aviation (1p)
3/8/84
P-1
R 5/23/03 MOZ-009 #20
P5
COLLECTION:
MATLOCK, JACK F.: Files
dlb
FILE FOLDER:
Matlock Chron March 1984 [2 of 4] OA 90887 Box 3
10/19/95
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National security classified information [(a)(1) of the PRA].
F-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA].
P-2 Relating to appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA].
F-2 Release could disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA].
the FOIA].
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial
F-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA].
information [(a)(4) of the PRA].
F-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President and his advisors,
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA].
or between such advisors [(a)(5) of the PRA.
F-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(B)(6)
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(a)(6)
of the FOIA]
of the PRA].
F-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7)
of the FOIA].
C.
Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
F-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial
institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA].
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
DOCUMENT
NO. AND TYPE
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
letter case
(8490337)
9. memo
from Matlock to McFarlane re: Hartman's meeting with Gromyko
3/16/84
P-1
(1p)
P-5
10. memo
from McFarlane to the President re: Hartman's meeting with
n.d.
P-1
Gromyko (1p)
P-5-
K 5/23/13 M02-009 # 21
11. memo
from George Shultz to the President re: Hartman's meeting with
3/14/84
P-1
Gromyko (1p)
P-5
R 10/17/05 MO2-009 #22
COLLECTION:
MATLOCK, JACK F.: Files
dlb
FILE FOLDER:
Matlock Chron March 1984 [2 of 4] OA 90887 Boy 3
10/19/95
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National security classified information [(a)(1) of the PRA].
F-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA].
P-2 Relating to appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA].
F-2 Release could disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA].
the FOIA].
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial
F-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA].
information [(a)(4) of the PRA].
F-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President and his advisors,
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA].
or between such advisors [(a)(5) of the PRA.
F-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(B)(6)
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(a)(6)
of the FOIA]
of the PRA].
F-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7)
of the FOIA].
C.
Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
F-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial
institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA].
PENDING REVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH E.O 13233
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name MATLOCK, JACK: FILES
Withdrawer CAS
Box Number
3
FOIA M02-009
File Folder
MATLOCK CHRON MARCH 1984 (2)
DATE 3/22/2007
ID Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
Pages
Z MEMO
CHARL ES HILL TO MCFARI ANE MVH RE 3/17/08
3 3/13/1984
BERLIN AIR CORRIDORS (#19)
& CHECKLIST RE BERLIN AVIATION (#20) MVH 3/17/08 1 3/8/1984
10 MEMO
MCFARLANE TO THE PRESIDENT MVH RE 3/17/08, ND
HARTMAN'S MEETING WITH GROMYKO
(#21)
11 MEMO
SHULTZ TO THE PRESIDENT RE MVN 3/17/08 3/14/1984
HARTMAN'S MEETING (#22)
MEMORENDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SECRET
March 13, 1984
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT C. MCEARLANE
FROM:
JACK MATLOCK Asm
SUBJECT:
Customs Ban on Soviet Products
Bob Kimmitt understands that Secretary Regan has expressed his
intention to publish the ban on importation of six products from
the Soviet Union on Thursday, March 15. The message from
Treasury indicated that Regan had discussed the matter with
Shultz at breakfast today.
I have checked with Eagleburger, who in turn checked with Shultz.
Shultz says that the subject did not arise at his breakfast
today, and that he remains strongly opposed to action by Customs,
and considers the agreement worked out at the breakfast you
attended week before last as binding.
I have suggested that Shultz call Regan direct and make his
position clear, but I believe it will be necessary for you, also,
to speak to Regan. Since the matter has such a short time fuse,
a call tonight would be very desirable.
Absent assurances that Secretary Regan will desist from
precipitate action, it may be necessary for you to discuss the
matter with the President at your 9:30 tomorrow.
Whatever the merits of the case in the abstract, the action of
publishing the customs ban at this time could cause a major
disruption in our efforts to implement the President's wishes in
U.S. -Soviet relations. Therefore, I think it is essential to do
what is necessary to avoid the step which Secretary Regan
apparently plans.
Recommendation:
That you telephone Secretary Regan in an attempt to dissuade him
from moving as he has indicated, to publish a ban on certain
imports from the Soviet Union Thursday.
Approve
Disapprove
DECLASSIFIED
SECRET
NLRR MOZ-009 #13
BY Civ NARA DATE 9/7/07
C
MEM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL
March 13, 1984
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT C. MCFARLANE
FROM:
JACK F. MATLOCK Jam
SUBJECT:
Mrs. Massie's Gift of Three Books
Attached at Tab I is a Memorandum to the President conveying the
letter and books Mrs. Massie left for him, as well as a thank-you
letter for his signature.
Recommendation:
That you sign the memorandum at TAB I.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachments:
Tab I
Memorandum to the President
Tab A
Letter to Mrs. Massie
Tab B
Letter from Mrs. Massie
NLS MOZ009 DECLASSIFIED #14
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassify on: OADR
BY as NARA, DATE 5/23/03
2004
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
ROBERT C. MCFARLANE
SUBJECT:
Mrs. Massie's Gift of Books
Following the lunch with you on March 1, Mrs. Suzanne Massie sent
you the letter at Tab B and also copies of three of her books,
which she mentioned during the lunch.
A letter of acknowledgement for your signature is at Tab A.
Recommendation:
That you sign the letter at Tab A.
OK
NO
-
-
Attachments:
Tab A -- Letter to Mrs. Massie
Tab B -- Letter from Mrs. Massie
Three books
DECLASSIFIED
NLS M02-009 45 45
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassify on: OADR
BY C/J NARA, DATE 5/23/03
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Suzanne:
You were most kind to send me copies of your books
The Living Mirror, Journey and Land of the
Firebird. Nancy and I will read them with great
interest.
I very much enjoyed our chat at lunch March 1, and
I appreciate all your efforts to try to improve
our communication with the Russian people.
With warm personal regards,
Sincerely,
Mrs. Suzanne Massie
One West 67th Street
Apartment 715
New York, New York 10023
SUZANNE MASSIE
1 WEST E7TH STREET
NEW YORK, N. Y. 10023
March 6, 1984
Dear Mr. President,
It was a great honor and pleasure for me to be
asked to lunch with you last Thursday. Thank you so
much for giving me so generously of your time and
attention.
For many years it has been my deepest desire to see
a relationship between the United States and the Soviet
Union that is realistic and yet hopefully, constructive
and looking toward a better future. It gives me a
profound joy to be able to serve you in any way I can
towards the fulfillment of this goal.
With respect and best wishes,
Suzanne Suzanne Mossic Sincerely,
Suzanne Massie
President Ronald Reagan
The White House
Washington, D.C.
STATE
WART
BRIAN/NSC Secretariat:
It is essential that this package
be kept in the sequence as it is
attached.
Thanks much,
Wilma
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 9, 1984
FOR:
JACK MATLOCK
FROM:
Wilma Hall
1 Mr. McFarlane has asked that I send
attached to you for preparation of
an appropriate response for the President's
signature.
Also, she has provided with the letter
inscribed copies of her three books:
1) The Living Mirror
2) Journey
3) Land of the Firebird
which we have retained in our office,
to be forwarded with reply for the
President's signature.
I have attached copies of the inscriptions
in the books in the order listed above.
March 8,1984
THE LIVING MIRROR
FIVE YOUNG POETS FROM LENINGRAD
and This Ronald Reagan
C glimpse into the life and
work OR the posts of the
Sheat city of Peter -
with list wishes,
Suranne Phassie
Marce 8, 1984
for
and - Reagan
-
It 1) send that God
wreks siraight on crooked
lines - These were those
years -
with lest wishes,
i
Marce 8, 1984
In Presidem and This Renald Reagan -
May the both Fire or nations the spirit -
but
with respect and
warm personal regards
/
Suzami Massic
C
2008
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 13, 1984
MEMORONDUN FOR SALLY KELLEY
FROM:
ROBERT M. KIMMITT
SUBJECT:
Letter to President from Lithuanian American
Council
We have reviewed and concur with the Department of State's
draft response to Mr. Romualdas Bielkevicius, President
of the Lithuanian American Council, who wrote a letter
to the President on the 66th anniversary of reestablish-
ment of an independent Lithuania.
2008
Attachment
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 13, 1984
FOR BOB KIMMITT
I recommend that you forward the
attached memorandum to Sally Kelley.
JACK Jack MATLOCK
UNCLASSITI LD
(CLASSIFICATION)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
21
S/S 8405669
Date 3/9/84
For: Mr. Robert C. McFarlane
National Security Council
The White House
Reference:
TO: The President
From: Romualdas Bielkevicius
Date: February 12, 1984
Subject: 66th Anniversary of
Reestablishment of an independent Lithuania
WH Referral Dated: February 24, 1984 NSC ID # 196796
(if any)
The attached item was sent directly to the
Department of State.
Action Taken:
X
A draft reply is attached.
A draft reply will be forwarded.
A translation is attached.
An information copy of a direct reply is attached.
We believe no response is necessary for the reason
cited below.
The Department of State has no objection to the
proposed travel.
Other.
Remarks.
for Kristie Charles Hill a kenney
Executive Secretary
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
Dear Mr. Bielkevicius:
Thank you for your and your colleagues' letter to the
President taking note of his policies of support for freedom
for the Lithuanian and other Baltic peoples now under Soviet
domination.
The United States Government does not recognize the
forcible incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into
the Soviet Union which occurred in 1940. We remain steadfast
in our support for the just aspirations for liberty of the
Baltic peoples, and we look forward to the day when they will
be able to control their own national destiny, free of outside
interference.
Sincerely,
Mr. Romualdas Bielkevicius,
President,
Lithuanian American Council,
276 Court Street,
Brockton, Massachusetts.
8405669
THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE
REFERRAL
FEBRUARY 24, 1984
TO: DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ACTION REQUESTED:
DRAFT REPLY FOR SIGNATURE OF WHITE HOUSE STAFF MEMBER
DESCRIPTION OF INCOMING:
ID:
196796
MEDIA: LETTER, DATED FEBRUARY 12, 1984
TO:
PRESIDENT REAGAN
FROM:
MR. ROMUALDAS BIELKEVICIUS
PRESIDENT
LITHUANIAN AMERICAN COUNCIL
276 COURT STREET
BOSTON MA 02402
SUBJECT: WRITES CONCERNING THE 66TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT LITHAUANIA
PROMPT ACTION IS ESSENTIAL -- IF REQUIRED ACTION HAS NOT BEEN
TAKEN WITHIN 9 WORKING DAYS OF RECEIPT, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE
UNDERSIGNED AT 456-7486.
RETURN CORRESPONDENCE, WORKSHEET AND COPY OF RESPONSE
(OR DRAFT) TO:
AGENCY LIAISON, ROOM 91, THE WHITE HOUSE
SALLY KELLEY
DIRECTOR OF AGENCY LIAISON
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
ID# 196796
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: FEBRUARY 16, 1984
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: MR. ROMUALDAS BIELKEVICIUS
SUBJECT WRITES CONCERNING THE 66TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT LITHAUANIA
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY (STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD RESP D YY/MM/DD
LINAS KOJELIS
ORG 84/02/16
/ / /
REFERRAL NOTE:
24
99DOS
Bon
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES
PL MAIL
USER CODES: (A)
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION CODES:
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
* CORRESPONDENCE
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER *
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF *
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING *
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT. 2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
AMERICA
COUNCIL
BROCKTON, MASS.
#
# 19079
February 12, 1984
L.kazelis
The Honorable Ronald Reagan
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President,
February 16, 1984, marks the 733 anniversary of the founding of
the Lithuanian State, and the 66th anniversary of the re-establishment
of an independent Lithuania. While Americans of Lithuanian descent
and Lithuanians throughout the Free World will commemorate these
events, the people of Soviet occupied Lithuania cannot. Their
independence was terminated by Soviet military occupation and illegal
annexation into the Soviet Union more than forty years ago.
Your administration's re-affirmation of the non-recognition of
the Soviet annexation of Lithuania, your support of the right of the
Polish people for self-determination, and resolute stand against
Soviet imperialism provides sustenance for the oppressed people of
Lithuania.
The Soviet Union must be made to realize that efforts to stifle
the rights of the Lithuanian people will be met by diplomatic con-
frontation, restrictions on trade agreements, shipping contracts and
loan availability, and by hostile world opinion.
Please join us, the Lithuanian-Americans throughout the United
States in our commemoration of these anniversaries on February 16,
1984. We urge your continued support of the right of people
everywhere to self-determination, and we hope to see its realization
in Lithuania and the rest of Eastern Europe.
Sincerely yours,
R.Bielkeview
Romualdas Bielkevicius, President
276 Court Street
Brockton, MA 02402
Frank Waller
Peter a Bizinkauskas
Frank M. Wallen
Dr. Peter Bizinkauskas
Honorary Chairman
Chairman
55 Chilton Road
424 N. Cary Street
Brockton, MA 02401
Brockton, MA 02402
RESOLUTION
We, the Lithuanian Americans of Brockton, Massachusetts assembled
this 12th day of February, 1984, at St. Casimirs Church Hall to com-
memorate the restoration of Lithuania's independence, do hereby state
as follows:
That February 16, 1984 marks the 66th anniversary of the restoration
of the independence to the more than 733 year old Lithuanian State;
That Lithuania was recognized as a free and independent nation by
the entire free world, she was a member of the League of Nations, however,
she was by force and fraud occupied and illegally annexed by the Soviet
Union.
That the Soviet Union is the last remaining colonial empire, sub-
jugating independent countries; Lithuania was one of its first victims.
That the Soviet invaders, even though using tortures in jails,
concentration camps, psychiatric wards are unable to suppress the
aspirations of the Lithuanian people for self-government and independence
as is highly evident from the numerous underground press and strong
dissident activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT
We are grateful to President Reagan and the Department of State for
statements that an official diplomatic non-recognition of the forced
incorporation into the U.S.S.R. of the three Baltic nations will continue
to be a position of his Administration also; and we are very grateful for
the declaration of Baltic Freedom Day.
We urge the United States of America and other nations of the free
world to use diplomatic and other possible pressures that the Soviet
Union withdraw its military forces, secret police apparatus, foreign
administration, and release from jails, concentration camps and psychiatric
wards people who struggle for human rights and liberty and restore self-
government in Lithuania.
We express our most sincere gratitude to the U.S. Congress for the
impressive annual commemoration of Lithuanian independence.
We desire that copies of this Resolution be forwarded to the
President of the United States, to the Secretary of State, to the U.S.
Congressmen and Senators from our State and to the news media.
Romualdas Bielkevicius, President
Lithuanian American Council
276 Court Street
Brockton, Ma. 02402
I
C 2 (1
The Honorable Ronald Reagan
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
MEMORA DUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONPIDENTIAL
March 13, 1984
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT C. MCFARLANE
FROM:
JACK F. MATLOCK IM
SUBJECT:
Presidential Statement in Support of the
International Day of Concern for Soviet Jews,
March 15
Attached at Tab I is a memorandum from the Department of State
forwarding a Presidential statement in support of the upcoming
International Day of Concern for Soviet Jews, March 15.
Secretary Shultz met with leaders of the major American Jewish
organization in Washington on March 8 to review the situation
faced by Soviet Jewry. The leaders were basically supportive of
the Administration's efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry.
wR
Raymond and Lenczowski concur.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Presidential statement be issued as drafted by the
Department of State as amended on page 2.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachment:
Tab I
Memo from State with Presidential statement
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassify on: OADR
NLS MOZ-009 #16
BY
as
NARA, DATE 5/23/13
Department
2046
Washington, D.C. 20520
March 12, 1984
MAR 12 P10: 23
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. ROBERT C. McFARLANE
SITUATION ROOM
THE WHITE HOUSE
SUBJECT: Presidential Statement in Support of the International Day
of Concern for Soviet Jews, March 15
In response to a number of requests, the Secretary of State
met with leaders of major American Jewish organizations in
Washington on Thursday, March 8, to review the situation faced by
Soviet Jewry. The leaders were basically supportive of the
Administration's efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry, and
appreciated the chance to meet with the Secretary and voice their
concerns. They expressed particularly strong interest in a
Presidential statement in support of the upcoming International
Day of Concern for Soviet Jews, March 15. That date marks the
seventh anniversary of the arrest of noted refusenik and human
rights activist Anatoliy Shcharanskiy.
We recommend that the President issue the requested statement
for the March 15 commemoration. Such a statement would underscore
the Administration's commitment to this aspect of human rights,
and would usefully reinforce the positive reaction of the Jewish
community leaders to the March 8 meeting. The President has
issued statements on Soviet Jewry on a number of other occasions.
The attached draft statement draws on some of those previous
remarks.
Covey
Charles Hill
Executive Secretary
DECLASSIFIED / RELEASED
NLS M02-009 #17
BY LOJ , NARA, DATE 10/17/05
CONFIDENTIAL
DECL: OADR
PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT O. THE
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CONCERN FOR SOVIET JEWS
MARCH 15, 1984
Today is the International Day of Concern for Soviet Jews.
It marks the seventh anniversary of the arrest of Anatoliy
Shcharanskiy for his activities on behalf of human rights in the
Soviet Union. His courage and determination to stand up for those
rights have earned him the respect and admiration of countless
people worldwide. But he would not want this day to be dedicated
solely to him. Rather it is a day when men and women of good will
reflect on all the aspects of the situation of Jewry in the
U.S.S.R. That situation has deteriorated over the past year.
Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union has fallen to its lowest
levels since the late 1960s; officially-tolerated anti-Semitism,
manifesting itself in broadcasts, articles, and the
widely-publicized formation of an "Anti-Zionist Committee of the
Soviet Public", has increased; and individual refuseniks continue
to be subjected to harassment.
All in all, this is a grim picture. But we will not be
disheartened. Soviet Jews value the support of concerned
individuals and organizations all over the world. In our country
this support reflects the broad, grassroots concern which abuse of
human rights elicits in the American public. Outrage where human
rights are violated is one of the best American traditions. I
endorse the International Day of Concern, and the goals for which
it stands.
-2-
The United States Government shares these goals. It has
actively supported the right of Soviet Jews to practice their
cultural traditions freely and to emigrate from the U.S.S.R. if
they so choose. This point has been emphasized to the Soviet
authorities in many fora and at all levels; it has been conveyed
to the new Soviet leadership. It is our sincere hope that the
Soviets will ease their repressive human rights policies and
fulfill the solemn international obligations they have
including their commitment under the Helsinki accords.
undertaken, ^ In our dialogue with the Soviet authorities, we have
no higher priority. Those who care about the fate of Soviet Jews
should know that we are with them today, and will be with them
tomorrow.
C
2094
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SECRET
March 15, 1984
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT C. MCFARLANE
FROM:
JACK MATLOCK Ism
SUBJECT:
Soviet Reservations in Berlin Air Corridors
State's report on the situation in the Berlin air corridors and
the action taken is at Tab I.
In State's opinion, the series of reservations which have been
posted recently by the Soviets for the air corridors is most
likely related to expanded Soviet military air exercises which
cross the corridors, rather than a calculated effort to undermine
the Quadripartite Declaration on Berlin.
We have protested these actions both in Berlin and in our
capitals and have refused a low-level Soviet offer to renegotiate
the system of altitude allocations. Since a reservation was
cancelled March 2, no new reservations by the Soviets have taken
effect, although one was announced for March 10 and cancelled at
the last minute.
State has convened an inter-agency meeting to discuss
implications of the actions. In the meantime, it opposes
discussing the issues involved with the Soviets so long as the
new "policy" of reservations is in effect. If the Soviet
response to our diplomatic protests is not satisfactory, other
avenues will be considered, such as using military aircraft to
fly through reserved space.
I believe these actions are appropriate for the moment, and we
shall continue to monitor the situation closely.
Tii
Lenczowski, Sommer, Dobriansky, and Levine concur.
Attachment:
Tab I - - Hill to McFarlane Memo on Soviet Airspace Reservations in
Berlin Air Corridors, March 13, 1984
DECLASSIFIED
NLS MOZ-009
CONFIDENTIAL
BY as NARA, DATE 5/23/03
Declassify on: OADR
S/S#8407649
2094
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
March 13, 1984
84
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. ROBERT MCFARLANE
P10:
47
THE WHITE HOUSE
WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Soviet Airspace Reservations in Corridors
Procedures which have governed operations of the Berlin
air corridors since 1945 provide for use of the airspace by
all four powers, including the USSR. Since 1980, the Soviets
have increasingly been exercising this "right" to close off
segments of the Berlin air corridors (usually lower altitudes)
in order to conduct military air exercises without risking
collisions with Allied civilian airliners. These Soviet
reservations have at times been a matter of controversy with
the Western allies, but in general the system functioned
satisfactorily.
On February 20, the Soviets began applying a more
restrictive approach on Berlin air corridor "reservations."
Instead of reserving only the lower levels of some segments of
the corridors, the new reservations extend throughout the
entire corridors at lower altitudes, necessitating steeper
landing and take-off patterns for Allied aircraft. Without
time consuming adjustments to the flight pattern, which have
now been adopted, this new pattern of reservations would raise
a potential danger to the safety of allied flights, since the
landing approach to West Berlin would be too short to allow a
normal approach.
While this new pattern of reservations does not violate
our rights of air access to Berlin as such, it does represent
a unilateral Soviet change in agreed procedures which is
unacceptable to us. Such unilateral changes are foreclosed by
the so-called "Quadripartite Declaration" of November, 1972 in
which the four Powers (including the Soviets) agreed to avoid
altering existing procedures unilaterally.
There are thus both legal and practical reasons to oppose
the Soviet move. As is normal in Berlin matters, the Allies
have protested both in Berlin and in capitals. (Soviet
Minister-Counselor Sokolov was called in to the State
Department February 27, and a follow-up was made March 9). We
have also refused to respond to a low-level Soviet offer to
renegotiate the entire system of altitude allocations which
would in effect close lower altitudes permanently to allied
DECLASSIFIED / RELEASED
SECRET
NLS M02-009 #19
DECL: OADR
BY LOI , NARA, DATE 10/17/05
SECRET
- 2 -
aircraft. Our rationale in refusing to respond was: a) that
we do not wish to begin negotiations under pressure from the
Soviets and b) the question of altitude allocations is too
complicated to discuss on short notice. Since a reservation
which was abruptly cancelled March 2, no new reservations
have taken effect, although one was announced for March 10
and cancelled at the last minute.
In response to a request for their views, Embassies
Bonn, Moscow and Berlin and Mission Berlin have suggested
that the Soviet moves in Berlin do not appear to be related
to any larger pattern of Soviet actions; indeed, pressuring
Berlin appears to run counter to Soviet efforts to appear as
a peace-maker in Western Europe. The Soviets have other
means of pressuring the FRG which would not run the risk of
producing a dispute with the FRG and the Allies in Berlin.
We thus do not believe that these steps are the precursor of
a broader Soviet effort to pressure the West in Berlin.
While difficult to evaluate, the reasons for the Soviet
actions appear to be based primarily on efforts by the Soviet
military to obtain additional airspace for low level military
air support exercises in the GDR. The main Soviet training
areas lie below the air corridors and we do know that the
Soviets have during the past four years introduced new
concepts of close air support as more modern aircraft have
been deployed with the GSFG. Over the past years, we have
noticed increased pressure by the Soviet military in East
Germany on their counterparts in the Soviet Embassy to push
military concerns in Berlin. In the current instance, the
Embassy officials have provided full support for the military
demands, although they have taken pains to stress that this
is a "technical matter" with no political implications.
Another indication that the military is the primary
mover behind the changes was the visit of two high ranking
Soviet generals to the Berlin Air Safety Control Center soon
after the Allied protest in Washington. The generals asked
openly why the Allies were so concerned about the
reservations and said we should be able to reach agreement on
organization of air space.
The Department will continue to monitor Soviet
activities carefully while working with our posts in Germany
and our British and French allies to formulate an adequate
response to the Soviet moves. We have convened an
inter-agency meeting to discuss implications of the actions,
including the importance of low-level altitudes. In the
SECRET
SECRET
- 3 -
meantime, we believe strongly that the West should not discuss
the issues involved with the Soviets as long as the new
"policy" of reservations is in effect. If we receive no
satisfactory response to our diplomatic protests, we will have
to consider other avenues which are open to us -- such as
flying through reserved airspace with military aircraft.
The Department will inform you regularly of further
developments on this matter.
Charles BMcKndey Hill
Executive Secretary
SECRET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 12, 1984
FOR:
JACK MATLOCK
RON LEHMAN
FROM:
ROBERT C. McFARLANE
Attached with RCM note:
"I agree with this. What is
State's reaction?"
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SITUATION ROOM CHECKLIST
March 8, 1984
CONFIDENTIAL
3-12-84
Berlin Aviation: New Soviet Restrictions
According to our mission in Berlin, Moscow's new air corridor
restrictions do not reflect an attempt by the Soviets to merely
adjust or fine tune past practice, but rather a conscious deci-
sion to seek changes in the Berlin air regime favorable to the
East Germans and themselves.
The Soviets are counting on their own political finesse,
current West German desires for calm and an improvement
in inner-German relations, and the difficulties of
allied coordination to achieve what they want.
In a separate assessment, our embassy in Moscow can perceive no
compelling reason why the Soviet leadership should see it in
their interests to ignite a controversy over Berlin at the pre-
sent time. While erosion and ultimate elimination of Allied
rights in Berlin may well continue to be a long-term Soviet goal,
bringing matters to a head would surely complicate if not under-
mine current Soviet strategy towards Europe and the U.S.
The course of the air corridor dispute to date indicates
that the higher Soviet foreign policy actors -- Gromyko,
Chernenko and Ustinov -- have not been engaged in the
issue.
The embassy does not believe the Soviet leadership would
be prepared to see this issue lead to a full-blown
controversy with its many negative ramifications.
Our goal, according to the embassy, should be to engage them to
make them realize that any minor gains they might hope to make
over Berlin would be outweighed by the negative consequences for
bilateral relations and for efforts to resume the East-West
dialogue.
The U.S. and its Allies should stand tough, escalate the
level of protest as necessary, and make it clear that we
cannot consider Berlin in isolation from broader
questions of bilateral relations and arms control. (C)
USBerlin 722, Moscow 2838, PSN 25720, PSN 25888
CONFIDENTIAL
CLASSIFIED BY MULTIPLE SOURCES
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFY ON: OADR
NLS MOZ-009 #20
BY
US
NARA,
DATE
5/23/03
2154
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR SALLY KELLEY
FROM:
ROBERT M. KIMMITT
SUBJECT:
Letter to President from Estonian American
National Council
We have reviewed and concur with the Department of State's
proposed draft letter to Mr. Juhan Simonson, President
of the Estonian American National Council; in reply to Mr.
Simonson's letter to the President.
2154
Attachment
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
FOR BOB KIMMITT:
I recommend that you sign the
attached memorandum to Sally
Kelley.
JACK Joh F. MATLOCK
U
UNCLASSIFIED
2154
(CLASSIFICATION)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
S/S 8407008
Date March 15, 1984
For: Mr. Robert C. McFarlane
National Security Council
The White House
Reference:
TO: The President
From: Juhan Simonson
Date: February 24, 1984
Subject: Resolution by Americans
of Estonian Descent commemorating 66th Anniv. of Estonian Independence
WH Referral Dated: March 7, 1984
NSC ID # 197409
(if any)
The attached item was sent directly to the
Department of State.
Action Taken:
X
A draft reply is attached.
A draft reply will be forwarded.
A translation is attached.
An information copy of a direct reply is attached.
We believe no response is necessary for the reason
cited below.
The Department of State has no objection to the
proposed travel.
Other.
Remarks.
Charles
Executive Secretary
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
Dear Mr. Simonson:
The President has asked me to respond to your letter
transmitting the resolution adopted by the Americans of
Estonian descent at the commemoration of the 66th anniversary
of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Estonia.
The United States does not recognize the forcible
annexation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania into the Soviet
Union which occurred in 1940. We continue to extend full
diplomatic recognition to representatives of the last free
Baltic governments, and we work closely with them on Baltic
issues of common concern.
We thank you for the expression of strong support for the
President, and we too share your hope that one day Estonians
will raise their blue-black-white tricolor in a declaration of
freedom.
Sincerely,
Mr. Juhan Simonson,
President,
Estonian American National Council,
243 East 34th Street,
New York, New York.
8407008
THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE
REFERRAL
MARCH 7, 1984
TO: DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ACTION REQUESTED:
DRAFT REPLY FOR SIGNATURE OF WHITE HOUSE STAFF MEMBER
DESCRIPTION OF INCOMING:
ID:
197409
MEDIA: LETTER, DATED FEBRUARY 24, 1984
TO:
PRESIDENT REAGAN
FROM:
MR. JUHAN SIMONSON
PRESIDENT
ESTONIAN AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL
POST OFFICE BOX 266
NEW YORK NY 10016
SUBJECT: FORWARDS RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE AMERICANS
OF ESTONIAN DESCENT COMMEMORATING 66TH
ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ESTONIA
PROMPT ACTION IS ESSENTIAL -- IF REQUIRED ACTION HAS NOT BEEN
TAKEN WITHIN 9 WORKING DAYS OF RECEIPT, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE
UNDERSIGNED AT 456-7486.
RETURN CORRESPONDENCE, WORKSHEET AND COPY OF RESPONSE
(OR DRAFT) TO:
AGENCY LIAISON, ROOM 91, THE WHITE HOUSE
SALLY KELLEY
DIRECTOR OF AGENCY LIAISON
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Received in 515-I in 5/5-I
3/m at 17:70 Ans /18/1
ID# 197409
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: MARCH 02, 1984
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: MR. JUHAN SIMONSON
SUBJECT FORWARDS RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE AMERICANS
OF ESTONIAN DESCENT COMMEMORATING 66TH
ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ESTONIA
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY (STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD
RESP
D YY/MM/DD
LINAS KOJELIS
ORG 84/03/02
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
99 DOS
D 84030$
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES:
PL MAIL
USER CODES: (A)
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION CODES:
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
* CORRESPONDENCE
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER *
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING
*
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT. 2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
8407008
197409
ESTONIAN AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL
ESTONIAN HOUSE
243 EAST 34TH STREET
P.O. Box 266
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016
TEL. (212) 685-0776
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Juhan Simonson
Vice-Presidents
Maido Kari
Political & Baltic Affairs
Vaike Lugus
Culture & Youth
Paul Saar
Secretary & Administration
Juri Virkus
Treasurer & Organizations
Assistant Secretary
February 24th, 1984
K. Jaak Roosaare
Asistant Treasurer
Endel Reinpold
Special Projects
Richard Espenbaum
Hillevi Obet
The President
Sven Paul
Avo Piirisild
The White House
Martin J. Suuberg
Washington, DC 20500
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Delmarva
Mr. President:
Fred Ise
Southwest
Heino Jogis
Enclosed please find a resolution which I
Midcentral
Gilda-Mall Karu
have been asked to bring to your attention.
Nortbuest
Eino Moks
The said resolution was unanimously adopted
South-Central
Ilmar Pleer
by the Americans of Estonian descent who had gat-
North-Central
hered form the New York Metropolitan Area to New
Olaf Tammark
York City on February 19th, 1984, for a festive yet
COUNCILORS
solemn mass meeting in order to commemorate the 66th
Ylo Anson
Veljo Areng
anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of
Anne-Liis Deklau
Lilian Esop
the Republic of Estonia.
Virko Keder
Tiina-Ann Kirs
Alexander Koepp
Yours respectfully,
Enn Koiva
Mati Koiva
Jyri Kork
Bruno Laan
Arno Liivak
Kersti Mannik
Helle Merilo
Herbert Michelson
Endel Miido
Maimu Miido
Juhan Juhan President Simonson Simonson
Maano Milles
Harry Must
Heino Nurmberg
Ants Pallop
JS/hm
Tonu Parming
Olaf Pikat
Juri Raus
Enclosure
Karin L. Raus
Mari-Ann Rikken
Juta Ristsoo
Uno Teemant
Harry Verder
Paul Vesterstein
Viktor Vinkman
Acting Secretary General
Jaan Tiivel
Founded in 1952. the Estonian American Council is a non-governmental, non-profit organization,
nationally elected to represent Americans of Estonian descent.
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Mr. President:
We, Estonian-Americans, assembled from throughout the New York
Metropolitan area on this 19th day of February, 1984, to festively
yet solemnly commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Declaration
of the Independence of the Republic of Estonia, convey to you
heartfelt greetings and pray that the Lord will bless your pursuits
for peace among all nations.
Hitler-Stalin secret agreement, commonly known as Ribbentrop-
Molotov pact, in 1939, delivered Estonia and the other Baltic states --
Latvia and Lithuania -- to the Soviet sphere of influence. Notwith-
standing the fact that World War II ended in 1945, Estonia is still
occupied as a result of this illegal pact. This situation is a cruel
international injustice, which must be rectified.
We expect of you for the continued recognition of the independent
status of the Republic of Estonia and its diplomatic and consular
missions, and that attention be focused on all appropriate occasions
at international political forums to the Estonian nation's struggle
for freedom.
The Soviet rulers should take note that while they maintain brutal
control over Estonia, they will never be able to obliterate the
strong national traditions nor extiguish love for freedom and inde-
pendence held by the Estonian people.
Estonians, everywhere, hope that someday they will once again
raise the Estonian national blue-black-white tricolor in a declaration
of freedom from the Soviet rule.
Estonia shall be a flourishing sovereign nation again!
We hope that this happy event is not far away!
We pledge that American citizens of Estonian descent will loyally
support all steps that you take in promoting the welfare of the
United States and in safeguarding the interests of all freedom loving
nations.
RONALD W. REAGAN LIBRARY
THIS FORM MARKS THE FILE LOCATION OF ITEM NUMBER
LISTED ON THE
WITHDRAWAL SHEET AT THE FRONT OF THIS FOLDER.
MEMORANDUM
SYSTEM II
90337
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SECRET SENSITIVE
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
ROBERT C. MCFARLANE
SUBJECT:
Hartman's Meeting with Gromyko March 11
Attached at Tab A is a memorandum from George Shultz reporting on
Art Hartman's meeting with Gromyko March 11.
Gromyko followed a very tough approach in the meeting, and
charged that we had not yet offered anything to move us forward
in a constructive way. This is not encouraging, but we probably
should expect this approach from Gromyko, who seems intent on
seeing how much he can squeeze out of us before offering some-
thing in return.
I believe that we should refrain from drawing pessimistic con-
clusions from this conversation, however. It will be more
important to see how Chernenko responds to your letter, and
whether the Soviets pick us up on some of the suggestions you
made in your recent letter to him. As you are aware, some of the
private signals we are getting are somewhat more encouraging than
Gromyko's hard-line approach.
Attachment:
Tab A - Memorandum from Secretary Shultz of March 14, 1984
Prepared by:
Jack Matlock
CC: Vice President
DECLASSIFIED
SECRET SENSITIVE
Declassify on: OADR
NLS MOZ-009 #21
BY
as
NARA, DATE
5/23/03
DECLASSIFIED
SYSTEM II
NLS M02-009#22
90337
BY not NARA, DATE 10/17/05 THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON
SECRET/SENSITIVE
March 14, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
George P. Shultz GAS
SUBJECT:
Art Hartman's Meeting with Gromyko March 11
Art Hartman tells me that he met with Gromyko for two and a
half hours Sunday to discuss your letter and my talk with
Dobrynin March 7. Gromyko was careful to say his response was
"preliminary" and that we will get an early formal reply to your
letter, which has been passed to Chernenko. Art feels Gromyko
may not yet have fully familiarized himself with what we have
presented. That said, however, he was also very tough.
After 7rt had begun by stressing your sincerity and the very
specific character of our message, Gromyko spent an hour and a
half complaining that we had killed off a whole series of agree-
ments and had not yet offered anything to move us forward in a
constructive way. The chief items were:
-- START and INF, where the policy of the Administration
makes talks impossible after the U.S. had "paralyzed" SALT II;
-- other arms control items -- TTBT, outer space, CW,
nuclear non-first-use, non-use of force -- where the U.S. had
refused to ratify, was ignoring Soviet proposals or was making
promises of a kind it had not delivered on in the past; and
-- bilateral cooperation agreements (environment, health,
etc.) which the U.S. had "cast aside."
In rebuttal, Art told Gromyko that he was defining negotia-
tions in a one-sided way, that we need a give-and-take process
and adjustments on each side, and that we should add deeds that
address real problems to international life, rather than just
words. He stressed that Gromyko was misunderstanding your
intentions if he thought we are just repeating the importance of
dialogue: you had made substantive decisions and are ready to
move forward. Gromyko concluded that he was not convinced.
Art thinks that part of Gromyko's point was to prove that we
cannot go around him; the fact that TASS immediately announced
the meeting had made no progress suggests that he also continues
to fear we will exploit any dialogue between us t.o prove we are
in business-as-usual. It was not an encouraging meeting, but it
is hard to draw conclusions from it, and both Art and I agree we
should wait for the formal reply to your letter that Gromyko
promised. In the meantime, we should do what we need to do here
to be ready to move on the issues you identified in your letter.
SECRET SENSITIVE
DECL CADR
1544
C
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHY JAFFKE
FROM:
ROBERT M. KIMMITT
SUBJECT:
Telegram to President from Representative Stark
We have reviewed and concur with the Department of State's
draft response to Representative Stark's letter to the
President on U.S.-Soviet relations and suggesting meeting
between the President and Chernenko.
1544
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
Attachment
FOR BOB KIMMITT:
I suggest you forward the attached
memorandum to Kathy Jaffke.
JACK Gook MATLOCK
UNCLASSIFIEL
(Classification)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
s/s 8405808
Date March
: 31
For: Mr. Robert C. McFarlane
National Security Council
SITUATION ROOM WHITELCOSE
The White House
Reference:
To: The President
From: Rep. Fortney H. Stark
2/10/84
Date:
Subject:
Future US/Soviet Union Relations
WH Referral Dated: 2/24/84
NSC ID# 196570
(if any)
The attached item was sent directly to the
Department of State.
Action Taken:
XX
A draft reply is attached.
A draft reply will be forwarded.
A translation is attached.
An information copy of a direct reply is attached.
We believe no response is necessary for the reason
cited below.
The Department of State has no objection to the
proposed travel.
Other.
Remarks:
Charles Hill
Executive Secretary
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SUGGESTED REPLY
Dear Mr. Stark:
I have consulted with the President's foreign policy advisers
concerning your suggestion of February 14 that President Reagan
meet with Soviet General Secretary Chernenko, and I am pleased to
provide you with our views on the subject.
We share your belief that it is in our national interest to
maintain a dialogue with the Soviet Union aimed at solving some of
the real problems that divide us. The President's January 16
address on US-Soviet relations is an emphatic endorsement of this
view. Accordingly, we are participating in a number of arms
reduction negotiations, and have had continuing discussions with
the Soviet government at all levels on a wide range of bilateral
and regional topics. President Reagan has also communicated his
views directly, in exchanges of letters with Soviet leaders.
Secretary Shultz meets frequently with Soviet Ambassador
Dobrynin and has held extensive discussions with Soviet Foreign
Minister Gromyko, most recently in January in Stockholm.
Ambassador Hartman has also been in frequent contact with the
Soviet Foreign Minister and other senior officials in Moscow.
These exchanges have allowed each side to gain a clear
understanding of the other's positions, and have provided the
opportunity for confidential dialogue. We look forward to
continuing these informative discussions with Soviet
representatives.
The Honorable
Fortney H. Stark,
House of Representatives.
-2-
We deeply regret the fact that the Soviet Union has broken off
the INF negotiations and has refused to set a date for resuming
the START talks. We have on many occasions called on the USSR to
return to the bargaining table, and we will continue to stress our
flexibility and our willingness to meet the Soviets halfway in
pursuit of meaningful and verifiable agreements. We share your
view that more effective control of chemical and biological
weapons is needed, and in the 40-nation Conference on Disarmament
in Geneva, we will shortly be tabling a draft treaty on a global
chemical weapons ban. In sum, we agree that the US-Soviet
relationship and arms reduction issues are urgent items on our
foreign policy agenda, and we hope, as you do, that the new Soviet
leadership will take advantage of our dialogue and work with us on
finding solutions to these pressing problems.
A summit could at some point be a useful step in our relations
with the USSR -- and we have stated this publicly on several
occasions. But we believe that a summit must be carefully
prepared and have a prospect of meaningful results. The Soviet
government has indicated that it shares this view.
Thus, although there are no plans at this point for a meeting
between President Reagan and General Secretary Chernenko, we are
looking for solutions to some of the real problems in our
relations, and it is possible that this ongoing diplomatic
dialogue could set the scene for a productive summit over the
longer term. I thank you for sharing your views with us on this
issue.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
.ID 8401544
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
PAGE E01
REFERRAL
DATE: 24 FEB 84
MEMORANDUM FOR: DEPT OF STATE
8405808
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
TO. PRESIDENT
SOURCE: STARK, FORTNEY H
DATE 10 FEB 84
KEYWORDS: USSR
CO
CHERNENKO, KONSTANTI
AP
SUBJ. TELEGRAM TO PRES FM REP STARK RE FUTURE US - SOVIET UNION RELATIONS
REQUIRED ACTION. DRAFT REPLY FOR WH SIG
DUEDATE: 03 MAR 84
COMMENTS
Loreta Beauton 45860
FOR ROBERT M. KIMMITT
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
1544
ID# 196570
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: FEBRUARY 11, 1984
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE FORTNEY H. "PETE" STARK
SUBJECT- SUGGESTS A MEETING WITH THE NEW LEADER OF
THE SOVIET UNION AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY (STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD RESP D YY/MM/DD
M. B. OGLESBY
ORG 84/02/13
MOA8410221
NS D
84/02/202 84
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1230
MAIL
USER CODES: (A)
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION CODES:
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
* CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER *
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF *
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING *
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
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*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT. 2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
February 21, 1984
Dear Pete:
On behalf of the President, I would like to thank you for your
February 10 telegram offering your views on the future of
U.S.-Soviet relations following the selection of Konstantine
Chernenko as successor to Soviet President Yuri Andropov.
Please know that I have brought to the President's attention
your suggestion that he indicate his interest in meeting with
Mr. Chernenko at the earliest possible time. In addition, I
have shared your correspondence with the appropriate foreign
policy advisers for their consideration. In the interim, let
me assure you that we share your desire for improved U.S.-
Soviet relations, and we appreciate your comments.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
M. B. Oglesby, Jr.
Assistant to the President
The Honorable Fortney H. Stark
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
MBO:KRJ:tjr
CC: w/copy of inc to NSC Secretariat - for DRAFT response
9
# 196570
M.B. Qglecky
1-011015A041 02/10/84
ICS IPMWGWJ WSH
00190 GOVT BUWASHINGTON DC 143 02-10 217P EST
PMS PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN
WHITE HOUSE DC
DEAR MR PRESIDENT:
THE DEATH OF SOVIET PRESIDENT ANDROPOV PRESENTS THE WORLD WITH A NEW
OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO SUPER POWERS.
I URGE THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY MAKE IT KNOWN THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO
MEET WITH THE NEW SOVIET LEADER, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE, ONCE HIS
POSITION WITHIN THEIR SYSTEM IS CONFIRMED.
THIS MEETING WOULD NOT NEED TO BE AN ISSUES MEETING SIMPLY A SIGN
THAT THE UNITED STATES AND ITS LEADERS WANT TO IMPROVE RELATIONS,
AND WANT TO HAVE PERSONAL CONTACT AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS WITH OUR
SOVIET COUNTERPARTS. IF AN ISSUES DISCUSSION IS APPROPRIATE, AN
IMPORTANT BUT RELATIVELY EASY AGENDA ITEM WOULD BE AN AGREEMENT TO
UP GRADE THE TECHNOLOGICALLY INADEQUATE "HOT LINE" MECHANISM AND TO
DEVELOP OTHER EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES.
BEST WISHES IN USING THIS NEW BEGINNING TO SET A NEW TONE IN
SUPER POWER RELATIONS.
SINCERELY.
FORTNEY H (PETE) STARK MEMBER OF CONGRESS
1427 EST
1698
C
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHY JAFFKE
FROM:
ROBERT M. KIMMITT
SUBJECT:
Letter to the President from Representative Hillis
We have reviewed and concur with the Department of State's
draft letter to Representative Hillis in response to his
letter to the President concerning U.S.-Soviet relations.
1698
Attachment
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
FOR BOB KIMMITT:
I recommend that you sign the
attached memo to Kathy Jaffke.
JACK Jood MATLOCK
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
s/s
8406361
18 :01-1 18 SIVING
Date
3/15/84
For: Mr. Robert C. McFarlane
WHITE HOUSE
National Security Council
SITUATION ROOM
The White House
Reference:
President Reagan
Rep. Elwood H. Hillis
To:
From:
2/16/84
Date:
Subject: US/Soviet Relations
WH Referral Dated: 3/1/84
-
NSC ID# 196935
(if any)
The attached item was sent directly to the
Department of State.
Action Taken:
XX
A draft reply is attached.
A draft reply will be forwarded.
A translation is attached.
An information copy of a direct reply is attached.
We believe no response is necessary for the reason
cited below.
The Department of State has no objection to the
proposed travel.
Other.
Remarks:
Intristic Charles Hill a kenney
Executive Secretary
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SUGGESTED REPLY
Dear Mr. Hillis:
I have consulted with the President's foreign policy advisers
concerning your comments on US-Soviet relations, and I am pleased
to provide you with our views on the subject.
As you note, it is essential for the Soviet Union to
understand that the United States has the willingness and the
means to defend its national interests. However, as the President
stressed in his January 16 address, we do not seek confrontation
with the USSR, and we believe that it is in our interest to
maintain a dialogue with the Soviet Union aimed at solving some of
the real problems that divide us.
Accordingly, we are participating in a number of arms
reduction negotiations, and have had continuing discussions with
the Soviet government at all levels on a wide range of bilateral
and regional topics. Secretary Shultz meets frequently with
Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin and has held extensive discussions with
Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko, most recently in January in
Stockholm. Ambassador Hartman has also been in frequent contact
with the Soviet Foreign Minister and other senior officials in
Moscow. These exchanges have allowed each side to gain a clear
understanding of the other's positions, and have provided the
opportunity for confidential dialogue. We look forward to
continuing these informative discussions with Soviet
representatives.
The Honorable
Elwood H. Hillis,
House of Representatives.
-2-
We deeply regret the fact that the Soviet Union has broken off
the INF negotiations and has refused to set a date for resuming
the START talks. We have on many occasions called on the USSR to
return to the bargaining table, and we will continue to stress our
flexibility and our willingness to meet the Soviets halfway in
pursuit of meaningful and verifiable agreements. We share your
view that more effective control of chemical and biological
weapons is needed, and in the 40-nation Conference on Disarmament
in Geneva, we will shortly be tabling a draft treaty on a global
chemical weapons ban. In sum, we agree that the US-Soviet
relationship and arms reduction issues are urgent items on our
foreign policy agenda, and we hope, as you do, that the new Soviet
leadership will take advantage of our dialogue and work with us on
finding solutions to these pressing problems.
A summit could at some point be a useful step in our relations
with the USSR -- and we have stated this publicly on several
occasions. But we believe that a summit must be carefully
prepared and have a prospect of meaningful results. The Soviet
government has indicated that it shares this view.
Thus, although there are no plans at this point for a meeting
between President Reagan and General Secretary Chernenko, we are
looking for solutions to some of the real problems in our
relations, and it is possible that this ongoing diplomatic
dialogue could set the scene for a productive summit over the
longer term. I thank you for sharing your views with us on this
issue.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
8406361
ID 8401698
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
PAGE E01
REFERRAL
DATE: 01 MAR 84
MEMORANDUM FOR: DEPT OF STATE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
TO: PRESIDENT
SOURCE: HILLIS, BUD
DATE: 16 FEB 84
KEYWORDS: USSR
CO
CHERNENKO, KONSTANTI
SUBJ. LTR TO PRES FM REP HILLIS RE US - SOVIET RELATIONS
REQUIRED ACTION. DRAFT REPLY FOR WH SIG
DUEDATE: 10 MAR 84
COMMENTS.
Loretta Braston 45830
FOR ROBERT M. KIMMITT
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Received in 5/5-1
2/29/84- nm 4:00 p.m. p.m.
ID# 196935
/
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: FEBRUARY 21, 1984
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE BUD HILLIS
SUBJECT: URGES THE PRESIDENT TO MEET WITH SOVIET
LEADER KONSTANTIN CHERNENKO AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY (STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD RESP D YY/MM/DD
M. B. OGLESBY
ORG 84/02/21 mo A 84,2223
REFERRAL NOTE:
Noaten Secretared D
6406167
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1240
MAIL
USER CODES: (A)
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION CODES:
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
* CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER *
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE in A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET *S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF *
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING
*
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT. 2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
8406361
February 23, 1984
Dear Bud:
On behalf of the President, I would like to thank you for
your February 16 letter offering your views on the future of
U.S.-Soviet relations following the selection of Konstantine
Chernenko as successor to Soviet President Yuri Andropov.
Please know that I have brought to the President's attention
your suggestion that he meet with Mr. Chernenko at the
earliest possible time. In addition, I have shared your
correspondence with the appropriate foreign policy advisers
for their consideration. In the interim, let me assure you
that we share your desire for improved U.S.-Scviet relations,
and we appreciate your comments.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
M. B. Oglesby, Jr.
Assistant to the President
The Ronorable Elwood H. "Bud" Hillis
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
MBO:KRJ:tjr
CC: w/copy of inc to NSC Secretariat - for DRAFT response
ELWOOD H. "BUD" HILLIS
WASHINGTON OFFICE
5TH DISTRICT, INDIANA
2336 RAYBURN BUILDING
8406361
WASHINGTON DC 20515
TELEPHONE 202-225-5037
COMMITTEES
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON
VETERANS AFFAIRS
INDIANA OFFICES:
HOUSE AHMED SERVICES
Congress of the United States
KOKOMO
COMMITTEE
2016 SOUTH ELIZABETH STREET
KOKOMO INDIANA 45902
CO CHAIRMAN CONGRESSIONAL
House of Representatives
(P O Box 5048)
TELEPHONE 457-4411
AUTO CAUCUS
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER,
MARION
CONGRESSIONAL STEEL CAUCUS
MEMBER.
Washington, D.C.
323 SOUTH ADAMS STREET
MARION. INDIANA 46952
TELEPHONE 662-7227
THE RURAL CAUCUS
THE TEXTILE CAUCUS
VALPARAISO
NORTHEAST-MIDWEST COALITION
2 INDIANA AVENUE
VALPARAISO. INDIANA 46383
TELEPHONE 219-462-6499
February 16, 1984
The Honorable
Ronald W. Reagan
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing you concerning a matter of grave importance and possible opportunity.
Relations between the United States and the Soviet Union have been strained for many
months now with little hope of immediate improvement. The world has watched anxiously
as tensions have increased in the Middle East, the START talks have broken down and
both sides have deployed hundreds of new missiles in Europe.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have supported your goal to
rebuild and modernize America's defenses. I will continue to give you my support,
believing as you do, that America must be strong if she is to remain free.
Under your Administration, the United States has demonstrated new resolve in meeting
the growing Soviet military challenge. Now, I believe, the time is right to show the
world that America is ready to take the diplomatic initiatives necessary to relieve
East-West tensions.
With the succession of Konstantin Chernenko as the leader of the Soviet Union, the
United States has the chance to open a new dialogue with Moscow which, hopefully,
will lead to a better understanding between our two nations.
I believe, Mr. President, that you should call for an early meeting between yourself
and Chairman Chernenko which would be a prelude to a full-scale summit within the next
12 months. I also believe you should call on the Soviets to return to the START talks
and expand arms negotiations to include chemical and biological weapons.
Now is the time for the United States to take the high ground in our search for peace.
These overtures would be well-received by our NATO allies and serve to foster a
military and political stability that is vital at this crucial time.
Sincerely,
BuRHillis
Elwood H. "Bud" Hillis
Member of Congress
EHH:u
ID# 196935
1698
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: FEBRUARY 21, 1984
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE BUD HILLIS
SUBJECT: URGES THE PRESIDENT TO MEET WITH SOVIET
LEADER KONSTANTIN CHERNENKO AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY (STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD RESP D YY/MM/DD
M. B. OGLESBY
ORG 84/02/21 mo A 84,0223
1 REFERRAL NOTE:
D
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1240
MAIL
USER CODES: (A)
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION CODES:
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
* CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER
*
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING
*
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT. 2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
C
1543
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR KATHY JAFFKE
FROM:
ROBERT M. KIMMITT
SUBJECT:
Letter to President from Representative LaFalce
We have reviewed and concur with the Department of State's
draft letter to Representative LaFalce in response to his
letter to the President concerning better U.S.-Soviet
relations and a possible meeting between the President and
Chernenko.
1543
Attachment
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
March 16, 1984
FOR BOB KIMMITT:
sign the
attached meme thandum to Kathy Jaffke.
JACK Joh MATLOCK
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
s/s 8405807
3/15/84
Date
For: Mr. Robert C. McFarlane
National Security Council
The White House
Reference:
President Reagan
To:
From:
John J. LaFalce
Date: 2/14/84
Subject: Better US/Soviet Relations
2/24/84
WH Referral Dated:
NSC ID# 196835
(if any)
The attached item was sent directly to the
Department of State.
Action Taken:
XX
A draft reply is attached.
A draft reply will be forwarded.
A translation is attached.
An information copy of a direct reply is attached.
We believe no response is necessary for the reason
cited below.
The Department of State has no objection to the
proposed travel.
Other.
Remarks:
Executive Secretary
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
SUGGESTED REPLY
Dear Mr. LaFalce:
I have consulted with the President's foreign policy advisers
concerning your suggestion of February 14 that President Reagan
meet with Soviet General Secretary Chernenko, and I am pleased to
provide you with our views on the subject.
We share your belief that it is in our national interest to
maintain a dialogue with the Soviet Union aimed at solving some of
the real problems that divide us. The President's January 16
address on US-Soviet relations is an emphatic endorsement of this
view. Accordingly, we are participating in a number of arms
reduction negotiations, and have had continuing discussions with
the Soviet government at all levels on a wide range of bilateral
and regional topics. President Reagan has also communicated his
views directly, in exchanges of letters with Soviet leaders.
Secretary Shultz meets frequently with Soviet Ambassador
Dobrynin and has held extensive discussions with Soviet Foreign
Minister Gromyko, most recently in January in Stockholm.
Ambassador Hartman has also been in frequent contact with the
Soviet Foreign Minister and other senior officials in Moscow.
These exchanges have allowed each side to gain a clear
understanding of the other's positions, and have provided the
opportunity for confidential dialogue. We look forward to
continuing these informative discussions with Soviet
representatives.
The Honorable
John J. LaFalce,
House of Representatives.
-2-
We deeply regret the fact that the Soviet Union has broken off
the INF negotiations and has refused to set a date for resuming
the START talks. We have on many occasions called on the USSR to
return to the bargaining table, and we will continue to stress our
flexibility and our willingness to meet the Soviets halfway in
pursuit of meaningful and verifiable agreements. We agree that
the US-Soviet relationship and arms reduction issues are urgent
items on our foreign policy agenda, and we hope, as you do, that
the new Soviet leadership will take advantage of our dialogue and
work with us on finding solutions to these pressing problems.
A summit could at some point be a useful step in our relations
with the USSR -- and we have stated this publicly on several
occasions. But we believe that a summit must be carefully
prepared and have a prospect of meaningful results. The Soviet
government has indicated that it shares this view.
Thus, although there are no plans at this point for a meeting
between President Reagan and General Secretary Chernenko, we are
looking for solutions to some of the real problems in our
relations, and it is possible that this ongoing diplomatic
dialogue could set the scene for a productive summit over the
longer term. I thank you for sharing your views with us on this
issue.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
ID 8401543
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
PAGE E01
REFERRAL
DATE: 24 FEB 84
MEMORANDUM FOR: DEPT OF STATE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
TO. PRESIDENT
SOURCE: LAFALCE, JOHN J
DATE. 14 FEB 84
KEYWORDS: USSR
CO
CHERNENKO, KONSTANTI
AP
SUBJ. LTR TO PRES FM REP LAFALCE RE BETTER US - - SOVIET RELATIONS & POSSIBLE
REQUIRED ACTION. DRAFT REPLY FOR WH SIG
DUEDATE: 03 MAR 84
COMMENTS
FOR ROBERT M. Braston KIMMITT 45860
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
1543
ID# 196835
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: FEBRUARY 17, 1984
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE JOHN J. LAFALCE
SUBJECT: URGES THE PRESIDENT TO MEET WITH THE GENERAL
SECRETARY OF THE SOVIET UNION, KONSTANTIN
CHERNENKO WITHOUT DELAY
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY (STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD RESP D YY/MM/DD
M. B. OGLESBY
ORG 84/02/17
mo AS4
REFERRAL NOTE:
84102032
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1230
MAIL
USER CODES: (A)
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION CODES:
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
* CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER *
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING
*
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT. 2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
February 21, 1984
Dear John:
Thank you for your February 14 letter urging
the President to invite Konstantin Chernenko
to the United States at the earliest possible
opportunity.
We appreciate knowing that you share our
desire for improved U.S.-Soviet relations,
and we were pleased to share your
recommendations in this regard with the
President and his foreign policy advisers.
You may be assured that they will carefully
review the comments you made regarding the
need for a clear and direct channel of
diplomacy between our nations.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
M. B. Oglesby, Jr.
Assistant to the President
The Honorable John J. LaFalce
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
MBO/KRJ/tjr
CC: w/copy of inc to NSC Secretariat - for
DRAFT response
I/46/35 FEDERAL BUILDING
JOHN J. LAFALCE
E2ND DISTRICT. NEW YORK
BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202
(716) 845-4056
2419 RAYBURN BUILDING
WASHINGTON. D.C.' 20515
(202) 225-3231
Congress of the United States
MAIN POST OFFICE BUILDING
NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK 14302
House of Representatives
(716) 284-9976
Mashington, D.C. 20515
FEDERAL BUILDING
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 94614
(716) 263-6424
February 14, 1984
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
The transfer of power in the Soviet Union has presented you
with a rare opportunity to improve Soviet-American relations.
Despite your reported rejection of a "get-acquainted summit",
I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity, and to
invite the new General Secretary of the Communist Party of
the Soviet Union, Konstantin Chernenko, to meet with you at
the earliest possible date.
Escalation of Soviet-American tension in recent months has
made this matter particularly urgent. The cold distrust with
which our nations regard one another contributed to, and was
deepened by, the Soviet destruction of a South Korean air-
liner last November. Mutual suspicion has deepened further
with the acceleration of the arms race, especially the
stockpiling of first-strike nuclear weapons, and with more
active superpower involvement in the Caribbean Basin and the
Middle East. Moscow's withdrawal from the Geneva arms control
negotiations represents the latest, and one of the most dangerous
of recent episodes in this chilling trend, as the channels
through which diplomatic dialogue should flow freeze into the
hard ice of harsh rhetoric.
A new Soviet administration offers hope of a new relationship
between our governments, but patience will be required. The
Kremlin's monolithic structure of authority discourages abrupt
changes of policy. Indeed, the first weeks of a new Soviet
leadership are apt to be especially conservative, as power
is consolidated and the new government stabilized. Now is
not the time to expect new treaties or breakthroughs in long-
standing policy deadlocks.
Nevertheless, future progress demands present preparation.
There is immediate need for a clear and direct channel of
diplomacy between our nations. Your rapport with the in-
coming Soviet leader could warm the climate of our relations,
and brighten our beclouded chances of peaceful coexistence.
Page 2
You can begin the establishment of mutual confidence by
meeting personally with Mr. Chernenko.
Such a meeting would not require a rigidly formal agenda.
You and your Russian counterpart already know one another's
positions on the issues that stand between you nd seeking
concessions from each other at this time would kely bear
little fruit. Over time, however, a cordial personal
relationship with the Soviet leader could prove fertile
ground for substantive agreements. You and he should know
each other not only as voices of adverse interests, but as
individuals: fundamentally divided by your political con-
victions and loyal to the rival nations you lead, but mind-
ful of your common interest in world peace, and sincerely
dedicated to the task of its achievement.
It has lately been said that the superpowers seem propelled
toward mutual destruction by forces beyond their control.
I am certain, though, that you would join me in rejecting
this canard of "historical inevitability". I share your
profound and characteristically American faith in the efficacy
of individual effort, and your belief that human history is
made and mended by the free actions of men and women. You
and the leader of the Soviet Union hold peace in your power.
It is your duty and his to act with good will to secure it.
Again, I urge you to meet Konstantin Chernenko without delay.
New Soviet policies cannot be expected immediately, but it
is surely in our national interest that Soviet-American
relations improve while those policies are being formulated.
The moment is ripe for your action, and I trust that you will
grasp it with vigor.
Sincerely,
JOHN J. LaFAICE,
Member of Congress
1230