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Dissidents (8)
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Dissidents (8)
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Records of the National Security Council, Directorate of European and Soviet Affairs (Reagan Administration)
Jack F. Matlock, Jr.'s Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) Subject Files
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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
Files Folder Title: Dissidents (8)
Box: 23
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
Collection Name MATLOCK, JACK: FILES
Withdrawer
JET 4/27/2005
File Folder
DISSIDENTS (8/23)
FOIA
F06-114/6
Box Number
23
YARHI-MILO
2308
ID Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
Pages
9331 MEMO
DOBRIANSKY TO CLARK RE PROPOSED
1 7/13/1982 B1
TELEPHONE CALL BY VICE PRESIDENT TO
DOBRYNIN
R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6
9332 MEMO
CLARK TO VICE PRESIDENT RE PROPOSED
1
ND
B1
TELEPHONE CALL TO DOBRYNIN ON
BEHALF OF HUNGER STRIKERS
R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6
9347 MEMO
BREMER TO CLARK RE INTERVENTION
1 7/13/1982 B1
WITH DOBRYNIN ON BEHALF OF HUNGER
STRIKERS
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9348 TALKING
PHONE CALL TO DOBRYNIN
1
ND
B1
POINTS
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9333 MEMO
SAME TEXT AS DOC #9332
1 7/14/1982 B1
R
3/19/2013
F2006-114/6
9349 MEMO
SAME TEXT AS DOC #9347
1 7/13/1982 B1
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9350 MEMO
SAME TEXT AS DOC #9348
1
ND
B1
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9334 MEMO
SAME TEXT AS DOC #9331
1 7/13/1982 B1
R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name MATLOCK, JACK: FILES
Withdrawer
JET 4/27/2005
File Folder
DISSIDENTS (8/23)
FOIA
F06-114/6
Box Number
23
YARHI-MILO
2308
ID Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
Pages
9352 PAPER
SOVIET EMIGRATION APPLICANTS RESORT
5
ND
B1
TO HUNGER STRIKES
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9335 MEMO
CLARK TO VICE PRESIDENT RE
1 8/4/1982 B1
INTERVENTION WITH SOVIET CHARGE
BESSMERTNYKH ON BEHALF OF HUNGER
STRIKER BALOVLENKOV
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9336 TALKING
PHONE CALL TO BESSMERTNYKH
1
ND
B1
POINTS
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9337 MEMO
DOBRIANSKY TO POINDEXTER RE SOVIET
1 8/3/1982 B1
HUNGER STRIKER YURI BALOVLENKOV
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9339 MEMO
PIPES TO CLARK RE INTERVENTION WITH
1 8/3/1982 B1
BESSMERTNYKH ON BEHALF OF HUNGER
STRIKER YURI BALOVLENKOV
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
9353 MEMO
CLARK TO VICE PRESIDENT RE
2 7/30/1982 B1
INTERVENTION WITH SOVIET CHARGE
BESSMERTNYKH ON BEHALF OF HUNGER
STRIKER
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name MATLOCK, JACK: FILES
Withdrawer
JET 4/27/2005
File Folder
DISSIDENTS (8/23)
FOIA
F06-114/6
Box Number
23
YARHI-MILO
2308
ID Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
Pages
9354 CABLE
071534Z AUG 82
2 8/7/1982 B1
R
12/13/2007
F06-114/6
9355 CABLE
301517Z AUG 82
3 8/30/1982 B6
D
12/13/2007
F06-114/6
9356 CABLE
271511Z SEP 82
3 9/27/1982 B1
R
12/13/2007
F06-114/6
9357 CABLE
041519Z OCT 82
1 10/4/1982 B1
R
12/13/2007
F06-114/6
9340 MEMO
DOBRIANSKY TO CLARK RE PRESIDENTIAL
1 10/4/1982 B1
MEETING WITH MRS. SHCHARANSKY
R
3/19/2013
F2006-114/6
9342 MEMO
STEARMAN TO CLARK RE AVITAL
1 10/5/1982 B1
SHCHARANSKIY
R
12/1/2009
F06-114/6
9343 MEMO
SAME TEXT AS DOC #9342
1 10/5/1982 B1
R
12/1/2009
F06-114/6
9344 MEMO
DOBRIANSKY TO MCFARLANE RE
2 10/5/1982 B1
MEETING WITH AVITAL SHCHARANSKY
OCTOBER 6, 1982
R 12/13/2007 F06-114/6
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name MATLOCK, JACK: FILES
Withdrawer
JET
4/27/2005
File Folder
DISSIDENTS (8/23)
FOIA
F06-114/6
Box Number
23
YARHI-MILO
2308
ID Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
Pages
9345 MEMO
SAME TEXT AS DOC #9342
1 10/5/1982 B1
R
3/19/2013
F2006-114/6
9346 MEMO
SAME TEXT AS DOC #9340
1 10/4/1982 B1
R
3/19/2013
F2006-114/6
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
HONGER
Dohlarsky
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
July 8, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR JUDY VAN REST
FROM:
MICHAEL O. WHEELER MW
SUBJECT:
Letter on Soviet Emigration Issue
On June 1 Governor Thompson of Illinois wrote the President
about Marija Jurgutiene, who is seeking to emigrate from the
USSR (Tab B). A proposed reply for White House signature,
based on a State draft and including our comments, is at Tab
A.
Attachments
Tab A
Proposed response
B
Incoming correspondence
2
PROPOSED RESPONSE
Dear Governor Thompson:
I am pleased to respond to your letter of June 1 to
President Reagan concerning the case of Mrs. Marija Jurgutiene,
who has for many years sought to emigrate from the Soviet
Union to be reunited with her husband, Mr. Aloyzas Jurgutis,
here in the United States.
The United States Government has consistently expressed
its concern to the Soviet Government over the obstructions
which are encountered by those seeking emigration from the
USSR. Denial of such basic rights as freedom of movement
and family reunification are matters of international significance,
and we have raised these issues with the Soviets both in
bilateral talks and in multilateral forums. We have encouraged
the Soviet authorities to adopt more flexible and responsive
emigration practices, emphasizing the importance of this
issue in the context of overall Soviet-American relations.
As you may know, Mrs. Jurgutiene and her daughter are
included on the U.S. Government Representation List of
Divided Families, which is periodically presented to high
Soviet officials as a means of emphasizing to them our great
concern for those who are forced to remain in the Soviet
Union against their will. The names of Mrs. Jurgutiene and her
daughter will remain on the list until their case is successfully
resolved.
A
8216611
OF
STATE OF ILLINOIS
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
SPRINGFIELD 62706
JAMES R. THOMPSON
GOVERNOR
June 1, 1982
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Rr. President:
1 am writing to bring to your attention a matter involving
Mrs. Marija Jurgutis, a Lithuanian seeking emigration from the
Soviet Union so she can join her husband in Chicago.
Since in your travels to Europe over these next few days the
subject of emigration from the Soviet Union may case up, I wanted to
make you aware of this situation and ask that you do whatever you
can to bring this issue to the attention of the Soviet authorities.
This is a matter of concern to myself, the Lithuanian people of
Chicago and the rest of the nation, as well.
Sincerely
James R. Thompson
GOVERNOR
Toi Jim Medas
4
4079
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
July 8, 1982
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL O. WHEELER
FROM:
MICHAEL A. GUHIN of
SUBJECT:
Letter on Soviet Emigration Issue
The memo at Tab I would forward a proposed reply (Tab A) to
Governor Thompson's letter on a Soviet emigration issue (Tab
B). The reply is based on State's draft with our editorial
changes. Dobriansky concurs.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memo to Judy Van Rest at Tab I.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachments
Tab I
Memo for signature
Tab A
Proposed response
Tab B
Incoming correspondence
1.
NSC STAFF
THE WHITE HOUSE
SECRETARY
WASHINGTON
June 8, 1982
2.
NSC
SECRETARIAT Sand t state left have
Brian,
I gave this to you for staffing
on June 2 and now here it is back
to me!
nb/
3.
Kathy
BRIAN MERCHANT
c/o Situation Rm.
11
4079
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 2, 1982
TO: Kathy McGraw/Judge Clark's Office
NSC
FROM: Judy Van Rest/Intergovernmental
Affairs
-
I wanted to bring to your attention
the attached letter from Governor
James Thompson of Illinois which
was telecopied to us.
ID 8204079
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
PAGE E01
-->
REFERRAL
DATE: 14 JUN 82
MEMORANDUM FOR: STATE SECRETARIAT
8216611
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
TO: PRESIDENT
SOURCE: THOMPSON, JAMES R
DATE: 01 JUN 82
KEYWORDS: EMIGRATION
USSR
JURGUTIS, MARIJA
SUBJ: REQUEST FOR MARIJA TO EMIGRATE FM USSR TO US
REQUIRED ACTION: DRAFT REPLY FOR WH SIG
DUEDATE: 18 JUN 82
COMMENTS:
WHEELER
STAFF SECRETARY
'82 JUN 14 JUN 14 P2:41
Read 5/8-1
4079 add-on
Unclassified
(Classification)
S/S# 8216611
Date June 29, 1982
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
FOR:
Mr. William P. Clark
National Security Council
The White House
REFERENCE:
TO: President Reagan
FROM: Gov. Thompson of Illinois
DATE: June 1, 1982
SUBJECT: Emigration of Marija
Jurgutiene from USSR
WHITE HOUSE REFERRAL DATED: 6/14/82
NSC# 8204079
(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.
Other.
REMARKS:
William Marty
for
L. Paul Bremer III
Executive Secretary
Unclassified
(Classification
ID 8204079
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
PAGE E0.
REFERRAL
DATE: 14 JUN 82
MEMORANDUM FOR: STATE SECRETARIAT
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
TO: PRESIDENT
SOURCE: THOMPSON, JAMES R
DATE: 01 JUN 82
KEYWORDS: EMIGRATION
USSR
JURGUTIS, MARIJA
SUBJ: REQUEST FOR MARIJA TO EMIGRATE FM USSR TO US
REQUIRED ACTION: DRAFT REPLY FOR WH SIG
DUEDATE: 18 JUN 82
COMMENTS:
FOR MICHAEL O WHEELER
STAFF SECRETARY
Henger Stathers
10
4985
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL
July 13, 1982
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
FROM:
PAULA DOBRIANSKY TD
SUBJECT:
Proposed Telephone Call by the Vice President
to Ambassador Dobrynin
Attached at Tab I for your signature is a self-explanatory
memorandum to the Vice President endorsing State's recommendation
(Tab A) that the Vice President place an urgent call to Ambassador
Dobrynin -- who departs for Moscow tomorrow -- requesting his
intervention in the cases of two hunger-striking spouses of
American citizens awaiting exit visas from the Soviet Union.
(e)
Richard Ripes concurs.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign and forward the memorandum at Tab I to the Vice
President.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachments:
Tab I
Memorandum to the Vice President
Tab A
State's memorandum to Clark, July 13, 1982
CC: Guhin
Robinson
CONFIDENTIAL
DECLASSIFIED
Review July 13, 1988.
NLRR FD10-114/10#9331
BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13
4985
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT
FROM:
WILLIAM P. CLARK
SUBJECT:
Proposed Telephone Call to Ambassador Dobrynin
on Behalf of Hunger Strikers
As the plight of the Soviet hunger strikers worsens moment by
moment, the Department of State has forwarded to me the attached
self-explanatory memorandum at Tab A suggesting that a telephone
call from you to Ambassador Dobrynin on the eve of departure for
Moscow might help. I endorse this recommendation. (C)
You may recall that in my memorandum to you of June 15, I
recommended that you make such a call. The condition of the
hunger strikers has now become precarious and a phone call from
you may make the necessary difference.
(C)
RECOMMENDATION
That you telephone Ambassador Dobrynin.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachment:
Tab A
State's memorandum of July 13, 1982.
CONFIDENTIAL
Review July 13, 1988.
DECLASSIFIED
NLRR FOG- 114/6#9332
BY RW NARA DATE 13/19/13
8220076
4985
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
July 13, 1982
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. WILLIAM P. CLARK
THE WHITE HOUSE
SUBJECT:
INTERVENTION WITH SOVIET AMBASSADOR DOBRYNIN
ON BEHALF OF HUNGER STRIKERS
Sergey Petrov and Yuri Balovlenkov, two Soviet citizens who
are married to Americans, have been engaging in hunger strikes to
protest the Soviet refusal to grant them exit visas. They wish
to come to the United States and be reunited with their families.
On July 9, Soviet authorities publicly announced that their
exit applications had again been refused "temporarily" -- i.e.,
their cases probably will be on hold until the next normal review
takes place in six months. The Soviet visa authorities suggested
instead that the two American wives, Elena Kusmenko (Balovlenkov)
and Virginia Johnson (Petrov), come to live in the USSR. Since
hearing this, Petrov and Balovlenkov have declared that they will
continue their hunger strikes until death. Quite recently, their
health has undergone marked deterioration. Unless the Soviets
can be persuaded to relent, it is quite possible that one or both
hunger strikers may die.
We have conveyed our serious concerns about this situation to
the Soviets on many occasions, most recently in a meeting Acting
Secretary Stoessel had with Ambassador Dobrynin on July 9.
Unfortunately, our efforts have not put a noticeable dent in
Soviet resolve. Chances are slim now that the Soviets can be
persuaded to reverse themselves, but we believe that the Vice
President's personal intervention might make them think again
about their tragic decision. They undoubtedly know of the Vice
President's prior support for divided spouses in binational
marriage cases (he met with Elena Kusmenko Balovlenkova and
three other binational spouses in May) and a personal appeal on
his part to Ambassador Dobrynin could not be ignored.
If the Vice President concurs, we would suggest a phone call
to Ambassador Dobrynin before his departure for Moscow which is
scheduled for the afternoon of July 14. Attached are suggested
talking points.
aim ad
L. Paul Bremer, III
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Talking Points.
DECLASSIFIED
NLS 806-114/649347
CONFIDENTIAL
GDS 07/13/88 BY LOT NARA, DATE 12/13/02
TALKING POINTS FOR PHONE CALL TO DOBRYNIN
-- Mr. Ambassador, I am calling you about a matter of
mutual concern to both our countries, a matter which, if
it is not resolved properly, will result in the needless
deaths of two of your countrymen.
-- As you may recall, last Friday Acting Secretary
Stoessel spoke with you about two Soviet citizens, Yuri
Balovlenkov and Sergey Petrov. These two men are
currently engaged in a hunger strike to the death. They
are protesting the refusal of your government to issue
them exit visas so that they might come to the United
States and live with their American wives, Elena Kusmenko
and Virginia Johnson.
-- Mr. Ambassador, these two men have done nothing to
warrant a death sentence. And yet, that is just what the
Soviet government has meted out to them by its refusal to
let them go.
-- I have met with Elena Kusmenko, the wife of Yuri
Balovlenkov. I know what she wants. It is simply to be
reunited with her husband in the United States. The same
is true for Virginia Johnson, Sergey Petrov's wife.
-- I also know that your government has said that it is
observing the Helsinki Accords and that both families can
live in the U.S.S.R. if they wish.
-- I don't want to argue about who is right or wrong in
this matter, or about who is and who is not observing the
Helsinki Accords. In this case, who would win and who
would lose such a debating contest does not particularly
matter. What does matter is what you and I both know:
that if these two men are not allowed to emigrate, it is
increasingly likely that they will die, and that the
Soviet Union will be held to blame for their deaths.
-- There is one reasonable way out of this problem, one
which can do nothing but good for our mutual relations --
a magnanimous gesture is all that is needed.
-- I know you are going back to Moscow on Wednesday. I
want you to take a message to your leaders. We wish to
make no propaganda out of this situation. All we wish is
to save the lives of these two men. Will you pass on that
message for me? (Dobrynin response.)
-- Please have a good vacation, Mr. Ambassador, and I
hope that before your return you will be able to give me
some good news about the fates of these two men.
DECLASSIFIED
NLS F06-114/6# 9348
BY
HOJ NARA, DATE 12/13/07
file hunger strikers
14
CONFIDENTIAL
4985
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
Deviouske
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL
July 14, 1982
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT
FROM:
WILLIAM P. CLARK upe
SUBJECT:
Proposed Telephone Call to Ambassador Dobrynin
on Behalf of Hunger Strikers
As the plight of the Soviet hunger strikers worsens moment by
moment, the Department of State has forwarded to me the attached
self-explanatory memorandum at Tab A suggesting that a telephone
call from you to Ambassador Dobrynin on the eve of departure for
Moscow might help. I endorse this recommendation. (C)
You may recall that in my memorandum to you of June 15, I
recommended that you make such a call. The condition of the
hunger strikers has now become precarious and a phone call from
you may make the necessary difference. (C)
RECOMMENDATION
That you telephone Ambassador Dobrynin.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachment:
Tab A
State's memorandum of July 13, 1982.
CONFIDENTIAL
Review July 13, 1988.
DECLASSIFIED
NLRR F06-114/6*9333
CONFIDENTIAL
BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13
8220076
4985
DEPaRTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
July 13, 1982
CONF IDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. WILLIAM P. CLARK
THE WHITE HOUSE
SUBJECT:
INTERVENTION WITH SOVIET AMBASSADOR DOBRYNIN
ON BEHALF OF HUNGER STRIKERS
Sergey Petrov and Yuri Balovlenkov, two Soviet citizens who
are married to Americans, have been engaging in hunger strikes to
protest the Soviet refusal to grant them exit visas. They wish
to come to the United States and be reunited with their families.
On July 9, Soviet authorities publicly announced that their
exit applications had again been refused "temporarily" -- i.e.,
their cases probably will be on hold until the next normal review
takes place in six months. The Soviet visa authorities suggested
instead that the two American wives, Elena Kusmenko (Balovlenkov)
and Virginia Johnson (Petrov), come to live in the USSR. Since
hearing this, Petrov and Balovlenkov have declared that they will
continue their hunger strikes until death. Quite recently, their
health has undergone marked deterioration. Unless the Soviets
can be persuaded to relent, it is quite possible that one or both
hunger strikers may die.
We have conveyed our serious concerns about this situation to
the Soviets on many occasions, most recently in a meeting Acting
Secretary Stoessel had with Ambassador Dobrynin on July 9.
Unfortunately, our efforts have not put a noticeable dent in
Soviet resolve. Chances are slim now that the Soviets can be
persuaded to reverse themselves, but we believe that the Vice
President's personal intervention might make them think again
about their tragic decision. They undoubtedly know of the Vice
President's prior support for divided spouses in binational
marriage cases (he met with Elena Kusmenko Balovlenkova and
three other binational spouses in May) and a personal appeal on
his part to Ambassador Dobrynin could not be ignored.
If the Vice President concurs, we would suggest a phone call
to Ambassador Dobrynin before his departure for Moscow which is
scheduled for the afternoon of July 14. Attached are suggested
talking points.
aim and
L. Paul Bremer, III
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Talking Points.
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
NLS F06-114/6 # 9349
GDS 07/13/88
BY
LOJ NARA, DATE 12/13/07
TALKING POINTS FOR PHONE CALL TO DOBRYNIN
--
Mr. Ambassador, I am calling you about a matter of
mutual concern to both our countries, a matter which, if
it is not resolved properly, will result in the needless
deaths of two of your countrymen.
--- As you may recall, last Friday Acting Secretary
Stoessel spoke with you about two Soviet citizens, Yuri
Balovlenkov and Sergey Petrov. These two men are
currently engaged in a hunger strike to the death. They
are protesting the refusal of your government to issue
them exit visas so that they might come to the United
States and live with their American wives, Elena Kusmenko
and Virginia Johnson.
-- Mr. Ambassador, these two men have done nothing to
warrant a death sentence. And yet, that is just what the
Soviet government has meted out to them by its refusal to
let them go.
-- I have met with Elena Kusmenko, the wife of Yuri
Balovlenkov. I know what she wants. It is simply to be
reunited with her husband in the United States. The same
is true for Virginia Johnson, Sergey Petrov's wife.
-- I also know that your government has said that it is
observing the Helsinki Accords and that both families can
live in the U.S.S.R. if they wish.
-- I don't want to argue about who is right or wrong in
this matter, or about who is and who is not observing the
Helsinki Accords. In this case, who would win and who
would lose such a debating contest does not particularly
matter. What does matter is what you and I both know:
that if these two men are not allowed to emigrate, it is
increasingly likely that they will die, and that the
Soviet Union will be held to blame for their deaths.
-- There is one reasonable way out of this problem, one
which can do nothing but good for our mutual relations --
a magnanimous gesture is all that is needed.
-- I know you are going back to Moscow on Wednesday. I
want you to take a message to your leaders. We wish to
make no propaganda out of this situation. All we wish is
to save the lives of these two men. Will you pass on that
message for me? (Dobrynin response.)
-- Please have a good vacation, Mr. Ambassador, and I
hope that before your return you will be able to give me
some good news about the fates of these two men.
DECLASSIFIED
NLS F06-114/6# 9350
BY
LDS
NARA,
DATE
12/13/07
17
4985
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL
July 13, 1982
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
FROM:
PAULA DOBRIANSKY
GY
SUBJECT:
Proposed Telephone Call by the Vice President
to Ambassador Dobrynin
Attached at Tab I for your signature is a self-explanatory
memorandum to the Vice President endorsing State's recommendation
(Tab A) that the Vice President place an urgent call to Ambassador
Dobrynin -- who departs for Moscow tomorrow -- requesting his
intervention in the cases of two hunger-striking spouses of
American citizens awaiting exit visas from the Soviet Union.
Richard Ripes concurs.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign and forward the memorandum at Tab I to the Vice
President.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachments:
Tab I
Memorandum to the Vice President
Tab A
State's memorandum to Clark, July 13, 1982
CC: Guhin
Robinson
DECLASSIFIED
CONFIDENTIAL
NLRR F06-114/16#334
Review July 13, 1988.
BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13
18
National Security Council
257
The White House
RECEIVED
Package # 4985
32 JUL 13 P6: P 37
SEQUENCE TO
HAS SEEN
ACTION
John Poindexter
/
g
Bud McFarlane
2
RCRCM HAS SEEN
Jacque Hill
3
Judge Clark
4
A
John Poindexter
Staff Secretary
Sit Room
I-Information A A-Action R-Retain D-Dispatch N-No further
Action
DISTRIBUTION
cc:
VP
Meese
Baker
Deaver
Other
COMMENTS
URGENT. NEEDS ACTION
TUES NIGHT.
now
no folder
sent Bin
CAS 7/12/02
HUNGER
STRiCERS
CONFIDENTIAL
D.
(UNCLASSIFIED upon removal of attachment)
THIS ADVANCE COPY IS PROVIDED FOR
YOUR PERSONAL USE PRIOR TO APPROVAL
FOR WIDER DISTRIBUTION DO NOT
FURTHER REPRODUCE, DISTRIBUTE, OR
CITE IN LISTINGS OF FINISHED
'NTELLIGENCE
NOTICE re:
SOVIET EMIGRATION APPLICANTS
RESORT TO HUNGER STRIKE
Attached is a revised copy of INR Report 432-CA.
Please destroy all copies you may have received
earlier and replace them with 432-CA (rev.).
CONF IDENTIAL
(UNCLASSIFIED upon removal of attachment)
20
CONFIDENTIAL
DEPARTMENT
OF
THIS ADVANCE COPY IS PROVIDED FOR
YOUR PERSONAL USE PRIOR TO APPROVAL
STATE
FOR WIDER DISTRIBUTION. DO NOT
FURTHER REPRODUCE, DESTRIBUTE, OR
*
*
CITE IN LISTINGS OF FINISHED
INTELLIGENCE
UNITED STATES OF AMEXICA
(U) SOVIET EMIGRATION APPLICANTS
RESORT TO HUNGER STRIKES
BUREAU Of
(LOU) Summary
INTELLIGENCE
Two groups of unsuccessful emigration appli-
AND RESEARCH
cants have initiated hunger strikes to dramatize
their plight and force Soviet authorities to issue
them exit visas. The fast by a group of "binational
spouses" has partially succeeded: in this instance,
regime sensitivity to unfavorable foreign publicity
CURRENT
and the threat it posed to Soviet foreign interests
overcame the constraints of domestic considerations.
The new hunger strike by members of a Pentecostal
ANALYSES
family in the US Embassy and their relatives in
Siberia stands little chance of success, however,
primarily because the Soviets see few advantages in
letting them go and do not wish to set an undesir-
able precedent. The Pentacostalist fast early this
year failed for essentially the same reasons.
Having acceded to some hunger strikers even
though it was clear that this would encourage other
unsuccessful emigration applicants to resort to
desperation tactics, Moscow now feels obliged to
adopt an unyielding attitude to keep this trend
from getting out of hand, even at the cost of short-
term embarrassment.
******
Binational Spouses Fast to Force Decisions on
Emigration
(U) Soviet prisoners often resort to hunger
strikes to protest prison mistreatment, and they
occasionally succeed in extracting small conces-
DECLASSIFIED
NLS F06-114/6#9352
BY NARA, DATE 12/13/07
sions. Now, Soviet citizens are resorting to
similar tactics to force authorities to allow their
emigration.
CONFIDENTIAL
GDS 7/21/88 (Mautner, M.)
Report 432-CA (rev.)
July 21, 1982
CONFIDENTIAL
- 3 -
pressure would require authorities to hand down some refusals as a
matter of tactical necessity and regardless of the merits of
individual cases.
(U) Nevertheless, the conflicting pressures of foreign and
domestic considerations evidently proved so acute that on July 9
the Soviet Bureau for Visas and Registration (OVIR) - the office in
charge of emigration--held an unprecedented press conference to
clarify the Soviet position. Deputy chief of the Moscow City OVIR
Sergey Fadeyev defended the decision to refuse visas to Balovlenkov
and Petrov as conforming with international agreements, including
the CSCE Final Act. Fadeyev also:
-reiterated the USSR's "benevolent attitude" toward the mar-
riage of Soviet citizens and foreign nationals;
pointed out that binational marriages need not necessarily
involve emigration of the Soviet party. He cited the case of
US citizen Kimberly Pilarski, who received permission to live
with his Soviet wife in the USSR, and declared there would be
no objection to the spouses of Balovlenkov and Petrov doing
the same while their husbands waited to reapply for emigra-
tion;
-objected to the alleged interference of the US Embassy in
internal Soviet affairs by encouraging Soviet spouses to
pursue their emigration efforts in an organized manner and
through "anti-social actions."
(LOU) Whether the Soviet position stated at the press con-
ference is a final one remains to be seen. The decisions of
Balovlenkov and Petrov to continue their fast forced authorities
to keep their options open. While considering whether to reverse
their earlier decision, they allowed the wives of the two strikers
to come to Moscow, obviously in the hope that they would persuade
their husbands to drop the strike. In the meantime, as discus-
sions continue, Soviet doctors--sent at the initiative of the
authorities--regularly visit the rapidly weakening strikers to
monitor their condition.
(C) The Embassy Pentecostals Try Again
By comparison, the Pentecostals' hunger strike stands little
chance of success because:
The fact that the strikers are in the US Embassy serves to
generate further pressure on the US to do more about finding
a solution. Moscow does not like the negative press coverage
it is getting in the West but, as long as the US is also
uncomfortable, it is prepared to wait.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
- 5 -
out of the hands of the emigration bureaucracy. Once again, the
authorities tried to fuzz the issues and make a pragmatic accommo-
dation while trying to avoid incurring a new cycle of problems.
(LOU) Moscow's reduction of the emigration flow to a bare
trickle has brought many unsuccessful emigration applicants to the
point of despair. Thus, from the Soviet standpoint, binational
emigration cases may warrant expeditious and flexible handling not
only to prevent difficulties on the bilateral level but also to
prevent these cases from even reaching the stage requiring a public
surrender to such extreme tactics as hunger strikes. Already,
unofficial sources report an increasing number of Soviets announc-
ing their determination to take actions ranging from fasting, to
renouncing Soviet citizenship, to self-immolation. Thus Soviet
authorities are under pressure to maintain an unyielding attitude,
even at the cost of embarrassment in the short term.
Prepared by Igor Belousovitch
x29204
Approved by Martha Mautner
x29536
CONFIDENTIAL
Ripe5256 5256 Hunger shile
24
MEMORANDUM
judied via
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Six Roomlip
CONFIDENTIAL
fader dom
8/04
August 4, 1982
2213
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT
FROM:
WILLIAM P. CLARK mp
SUBJECT:
Your Intervention with Soviet Charge Bessmertnykh
on Behalf of Hunger Striker Yuri Balovlenkov
With the rapidly deteriorating condition of hunger striker
Yuri Balovlenkov, it is hoped that you will make one more
effort on his behalf by placing a telephone call to Soviet
Charge Bessmertnykh. The talking points at Tab A prepared
by the Department of State are comprehensive and self-
explanatory.
RECOMMENDATION
OK
No
That you place a telephone call to Soviet Charge
Bessmertnykh.
-
-
Attachment:
Tab A
Talking Points
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassify on: OADR
DECLASSIFIED
NLS F06-114/6*9335
BY HDJ NARA, DATE 12/13/07
TALKING POINTS FOR PHONE CALL TO BESSMERTNYKH
-- Mr. Bessmertnykh, I am calling you about a matter of
mutual concern to both our countries, a matter which, if it is
not resolved properly and promptly, will result in the
needless death of one of your countrymen.
-- As you may know, our Government has discussed the case of
a Soviet citizen, Yuri Balovlenkov, with officials of your
government on several occasions. I believe Acting Secretary
Stoessel spoke with your Ambassador about the matter before
his departure for the Soviet Union.
-- This is one case among many. We continue to be strongly
interested in the resolution of all divided family and fiance
cases, but I am calling you in particular about this one
because of its urgency and humanitarian character. A case of
this sort should not end with a tragic death.
-- Mr. Balovlenkov is engaged in a hunger strike to protest
the refusal of your government to issue him an exit visa SO he
might come to the United States to live with his American
wife, Elena Kusmenko, and his two-year old daughter.
-- I have met with Elena Kusmenko. I know what she wants at
this moment. It is simply for the life of her husband to be
preserved. When she was in Moscow, local authorities refused
to cooperate with her attempts to save her husband's life --
either' through the granting of an exit visa, or through medical
treatment, as she had requested.
-- I cannot understand this attitude on the part of the local
authorities.
-- I am asking you to request your government to reexamine
this entire matter with the greatest care with a view to
saving the life of Yuri Balovlenkov. I would appreciate
personally any efforts you or your Government could make that
would result in saving his life.
DECLASSIFIED
MLS F06-114/6#9336
RY LOJ
12/13/07
26
TO: JOHN POINDEXTER
Urgent decision required. (COB-Aug.3).
Pauca Dobriansky
8/3/82
8/4 HAS SEEN
Re # 5256
RCM:
Re package recommending Vice President
call the Soviet Charge regarding
Hunger Striker Yuri Balovlenkov:
Moscow cable today said hunger striker
has at the most 6 days to live -- his
heart and liver and in bad shape now.
Pipes said VP will make the call, but
WC needs to sign off first.
Dona
NLS F06-114/6#9337
DECLASSIFIED/RELEASED DECLASSIFIED
BY LOT , NARA, DATE 12/13/07
27
289
National Security Council
The White House
REC WED
Package #
82 AUC 3 PII : 45
SEQUENCE TO HAS SEEN
ACTION
John Poindexter
Bud McFarlane
/
\
n)
Jacque Hill
2
Judge Clark
3
John Poindexter
Staff Secretary
Sit Room
I-Information A-Action R-Retain D-Dispatch N-No further
Action
DISTRIBUTION
cc:
VP
Meese
Baker
Deaver
Other
COMMENTS
5256
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL
August 3, 1982
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
M
FROM:
RICHARD PIPES
SUBJECT:
Intervention with Soviet Charge Bessmertnykh
on Behalf of Hunger Striker Yuri Balovlenkov
I concur with the State Department's recommendation at Tab II
that the Vice President telephone Soviet Charge Bessmertnykh
on the rapidly deteriorating condition of Yuri Balovlenkov.
State has provided talking points for the Vice President's use
at Tab A.
Dobriansky, Guhin, Lord and Robinson concur.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memorandum to the Vice President at Tab I.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachments:
Tab I
Memorandum for your signature to the Vice President
Tab A
Talking Points
Tab II
State Department memorandum of July 30, 1982
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassify on: OADR
DECLASSIFIED
NLS F06-114/6#9339
BY HDJ NARA. DATE 12/13/07
S/S 8222574
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
July 30, 1982
46
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. WILLIAM P. CLARK
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject:
Intervention with Soviet Chargé Bessmertnykh
on Behalf of Hunger Striker
Yuri Balovlenkov, a Soviet citizen married to an American,
Elena Kusmenko of Baltimore, has been engaging in a hunger strike
to protest the Soviet refusal to grant him an exit visa. He
wishes to come to the United States and be reunited with his
wife and two-year old daughter.
Mr. Balovlenkov's physical condition is rapidly deteriorating
and it is unlikely that he will live much longer should he
continue his present fast. He is apparently determined to
continue his course of action until the Soviets relent or he
dies. His wife, who has just returned from a ten-day visit to
the U.S.S.R., was unsuccessful in her attempt to convince him to
end the strike. She was rebuffed in her efforts to convince
Soviet authorities to force feed her husband in a effort to save
his life.
On her return from Moscow, Ms. Kusmenko, noting that Vice
President Bush has met with her and other spouses of Soviet
citizens in similar circumstances, complained to the media that
despite assurances that the White House was doing "everything",
she did not know what "everything" was.
We have conveyed our serious concerns about this situation to
the Soviets on many occasions, most recently in a meeting Acting
Secretary Stoessel had with Ambassador Dobrynin on July 9. In
addition, our Embassy in Moscow on July 28 transmitted
Ms. Kusmenko's plea to have her husband force fed. To date,
these efforts have not put a noticeable dent in Soviet resolve.
Chances are slim now that the Soviets can be persuaded to
reverse themselves, but we believe that the Vice President's
personal intervention might make them think again about their
tragic decision. They undoubtedly know of the Vice President's
prior support for divided spouses in binational marriage cases
and a personal appeal on his part to Chargé Bessmertnykh could
not be ignored.
NLS DECLASSIFIED F06-114/6 #
CONF DENTIAL
GDS OX /28/88
BY LOT NARA. DATE 12/13/07
U
CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
If the Vice President concurs, we would suggest a phone call
to the Chargé at the earliest opportunity. Attached are
suggested talking points.
Bremer,
Executive Secretary
Attachments:
1. Talking Points.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONF IDENTIAL
HUNGER
STRiKE
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
MESSAGE CENTER
PAGE 01 OF 02 SECSTATE WASHDC 1215
DTG: 071534Z AUG 82 PSN: 036700
EOB626
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CSN: EHA909
DISTRIBUTION: MYER-01 GUHN-01 KRAM-01 LORD-01 PIPE-01 RENT-01
/006 A3
N
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WHTS ASSIGNED DISTRIBUTION:
D
SIT: VP EOB
EOB:
S
OP IMMED
DE RUEHC # 1215 2191542
O 071534Z AUG 82 ZFF6
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
N
TO AMEMBASSY MOSCOW IMMEDIATE 6950
0
INFO WHITE HOUSE IMMEDIATE 7937
CONFI DENTI L STATE 221215
NODIS
S
E.O. 12356: DECLAS: OADR
TAGS: SHUM, CSCE, CGEN, UR, US
SUBJECT:
VICE PRESIDENT CALLS SOVIET CHARGE ON
BALOVLENKOV
L.
IC ENTIRE TEXT)
N
2. VICE PRESIDENT BUSH TELEPHONED SOVIET CHARGE
BESSMERTYNKH EVENING OF AUGUST 5 TO EMPHASIZE US
0
CONCERN ABOUT THE CASE OF YURI BALOVLENKOV, WIFE OF
D
AMERICAN CITIZEN ELENA KUSMENKO BALOVLENKOV. THE VICE
PRESIDENT DREW UPON THE FOLLOWING POINTS PROVIDED BY
DEPT.:
S
3. BEGIN QUOTE MR. BESSMERTNYKH, I AM CALLING YOU
ABOUT A MATTER OF MUTUAL CONCERN TO BOTH OUR COUNTRIES,
A MATTER WHICH, IF IT IS NOT RESOLVED PROPERLY AND
PROMPTLY, WILL RESULT IN THE NEEDLESS DEATH OF ONE OF
YOUR COUNTRYMEN.
N
AS YOU MAY KNOW, OUR GOVERNMENT HAS DISCUSSED THE CASE
0
OF A SOVIET CITIZEN, YURI BALOVLENKOV, WITH OFFICIALS OF
YOUR GOVERNMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I BELIEVE ACTING
D
SECRETARY STOESSEL SPOKE WITH YOUR AMBASSADOR ABOUT THE
MATTER BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR THE SOVIET UNION.
S
THIS IS ONE CASE AMONG MANY. WE CONTINUE TO BE
STRONGLY INTERESTED IN THE RESOLUTION OF ALL DIVIDED
FAMILY AND FIANCE CASES, BUT I AM CALLING YOU IN
PARTICULAR ABOUT THIS ONE BECAUSE OF ITS URGENCY AND
HUMANITARIAN CHARACTER. A CASE OF THIS SORT SHOULD NOT
END WITH A TRAGIC DEATH.
MR. BALOVLENKOV IS ENGAGED IN A HUNGER STRIKE TO
PROTEST THE REFUSAL OF YOUR GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE HIM AN
EXIT VISA so HE MIGHT COME TO THE UNITED STATES TO LIVE
WITH HIS AMERICAN WIFE, ELENA kusmenko, AND HIS
TWO-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER.
I HAVE MET WITH ELENA KUSMENKO. I KNOW WHAT SHE WANTS
AT THIS MOMENT. IT IS SIMPLY FOR THE LIFE OF HER
HUSBAND TO BE PRESERVED. WHEN SHE WAS IN MOSCOW, LOCAL
AUTHORITIES REFUSED TO COOPERATE WITH HER ATTEMPTS TO
SAVE HER HUSBAND' S LIFE -- EITHER THROUGH THE GRANTING
DECLASSIFIED
NLS F06-114/6#9354
CONF MENTIAL
BY
LOJ
NACA
DATE
12/13/07
CONF IDENTIAL
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
MESSAGE CENTER
PAGE 02 OF 02 SECSTATE WASHDC 1215
DTG: 071534Z AUG 82 PSN: 036700
OF AN EXIT VISA, OR THROUGH MEDICAL
TREATMENT, AS SHE HAD REQUESTED.
N
I CANNOT UNDERSTAND THIS ATTITUDE ON THE PART OF THE
0
LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
D
I AM ASKING YOU TO REQUEST YOUR GOVERNMENT TO REEXAMINE
THIS ENTIRE MATTER WITH THE GREATEST CARE WITH A VIEW
I
TO SAVING THE LIFE OF YURI BALOVLENKOV. I WOULD
S
APPRECIATE PERSONALLY ANY EFFORTS YOU OR YOUR
GOVERNMENT COULD MAKE THAT WOULD RESULT IN SAVING HIS
LIFE. END QUOTE
4. BESSMERTNYKH INFORMED THE VICE PRESIDENT THAT MRS.
BALOVLENKOV WAS FLYING TO MOSCOW THAT EVENING WITH A
N
VISA COURTESY OF HIS EMBASSY. HE PROMISED TO CONVEY
THE VICE PRESIDENT'S CONCERNS TO HIS GOVERNMENT. THE
0
TONE OF THE CONVERSATION WAS CORDIAL.
D
5 ACTION REQUESTED: THE VICE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE HAS
I
ASKED THAT YOU INFORM MRS. BALOVLENKOV OF THE CALL TO
BESSMERTYNKH, THAT IT WAS CORDIAL IN TONE, THAT THE VP
S
REGISTERED HIS CONCERNS, AND THAT BESSMERTYNKH
UNDERTOOK TO CONVEY THEM TO MOSCOW.
6. THE VICE PRESIDENT'S S OFFICE HAS ASKED THAT THIS
MESSAGE BE DISSEMINATED ONLY TO THOSE WITH A GENUINE
NEED TO KNOW.
SHULTZ
N
BT
0
D
S
N
0
D
I
S
CONF IDENTIAL
Dobuanshy
5969
yr
MEMORANDUM
FILE-
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
sov.
JEWRY
September 3, 1982
Dissidents
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL O. WHEELER
FROM:
WILLIAM L. STEARMAN
SUBJECT:
Third International Conference on Soviet Jewry
Judy Pond sent you a memorandum (Tab A) asking for an NSC
recommendation on Larry Eagleburger's addressing the Third
International Conference on Soviet Jewry. Your reply is
at Tab I.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memorandum at Tab I and check the "recommend
accept" box on the memorandum at Tab A.
Approve
Disapprove
Paula Dobriansky and Bob Sims concur.
Attachments:
Tab I
Memorandum to Judy Pond
Tab A
Incoming. request, dated August 25, 1982
5969
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
September 3, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR JUDY POND
FROM:
MICHAEL O. WHEELER
SUBJECT:
Third International Conference on Soviet Jewry
We have reviewed your memorandum of August 25, 1982 (Tab A) and
recommend that Larry Eagleburger accept the invitation to address
the Third International Conference on Soviet Jewry to be held
in Paris, October 24-26, 1982.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 25, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL WHEELER
FROM:
JUDY POND
SUBJECT:
Speaking Request
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR RECOMMENDATION AND COMMENTS ON THE
FOLLOWING REQUEST UNDER CONSIDERATION:
Event: Third International Conference on Soviet Jewry
Date: October 24-26
Location: Paris, France
Background: Larry Eagleburger has been requested to speak.
Pending your recommendation, I will send the
request to the State Department for further
action.
RECOMMEND ACCEPT
RECOMMEND WHITE HOUSE STAFF
RECOMMEND REGRET
RECOMMEND CABINET MEMBER
RECOMMEND SUBCABINET
COMMENTS:
Your response is needed by: August 31.
National Conference on Soviet Jewry
Chairman
Theodore R. Mann
Vice-Chairpersons
Robert B. Goldmann, New York City
Rabbi David Hill, National Council
of Young Isroel
Donald Lefton, Miomi
Rito Salberg, Anti-Defomation League
of Bnoi B'rith
on Wood, National Council of Jewish Women
August 12, 1982
Treasurer
ervin Riseman, American Jewish Committee
Financial Secretory
Mr. Michael Gale
obbie Abroms, Council of Jewish Federations
Office of the Public Liaison
Secretary
Old Executive Office Bldg.
Morgery Kohrmon, Women's American ORT
Washington, D.C. 20500
Immediate Post Chairman
Burton S. Levinson, Los Angeles
Executive Director
Dear Michael:
Jerry Goodman
Washington Director
The Third International Conference on Soviet
David A. Harris
Jewry will take place in Paris from October 24-26,
Executive Committee
(in Addition to the Officers)
1982. Two previous conferences, held in Brussels
Roslyn K. Brecher, Hadassah
in 1971 and 1976, were historic events in the
Lucille Brotman, San Diego
Dr. Robert O. Freedmon, Boltimore
annals of Western advocacy on behalf of Soviet
Rabbi David Goldstein, New Orleans
Jewry, each bringing together more than 1,000
Philip Lox, B'noi B'rith
Jules Lippert, Union of American
delegates from several dozen countries.
Hebrew Congregations
Eloine Pittell, Hollywood, Flo.
Edward Robin, Los Angeles
The Paris Conference, like its predecessors,
Herbert Rosenthal, Dallas
has been designed to involve major figures from
Doniel Rubin, Bergen County, N.J.
Joseph Smukler, Philadelphia
political life, arts and sciences, academia,
Joel J. Sprayregen, Chicago
jurisprudence and many other fields, joined by
Will Stem. Jewish Lobor Committee /
Workmen's Circle
Jewish community leadership from many parts of the
Robbi Joseph Sternstein, American Zionist
world. Several hundred Americans will be among the
Federation
Marcia Weinberg. Washington, D.C.
delegates.
Former Choirmen
Eugene Gold, Jerusalem
The aims of the Conference are threefold: 1) to
Lobel Kotz, (deceosed). B'noi Brith
Stanley H. Lowell, New York City
express international solidarity with the Jewish
Richard Maass, American Jewish Committee
minority in the Soviet Union, 2) to protest vigo-
George Maislen,
United Synogogue of America
rously the virtual closing of the emigration gates,
Robbi Isroel Miller,*
the pervasive anti-Semitism, and the unrelenting
American Zionist Federation
Robbi Herschel Schacter,'
harassment of Jewish culture and religion in the
Religious Zionists of America
U.S.S.R., and 3) to make a call to conscience to the
Lewis H. Weinstein,* Boston
.
world at large concerning the flagrant violations
American Jewish Conference
on Soviet Jewry
of the human rights of two million Soviet Jews.
Ex-Officio
Marvin E. Frankel, National Lowyers
It is our earnest hope that a high-level
Committee for Soviet Jewry
Sol Goldstein,
Administration figure will come to Paris to address
Washington Advisory Committee
this important gathering. The presence of such
Betty Golomb, Commission on Education
Charlotte Jacobson,
a representative from the U.S. Government would
Soviet Jewry Research Bureou
not only signal this country's enduring commitment
Dr. Seymour Lochmon. Greater New York
Conference on Soviet Jewry
to the cause of Soviet Jewry, but would also send power
Jacqueline K. Levine,
ful messages to the Soviet Union, to Soviet Jews
Congressional Wives for Soviet Jewry
Bernord White,
and to the international community.
Woshington Advisory Committee
A coalition of forty major national organizations and over two hundred local community councils and federations
National Office: 10 East 40th Street, Suite 907, New York, N.Y. 10016
(212) 679-6122/Cable Address: AMCONSOV,
N.Y.
Telex: 237311 NCSI
Washington Office: 2027 Massachusetts Avenue. N.W., Woshington, D.C. 20036 (202) 265-8114
Should you need additional information about the
Conference, please do not hesitate to contact me.
With best wishes.
Sincerely,
Dais AHam David A. Harris
Daid
Haur
Director, NCSJ Washington
Office
DAH : mb
41
NSC/S PROFILE
UNCLASSIFIED
ID 8206575
RECEIVED 21 SEP 82 11
TO
DUBERSTEIN, K
FROM CHILES, LAWTON
DOCDATE 08 SEP 82
DUBERSTEIN, K
17 SEP 82
BREMER
06 OCT 82
KEYWORDS: USSR
HUMAN RIGHTS
BARNETT, RICHARD
CO
BREZHNEV, LEONID I
SCHARANSKY, ANATOLY
SUBJECT: REQUEST SCHARANSKY CASE BE PLACED ON PRES AGENDA DURING OCT MTG W/
BREZHNEV
ACTION: DIRECT REPLY FURNISH INFO COPY DUE: 28 SEP 82 STATUS C FILES WH
FOR ACTION
FOR CONCURRENCE
FOR INFO
STATE
PIPES
DOBRIANSKY
LORD
KIMMITT
COMMENTS
REF# 098862
LOG
NSCIFID
(H/H)
ACTION OFFICER (S) ASSIGNED
ACTION REQUIRED.
DUE
COPIES TO
10/7 Recd State Direct Reply RP,D0,LO RP, PS,+
+
Ponticelli
DISPATCH
W/ATTCH FILE
(C)
4575
3
Unclassified
(Classification)
S/S#
8228702
Date October 6, 1982
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
FOR:
Mr. William P. Clark
National Security Council
The White House
REFERENCE:
TO: Ken Duberstein
FROM: Senator Lawton Chiles
DATE: 9/17/82
SUBJECT: Anatoliy Shcharanskiy
WHITE HOUSE REFERRAL DATED: 9/21/82
NSC# 8206575
(if any)
THE ATTACHED ITEM WAS SENT DIRECTLY
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ACTION TAKEN:
A draft reply is attached.
A draft reply will be forwarded.
A translation is attached.
XX An information copy of a direct reply is attached.
We believe no response is necessary for the reason
cited below.
Other.
REMARKS:
for
L. Paul Bremer III
Executive Secretary
Unclassified
(Classification)
OCTOBER 5 - 1982
Dear Senator Chiles:
I have been asked to respond to your letter of September 8
to the White House enclosing correspondence from Mr. Richard
Barnett concerning Anatoliy Shcharanskiy.
As you may be aware, Mr. Shcharanskiy's mother, Ida Milgrom,
announced on September 27 (Yom Kippur) that her son had embarked
on a hunger strike because he had been prevented by the Soviet
authorities from corresponding or meeting with his friends and
relatives. We are deeply concerned about the possible effects
that such a hunger strike will have on Mr. Shcharanskiy, who is
reported to be in very poor health. We wish to emphasize how
strongly we deplore the Soviet authorities' willful abuse of
Mr. Shcharanskiy's rights, which has led to this desperate
course.
We have raised the case of Anatoliy Shcharanskiy at high
levels with Soviet authorities, and we are pursuing a number of
avenues aimed at helping him. At present, there is no summit
scheduled between Presidents Reagan and Brezhnev. I would like
to assure you, however, that we will continue to raise
Mr. Shcharanskiy's case at all appropriate opportunities, as
well as other humanitarian issues, in our meetings with Soviet
officials.
With cordial regards,
Sincerely,
Powell en Moore
Assistant Secretary for
Congressional Relations
Enclosure:
Correspondence Returned.
The Honorable
Lawton Chiles,
United States Senate.
LIST OF NAMES/ADDRESSES FOR OVP
September 27, 1982
Mrs. Elena BALOVENKOV
301/342-2758
17 South Conklin Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
office 396-8716
Mrs. Lois FROLOVA
312/528-8546
3550 North Lake Shore
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Mr. Aloyzas JURGUTIS
312/471-0985
6542 South Fairfield Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60629
Mr. Edward D. LOZANSKY
202/364-0200
4201 Cathedral Avenue, N.W.
Apartment 408E
Washington, D.C. 20016
Mrs. Ausra ZERR
215/886-5849
708 Custis Road
Glenside, Pennsylvania 19038
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USUN PASS BURT/HAASS AND AMBASSADOR HARTMAN
E.O. 12356: DECL: OADR
TAGS: SHUM, UR
SUBJECT: IDA MILGROM' S STATEMENT ON ANATOLIY
-
SHCHARANSKIY' S HUNGER STRIKE
E
REF: MOSCOW 11499 (NOTAL)
X
D
1.
- ENTIRE TEXT.
S
2. EMBOFFS MET WITH SAKHAROV' S WIFE ELENA BONNER AND
ANATOLIY SHCHARANSKIY' S MOTHER IDA MILGROM AND BROTHER
LEONID FOLLOWING THEIR PRESS CONFERENCE (REFTEL). THEY
GAVE EMBOFFS A COPY OF THE 'STATEMENT TO THE PRESS"
ANNOUNCING SHCHARANSKIY' S HUNGER STRIKE WHICH THEY HAD
GIVEN TO THE SEVEN CORRESPONDENTS (U.S., FRENCH, AND
BRITISH; BOTH WEST GERMAN CORRESPONDENTS INVITED WERE
E
OUT OF THE COUNTRY) WHO HAD ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE.
X
MILGROM ASKED THAT A COPY OF THIS "STATEMENT" BE PASSED
TO AMBASSADOR KAMPELMAN FOR HIS USE IN MADRID AND TO
D
MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS. (EMBASSY' S INFORMAL TRANSLATION
OF THE "STATEMENT" FOLLOWS IN PARA. 4; A COPY OF IT IS
BEING POUCHED TO EUR/SOV.)
S
3. EMBOFFS EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERN FOR SHCHARANSKIY
AND ASSURED MRS. MILGROM THAT THEY WOULD PASS THE
"STATEMENT" AS REQUESTED. SHE REPEATEDLY ITERATED
THAT ONLY WIDESPREAD PUBLICITY ABROAD WOULD ALLEVIATE
ANATOLIY'S PLIGHT BUT EXPRESSED HER FEAR THAT ITS
EFFECTS MIGHT BE FELT TOO LATE TO SAVE HIM. MRS. BONNER
SEVERAL TIMES TOLD HER THAT HER RESPONSIBILITY WITH
REGARD TO ANATOLIY' S DECISION TO BEGIN A HUNGER STRIKE
IS TO "BE STRONG" AND TO SUPPORT HIM NO MATTER WHAT HER
OWN VIEWS MAY BE.
4. EMBASSY' S INFORMAL TRANSLATION OF MILGROM' S
"STATEMENT" FOLLOWS. BEGIN TEXT.
STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS
AS IT HAS BECOME KNOWN TO ME, ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1982.
DECLASSIFIED
NLS F06-114/6*9356
CONF DENTIAL
BY
LOJ
NABA,
DATE
12/13/06
CONF IDENTIAL
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MESSAGE CENTER
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THE DAY OF THE JEWISH HOLIDAY YOM KIPPUR, THE DAY OF
ATONEMENT MY SON, ANATOLIY SHCHARANSKIY, PROCLAIMED IN
CHISTOPOL PRISON A HUNGER STRIKE IN PROTEST AGAINST
E
THE DENIAL OF HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH RELATIVES. SINCE
DECEMBER, 1981, ANATOLIY' S LETTERS HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO
HIM WITH THE DEMAND THAT THEIR CONTENTS BE CHANGED. THEY
D
REFUSE TO ALLOW HIM TO WRITE THE TRUTH ABOUT THE
CONFISCATION OF LETTERS SENT TO HIS ADDRESS. SUCH
INFORMATION IS LEGAL AND PROVIDED FOR BY EXISTING
S
REGULATIONS AND RIGHTS. HOWEVER. THE PRISON
ADMINISTRATION. PERHAPS NOT JUST ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE.
FORBIDS MY SON TO WRITE THE TRUTH TO HIS MOTHER. BUT
ANATOLIY WILL NOT WRITE LIES! DESIRING TO JUSTIFY THEIR
OWN UNLAWFUL ACTS, THE AUTHORITIES HAVE USED THE PRETEXT
OF HIDDEN MESSAGES AND ILLEGAL INFORMATION AS A HANDY
E
EXCUSE FOR THE CONFISCATION OF ANATOLIY'S LETTERS. IN
HIS SIXTH YEAR OF CONFINEMENT, ANATOLIY (ALLEGEDLY)
X
HAS BEGUN TO RESORT TO CODED MESSAGES IN HIS LETTERS TO
HIS MOTHER. I PERSONALLY HEARD SUCH ABSURD DECLARATIONS
D
IN THE PRISON AND IN THE OFFICES OF THE HEADS OF THE
HIGHER ORGANIZATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
(MVD) OF THE TATAR ASSR AND THE USSR. THESE ABSURD
S
REASONS FOR THE ABSENCE OF MY SON'S LETTERS HAVE ONLY
ONE PURPOSE -- TO CONCEAL THE CONTINUING TORTURES OF MY
SON: HIS CONFINEMENT IN A CELL, THE DENIAL OF MEETINGS
THE CURTAILMENT OF CORRESPONDENCE, AND OTHER CRUEL
METHODS OF PRESSURE. ANATOLIY SPENT THE MAJORITY OF HIS
STAY IN CAMP LAST YEAR IN ITS PRISON. THEY KEPT HIM IN
SOLITARY CONFINEMENT FOR 185 DAYS, 85 OF THOSE IN A ROW!
E
WHEN THE STATE OF HIS HEALTH HAD BECOME CATASTROPHIC,
WHEN HE HAD FAINTED FROM HUNGER AND HAD BECOME
X
UNCONSCIOUS, HE WAS TAKEN TO THE PRISON HOSPITAL
D
SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS CARDIO-VASCULAR PROBLEMS,
VEGETATIVE NEUROSIS, AND HYPERTENSION. AFTER 33 DAYS
THEY BROUGHT HIM BACK FROM CRITICAL CONDITION. AND AFTER
S
THAT THEY PUT HIM IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT AND THEN
CONDUCTED FURTHER REPRISALS AGAINST HIM. BECAUSE HE IS
NOT "REFORMING" AND CONTINUES TO CONSIDER HIMSELF
INNOCENT OF THE CHARGES OF ESPIONAGE BROUGHT AGAINST
HIM, THEY INSTITUTED A CRUELLER REGIME -- THEY SENT
HIM TO PRISON FOR THREE YEARS. FIVE AND A HALF YEARS
E
DEPRIVED OF FREEDOM, A CONSTANTLY WORSENING REGIME,
X
AND FINALLY THE LAST TORTURE -- DEPRIVATION OF CONTACT
WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD, THE DENIAL OF CORRESPONDENCE WITH
D
BT
S
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EXDIS
HIS WIFE. MOTHER. WITH HIS BROTHER WITH HIS FRIENDS --
THERE IS THE ARSENAL OF REFINED METHODS OF PRESSURE
WHICH ACCOMPANY THE LIFE OF MY INNOCENT SON. WHO HAS
BECOME A CASUALTY OF PROVOCATION.
E
ANATOLIY'S HEALTH HAS BEEN UNDERMINED. AND IN THIS GRAVE
PHYSICAL CONDITION MY SON, BROUGHT TO DESPERATION BY THE
X
SITUATION WHICH HAS DEVELOPED IN RESPECT TO CCRRESPONDENCE
D
WITH HIS RELATIVES. ANNOUNCES A HUNGER STRIKE UNTIL THAT
TIME WHEN HIS RIGHT IS RESTORED -- THE RIGHT OF A
PRISONER TO WRITE AND RECEIVE LETTERS FROM HIS RELATIVES
WHAT AWAITS MY SON IN THE PROCESS OF HIS HUNGER STRIKE
S
WHEN HIS ORGANISM WILL HAVE WEAKENED COMPLETELY. WHEN ALL
RESISTANCE IS GONE? ONLY THE COMPLETE PHYSICAL
ANNIHILATION OF THE MANI ONLY DEATH
TODAY I HAVE APPEALED BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HEADS OF THE
MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS OF THE TATAR AND USSR MVDS.
I
REQUESTED AN IMMEDIATE MEDICAL INVESTIGATION AND
E
HOSPITALIZATION. I APPEALED TO THE MINISTER OF INTERNAL
X
AFFAIRS OF THE USSR AND REQUESTED HIM TO INTERVENE AND
ORDER THE PRISON ADMINISTRATION TO RESTORE MY SON' S
D
RIGHT TO CORRESPOND WITH HIS RELLTIVES.
I NOW APPEAL TO PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
TO THE STATESMEN OF ALL COUNTRIES TO SUPPORT ME AND TC
S
RAISE THEIR JUST VOICES IN MY SON'S DEFENSE. HELP ME SAVE
ANATOLIY' S LIFE! IT CANNOT WAIT. EACH DAY OF MY SON' S
FAST BRINGS HIM NEARER TO DEATH!
MIL' GROM, MOTHER OF ANATOLIY SHCHARANSKIY
27 SEPTEMBER
1982
END TEXT. ZIMMERMANN
BT
CONF IDENTIAL
FLE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 4, 1982
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT McFARLANE
FROM:
RED CAVANEY
SUBJECT:
Request for meeting with
Avital Sharansky
It is my understanding that members of your staff
have recommended your meeting with Avital Sharansky
who will be in Washington, D.C. today and tomorrow.
Michael Gale of our staff serves as liaison to the
Jewish community and would be most willing to assist
you in the scheduling of such a meeting. If you would
like Michael's assistance, please provide us with
available times for this afternoon and tomorrow.
Michael Gale can coordinate the meeting with Howard
Teicher and Paula Dobriansky of your staff.
pentecostals
CONF IDENTIAL
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MOSCOW 1993
DTG: 041519Z OCT 82 PSN: 003761
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FAMILY OF 12 CHILDREN LIVES IN CHERNOGORSK.
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU PERSONALLY, MR. PRESIDENT, AND
DISTRIBUTION: BLAR-01 MYER-01 GUHN-01 KRAM-01 LORD-01 PIPE-01
TO YOUR GOVERNMENT FOR YOUR EFFORTS TO REACH AN AGREEMENT
/006 A3
WITH THE SOVIET AUTHORITIES SO THAT WE MAY FINALLY LEAVE
FOR THE WEST.
I AM AWARE THAT YOUR GOVERNMENT IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH
WHTS ASSIGNED DISTRIBUTION:
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY TO FIND A SOLUTION TO
SIT: MCF WHLR JP VP SIT MR PUB EOB
THIS TERRIBLY DIFFICULT PROBLEM. THE FACT THAT MY COUSIN,
EOB:
GRIGORII VASHCHENKO, HAS BEEN PERMITTED TO EMIGRATE TO
THE FRG IS A VERY HELPFUL SIGN AND A POSITIVE INDICATION
THAT AN ANSWER CAN BE FOUND.
IN ADDITION TO EXPRESSING MY APPRECIATION TO YOU IN
ROUTINE
THE LETTER I ALSO WISH TO INFORM YOU ABOUT A FURTHER
STU7233
COMPLICATION IN THE LIFE OF MY FAMILY, THAT IS, THE
DE RUEHMO #1993 2770610
SERIOUS ILLNESS OF MY WIFE. AS YOU MAY KNOW, MY WIFE
R 041519Z OCT 82
SUFFERS ULCERATED COLITIS AND FIBROMA. DOCTOR HAS TOLD
FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW
US IN THE PAST (THREE YEARS AGO) THAT SHE REQUIRES
SURGERY. IN RECENT MONTHS HER CONDITION HAS DETERIORATED,
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9179
AND THE NEED OF SURGERY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE HAS BECOME
QUITE PRESSING. ANY STEPS THAT YOU AND YOUR ADMINISTRATION
INFO AMEMBASSY MADRIO 1793
CAN TAKE TO HELP US OUT OF THIS HORRIBLE SITUATION so THAT
AMEMBASSY BONN 3540
WE CAN EMIGRATE TO THE WEST, OBTAIN THE NECESSARY MEDICAL
AMEMBASSY LONDON 5306
TREATMENT FOR MY WIFE, AND FINALLY FIND PEACE OF MIND AND
AMEMBASSY PARIS 2427
THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN ACCORDING
AMEMBASSY ROME 7815
TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE BIBLE, WILL BE PRDFOUNDLY
AMEMBASSY LISBON 1207
APPRECIATED BY EVERY MEMBER OF MY FAMILY.
AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 2628
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH IN THESE DIFFICULT
AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE 1491
TIMES. SINCERELY YOURS, PETER VASHCHENKO. END QUOTE.
AMEMBASSY COPENHAGEN 1754
ZIMMERMANN
AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM 1686
BT
AMEMBASSY OSLO 1299
AMEMBASSY HELSINKI 3321
AMEMBASSY DUBLIN 0349
AMEMBASSY BERN 0619
AMEMBASSY VIENNA 9262
AMEMBASSY LUXEMBOURG 0493
AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 1725
AMEMBASSY ATHENS 1909
AMCONSUL LENINGRAD 8841
USMISSION GENEVA 6252
USMISSION USNATO 2407
CONFIDENTIAL
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE MOSCOW 11993
DEPT FOR EUR/SOV
E.O. 12356 :N/A
TAGS SHUM, CSCE, UR, US, SREF
SUBJECT LETTER FROM PETER VASHCHENKO TO PRESIDENT REAGAN
REF : (A) MOSCOW 10969 (B) MOSCOW 10444
1. CONSOFF SEPTEMBER 30 DELIVERED ASSISTANT SECRETARY-
DESIGNATE RICHARD BURT'S REPLY TO AUGUSTINA VASHCHENKO'S
LETTER TO PRESIDENT REAGAN OF AUGUST 28, 1982 (REF B).
DURING THE MEETING, THE VASHCHENKO FAMILY CONFIRMED THE
REPORT IN REF A THAT THEY HAVE SENT ANOTHER LETTER TO
PRESIDENT REAGAN. THE LETTER, DATED SEPTEMBER 8 AND
SIGNED BY PETER VASHCHENKO, IS MUCH MILDER IN TONE THAN
AUGUSTINA'S MISSIVE, BUT EXPRESSES THE SAME CONCERNS.
WE BELIEVE
THAT IT HAS BEEN ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED BY AS BURT'S
REPLY AND WOULD SUGGEST, THEREFORE, THAT NO RESPONSE
IS NECESSARY.
2. TEXT OF PETER'S LETTER OF SEPTEMBER 8 FOLLOWS:
DECLASSIFIED
QUOTE: DEAR MR. PRESIDENT,
AS YOU KNOW, 1, ALONG WITH MY WIFE, AUGUSTINA, AND TWO
NLS
F06-114/6#9357
OF MY DAUGHTERS, LIUBA AND LILIA, AM RESIDING IN THE
AMERICAN EMBASSY IN MOSCOW BECAUSE THE SOVIET GOVERNMENT
BY LOJ NACA, DATE 12/13/06
WILL NOT PERMIT US TO EMIGRATE. THE OTHER PART OF MY
CONFIDENTIAL
Dissedents
NON-LOG
October 4, 1982
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT C. McFARLANE
FROM:
WILLIAM L. STEARMAN
SUBJECT:
Avital Shcharansky Appointment
Avital Shcharansky, wife of hunger-striking Anatoly Shcharansky,
saw me this morning accompanied by Baruch Gur of the Israeli
Embassy. Gur is apparently trying to make appointments for
Avital with the President, Judge Clark and Ed Meese.
State (SOV) has asked Secretary Shultz to raise the Shcharansky
case with Gromyko today. When I get the results of this
discussion, I will do a memorandum for the Judge. This
memorandum is merely to alert you to Gur's efforts to make
White House appointments.
6803
Dissadents
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL
October 4, 1982
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
FROM:
PAULA DOBRIANSKY
SUBJECT:
Presidential Meeting with Mrs. Shcharansky
Per Bud's request, I have indicated below background on Avital
Shcharansky's visit to the United States and reasons for and
against her meeting with the President. Mrs. Shcharansky is in
Washington for one purpose -- to appeal her husband's situation
to the highest Administration officials. She is scheduled to
meet with Senator Percy tomorrow and would like to meet with
Secretary Shultz and the President. I have been told that the
Israeli Embassy is lobbying on her behalf for these meetings.
A meeting with the President would primarily have political
value. That is, it would reaffirm broadly the Administration's
concern about human rights and Soviet Jewry and specifically,
would manifest the President's personal concern for her husband's
plight. It would also satisfy the Congressional and Jewish-
American pressure which has been made on her behalf.
However, a meeting with the President is not really merited.
First, Mrs. Shcharansky met with him last year. As in her
previous meeting, she will provide an update on her husband's
condition and potentially make a number of recommendations.
Second, it is unlikely that such a meeting would result in Soviet
government consent to release her husband.
I recommend that either you or Bud McFarlane meet with Mrs.
Shcharansky on behalf of the President and mention that her
concerns will be conveyed to him. Hence, such a meeting would
reap all the political benefits mentioned above without engaging
the President's time.
State and Bill Stearman concur.
RECOMMENDATION
That you and/or Bud McFarlane meet with Avital Shcharansky.
Approve
Disapprove
DECLASSIFIED
CONPIDENTIAL
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NLRR F06-114/6#9340
BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13
Diss dents
52
6803 add-on Dobuanshy
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SECRET
October 5, 1982
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
FROM:
WILLIAM L. STEARMAN
WH
SUBJECT:
Avital Shcharansky
Avital Shcharansky, wife of hunger-striking Jewish dissident
Anatoly Shcharansky, called on me yesterday accompanied by
Baruch Gur of the Israeli Embassy who evidently is seeking
appointments for Avital with the President, Ed Meese and you.
(Paula Dobriansky sent you a memorandum on this yesterday.)
Secretary Shultz mentioned Avital's concern about her husband
in his meeting with Gromyko yesterday.
Avital pressed me to do something to help save her husband's life
and specifically suggested arranging an exchange. I told her that
I would check with State Department officials and others to see
what could be done. Gur said that Avital planned a trip to the
Hill today to see, among others, Senator Percy. Gur also said
he was trying to arrange a meeting with you and others in the
White House, but did not mention the President.
The chances of freeing Anatoly are bleak indeed. We have several
times in the past tried to arrange exchanges, but without success.
If you or Bud see her, the only thing we can promise her is that
we will keep on trying.
Secretary Shultz yesterday raised with Gromyko the general issue of
human rights in the USSR including Soviet emigration policy. In
this context, he mentioned that Avital was in Washington and planned
some kind of demonstration or hunger strike. Gromyko replied that
the U.S. has created a "less favorable climate" for resolving issues
of this nature. This is, incidentally, the first time we can recall
when the Soviets directly linked increased restrictions on emigration
with the "climate" of U.S.-Soviet relations.
We should probably not tell Avital that Shultz raised the Shcharansky
case with Gromyko. If this gets out, many others will be angered
that we did not mention the cases of their relatives -- especially
of those who claim U.S. citizenship and are not permitted to leave
the Soviet Union. We can, however, tell her that the Secretary
knows of her concerns and will do what he can to help.
CC: Paula Dobriansky
DECLASSIFIED
NLRR F06-114/6#9342
SECRET
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BY RW NARA DATE 12/1/09
file Dessedents
MEMORANDUM
6803 add-on Dobriamiky
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL
October 5, 1982
DECLASSIFIED
F06-114/6#9344
NAM, DATE 12/13/07
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT C. McFARLANE
PAULA DOBRIANSKY
BY
ROM HAS SEEM
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Your Meeting with Avital Shcharansky
(Wednesday, October 6, 1982, 9:00 a.m.)
NLS
Below for your reference is background on U.S. Government initiatives
made over the years and in this Administration on behalf of Mrs.
Shcharansky's husband, Anatoly. Attached at Tab I is background on
Shcharansky's case.
Meetings:
-- On May 13, 1981, former Secretary of State Haig met with
Mrs. Shcharansky who called on him to appeal for Administration
efforts to obtain the release of her husband.
-- On May 28, 1981, President Reagan met with her to discuss
her husband's condition and to hear firsthand her recommendations
for securing his release (i.e., prisoner exchanges). The White
House released a press statement after the meeting which asserted,
"The President expressed deep sympathy for the persecuted Jewish
and other religious communities in the Soviet Union, as well as
for the plight of Mrs. Shcharansky's husband, and promised to do
all in his er to help alleviate the situation."
-- On Jan WHY 14, 1982, Secretary Haig met with Mrs. Shcharansky
in Israel.
Statements: Many statements have been made about Mr. Shcharansky's
condition and unjust imprisonment over the years. These statements
have highlighted his case, have roused domestic and international
indignation at Soviet authorities and have condemned the USSR for
not granting Shcharansky his basic human rights. On September
27, the day her husband went on a hunger strike, the Department
of State released a statement which criticizes the Soviet government
for its inhumane treatment of Shcharansky.
International Fora: Ambassador Kampelman has raised the case at
least eight times over the years in the CSCE.
Other: In addition to the above, demarches have been issued on
his behalf, and Ambassador Hartman has appealed the case to
Soviet authorities both last year and this year. Most recently,
Secretary of State Shultz addressed Shcharansky's situation with
Gromyko in their discussion at the UNGA. I was told by State
that the Secretary is exploring every avenue (i.e., prisoner
exchanges) ... secure her husband's release.
Attachment:
Tab I
Background on Shcharansky's case
CONFIDENTIAL
Background:
Shcharansky Case
Avital Shcharansky is the wife of imprisoned Soviet dissident,
Anatoly Shcharansky, who together with Iurii Orlov (also
presently in a Soviet jail) in 1976 founded the Moscow Helsinki
Watch Group. This organization is dedicated to monitoring Soviet
compliance with the terms of the Helsinki Final Accords. Prior
to that time, Shcharansky has been primarily interested in
securing permission to emigrate to Israel.
The Shcharanskys were married in 1973, one day before she was
allowed to leave the Soviet Union for Israel; at the time the
couple was told that his exit visa would be issued soon. In
fact, they have not seen each other since. Anatoly was arrested
in March 1977, and given a show trial in July 1978. Accused of
serving U.S. secret services, he drew an unusually severe sentence
of 13 years imprisonment to be followed by five years of internal
exile. At the time of the trial, President Carter emphatically
denied that Shcharansky had any connection with U.S. intelligence.
Shcharansky's case is unusual in that he is a martyr for the
cause of Judaism as well as that of human rights in the USSR
(the two movements usually march their separate ways). He is
presently reported to be confined to the "strict regime" barracks
of the Perm prison complex where he receives sub-standard rations
of food and clothing, and is allowed virtually no contact with
the outside world. His health is said to be deteriorating. On
September 27, he went on a hunger strike to protest his unjust
imprisonment.
Mrs. Shcharansky, who resides in Israel, has worked indefatigably
for the past nine years to secure the release of her husband of
one day.
CONFIDENTIAL
Declassify on: OADR
MW
6803 add-on
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SECRET
October 5, 1982
INFORMATION
4,15 SEEN
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
FROM:
WILLIAM L. STEARMAN
WH
ROM HAS SIZE
SUBJECT:
Avital Shcharansky
Avital Shcharansky, wife of hunger-striking Jewish dissident
Anatoly Shcharansky, called on me yesterday accompanied by
Baruch Gur of the Israeli Embassy who evidently is seeking
appointments for Avital with the President, Ed Meese and you.
(Paula Dobriansky sent you a memorandum on this yesterday.)
Secretary Shultz mentioned Avital's concern about her husband
in his meeting with Gromyko yesterday.
Avital pressed me to do something to help save her husband's life
and specifically suggested arranging an exchange. I told her that
I would check with State Department officials and others to see
what could be done. Gur said that Avital planned a trip to the
Hill today to see, among others, Senator Percy. Gur also said
he was trying to arrange a meeting with you and others in the
White House, but did not mention the President.
The chances of freeing Anatoly are bleak indeed. We have several
times in the past tried to arrange exchanges, but without success.
If you or Bud see her, the only thing we can promise her is that
we will keep on trying.
Secretary Shultz yesterday raised with Gromyko the general issue of
human rights in the USSR including Soviet emigration policy. In
this context, he mentioned that Avital was in Washington and planned
some kind of demonstration or hunger strike. Gromyko replied that
the U.S. has created a "less favorable climate" for resolving issues
of this nature. This is, incidentally, the first time we can recall
when the Soviets directly linked increased restrictions on emigration
with the "climate" of U.S.-Soviet relations.
We should probably not tell Avital that Shultz raised the Shcharansky
case with Gromyko. If this gets out, many others will be angered
that we did not mention the cases of their relatives -- especially
of those who claim U.S. citizenship and are not permitted to leave
the Soviet Union. We can, however, tell her that the Secretary
knows of her concerns and will do what he can to help.
CC: Paula Dobriansky
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6803
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
CONFIDENTIAL
October 4, 1982
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
FROM:
PAULA DOBRIANSKY
SUBJECT:
Presidential Meeting with Mrs. Shcharansky
Per Bud's request, I have indicated below background on Avital
Shcharansky's visit to the United States and reasons for and
against her meeting with the President. Mrs. Shcharansky is in
Washington for one purpose -- to appeal her husband's situation
to the highest Administration officials. She is scheduled to
meet with Senator Percy tomorrow and would like to meet with
Secretary Shultz and the President. I have been told that the
Israeli Embassy is lobbying on her behalf for these meetings.
A meeting with the President would primarily have political
value. That is, it would reaffirm broadly the Administration's
concern about human rights and Soviet Jewry and specifically,
would manifest the President's personal concern for her husband's
plight. It would also satisfy the Congressional and Jewish-
American pressure which has been made on her behalf.
However, a meeting with the President is not really merited.
First, Mrs. Shcharansky met with him last year. As in her
previous meeting, she will provide an update on her husband's
condition and potentially make a number of recommendations.
Second, it is unlikely that such a meeting would result in Soviet
government consent to release her husband.
I recommend that either you or Bud McFarlane meet with Mrs.
Shcharansky on behalf of the President and mention that her
concerns will be conveyed to him. Hence, such a meeting would
reap all the political benefits mentioned above without engaging
the President's time.
State and Bill Stearman concur.
RECOMMENDATION
That you and/or Bud McFarlane meet with Avital Shcharansky.
Approve
Disapprove
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National Security Council
The White House
Package # 6803
82 OCT 5 P4: 09
SEQUENCE TO HAS SEEN
ACTION
John Poindexter
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P
Bud McFarlane
2
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Jacque Hill
3
Judge Clark
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John Poindexter
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Staff Secretary
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I-Information
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COMMENTS
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6803 add-on
Dessidents
MEMORANDUM
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SECRET
October 5, 1982
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK
FROM:
WILLIAM L. STEARMAN
WH
SUBJECT:
Avital Shcharansky
Avital Shcharansky, wife of hunger-striking Jewish dissident
Anatoly Shcharansky, called on me yesterday accompanied by
Baruch Gur of the Israeli Embassy who evidently is seeking
appointments for Avital with the President, Ed Meese and you.
(Paula Dobriansky sent you a memorandum on this yesterday.)
Secretary Shultz mentioned Avital's concern about her husband
in his meeting with Gromyko yesterday.
Avital pressed me to do something to help save her husband's life
and specifically suggested arranging an exchange. I told her that
I would check with State Department officials and others to see
what could be done. Gur said that Avital planned a trip to the
Hill today to see, among others, Senator Percy. Gur also said
he was trying to arrange a meeting with you and others in the
White House, but did not mention the President.
The chances of freeing Anatoly are bleak indeed. We have several
times in the past tried to arrange exchanges, but without success.
If you or Bud see her, the only thing we can promise her is that
we will keep on trying.
Secretary Shultz yesterday raised with Gromyko the general issue of
human rights in the USSR including Soviet emigration policy. In
this context, he mentioned that Avital was in Washington and planned
some kind of demonstration or hunger strike. Gromyko replied that
the U.S. has created a "less favorable climate" for resolving issues
of this nature. This is, incidentally, the first time we can recall
when the Soviets directly linked increased restrictions on emigration
with the "climate" of U.S.-Soviet relations.
We should probably not tell Avital that Shultz raised the Shcharansky
case with Gromyko. If this gets out, many others will be angered
that we did not mention the cases of their relatives -- especially
of those who claim U.S. citizenship and are not permitted to leave
the Soviet Union. We can, however, tell her that the Secretary
knows of her concerns and will do what he can to help.
cc: Paula Dobriansky
DECLASSIFIED
SECRET
NLRR F06-114/6+9343
Declassify on: OADR
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DATE
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