Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
200336300
label
Matlock Chron December 1986 (2)
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
200336300
contentType
document
title
Matlock Chron December 1986 (2)
citationUrl
collections
Records of the National Security Council, Directorate of European and Soviet Affairs (Reagan Administration)
Jack F. Matlock, Jr.'s Chronological Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
200336300
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
bbc51c9123fe9f96
ocrText
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 December 1986 (2)
Box: 19
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/
caron
7927
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
December 8, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR RODNEY B. McDANIEL
FROM:
JACK F. MATLOCK
SCOTT DEAN
Ism
SUBJECT:
Reply to Letter to Speakes about Abe Stolar
At Tab I is a memo from you to Larry Speakes giving draft replies
for letters to Speakes from and about Abe Stolar, a dual national
who is trying to emigrate from the Soviet Union. In early
November, Stolar gave a news conference in which he blasted the
USG for lack of action on his behalf.
We drew up the response (Tab A) for the Stolar letter from the
State draft (Tab C) for a public inquiry from Mr. Ed Barkett.
Barkett has also written Congressman Tony Beilenson, who referred
Barkett's letter to the White House. We are suggesting the White
House draw from the same text for both replies to Barkett.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memo at Tab I forwarding the drafts to Speakes.
Approve
Disapprove
SD to PH
sotairs
satawr
Paul Hanley, Ron Sable and Walt Raymond concur.
Attachments:
Tab I
Memo to Speakes
Tab A
Draft Reply to Stolar
Tab B
Letters from Stolar family
Tab C
Draft Reply to Barkett
Tab D
Letter from Barkett
I
2
7927
3
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY SPEAKES
FROM:
RODNEY B. McDANIEL
SUBJECT:
Reply to Letter on Abe Stolar
At Tab A is a draft reply to a letter from Abe Stolar and his
family to you. Abe Stolar is a dual national seeking to emigrate
from the Soviet Union.
At Tab C is a State Department draft reply to a letter from Mr.
Ed Barkett to you about Abe Stolar. The NSC has reviewed the
draft and concurs with the changes noted.
Mr. Barkett also wrote to Congressman Tony Beilenson, who
referred his letter to Alan Kranowitz. You may wish to forward
to Alan a copy of your reply to Barkett.
Attachments:
Tab A
Draft Reply to Stolar
Tab B
Letters from Stolar family
Tab C
Draft Reply to Barkett
Tab D
Letter from Barkett
to
5
7927
DRAFT REPLIES
Dear Mr. (Abe) Stolar/Mr. Lewis:
Thank you for your letter about your efforts to leave the Soviet
Union. We admire your courage in your struggle over the years to
return to the land of your birth. We sympathize with and
strongly support your desire as an American to live in the U.S.
Dear Mr. (Michael) Stolar/Ms. Kotlyar/Mr. Efremov:
Thank you for your letter about your efforts to leave the Soviet
Union. We admire your courage in your struggle over the years to
come to the U.S. We sympathize with and strongly support your
desire as an American to live in the U.S.
(second paragraph of all letters begins on next page)
6
2
We are following your case closely and
we We have included the Abe Stolar family name on the Depart-
ment of State's list of individuals with American citizenship
who have been denied permission to leave the Soviet Union. We
regularly present this list, which currently has 21 names on
it, to Soviet officials to express our deep concern for U.S.
citizens held against their will in the Soviet Union. In addi-
tion, we have made numerous individual representations your on be-
half of the Stolars.
The U.S. Government has taken a strong stand in favor of
the right of free emigration from the Soviet Union, emphasizing
the importance this matter holds for U.S.-Soviet relations. We
raise this issue at every opportunity, including the October
meetings in Iceland between President Reagan and General
Secretary Gorbachev and the November meetings in Vienna between
Secretary Shultz and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze. We will
continue to press the Soviet Union to honor the commitments
regarding freedom of movement and family reunification it has
made under the Helsinki Final Act and other agreements.
Sincerely,
B
E S
With the Compliments of
the
American Embassy,
Moscow
I am forwarding the enclosed letter on behalf of
the five American citizens, resident in Moscow,
whom the Soviet authorities will not allow to
leave the Soviet Union.
9
Larry M. Speakes
Aid to the President
Principal Deputy Press Secretary
Moscow, October 29, 1986
Dear Mr. Speakes,
We are a group of Americans detained in the USSR. There has been little
progress in the efforts to free us through the "quiet diplomacy" channels,
and we therefore call upon you to support our cases by initiating a public
approach. We will be currently contacting the press on our own, but without
the support of our Government our efforts will have little sence.
Enclosed are our curricula vita.
Yours sincerely,
Abe Stolar abe Stolar
Michael Stolar Michael Dtolar
Janet Kotlyar I Kotlyap
Andrei Efremov A.Exprement
Kim Lewis Kim Lewis
ANDREI EFREMOV
I was born in 1935 in Moscow. My mother, Margaret Wetlin, is an American
and is now living in Philadelphia (4100 Pine Street, Phila PA 19104). My fa-
ther, Andrei Efremov (1900-1968) was a Soviet citizen. In 1935, my mother
was faced by an alternative to either leave with me to the States without
her husband, or to stay. She chose the latter, but eventually repatriated
in 1979 with my sister Daria Efremoff and my nephiew Ted Efremoff.
I am a member of the USSR Art Union. My wife, Larisa Ratnikova, is also an
artist. We have three children: Natalia, aged 21, and twins Andrey and
Paul, aged 9.
We first applied for exit visas to USA in 1981 and at the time we had no
choice but leaving our jobs at the Moscow TV center. Ever since, I have
been working as a free-lance artist. We were refused exit visas on the
basis of "bad US-Soviet relations". We have reapplied for six times since
then and were invariably refused, the standart reason for the refusals was
that our leaving the country "was i-pexpedient". Last November my mother who
is now 79 years old was permitted to visit us and we then received a call from
the Visa office; the officials suggested that we reapply and
promised
that we will be let out. However, we were refused again, this time the
reason being "contradictory to family reunification principles" - meaning
that my wife's parents are remaining in the USSR, although they had no objec-
tions to our leaving the country..
My address: Moscow 103006, Vorotnikovskiy per. d.7, kv.1
tel.: 299-95-77 h
My mother's tel.: (215) 386-55-05
Curriculum vitae
Moscow
Nezhinskaya ul. dom 15,
korp. 1, kv. 93
Janet Kotlyar
tel.: 441-12-05
I was born in Moscow in 1944. My mother, Esther Michael-
Rigerman, and my father, Henry Rigerman, emigrated to the USSR
from the USA in 1931. My American citizenship was. reaffirmed
in 1985 by the American Embassy in Moscow. I am married to
Vledimir Kotlyar who works as a translator. We have a daughter,
Maria, 16 years old.
I greduated from the Moscow Pedogogical Institute in 1967
and worked as E teacher of Russian language, later as a technica.
secretary in the Institute of Oriental Countries.
My brother, Leonid Rigerman, was the first person to
attempt to receive an American passport while staying in the
USSR. When he went to receive the passport be was arrested in
front of the Embassy. Under the pressure of intrnational public
protests, the Soviets released him and allowed him to emigrate
together with my mother. He now lives in New York City. My
mother died in 1983.
In 1977 I applied for a visa to visit my mother but was
refused on the ground of the international situation being
unfavorable. Because of my application I was forced to leave
my job and since then am unemployed.
In 1978 our family applied for an exit visa to Israel
with actual intention of going to the USA. We were refused 'for
security considerations". This was merely afalse pretext for
the only"security involvement" that we aware of was my husbend's
work as an editor handling translations of technical documenta-
tion for industrial equipment. At that time he worked in a
military publising house and left that job in 1976. We reapplied
several times but were refused repeatedly. In 1981 we applied
for emigration to America on an invitation of my mother and
were again refused for the same reason. In 1983 I received a
cable with the information that my mother was in a critical
condition. On the basis of the telegram I was allowed to visit
my motherfor three months. We last applied in 1984 with the
same result.
KIM LEWIS (Alexei Glagolev)
I was born in 1953 in New York City. My father, Tom Lewis, is an American
living in New York. At the time of her marriage, my mother, Fainna Solasko,
then a permanent US resident, was stateless. After my parents were divorced,
I emigrated to the USSR together with my mother in 1955. I was adopted by
a Soviet stepfather, with my name being changed to Alexei Glagolev and my
place of birth to Moscow. I am a graduate of Moscow University and hold a
Ph.D. in biochemistry. My wife, Tatiana Lewis, also holds a Ph.D. in bio-
chemistry. Our daughter Alexandra is 11 years old. In 1981, I decided to
return to the United States, but in order to apply for an exit visa, I had
to present an invitation from a close relative living in USA. Therefore,
in 1981 I applied to renounce my adoption, and succeeded by 1984. Meanwhile,
I pursued an active scientific career as a senior researcher and head of a
group studying bacterial energetics at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology
and Bioorganic Chemistry of Moscow University. In 1984, I defended my second
("Doktorskaya") dissertation which was published in New York as a monograph.
However, the State Qualification Comission ruled that "my moral qualities
were incompatible with the title in question", as the authorities had by then
became aware of my repatriation plans. In 1985, my father sent my family the
required invitation for permanent residence in the USA, and we applied for
exit visas. At the same time, my American citizenship was reaffirmed by the
American Embassy in Moscow, and I was issued a US passport. Two months later
we were refused exit visas; the reason given was that was "inexpedient".
Both my wife and I were pressured to resign by the officials. My wife final-
ly quit her job, and I was demoted to the position of a technician. We chal-
lenged the Visa Office decision in an appeal to the National Visa Office.
The sole result of this appeal was their decision to extend the 6 month
waiting period required until we could file the next application. We were
also provided with a specific reason for the refusal: our departure would
violate the rights of our relatives remaining in the USSR. All our relatives
immediately responded by submitting petitions to the Visa Office, asking that
we be let out. To this Col Kuznetsov, Head of the National Office, replied
that their petitions meant nothing, since the fact that a family was being
broken up remained unchanged. Both my wife and I have ulcerative colitis,
and I had a bad relapse at the time of the Geneva Summit. The language of
the Joint Statement sounded promising, and I decided to pay another visit to
Kuznetsov. To my suggestion that they follow the Helsinki Act and allow me,
an ailing person, to leave, acting with humanity and in the spirit of coope-
he responded hv saving that mv case had already been decided upon
with humanity and in the spirit of cooperation [with the USA] and if I was
ill, I could be treated free-of-charge in a Soviet hospital. The unpleasant
part of this is that my illness is the result of stress, andthe necessary me-
dication is not to be obtained in the USSR.
We applied a second time in the spring of 1986 and were again refused, this
time the reason given was that it was "undesirable". I have also applied to
the Supreme Soviet, requesting that my Soviet citizenship be renounced. I
was refused on the basis that I was not receiving permission to leave the
country.
This October, I tried to file suit against S.I. Alpatov, Head of the Moscow
Visa Office, on the basis of Article 58 of the USSR Constitution which states
that one can sue an official who has infringed upon one's rights. The Court
refused to accept the case.
ABE AND MICHAEL STOLAR
14
Abe Stolar was born in Chicago in 1911. Was brought to the Soviet
Union by his parents in 1931 at the age of 19. Was promptly made a Soviet
citizen without his knowledge or consent. Was invalided in the Soviet
Army in World War II. Is denied substantial veteran's rights.
Upon preparing to emigrate from Russia in 1975, his wife, son Michael,
and he were stripped of Soviet citizenship upon payment of the exhorbitant
fine demanded, in exchange for exit visas. The family was removed from
the plane on the way out, and their exit visas were rescinded. Michael,
now 27, has never had any Soviet documents and is an American citizen
exclusively.
Since being sent back from the plane without any income or rights to
work, study, marry - the family has been living practically on fortuitous
charity Michael married a Soviet-born girl, Julia Shurukht, in a private
religious ceremony conducted by an American rabbi. The Soviets refuse
repeated requests to register their marriage.
The Stolars fought for release for ten years, till the Soviet finally
in March 1985 pressured the three to get out, but insisted that they
forever abandon Michael's wife in Russia. The pretexts were that Julia ar
Michael had had no civil marriage and that Julia could not produce her
mother's notarized renunciation of financial claims against Julia. Both
pretexts are unlawful. Julia's mother, who has had no contact with her
since long before Julia's acquaintance with Michael, is in E panic about
anything American. She believes her daughter has been enmeshed by an
American Zionist sect.
After the Stolars insisted for eight months that they would not desert
Julia and break up their family, the Soviets officially informed the Unite
States government the day before Pres. Reagan's meeting with Mr. Gorbachev
in Geneva in November 1985 that the entire family of four, including
Julie, was being allowed out. The family was on a list of ten being
released. The other nine left Russia long ago. Obviously the Soviets
nad no intention of letting the Stolars go.
In February 1986 Julia and Michael had a baby, Sarah. Miraculously, th
official registry recognizes the baby as Michael's. This established the
ties between Julia and the Stolar family: she is the mother of Michael's
daughter. The Soviets no longer talk about the marriage.
Last April, the family received an official document, the only one of
its kind in existence, giving reasons, in writing, for refusing permission
to emigrate.
Moreover, Julia has a court ruling that her mother cannot have any fin-
ancial claims against her. While admitting the importance of this docu-
ment, the Visa Office invented a new demand: that the mother relieve
Julia of "moral" obligations. Another court ruling cancelled that demand
as well.
Now the Visa Office instigated Julia's mother to protest the pertinent
ruling in an appeal court. This was done so crudely and crookedly that
Julia managed to have the protest quashed. The Moscow Deputy Prosecutor
confirmed in writing that the original court ruling that the mother has no
financial claims, is in force.
Thus, BS the case stands, three of the Stolars seem to be allowed to
leave; Julia possesses the documents that satisfy all the Visa Office's
unlawful demands. Yet the family is still caught by Catch-22.
Moscow, November 1986
C
16
SUGGESTED REPLY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Dear Mr. Barkett:
to Larry Speakes
I am replying to your October 16 letter^regarding the
efforts of Abe Stolar and his family to emigrate from the
Soviet Union.
We have followed closely the situation of the Stolar fami-
ly since 1975, when their exit visas were revoked just before
they were to depart the Soviet Union. Our Embassy in Moscow
stays in contact with them and has interceded with the Soviet
Government to help resolve a number of personal difficulties.
As you may be aware, Mr. Stolar was born in Chicago but later
moved to the Soviet Union with his Russian-born parents. We
regard him as an American citizen and have issued him a U.S.
He has been given - permission to leave
passport. The current obstacle to the resolution of
the Soviet Union, but does not wish to do so unless
Mr Stelar' s case is the Seviet authorities refusal to allow
his daughter-in-law, Julia, can emigrate with the family, and
the Soviet an thorities a have refund to Jalia allow
to
Mr. Ed Barkett,
have.
8808 Darby Avenue, #30,
Northbridge, California.
2
We have included the Abe Stolar family name on the Depart-
ment of State's list of individuals with American citizenship
who have been denied permission to leave the Soviet Union. We
regularly present this list, which currently has 21 names on
it, to Soviet officials to express our deep concern for U.S.
citizens held against their will in the Soviet Union. In addi-
tion, we have made numerous individual representations on be-
half of the Stolars.
The U.S. Government has taken a strong stand in favor of
the right of free emigration from the Soviet Union, emphasizing
the importance this matter holds for U.S.-Soviet relations. We
raise this issue at every opportunity, including the October
meetings in Iceland between President Reagan and General
Secretary Gorbachev and the November meetings in Vienna between
Secretary Shultz and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze. We will
continue to press the Soviet Union to honor the commitments
regarding freedom of movement and family reunification it has
made under the Helsinki Final Act and other agreements.
Sincerely,
71
16 October 86
mr Speaker
to leave the USSR.
The Danilor case was resolved
Juould like to bring to your
quite quichly
attention the case of Abe Stolar and
what ir the administration and
her family, He is an American citizen,
the State Department doing to gain
brought to the USSR by his father in
the Stolar's release?
the early 1930's Since 1975 he has
The United States government allow
been trying to leave the U.S.S R. Last
the sale of grain, technology and
november at the Geneva Summit
industrial and petro-chenical plants
it was supposedly promised by
to be designed and built by America
Gorbacher that Stolar and his
know-how,
family would be allowed to leave
why the large military budget when
the USSR.
the government allows there things to
It has been almost a year
happen? ?
sence the promise was made. Was
When ir Abe Stolar and her
is being done to secure his release?
family going to be released?
He is not the only American atizen
brought to the USSR by their farents
Respectfully Ed Barhott
bl
who have refused to be allowed
Northordge A4125
8808 Darhy Ave
20
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 4, 1986
Dear Congressman:
Thank you for your recent correspondence
requesting information on the status of
Abe Stolar and his family.
Your special interest is appreciated, and
I was pleased to forward your request to
the appropriate White House office for
careful consideration and prompt attention.
With best wishes.
Cordially,
Alan Knauowitz
Alan M. Kranowitz
Deputy Assistant to. the President
The Honorable Anthony C. Beilenson
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
ANTHONY C. BEILENSON
WASHINGTON OFFICE
21
1025 LONGWORTH BUILDING 20515
23D DISTRICT. CALIFORNIA
(202) 225-5911
LOS ANGELES OFFICE:
11000 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD 90024
COMMITTEES:
Congress of the United States
(213) 209-7801
COMMITTEE ON RULES
VALLEY OFFICE:
house of Representatives
18401 BURBANK BOULEVARD
PERMANENT SELECT
TARZANA, CA 91356
COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
(818) 345-1560
Washington, DC 20515
October 27, 1986
Mr. Alan Kranowitz
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Legislative Affairs
The White House
Room 112, East Wing
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Kranowitz:
I am writing to you concerning the continuing plight of Abe Stolar
and his family whose situation has been brought to my attention by a resident
of the congressional district I represent. Enclosed, for your reference, is a
copy of the letter we received in this regard.
We will greatly appreciate any information you can provide our office
regarding the Administration's efforts on behalf of the Stolar family. Please
respond to my district office at 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 14223, Los
Angeles 90024
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
ANTHONY C. BEILENSON
Member of Congress
ACB:dkb
Enclosure
22
\
Congressman Beilinoon,
29 Sipt APC. 86
non that Daniloi has been allowed
to leave the USSR when will sise
Stolar and the family is accound to
exit the USSR ?
J have written to you and called your
office several times about thirmatter
last year J did receive letters in response
from your office.
Supposedly Stolar was to have been
promised to be able to leave the U.S.S.R
at the Geneva Summit last november
by Gorbacher
Earlier this year about Fc 25 people
relatives in the U.S.A.
were released to rejoin their spirise and
What is the administration and the State
Department doing to secure the release
of Stolar and his family?
would appreciate your assistance in
securing their Respectfully release, Ed Thank Barkett you
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TIME STAMP
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMENT
8634587
7927
86 OCT31 #3: 08
SYSTEM LOG NUMBER:
ACTION OFFICER:
DUE: 4 NOV
ME Prepare Memo For President
Prepare Memo McDaniel to Chew
Prepart Memo For Poindexte / Kee
Prepare Memo McDaniel to Dolan
Prepare Memo
to
CONCURRENCI /COMMENTS
PHONE* to action officer at ext.
5112
FYE
FYI
FYI
Brooks
Lavin
Ross
Burghardt
Lenczowski
Sable
M
Burns
Levine
Sachs
Cannistraro
Linhard
Saunders
Childress
Mahley
Sestanovich
Cobb
Major
Small
Danzansky
X
Mandel
Sommer
deGraffenreid
Matlock
Soos
Dobriansky
May
Stark
Donley
Mingle
Steiner
Douglass
Morton
St Martin
Farrar
Murdock
Tahir-Kheli
Grimes
North
Teicher
X
Hanley
Perry
Thompson
Kelly
Platt
Tillman
Kissell
Pugliaresi
Kraemer
Raymond
Laux
Reger
INFORMATION
McDaniel
X
Pearson
X
Secretariat
X
Rodman
Cockell
Poindexter (advance)
Keel (advance)
COMMENTS
24
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ID 8607927
8634587
REFERRAL
DATE: 05 NOV 86
MEMORANDUM FOR: DEPT OF STATE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
TO: PRESIDENT
SOURCE: BARKETT, ED
DATE: 16 OCT 86
KEYWORDS: USSR
STOLAR, ABE
SUBJ: LTR REQUESTING THE STOLAR FAMILY BE LET OUT OF THE USSR
REQUIRED ACTION: DRAFT REPLY FOR WH SIG
DUEDATE: 18 NOV 86
COMMENTS:
FOR Rodney B. mc damel
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
25
UNCLASSIFIED
(CLASSIFICATION)
S/S # 8634587
DATE November 19, 1986
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
FOR: VADM John M. Poindexter
National Security Council
The White House
REFERENCE:
TO: President Reagan
FROM: Ed Barkett
DATE: October 16, 1986
SUBJECT: Soviet Jewry
WHITE HOUSE REFERRAL DATED: November 5, 1986 NSC# 8607927
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
Other
REMARKS:
Nicholas Platt
Executive Secretary
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
For Amb Matlock
26
From Scott
I
form your learance to send
around for
We sent this up before. as a reply to
Banbett. apps tolar himself has since
written to speakes and Peanson
sent the package tack down
to include that.
I have new included dhaft
replies from speakes to the Atolan
family. to have also included a request
for speakes to tell Alan Kranowity
( White Home Legislative liaxons) about
the letter since sankett also wrote his
Congraxman, who-in thors-referred
it to the White Honal. Ron Aahle had
asked you for a dhaft an this so
I have included 5 able for
OR to send ant for Ves
concurrence.
mother than send out
+
28
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
November 12, 1986
TO:
JACK MATLOCK
FM:
RON SABLE R
Would you or one of your people be so kind
and give us a short draft response to this
package?
Thank you.
Atch
in
12/1
I
ledo Fab A in lago to
include material in FAB II,
Bork
From: NSEMM CPUA JA
LOOK AT THE NOTE
30 E2(
Date and time 12/01/86 21:17:23
To: NSJFM --CPUA
NOTE FROM: ELAINE M. MITSLER
SUBJECT: JFM action 7927
subj: Reply to Ltr on Abe Stolar
Larry Speakes received a second ltr from Stolar dated Oct. 29, 1986. I am
returning a copy of the abovementioned ltr to you along with your pkg 7927
which replies to Stolar's Oct. 16, 1986 ltr.
Speakes thought your reply to the Oct. 16 ltr was very good. WRP asks that you
redo Tab A of pkg 7927 to include material we have tabbed "Tab II".
Thanks very much.
CC: NSMMW --CPUA
NSPMC --CPUA
-
END OF NOTE
3'
7927
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
November 26, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY SPEAKES
FROM:
RODNEY B. MCDANIEL Bobfor
SUBJECT:
Reply to Letter on Abe Stolar
At Tab A is a State Department draft reply to a letter from Mr.
Ed Barkett to you about Abe Stolar. Abe Stolar is a dual
national seeking to emigrate from the Soviet Union. The NSC has
reviewed the draft and concurs with the changes noted.
Attachments:
Tab A
Draft Reply
Tab B
Letter from Barkett
This is the same aswhen we sent
32
it up before. speakes
reportedly liked it.
33
SUGGESTED REPLY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Dear Mr. Barkett:
to Larry Speakes
I am replying to your October 16 letter^regärding the
efforts of Abe Stolar and his family to emigrate from the
Soviet Union.
We have followed closely the situation of the Stolar fami-
ly since 1975, when their exit visas were revoked just before
they were to depart the Soviet Union. Our Embassy in Moscow
stays in contact with them and has interceded with the Soviet
Government to help resolve a number of personal difficulties.
As you may be aware, Mr. Stolar was born in Chicago but later
moved to the Soviet Union with his Russian-born parents. We
regard him as an American citizen and have issued him a U.S.
He has been given - permission to leave
passport. the Soviet The Union, ourrent but obstacle does to not the resolution wish to of do so unless
Mr. Stelar' S case is the Soviet authorities refusal to allow
his daughter-in-law, Julia, can emigrate with the family, and
the Soviet an thorities a have refund to Jalia allow
to
Mr. Ed Barkett,
have.
8808 Darby Avenue, #30,
Northbridge, California.
34
2
We have included the Abe Stolar family name on the Depart-
ment of State's list of individuals with American citizenship
who have been denied permission to leave the Soviet Union. We
regularly present this list, which currently has 21 names on
it, to Soviet officials to express our deep concern for U.S.
citizens held against their will in the Soviet Union. In addi-
tion, we have made numerous individual representations on be-
half of the Stolars.
The U.S. Government has taken a strong stand in favor of
the right of free emigration from the Soviet Union, emphasizing
the importance this matter holds for U.S.-Soviet relations. We
raise this issue at every opportunity, including the October
meetings in Iceland between President Reagan and General
Secretary Gorbachev and the November meetings in Vienna between
Secretary Shultz and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze. We will
continue to press the Soviet Union to honor the commitments
regarding freedom of movement and family reunification it has
made under the Helsinki Final Act and other agreements.
Sincerely,
chron 35
7927
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
December 8, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR RODNEY B. McDANIEL
FROM:
JACK F. MATLOCK
SCOTT DEAN
SUBJECT:
Reply to Letter to Speakes about Abe Stolar
At Tab I is a memo from you to Larry Speakes giving draft replies
for letters to Speakes from and about Abe Stolar, a dual national
who is trying to emigrate from the Soviet Union. In early
November, Stolar gave a news conference in which he blasted the
USG for lack of action on his behalf.
We drew up the response (Tab A) for the Stolar letter from the
State draft (Tab C) for a public inquiry from Mr. Ed Barkett.
Barkett has also written Congressman Tony Beilenson, who referred
Barkett's letter to the White House. We are suggesting the White
House draw from the same text for both replies to Barkett.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memo at Tab I forwarding the drafts to Speakes.
Approve
Disapprove
Paul Hanley, Ron Sable and Walt Raymond concur.
Attachments:
Tab I
Memo to Speakes
Tab A
Draft Reply to Stolar
Tab B
Letters from Stolar family
Tab C
Draft Reply to Barkett
Tab D
Letter from Barkett
mattock30
7927
Chron
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
December 10, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY SPEAKES
FROM:
RODNEY B. McDANIEL Blfor
SUBJECT:
Reply to Letter on Abe Stolar
At Tab A is a draft reply to a letter from Abe Stolar and his
family to you. Abe Stolar is a dual national seeking to emigrate
from the Soviet Union.
At Tab C is a State Department draft reply to a letter from Mr.
Ed Barkett to you about Abe Stolar. The NSC has reviewed the
draft and concurs with the changes noted.
Mr. Barkett also wrote to Congressman Tony Beilenson, who
referred his letter to Alan Kranowitz. You may wish to forward
to Alan a copy of your reply to Barkett.
Attachments:
Tab A
Draft Reply to Stolar
Tab B
Letters from Stolar family
Tab C
Draft Reply to Barkett
Tab D
Letter from Barkett
37
38
7927
DRAFT REPLIES
Dear Mr. (Abe) Stolar/Mr. Lewis:
Thank you for your letter about your efforts to leave the Soviet
Union. We admire your courage in your struggle over the years to
return to the land of your birth. We sympathize with and
strongly support your desire as an American to live in the U.S.
Dear Mr. (Michael) Stolar/Ms. Kotlyar/Mr. Efremov:
Thank you for your letter about your efforts to leave the Soviet
Union. We admire your courage in your struggle over the years to
come to the U.S. We sympathize with and strongly support your
desire as an American to live in the U.S.
(second paragraph of all letters begins on next page)
39
2
We and following your one clossing and
We have included the Abe Stolar family name on the Depart-
ment of State's list of individuals with American citizenship
who have been denied permission to leave the Soviet Union. We
regularly present this list, which currently has 21 names on
it, to Soviet officials to express our deep concern for U.S.
citizens held against their will in the Soviet Union. In addi-
tion, we have made numerous individual representations your on be-
half of the Stolars
The U.S. Government has taken a strong stand in favor of
the right of free emigration from the Soviet Union, emphasizing
the importance this matter holds for U.S.-Soviet relations. We
raise this issue at every opportunity, including the October
meetings in Iceland between President Reagan and General
Secretary Gorbachev and the November meetings in Vienna between
Secretary Shultz and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze. We will
continue to press the Soviet Union to honor the commitments
regarding freedom of movement and family reunification it has
made under the Helsinki Final Act and other agreements.
Sincerely,
40
B
With the Compliments of
the
American Embassy,
Moscow
I am forwarding the enclosed letter on behalf of
the five American citizens, resident in Moscow,
whom the Soviet authorities will not allow to
leave the Soviet Union.
42
Larry M. Speakes
Aid to the President
Principal Deputy Press Secretary
Moscow, October 29, 1986
Dear Mr. Speakes,
We are a group of Americans detained in the USSR. There has been little
progress in the efforts to free us through the "quiet diplomacy" channels,
and we therefore call upon you to support our cases by initiating a public
approach. We will be currently contacting the press on our own, but without
the support of our Government our efforts will have little sence.
Enclosed are our curricula vita.
Yours sincerely,
Abe Stolar abe Stolar
Michael Stolar Michael Dtolar
Janet Kotlyar I Kotlyap
Andrei Efremov A. Exemst
Kim Lewis Kim Lewis
43
ANDREI EFREMOV
I was born in 1935 in Moscow. My mother, Margaret Wetlin, is an American
and is now living in Philadelphia (4100 Pine Street, Phila PA 19104). My fa-
ther, Andrei Efremov (1900-1968) was a Soviet citizen. In 1935, my mother
was faced by an alternative to either leave with me to the States without
her husband, or to stay. She chose the latter, but eventually repatriated
in 1979 with my sister Daria Efremoff and my nephiew Ted Efremoff.
I am a member of the USSR Art Union. My wife, Larisa Ratnikova, is also an
artist. We have three children: Natalia, aged 21, and twins Andrey and
Paul, aged 9.
We first applied for exit visas to USA in 1981 and at the time we had no
choice but leaving our jobs at the Moscow TV center. Ever since, I have
been working as a free-lance artist. We were refused exit visas on the
basis of "bad US-Soviet relations". We have reapplied for six times since
then and were inveriably refused, the standart reason for the refusals was
that our leaving the country "was inexpedient". Last November my mother who
is now 79 years old was permitted to visit us and we then received a call from
the Visa office; the officials suggested that we reapply and
promised
that we will be let out. However, we were refused again, this time the
reason being "contradictory to family reunification principles" - meaning
that my wife's parents are remaining in the USSR, although they had no objec-
tions to our leaving the country.
My address: Moscow 103006, Vorotnikovskiy per. d.7, kv.1
tel.: 299-95-77 h
My mother's tel.: (215) 386-55-05
44
Curriculum vitae
Moscow
Nezhinskaya ul. dom 15,
korp. 1, kv. 93
Janet Kotlyar
tel.: 441-12-05
I was born in Moscow in 1944. My mother, Esther Michael-
Rigerman, and my father, Henry Rigerman, emigrated to the USSR
from the USA in 1931. My American citizenship was. reaffirmed
in 1985 by the American Embassy in Moscow. I am married to
Vladimir Kotlyar who works as E. translator. We have a daughter,
Maria, 16 years old.
I graduated from the Moscow Pedogogical Institute in 1967
and worked as E teacher of Russian language, later as a technica
secretary in the Institute of Oriental Countries.
My brother, Leonid Rigerman, was the first person to
attempt to receive an American passport while staying in the
USSR: When he went to receive the passport he was arrested in
front of the Embassy. Under the pressure of intrnational public
protests, the Soviets released him and allowed him to emigrate
together with my mother. He now lives in New York City. My
mother died in 1983.
In 1977 I applied for E. visa to visit my mother but was
refused on the ground of the international situation being
unfavorable. Because of my application I was forced to leave
my job and since then am unemployed.
In 1978 our family applied for an exit visa to Israel
with actual intention of going to the USA. We were refused "for
security considerations". This was merely afalse pretext for
the only"security involvement" that we aware of was my husband's
work as an editor handling translations of technical documenta-
tion for industrial equipment. At that time he worked in a
military publising house and left that job in 1976. We reapplied
several times but were refused repeatedly. In 1981 we applied
for emigration to America on an invitation of my mother and
were again refused for the same reason. In 1983 I received a
cable with the information that my mother was in E critical
condition. On the basis of the telegram I was allowed to visit
my motherfor three months. We last applied in 1984 with the
same result.
KIM LEWIS (Alexei Glagolev)
I was born in 1953 in New York City. My father, Tom Lewis, is an American
living in New York. At the time of her marriage, my mother, Fainna Solasko,
then a permanent US resident, was stateless. After my parents were divorced,
I emigrated to the USSR together with my mother in 1955. I was adopted by
a Soviet stepfather, with my name being changed to Alexei Glagolev and my
place of birth to Moscow. I am a graduate of Moscow University and hold a
Ph. D. in biochemistry. My wife, Tatiana Lewis, also holds a Ph.D. in bio-
chemistry. Our daughter Alexandra is 11 years old. In 1981, I decided to
return to the United States, but- in order to apply for an exit visa, I had
to present an invitation from a close relative living in USA. Therefore,
in 1981 I applied to renounce my adoption, and succeeded by 1984. Meanwhile,
I pursued an active scientific career as a senior researcher and head of a
group studying bacterial energetics at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology
and Bioorganic Chemistry of Moscow University. In 1984, I defended my second
("Doktorskaya") dissertation which was published in New York as a monograph.
However, the State Qualification Comission ruled that "my moral qualities
were incompatible with the title in question", as the authorities had by then
became aware of my repatriation plans. In 1985, my father sent my family the
required invitation for permanent residence in the USA, and we applied for
exit visas. At the same time, my American citizenship was reaffirmed by the
American Embassy in Moscow, and I was issued a US passport. Two months later
we were refused exit visas; the reason given was that was "inexpedient".
Both my wife and I were pressured to resign by the officials. My wife final-
1y quit her job, and I was demoted to the position of a technician. We chal-
lenged the Visa Office decision in an appeal to the National Visa Office.
The sole result of this appeal was their decision to extend the 6-month
waiting period required until we could file the next application. We were
also provided with a specific reason for the refusal: our departure would
violate the rights of our relatives remaining in the USSR. All our relatives
immediately responded by submitting petitions to the Visa Office, asking that
we be let out. To this Col. Kuznetsov, Head of the National Office, replied
that their petitions meant nothing, since the fact that a family was being
broken up remained unchanged. Both my wife and I have ulcerative colitis,
and I had a bad relapse at the time of the Geneva Summit. The language of
the Joint Statement sounded promising, and I decided to pay another visit to
Kuznetsov. To my suggestion that they follow the Helsinki Act and allow =
an ailing person, to leave, acting with humanity and in the spirit of coope-
ration, he responded by saying that my case had already been decided upon
with humanity and in the spirit of cooperation [with the USA] and if I was
ill, I could be treated free-of-charge in a Soviet hospital. The unpleasant
part of this is that my illness is the result of stress, andthe necessary ne-
dication is not to be obtained in the USSR.
We applied a second time in the spring of 1986 and were again refused, this
time the reason given was that it was "undesirable". I have also applied to
the Supreme Soviet, requesting that my Soviet citizenship be renounced. I
was refused on the basis that I was not receiving permission to leave the
country.
This October, I tried to file suit against S.I. Alpatov, Head of the Moscow
Visa Office, on the basis of Article 58 of the USSR Constitution which states
that one can sue an official who has infringed upon one's rights. The Court
refused to accept the case.
ABE AND MICHAEL STOLAR
47
Abe Stolar was born in Chicago in 1911. Was brought to the Soviet
Union by his parents in 1931 at the age of 19. Was promptly made & Sovi
citizen without his knowledge or consent. Was invalided in the Soviet
Army in World War II. Is denied substantial veteran's rights.
Upon preparing to emigrate from Russia in 1975, his wife, son Michael
and he were stripped of Soviet citizenship hpon payment of the exhorbita.
fine demanded, in exchange for exit visas. The family was removed from
the plane on the way out, and their exit visas were rescinded. Michael,
now 27, has never had any Soviet documents and is an American citizen
exclusively.
Since being sent back from the plane without any income or rights - +
work, study, marry - the family has been living practically on fortuitous
charity Michael married a Soviet-born girl, Julia Shurukht, in a privai
religious ceremony conducted by an American rabbi. The Soviets refuse
repeated requests to register their marriage.
The Stolars fought for release for ten years, till the Soviet finally
in March 1985 pressured the three to get out, but insisted that they
forever abandon Michael's wife in Russia. The pretexts were that Julia E
Michael had had no civil marriage and that Julia could not produce her
mother's notarized renunciation of financial claims against Julia. Both
pretexts are unlawful. Julia's mother, who has had no contact with her
since long before Julia's acquaintance with Michael, is in a panic about
anything American. She believes her daughter has been enmeshed by an
American Zionist sect.
After the Stolars insisted for eight months that they would not desert
Julia and break up their family, the-Soviets officially informed the Unit
States government the day before Pres. Reagan's meeting with Mr. Gorbache
in Geneva in November 1985 that the entire family of four, including
Julie, was being allowed out. The family was on a list of ten being
released. The other nine left Russia long ago. Obviously the Soviets
nad no intention of letting the Stolars go.
In February 1986 Julia and Michael had a baby, Sarah. Miraculously, t
official registry recognizes the baby as Michael's. This established the
ties between Julia and the Stolar family: she is the mother of Michael's
daughter. The Soviets no longer talk about the marriage.
Last April, the family received an official document, the only one of
its kind in existence, giving reasons, in writing, for refusing permissic
to emigrate.
Moreover, Julia has a court ruling that her mother cannot have any fir
ancial claims against her. While admitting the importance of this docu-
ment, the Visa Office invented a new demand: that the mother relieve
Julia of "moral" obligations. Another court ruling cancelled that demand
as well.
Now. the Visa Office instigated Julia's mother to protest the pertinent
ruling in an appeal court. This was done so crudely and crookedly that
Julia managed to have the protest quashed. The Moscow Deputy Prosecutor
confirmed in writing that the original court ruling that the mother has I
financial claims, is in force.
Thus, as the case stands, three of the Stolars seem to be allowed to
leave; Julia possesses the documents that satisfy all the Visa Office's
unlawful demands. Yet the family is still caught by Catch-22.
Moscow, November 1986
C
49
SUGGESTED REPLY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Dear Mr. Barkett:
to Larry Speakes
I am replying to your October 16 letter^regarding the
efforts of Abe Stolar and his family to emigrate from the
Soviet Union.
We have followed closely the situation of the Stolar fami-
ly since 1975, when their exit visas were revoked just before
they were to depart the Soviet Union. Our Embassy in Moscow
stays in contact with them and has interceded with the Soviet
Government to help resolve a number of personal difficulties.
As you may be aware, Mr. Stolar was born in Chicago but later
moved to the Soviet Union with his Russian-born parents. We
regard him as an American citizen and have issued him a U.S.
He has been given - permission to leave
passport. The current obstacle to the resolution of
the Soviet Union but does not wish to do so unless
Mr. Stelar's case is the Seviet authorities refusal to allow
his daughter-in-law, Julia, can emigrate with the family, and
the Soviet an thorities a have refund to Julia allow
to
Mr. Ed Barkett,
have.
8808 Darby Avenue, #30,
Northbridge, California.
2
We have included the Abe Stolar family name on the Depart-
ment of State's list of individuals with American citizenship
who have been denied permission to leave the Soviet Union. We
regularly present this list, which currently has 21 names on
it, to Soviet officials to express our deep concern for U.S.
citizens held against their will in the Soviet Union. In addi-
tion, we have made numerous individual representations on be-
half of the Stolars.
The U.S. Government has taken a strong stand in favor of
the right of free emigration from the Soviet Union, emphasizing
the importance this matter holds for U.S.-Soviet relations. We
raise this issue at every opportunity, including the October
meetings in Iceland between President Reagan and General
Secretary Gorbachev and the November meetings in Vienna between
Secretary Shultz and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze. We will
continue to press the Soviet Union to honor the commitments
regarding freedom of movement and family reunification it has
made under the Helsinki Final Act and other agreements.
Sincerely,
D
16 October 86
mr Speaker
to leave the USSR
The Danilor case was resolved
Juould like to bring to your
quite quichly
attention the case of Abe Stolar and
what ir the administration and
her family, He is an American citizen,
the State Department doing to gain
brought to the USSR by his father in
the Stolar's release?
the early 1930's Since 1975 he has
The United States government allow
been trying to leave the U.S.S R. Last
the sale of grain, technology and
november at the Geneva Summit
industrial and petro-chemical plant
it was supposedly promised by
to be designed and built by America
Gorbacher that Stolar and his
know-how, know -how,
family would be allowed to leave
why the large military budget when
the USSR.
the government allows these things to
It has been almost a year
happen? ?
sence the promise was made Was
When ir Abe Stolar and her
is being done to secure his release?
family going to be released?
He is not the only American atizen
brought to the USSR by their farents
Respectfully Ed Barhett
who have refused to be allowed
Northordge
8808 Darby Ave #7
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 4, 1986
Dear Congressman:
Thank you for your recent correspondence
requesting information on the status of
Abe Stolar and his family.
Your special interest is appreciated, and
I was pleased to forward your request to
the appropriate White House office for
careful consideration and prompt attention.
With best wishes.
Cordially,
Alan Knauswitz
Alan M. Kranowitz
Deputy. Assistant to. the President
The Honorable Anthony C. Beilenson
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
ANTHONY C. BEILENSON
230 DISTRICT CALIFORNIA
54
225-5911
LOS ANGELES OFFICE
11000 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD 90024
COMMITTEES:
COMMITTEE ON RULES
Congress of the United States
(213) 209-7301
VALLEY OFFICE:
PERMANENT SELECT
house of Representatives
18401 BURBANK BOULEVARD
TARZANA. CA 91356
COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
(818) 345-1560
Washington, DC 20515
October 27, 1986
Mr. Alan Kranowitz
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Legislative Affairs
The White House
Room 112, East Wing
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Kranowitz:
I am writing to you concerning the continuing plight of Abe Stolar
and his family whose situation has been brought to my attention by a resident
of the congressional district I represent. Enclosed, for your reference, is a
copy of the letter we received in this regard.
We will greatly appreciate any information you can provide our office
regarding the Administration's efforts on behalf of the Stolar family. Please
respond to my district office at 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 14223, Los
Angeles 90024
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
ANTHONY C. BEILENSON
Member of Congress
ACB:dkb
Enclosure
55
Congressman Beilinson
29 Sept APC. 86
has that Daniloi has been allowed
to leave the USSR when well Also
Stolar and the family in allowed to
exit The USSR
1 have written to you and called your
office several times about thirmatter
last year J did receive letters in response
from your office.
Supposedly Stolar was to have been
promised to like able to leave the USSR
at the Geneva Summit last november
by Gorbacher
Earlier this year about F 25 people
relatives in the U.S.A.
were released to rejors their spirise and
What's the administration and the State
Department doing to secure the release
of Stolar and his family?
) would appreciate your assistance in
securing their release, Thank you
Respectfully Ed Barkett
UNCLASSIFIED
(CLASSIFICATION)
S/S # 8634587
DATE November 19, 1986
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
FOR: VADM John M. Poindexter
National Security Council
The White House
REFERENCE:
TO: President Reagan
FROM: Ed Barkett
DATE: October 16, 1986
SUBJECT: Soviet Jewry
WHITE HOUSE REFERRAL DATED: November 5, 1986 NSC# 8607927
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
Other
REMARKS:
Mann Manual Huty Auty
Nicholas Platt
Executive Secretary
UNCLASSIFIED
(Classification)
57
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ID 8607927
8634587
REFERRAL
DATE: 05 NOV 86
MEMORANDUM FOR: DEPT OF STATE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
TO: PRESIDENT
SOURCE: BARKETT, ED
DATE: 16 OCT 86
KEYWORDS: USSR
STOLAR, ABE
SUBJ: LTR REQUESTING THE STOLAR FAMILY BE LET OUT OF THE USSR
REQUIRED ACTION: DRAFT REPLY FOR WH SIG
DUEDATE: 18 NOV 86
COMMENTS:
FOR Rodney B. mc daniel
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
58
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TIME STAMP
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT STAFFING DOCUMENT
8634587
7927
86 OCT31 ₱3:08
SYSTEM LOG NUMBER:
ACTION OFFICER:
DUE:
4 NOV
Prepare Memo For President
Prepare Memo McDaniel to Chew
Prepare Memo For Poindexter / Keel
Prepare Memo McDaniel to Dolan
Prepare Memo
to
CONCURRENCES/COMMENTS*
PHONE* to action officer at ext.
5112
FYI
FYI
FYI
Brooks
Lavin
Ross
Burghardt
Lenczowski
Sable
Burns
Levine
Sachs
Cannistraro
Linhard
Saunders
Childress
Mahley
Sestanovich
Cobb
Major
Small
Danzansky
X
Mandel
Sommer
deGraffenreid
Matlock
Soos
Dobriansky
May
Stark
Donley
Mingle
Steiner
Douglass
Morton
St Martin
Farrar
Murdock
Tahir-Kheli
Grimes
North
Teicher
X
Hanley
Perry
Thompson
Kelly
Platt
Tillman
Kissell
Pugliaresi
Kraemer
Raymond
Laux
Reger
INFORMATION
McDaniel
X
Pearson
X
Secretariat
X
Rodman
Cockell
Poindexter (advance)
Keel (advance)
COMMENTS
Return to Secretariat
51
7927
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
December 2, 1986
MEMORANDUM FOR RODNEY B. McDANIEL
FROM:
JACK F. MATLOCK
SCOTT DEAN
SUBJECT:
Reply to Letter to Speakes about Abe Stolar
At Tab I is a memo from you to Larry Speakes giving a draft
reply for a letter to Speakes about Abe Stolar, a dual national
who is trying to emigrate from the Soviet Union. We concur in
the State draft with the handwritten changes noted.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memo at Tab I forwarding the draft to Speakes.
Approve
Disapprove
Paul Hanley and Walt Raymond concur.
Attachments:
Tab I
Memo to Speakes
Tab A
Draft Reply
Tab B
Letter from Barkett
60
7927
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
MEMORANDUM FOR LARRY SPEAKES
FROM:
RODNEY B. McDANIEL
SUBJECT:
Reply to Letter on Abe Stolar
At Tab A is a State Department draft reply to a letter from Mr.
Ed Barkett to you about Abe Stolar. Abe Stolar is a dual
national seeking to emigrate from the Soviet Union. The NSC has
reviewed the draft and concurs with the changes noted.
Attachments:
Tab A
Draft Reply
Tab B
Letter from Barkett
61
SUGGESTED REPLY
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Dear Mr. Barkett:
to Larry Speakes
I am replying to your October 16 letter^regärding the
efforts of Abe Stolar and his family to emigrate from the
Soviet Union.
We have followed closely the situation of the Stolar fami-
ly since 1975, when their exit visas were revoked just before
they were to depart the Soviet Union. Our Embassy in Moscow
stays in contact with them and has interceded with the Soviet
Government to help resolve a number of personal difficulties.
As you may be aware, Mr. Stolar was born in Chicago but later
moved to the Soviet Union with his Russian-born parents. We
regard him as an American citizen and have issued him a U.S.
He has been siven - permission to leave
passport. the Soviet The Union, current but obstacle does to not the resolution wish to of do so unless
Mr. Stelar's case is the Soviet authorities' refusal to allow
his daughter-in-law, Julia, can emigrate with the family, and
the Soviet am thorities a have refund to Jahia allow
to
Mr. Ed Barkett,
have.
8808 Darby Avenue, #30,
Northbridge, California.
62
2
We have included the Abe Stolar family name on the Depart-
ment of State's list of individuals with American citizenship
who have been denied permission to leave the Soviet Union. We
regularly present this list, which currently has 21 names on
it, to Soviet officials to express our deep concern for U.S.
citizens held against their will in the Soviet Union. In addi-
tion, we have made numerous individual representations on be-
half of the Stolars.
The U.S. Government has taken a strong stand in favor of
the right of free emigration from the Soviet Union, emphasizing
the importance this matter holds for U.S.-Soviet relations. We
raise this issue at every opportunity, including the October
meetings in Iceland between President Reagan and General
Secretary Gorbachev and the November meetings in Vienna between
Secretary Shultz and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze. We will
continue to press the Soviet Union to honor the commitments
regarding freedom of movement and family reunification it has
made under the Helsinki Final Act and other agreements.
Sincerely,
16 October HE
63
mr Speaker
Jwould like to bring to your
attention the case of Abe Stolarand
his family, He is an American citizen
brought to the USSR by his father in
the early 1930's Since 1975 he ha
been trying to leave the U.S.S.R. Last
november at the Geneva Summit
it was supposedly promised by
Gorbacher that Stolar and his
family would be allowed to leave
the USSR.
It. has been almost a year
since the promise was made Was
is being done to secure his relea.
He is not the only American citizen
bought to the USSR by their parents
who have refused to be allowed
64
to leave the USSR
The Danilor case was resolved
quite quichly
what is the administration and
the State Department doing to gain
the Stolar's release?
The United States government allow
the sale of grain, technology and
industrial and petro-chemical plants
to be designed and built by America
know-how,
Why the large military budget when
the government allows these things to
happen? ?
When ir Abe Stolar and his
family going to be released?
Respectfully Ed Barhott
8808 Darby Ave #2
Northridge CA 9132