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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
Folder Title: Divided Spouses (1)
Box: 24
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/
110.30 6320 DRIVE
FOREST Hills, N.Y
11375
(718) Y59 5480
Julia Shildkret
Assistant Treasurer
Bankers Trust Company
One Bankers Trust Plaza
Telephone
New York, NY 10015
212-250-3256
FILE
sov.-
Moscow
DivideD
U.S.S.R.
spouse:
September 30, 1985
(srl up.
bue
We are American citizen Michael Lavigne and Soviet citizen
Sonia Melnikova-Eichenvald.
Before we met in November 1984, Sonia had been a Jewish
refusenik for five years. It was a terrible ordeal.
Now she faces an even more tragic situation.
In April of 1985, we were married in Moscow. Perhaps with
some irony the representative of the Moscow People's Council,
who performed the ceremony, wished us every success, for
soon after, the same Soviet authorities decided to break
our family apart.
On May 10, 1985, we applied for an exit visa for Sonia
to come live in America. On August 30, after three months
delay, we were given an answer: No. They gave us no
reason. They merely said that her leaving was "undesirable."
This refusal -- Sonia's twelfth -- was a crushing blow to
us both. Not only was she denied the right to join her
sister in the West, but now she would not be allowed to
live with her husband in his own country.
At this moment, we do live together in Moscow, but our
future is filled with uncertainty. Michael's visa is
valid for only one year, and we live in constant dread
of separation.
That is why we appeal to you.
We believe our best hope right now is a comprehensive
settlement of the question of Americans' spouses refused
exit from the Soviet Union, as well as an opening of
Jewish emmigration in general. It seems probable that
these questions will be discussed in Geneva in November.
We want very much to be included in these talks, and for
our names to be among those presented to the Soviets.
We also feel that the American Embassy here in Moscow --
which has the legal right to speak for us --can be of help,
and they will be if they are conviced we have support from
home.
Please. Help us keep our family together.
Our heartfelt thanks for all you may do on our behalf.
Michael N. Lavigne
Sonia Melnikova-Eichenvald
SONIA MELNIKOVA-EICHENWALD
MICHAEL LAVIGNE
Ulitsa Sedova, Kor. 2, kv. 66
Resides in Moscow with Sonia
Moscow, USSR 129323
Permanent address in USA:
Telephone 8 180-77-94
1529 Visalia Avenue
Berkeley, Ca. 94707
Sonia, born in 1947, an Architect by Education and Profession,
first applied for a visa to emigrate to Israel in 1978.
At that time she was forced to resign from her job at the
employer's request. She was first refused in 1979 and since
then she had applied with 6-month intervals and has been refused
the total of 12 times. The only reason given for refusal was
back in 1979 that father's occupation involved security clearance,
but Sonia has not seen her father since she was an infant and her
parents divorced. Her father has now been retired for the last 6
years.
Michael, born in 1946, was educated at Millersville State College. Pa.
and the University of Chicago. In San Francisco he worked as a
copywriter in Major Advertising Agencies, one of them Ogilvy and Mather.
Michael met Sonia in Moscow almost two years ago. In order to get
back to Moscow last year to marry Sonia, he took a job as a nanny
with an American diplomatic family. They were married on April 25,1985.
The American Embassy does not sponsor visas for Americans married
to Soviet citizens, therefore Michael had to look for another job
and became an administrative assistant for the New Zealand Embassy.
Sonia and Michael applied for a visa for Sonia within a week after
their marriage and their application was refused in August, 1985.
The Visa Department Official asked Michael to leave the room and then
told Sonia that her "departure to the United States with her husband
is not desirable!" When Sonia asked: "Why?" she was answered:
"You know why.".
Michael's visa will be expiring in Augst, 1986, however they have
been threatened with Michael's expulsion already.
Michael N. Lavigne
New Zealand Embassy, Moscow
c/o New Zealand High Commission
The Haymarket
London, SW1 Y4TQ, England
Mr. Ronald Reagan
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Reagan:
The last time 1 wrote to a president I was seven years
old. It was to Eisenhower, and in typical fashion he
answered me personally. I hope you will too, since I
write to you on a matter of great personal urgency.
I am married to a Soviet Jew, Sonia Melnikova Eichenvald.
We were married in Moscow, on April 25 of this your.
Soon after, we applied to the proper Soviet authorities
for a visa for Sonia to join me in America. On August
1985, we were officially refused.
The reason they gave was that Sonia's "going to live in
the United States with her husband is not desirable."
In other words, no reason at all.
Even though Sonia is a six-year "refusenik" who has
received the vocal support of a number of prominent
U.S. congressmen and senators, this refusal came as
terrible shock. The Soviet authorities had done
nothing to block our marriage, and they even allowed me
to stay in Moscow for a year and live in Sonia's apartment,
which is an extraordinary privilege.
I have no idea why they refused us. Sonia has no
classified knowledge, never served in the Armed Forces,
has committed no crimes, and is under no finanicial
obligations. Thus, according to Soviet law, she is
perfectly eligable to obtain a visa.
Mr. Reagan, I have had to undergo the most absurd
permutations just to be near my wife. In order to
get to Moscow last year to marry Sonia, I abandoned
my career in San Francisco and, at 38 years of age,
became a nanny for a family at the American Embassy.
But as Embassy rules prohibit the sponsorship of Americans
married to Soviets, on my wedding day I found myself
running around looking for a new sponsor. The New
Zealand Embassy kindly agreed to support my visa, and
I became their administrative assistant.
All this time I have lived in constant dread of being
separated from my wife. And now that they have refused
Sonia's visa, our separation is a virtual certainty.
Is it fair that Sonia was first denied the right to
emmigrate to Israel, and now will be denied the right
to live with her husband in his own country?
Mr. Reagan, I ask you to help me, to speak to Mr. Gorbachov
on my behalf, as I hope you will on behalf of all spouses
of Americans refused exit from the Soviet Union.
I know that when you meet Mr. Gorbachov in November
you will be dealing with issues of global importance,
but please do not forget Sonia and me, for the fate
of individuals is not such a small thing either.
Our hopes and prayers are with you.
Sincerely yours
Michael N Lavigne
Michael N. Lavigne
Ulitsa Sedova, 10, Kor 2, Kv 66
MOSCOW
Mr. M.S. Gorbachov
General Secretary
Central Committee of the Communist Party of the USSR
The Kremlin
MOSCOW
Dear Mr. Gorbachov:
I am an American citizen currently residing in Moscow.
I am married to a Soviet citizen, Sonia Melnikova-Eichenvald.
On May 10, 1985, we applied to the proper Soviet authorities
to grant Sonia a visa to join me in America. On August 30,
1985, we were informed at the Moscow office of OVIR that
her application was refused. No reason was given. To
our inquiries we were merely told over and over that
Sonia's "joining her husband to live in the United States
is undesirable.
Mr. Gorbachov, Sonia is my wife. I find it extremely
desirable that she live with me -- as any man would.
The Soviet People have been very kind to me up till now,
allowing me to live for a time with my wife and not
hindering us in any way in our day-to-day life.
I only ask that you extend this kindness in what I know
is the stated policy of the Soviet government and the
wishes of its people.
A recent official Soviet report entitled "Ten Years After
Helsinki" says:
Soviet law does not prohibit marriages
between Soviet Citizens and citizens of
other countries. Such families freely
choose their place of residence in either
of the countries they come from. Soviet
government bodies do not only not prevent
such families from making a free choice,
but render necessary assistance in
resolving the practical matters.
I hasten to assure you that Sonia has no classified
knowledge, never served in the armed forces, has
committed no crimes, and is under no financial obligations.
There is simply no reason, according to Soviet law, that
Sonia should not be allowed to join me in America.
Mr. Gorbachov, in recent days you have made it clear
that you try to make yourself available to the people.
And that is why I appeal directly to you.
Please, give me a few minutes of your precious time so
that I can make my case. I only ask you to correct
an administrative error that stands in contradiction
to your own stated policy and the spirit of your leadership.
I have only one wish. To live in my own country with my
wife.
Please help us.
Sincerely yours,
Michael N. Lavigne
FILE Div 8
SPOUSES -
THE WHITE HOUSE
1/5/86
washington
to
Jack
Matlock
Por PROS
The President of the United States
The White Hause,
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
4 May, 1985
Dear Mr. President
My name is Vladimir Feltsman. I am a pianist. I won grand
prises in the International competitions in Prague (1967) and in
Paris (1971). I perfomed with the major orchestras in the Soviet
Union and abroad - in Europe and Japan. I made a number of
discs. But as I continued to develope as an artist I found more
and more difficult to cope with tight ideological control over
my work and the absence of elementary artistic freedom.
In April 1979 I decided to emigrate from the Soviet Union
but I was denied an exit permission.
All my conserts were canselled, my records were removed
from the stores, my radio and TV tapes were odered to be
destroied. I ceased to exist as an artist.
For two years I was not allowed to play on public. Only
after my interveiw with the "New York Times" in March 1981 I was
allowed to perform inside the Soviet Union but not on the main
stages.
As an artist I see no future for me in the Soviet Union. I
am just a musician and music is all my life. When I am told I am
not allowed to play it means I am not allowed to live.
All the requests made on my behalf by my colleges and
friends were ignored by the Soviet authorities. My family and I
ask for your help in our desperate situation.
Sincerely,
Vladimir Feltsman
Vlodimia
10
Юрий Шихатвы
Yuzi Shikhanovich
The President of the United States
The White House,
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
4 May, 1985
Dear Mr. President
My name is Sergei Petrov. I am a Russian, married to an
American citizen Virginia Hurt Johnson. Since our wedding in
February 1981, which took place in Moscow, my wife and I have
been separated from each other. For four years the Soviet
authorities refuse to let me join my wife in the United States.
We do not know why instead of helping us as they should
according to Helsinki agreement the Seviet authorities
continue to create obstacles which keep us apart. My wife is a
law student; I am a free lance photographer, and we refuse to
believe that our reunification is a threat to the security of
the Soviet Union.
All our attempts to find out the real reason for denying me
exit permission to go to the Unated States have produced no
results. The Soviet authorities either refuse to explain or
limit their answer to one word: "undesireable",
In our desperate situation, my wife and I ask for your help
and support. There is litle hope that our problem will find a
solution all by itself.
There are less than twenty divided families who are not
being allowed to join their spouses in the United States. Their
situation is not essentially different from ours. The number is
too small to expect the Soviet authorities to be concerned with
this problem. Our suffering means nothing to them. Historically,
this country views its citizens as its property. The concept
that people have inalienable rights is still foreign to the
Russians.
For mey four years of struggle for my right to be with my
wife in the United States, the country of our mutual choice, has
been a deeply instructive, even valuable, experience. Being
unable to accept certain positions of the Soviet government, I
proved to be a bad Russian. That gives me hope that I may become
good American.
Sincerely,
Sergei Petrov
USSR
my wife's address:
125445 Moscow,
Ms. Virginia Hurt Johnson
Belomorskaya 5,
9095 Reynolda Station
block 3, apt.385
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
tel. 458-31-71
tel. (919) 724-5735
march 1210
12
BENEFIT FOR VLADIMIR FELTSMAN
10 East 40th Street
Suite 907
New York, N.Y. 10016
Honorary Co-Chairpersons
Helen Hayes
RELEASE: March 3, 1982
Zubin Mehta
Yehudi Menuhin
CONTACT: Jeff Soref
Dudley Moore
(212) 686-4551
MENUHIN, MEHTA, DUDLEY MOORE AND MS. HAYES SPONSORING
SOVIET ARTIST'S DEBUT -- WITH OR WITHOUT HIM
Four internationally prominent performing artists
today unveiled plans for a gala concert in Avery Fisher Hall
at New York City's Lincoln Center on June 14 to mark the
"American debut" of a prize-winning Soviet pianist -- althoug
the Soviets so far have refused to say whether the pianist hir
will be permitted to attend.
The violinist Yehudi Menuhin, one of the four artists
chairing the concert committee, told a news conference today
that plans are going ahead for the American debut of pianist
Vladimir Feltsman, though repeated appeals to the Soviet
government to allow Mr. Feltsman to perform in Avery Fisher
Hall on June 14 have gone unanswered. Since he and his wife
Anna applied for permission to emigrate to Israel in May 1979
Mr. Feltsman has been banned from performing publicly inside
or outside the Soviet Union and his records have been removed
from Soviet music stores.
Along with Mr. Menuhin, Zubin Mehta, Music Director
of the New York Philharmonic; Dudley Moore, who has appeare
as a concert pianist as well as in films; and actress Helen
Hayes have agreed to chair the gala committee.
MORE
march 12(82
- 2 -
13
Mr. Menuhin said that an invitation for Mr. Feltsman
to perform was sent to Gosconcert, the official Soviet
concert agency, on November 12, 1981, but that no response
has been received. In addition, Mr. Menuhin said, a personal
appeal to Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev on Mr. Feltsman's
behalf also has received no reply.
Since all signs indicate that Mr. Feltsman will be
unable to perform at the concert, Mr. Menuhin said, "stand-in"
performances by pianist Misha Dichter and by dancer Gelsey
Kirkland and a partner (to be announced) have been arranged.
In addition, Ms. Hayes plans a dramatic reading. Mr. Menuhin
said the names of additional performers will be released closer
to the concert date.
"It is inconceivable that an artist of Vladimir Feltsman's
standing is held incommunicado and music lovers in all countries
are deprived of hearing his art," Mr. Menuhin said.
In prepared statements, Mr. Moore said that the pianist's
treatment was "outrageous,' while Ms. Hayes said she was "appalled"
that the Soviet government would "detain gifted people whose
talents belong to the world."
Norman Gladney Communications of New York will produce
the concert. The event is co-sponsored by Gladney Communications,
and by the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, the nationwide
coordinating body for Soviet Jewry, and the Greater New York
Conference on Soviet Jewry, which coordinates all Soviet Jewry
activities in the New York area.
MORE ...
- 3 -
14
The co-sponsors say they hope the concert will
help to publicize the plight of the Feltsman and other
artists who wish to leave the Soviet Union, and compel
the Soviet government to release them.
In a brief emotional message read by fellow
pianist Misha Dichter at today's news conference, Mr. Feltsman
said, "I must start concertizing again. It is my life.
Inability to perform is fatal to any artist."
Mr. Feltsman, who is 30 years old, has received
worldwide acclaim for his performances of music by Chopin,
Schumann, Shubert and Brahms. At the age of 15, he won first
prize at the Concertina International Competition in Prague,
and four years later he captured first prize at the Margaret
Long International Competition in Paris. The music critic
of Le Figaro called him "extraordinary, brilliant," while
the newspaper L'Aurore said, "He must be counted among the
great musicians of the world."
In 1977, Mr. Feltsman was permitted to tour Japan,
and in 1978 he returned to France for widely-acclaimed concert
performances.
On May 23, 1979, Vladimir and Anna Feltsman, a biologist,
applied for permission to emigrate to Israel, where Mrs. Feltsman
aunt and brother live. Mr. Feltsman said that his request for
an emigration visa was "not a political act in any way," but
a yearning for "more artistic independence." The Feltsmans'
application was refused, and Mr. Feltsman has not been allowed
MORE
14
- 4 -
to perform publicly inside or outside the Soviet Union since.
Last year, a personal appeal for the Feltsman's
release was sent to Soviet President Brezhnev by several
prominent artists, including Daniel Barenboim, Mauricio
Pollini and Pierre Boulez. The musicians did not receive
a reply to their request.
The Executive Director of the National Conference
on Soviet Jewry, Jerry Goodman, who returned from a two-week
fact-finding visit to the Soviet Union in January,
said: "Vladimir and Anna Feltsman are people of extraordinary
talent and courage.
Their case typifies the terrible and
tragic problems that face the 500,000 Jews who have expressed
a desire to leave the Soviet Union."
According to Zeesy Schnur, the Executive Director
of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, it is
common for Jews who have applied for emigration visas to lose
their jobs or to encounter serious career problems after they
express a desire to leave the Soviet Union.
The proceeds from the concert will be used for a
variety of activities to help the Feltsmans and other Soviet
Jews.
Ticket prices for the June 14 concert will be
announced at a later date, Mr. Gladney said.
- 30 -
When I returned to the United
States I got in touch with Norman
Non
HON. JACK F. KEMP
Gladney. who spensored 8 hugely suc-
cessful concert for Feltsman at Lin-
OF NEW YORK
PIANIST
coin Center last year. He obtained the
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
engagement for Feltsman at the Ken-
SPEECH OF
Thursday, November 17, 1983
nedy Center for December 30. and I
want to do everything possible to see
HON. TOM LANTOS
Mr. KEMP. Mr. Speaker, today we
that Feltsman is here to perform.
OF CALIFORNIA
have before us a resolution expressing
Gladney has had no response to his
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
the sense of Congress that Vladimir
invitation sent through Gossconcert,
Thursday, November 17, 1983
Feltsman be permitted to play in a
the official Soviet agency in charge of
concert at the Kennedy Center in De-
international engagements. Once this
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, the res-
cember. The Senate is about to pass a
resolution passes I intend to send it to
olution before this House today-
companion bill.
House Concurrent Resolution 177-ex-
Gossconcert in support of Gladney's
It is outrageous that it should take
invitation and hope to get a favorable
pressing the sense of the Congress
that the Government of the Soviet
an act of Congress to extend an invita-
reply.
tion for a recognized artist to perform.
An indication of the importance of
Union should allow the internationally
Even then there is no assurance that
the issue is the amount of support it
acclaimed pianist Vladimir Feltsman
Feltsman will be permitted to attend
has received. The entire House leader-
to travel to the United States to per-
his own concert.
ship signed on to the "Dear Col-
form-once again focuses attention on
Vladimir Feltsman is a refusenik in
league" and we received nearly 230 CO-
the repressive Soviet immigration poli-
cies.
the Soviet Union. Like so many other
sponsors. In addition to this being an
Jews, he applied for an exit visa for
important issue generally, I think
Again the Soviets have demonstrat-
himself and his wife to allow them to
much of the reason for such strong
ed their willful violation of the Helsin-
emigrate to Israel. Like most other re-
backing is due to the fact that, since
ki accords. The pattern of repression
fuseniks, he found himself without
Feltsman became a refusenik, he has
that pervades the Soviet system is
employment and the subject of ostra-
been giving concerts in his home for
most clearly evidenced by the Soviet
cism and harassment.
friends and visitors to the Soviet
refusal to permit its own citizens to
But in Vladimir's case, the circum-
Union. A visit to Feltsman's home has
leave. Vladimir Feltsman is another
been the high point of visits to the
tragic case of this gross and willful vio-
stances are much more dramatic. Vlad-
Soviet Union by many Congressmen
lation of human rights.
imir is an internationally renowned
pianist who had won several competi-
and Senators and their staff. and I
Feltsman enjoyed a successful career
tions outside the Soviet Union and had
know that everyone who has heard
as a concert pianist, winning coveted
begun to attract & wide following His
Vladimir perform has been as moved
international competitions. In the
type of artistry knows no political
as I was, by his talent and his plight.
Soviet Union he was a rising star in
the Soviet music world.
boundaries.
This is an exceptionally important
On May 23, 1979. Feltsman applied
But the Soviets think otherwise. Im-
case. Not only does it involve the
to emigrate to Israel. That same day
mediately upon his first application
rights of persons as guaranteed by the
radio and television studios were or-
for emigration in 1973. his appear-
Heisinki Accords. but it also involves
dered to remove all of his tape record.
ances outside the Soviet Union were
the issue of artistic freedom. Felts-
ir.gs from their libraries and never
canceled. and his appearances within
man's case embodies all the elements
play them again.
the Soviet Union were limited to such
of every refusenik case, but its reper-
On the afternoon of the very day he
nonevents as early morning children's
cussions are more highly visible.
was scheduled to perform in a concert
concerts in outlying cities. Upon his
We are asking, in this resolution,
with the Moscow Philharmonic Or-
marriage to biologist Anna Kagan in
that Vladimir and Anna be permitted
chestra. his name was blacked out on
1977. Feltsman was once more permit-
to come to the United States with
posters advertising the concert. Two
ted to perform outside the Soviet
their baby. Daniel, so that Vladimir
hours before the performance. Felts.
Union and in Moscow. in concerts be-
may fulfill his December 30 engage-
man was told his appearance had been
fitting his stature. He became solo pia-
ment at the Kennedy Center. Even if
canceled.
nist with the Moscow Philharmonic
only Vladimir himself is permitted to
Since he made application to emi-
Orchestra, and once more his future
come, and only for the one perform-
grate to Israel, Feltsman has been lim-
looked assured.
ance, this will be a major step in the
ited to performing for friends and visi-
Then in 1979 both Vladimir and
right direction. It will be a victory, and
tors in his tiny Moscow apartment. It
Anna applied to emigrate, The re-
it will be a ray of hope to all other re-
is tragic that his talent should be
sponse was swift and crushing. His ap-
fuseniks suffering the indignities
hidden, that a larger audience does
pearances were all canceled, his
heaped upon them solely as a result of
not have the opportunity to share his
records were pulled from the shelves
having expressed their desire to live
gift.
of record stores and radio stations, and
outside the Soviet Union.
Mr. Speaker. Feltsman has been in-
his name was not permitted to be men-
Let us give those people this ray of
vited to perform in the concert hall of
ticned. Vladimir has retained his sense
hope, this signal that perhaps the tide
the Kennedy Center on December 30.
of humor throughout his travail, as in-
is turning, this reminder that they are
This is the second attempt to permit
dicated by his comment on the one
not forgotten. Elie Wiesel's dramatic
Mr. Feltsman to perform in the United
out-of-town engagement which was
words express the situation exactly
States. In June 1982, Feltsman was in-
not canceled: "a fluke that only goes
"Indifference to evil is evil." If we do
vited to play at a concert at the Lin-
to show that almost anything can
not speak out for freedom at every op-
coln Center in New York, organized in
happen in Georgia."
portunity, then our indifference will
his honor by Norman Gladney in coop-
I had the pleasure of meeting this
put out that ray of hope to those suf-
eration with the National and Greater
young man when I traveled to the
fering in the Soviet Union and around
New York Conferences on Soviet
Soviet Union this past summer. T was
the world; those people who rely on us
Jewry. Soviet authorities, of course,
struck by his charm and his sense of
as the greatest stronghold of freedom.
did not allow Feltsman to travel to the
humor in the face of 10 years of ha-
We must take every step we can to fur-
United States then.
rassment by Soviet authorities. Then.
ther the cause of individual rights and
The passage of this resolution will
when I sat down with the other guests
freedoms, and to obtain permission for
once again send the message to the
to hear him play, I was impressed by
Vladimir Feltsman to perform here
Soviet leaders that United States-
his wealth of talent and vowed to do
next month will be one more impor-
Soviet relations are affected by how
all that I could to see that his prodi-
tant step toward achieving our goal.
individuals are treated in the U.S.S.R.
gious talent was not allowed to go
Human rights is a matter of deep con-
to waste.
cern to all Americans, and continued
violation of the Helsinki agreements is
not III the best interest of our long-
term relations
November 17, 1983
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD HOUSE
H
trading partners and distorted interna-
1979, he applied to emigrate to Israel.
nowned musician has
tional markets.
Since that time he has been denied
permission to come to the United
The United States has and will con-
the right to work and has been har-
States for a performance at the John
tinue to push for freer market sys-
assed continually by the Soviet au-
F. Kennedy Center on December 10.
tems, which we believe are of benefit
thorities.
In the past. Mr. Feltsman has been
to all. We have been able to sell vege-
Mr. Speaker, communications orga-
harassed and so has his family because
table oils and non-grain-feed ingredi-
nization within the United States with
of his desire to emigrate with his
ents to the EC on a zero tariff basis,
which many respected and responsible
family to Israel.
which we paid for in concessions to
performers are associated. have ex-
I hope passage of this resolution will
the EC in earlier negotiations.
tended a invitation to Vladimir Felts-
be heeded in Moscow. Congressman
We must oppose a backtracking by
man to perform in the United States.
LANTOS is to be commended for bring-
the EC on these trade matters now.
An application has been filed through
ing this resolution to the floor, and
The Europeans should understand
formal channels at the Soviet Embas-
the gentleman from New York (Mr.
that we want good economic as well as
sy in New York on behalf of Mr. Felts-
KEMP) for introducing it.
political relationships with our friends
man so he may travel to the United
The concurrent resolution was
across the Atlantic, and one relation-
States to perform at the Kennedy
agreed to.
ship impacts upon the other.
Center on December 30. 1983.
A motion to reconsider was laid on
I urge passage of the resolution.
Accordingly. I urge my colleagues to
the table.
The resolution was agreed to.
suspend the rules and pass House Con-
A motion to reconsider was laid on
current Resolution 177 and signal to
the table.
the Soviet Union our hope that it
GENERAL LEAVE
would respect Mr. Feltsman's basic
Mr. LEVINE of California. Mr.
GENERAL LEAVE
human rights, including his right to
Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that
travel. as guaranteed by the Helsinki
all Members may have 5 legislative
Mr. ZABLOCKI Mr. Speaker. I ask
Final Act.
days in which to revise and extend
unanimous consent that all Members
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given
their remarks on House Concurrent
may have 5 legislative days in which to
permission to revise and extend his re-
Resolution 177.
revise and extend their remarks on the
marks.)
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is
resolution just agreed to.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker. I with-
there objection to the request of the
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is
draw my reservation of objection.
gentleman from California?
there objection to the request of the
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is
There was no objection.
gentleman from Wisconsin?
there objection to the request of the
There was no objection.
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
EXPRESSING SENSE OF CON-
EXPRESSING SENSE OF CON-
The Clerk read the concurrent reso-
GRESS CONCERNING COMPLI-
GRESS THAT SOVIET UNION
lution. as follows:
ANCE BY SOVIET UNION WITH
SHOULD ALLOW PIANIST VLAD-
H. CON. RES. 177
CERTAIN
INTERNATIONAL
IMIR FELTSMAN FREEDOM TO
Whereas Vladimir Feltsman is an interna-
AGREEMENTS
ON
HUMAN
TRAVEL WITH HIS FAMILY TO
tionally acclaimed award-winning pianist;
RIGHTS
THE UNITED STATES TO PER-
Whereas Mr. Feltsman has been invited to
Mr. FASCELL Mr. Speaker, I ask
FORM
perform in the United States on December
30. 1983. at the John F. Kennedy Center for
unanimous consent that the Commit-
Mr. LEVINE of California. Mr.
the Performing Arts in Washington, District
tee on Foreign Affairs be discharged
Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
of Columbia;
from further consideration of the con-
the Committee on Foreign Affairs be
Whereas Mr. Feltsman, in direct conse-
current resolution (H. Con. Res. 63)
discharged from Turther consideration
quence of his expressed desire to emigrate
expressing the sense of the Congress
of the House concurrent resolution (H.
to Israel with his family. has had his basic
concerning the compliance by the
human rights of freedom of travel and cul-
Con. Res. 177) expressing the sense of
Soviet Union with certain internation-
tural expression routinely violated and sup-
Congress that the Soviet Union should
pressed by the Soviet Union;
al agreements on human rights. and
allow pianist Viadimir Feltsman free-
Whereas Mr. Feltsman's basic human
ask for its immediate consideration in
dom to travel with his family to the
rights. as guaranteed by the Final Act of
the House.
United States to perform, and ask for
the Conference on Security and Coopera-
The Clerk read the title of the con-
its immediate consideration in the
tion in Europe signed at Helsinki, August 1,
current resolution.
House.
1975. to which the Soviet Union is a party.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is
The Clerk read the title of the con-
have consistently been violated:
there objection to the request of the
Whereas Mr. Feltsman and his family
current resolution.
gentleman from Florida?
have continually been harassed as a result
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is
of their having applied for exit visas from
Mr. LAGOMARSINO. Mr. Speaker.
there objection to the request of the
the Soviet Union, which have been denied
reserving the right to object. let me
gentleman from California?
each time: and
take this opportunity to express my
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, reserv-
Whereas the United States was born with
full support for the passage of House
ing the right to object, I rise in sup-
a tradition of respect for human rights and
Concurrent Resolution 63, with the
port of House Concurrent Resolution
freedom of cultural exchange: Now, there-
proposed amendments. The resolution,
177, legislation expressing the sense of
fore, be it
expressing the sense of Congress that
Resolved by the House of Representatives
Congress that the Soviet Union should
(the Senate concurring), That it is the sense
the U.S.S.R. should comply with its
allow pianist Vladimir Feltsman free-
of Congress that the Government of the
human rights commitments under var-
dom to travel with his family, to the
Soviet Union should allow Vladimir Felts-
ious international agreements, ad-
United States to perform. This timely
man freedom to travel with his family. to
dresses a very serious situation.
resolution, sponsored by the gentle-
the United States to perform.
The Soviet Union is in violation of
man from New York (Mr. KEMP), and
Mr. LEVINE of California. Mr.
its responsibilities to human rights
the gentleman from California (Mr.
Speaker. there are many violations by
under no less than seven international
LANTOS). again brings before the Con-
the Soviet Union of human rights
agreements to which it is a party. In
gress, the plight of Soviet refuseniks
which deserve condemnation, and
particular. the growing official harass-
and the freedoms of which they are
doing so publicly in a number of in-
ment and denial of basic rights to
deprived.
stances may in fact improve treatment
Jewish citizens is a sobering reality.
Mr. Feltsman is a world-renowned
by the Soviet Communist leadership
Soviet officials have virtually choked
pianist. celebrated for his critically ac-
of Soviet citizens.
off Jewish emigration. That govern-
claimed playing in international com-
One case in point is that of Vladimir
ment has punished Soviet Jews apply-
petitions and sold-out concert halls. In
Feltsman. This internationally re-
ing for emigration with the loss of
17
III
98TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. CON. RES. 85
Expressing the sense of Congress on allowing Vladimir Feltsman freedom to
travel.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
NOVEMBER 10 (legislative day, NOVEMBER 7), 1983
Mr. PELL (for himself, Mr. ARMSTRONG, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mr. MELCHER, Mr.
BOSCHWITZ, Mr. RANDOLPH, Mr. SYMMS, Mr. BENTSEN, Mr. CHILES, Mr.
SARBANES, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. METZENBAUM, Mr. HUDDLESTON, Mr. SASSER,
Mr. TSONGAS, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. PERCY, Mr. GLENN, Mr. DODD, Mr.
BUMPERS, Mr. INOUYE, and Mr. HART) submitted the following concurrent
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of Congress on allowing Vladimir
Feltsman freedom to travel.
Whereas Vladimir Feltsman is an internationally acclaimed
award winning pianist;
Whereas Mr. Feltsman has been invited to perform in the
United States on December 30, 1983, at the John F. Ken-
nedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Dis-
trict of Columbia;
Whereas Mr. Feltsman, in direct consequence of his expressed
desire to emigrate to Israel with his family, has had his
basic human rights of freedom of travel and cultural expres-
sion routinely violated and suppressed by the Soviet Union;
2
Whereas Mr. Feltsman's basic human rights, as guaranteed by
the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Coopera-
tion in Europe signed at Helsinki, August 1, 1975, to which
the Soviet Union is a party, have consistently been violated;
Whereas Mr. Feltsman and his family have continually been
harassed as a result of their having applied for exit visas
from the Soviet Union, which have been denied each time;
Whereas the United States was born with a tradition of respect
for human rights and freedom of cultural exchange: Now,
therefore, be it
1
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
2 concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that the
3 Government of the Soviet Union should allow Vladimir
4 Feltsman freedom to travel, with his family, to the United
5 States to perform.
S CON 85 IS
18
III
98TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 177
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
NOVEMBER 18 (legislative day, NOVEMBER 14), 1983
Received; referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should
allow pianist Vladimir Feltsman freedom to travel with his
family, to the United States to perform.
Whereas Vladimir Feltsman is an internationally acclaimed
award-winning pianist;
Whereas Mr. Feltsman has been invited to perform in the
United States on December 30, 1983, at the John F. Ken-
nedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Dis-
trict of Columbia;
Whereas Mr. Feltsman, in direct consequence of his expressed
desire to emigrate to Israel with his family, has had his
basic human rights of freedom of travel and cultural expres-
sion routinely violated and suppressed by the Soviet Union;
2
Whereas Mr. Feltsman's basic human rights, as guaranteed by
the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Coopera-
tion in Europe signed at Helsinki, August 1, 1975, to which
the Soviet Union is a party, have consistently been violated;
Whereas Mr. Feltsman and his family have continually been
harassed as a result of their having applied for exit visas
from the Soviet Union, which have been denied each time;
and
Whereas the United States was born with a tradition of respect
for human rights and freedom of cultural exchange: Now,
therefore, be it
1
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
2 concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the Gov-
3 ernment of the Soviet Union should allow Vladimir Feltsman
4 freedom to travel with his family, to the United States to
5 perform.
Passed the House of Representatives November 17,
1983.
Attest:
BENJAMIN J. GUTHRIE,
Clerk.
THE NEW YORK TIMES, THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1982
Soviet Faster Presses Ahead on His Fatal Course
By JOHN F. BURNS
Special to The New York Times
MOSCOW, July 21 - To those who
knew him as a strong-limbed man only
a short while ago, Sergei Petrov is a
piting sight. After 49 days on a diet of
water, he has lost nearly 52 pounds,
nearly 30 percent of his normal weight.
He complains of dizzy spells, he can
barely walk unaided and he tires
quickly during his almost daily sessions
with reporters.
Mr. Petrov, a 29-year-old freelance
photographer, is on a hunger strike
seeking the right to emigrate to the
United States to live with his wife, Vir-
ginia Hurt Johnson, a 23-year-old law
student from Roanoke, Va. They met
while Miss Johnson was a student at the
Pushkin Institute in Moscow studying
Russian and were married in February
1981. Both say that Soviet officials
posed no objection to the union.
Now Mr. Petrov appears set on a
course that could easily be fatal.
Twelve days ago a senior Soviet emi-
gration official summoned Western re-
porters to his office and announced that
both Mr. Petrov and Yuri V. Balovlen-
kov, another Soviet citizen who is on a
hunger strike for the right to join his
American wife, had been "temporarily
refused" exit visas because in the past
they had "had access to information
constituting a state secret."
United Press International
A Friend of Americans
Sergel Petrov and his wife, Virginia Hurt Johnson, photographed Tuesday at his Moscow apartment.
What sort of information that was,
the Soviet official, Sergei Fadeyev, re-
"most of them never think about such
fast reached an advanced stage last
fused to say. Mr. Petrov, who became
Mr. Petrov, meanwhile; seems deter-
things. They think only about what
December. On that occasion medical
known to foreign correspondents here
mined to press ahead with his fast. Sit-
Soviet society has taught them to think
men, assisted by the K.G.B., moved
through his photographic work, free-
ting on a sofa in the apartment he
how to advance up the ladder of privi-
into the Sakharovs' apartment in the
shares with his mother in Moscow's
lancing for a number of European and
lege, how to get ahead and amass their
provincial city of Gorky and took them
northwestern suburbs, the suspenders
American publications, has acknowl-
share of Western consumer items like
to a hospital. The sequence suggested a
on his jeans hangling loosely on his
edged all along that he worked in a mili-
clothes and stereos. If they have those,
readiness to force-feed the couple, a
sunken chest, he said the hunger strike
tary research institute in Moscow
they don't care for justice."
step that became unnecessary when
had become an act of individual asser-
briefly after graduating with a degree
One friend who discussed the hunger
their daughter-in-law, Lisa Alekseyeva,
tion in a society that seeks to deny all
in physics from Moscow State Univer-
strike with him before he began coun-
was allowed to leave.
important freedoms, and as such a vin-
sity in 1976.
seled against it, arguing that it was an
Forced hospitalization may seem
dication of his conscience. Whether the
Mr. Petrov says he was dismissed
illogical step for a clear-thinking man
more attractive to officials in light of
authorities give in or attempt to force-
from the institute after three months
to take since Soviet authorities were un-
Mrs. Petrov's departure from the coun-
feed him, he said, is beside the point.
and started building up an archive of
likely to give in and he would ultimately
try today, after only four days here on
don't want to prove anything to the
photographs of old buildings that he
be forced to start eating again. He
the visa that Soviet authorities exped-
Soviet authorities, I want to prove
sold to Soviet book publishers. He says
smiled, and pointed to the archway
ited after refusing her husband's appll-
something to myself," he said. "I don't
that nothing he did at the research insti-
leading from the foreigners-only build-
cation to leave. The couple said they
want anybody to consider myself their
tute could reasonably be called secret.
ing where he was'a frequent visitor,
had reached the decision to part at the
own property. I want to live my own
Moreover, he points out that for sev-
'You speak to me of logic," he said,
insistence of Mr. Petrov, who said that
life. If they offered Virginia and myself
eral years he has had friends among
"but out there is a society that, for me,
remaining together as his strength
the right to live in a palace here we
Americans here and that those contacts
has become totally illogical. I have no
faded had become "very painful. A
wouldn't accept, because it would not
have given him every chance he needed
job, and they will not give me one. They
doctor from a local clinic who visited
be our choice. What I am doing is the
to disclose confidential information if
deny me the right to express myself
him last Friday told Mr. Petrov that his
only logical thing I can do, because it is
that was his purpose. His marriage-to
through my work, and they deny me the
condition then was already "danger-
the one thing 1 can do that is entirely my
an American, he says, gave him added
right to seek a future elsewhere. Above
ous," requiring hospitalization.
own."
opportunities. "So what is the differ-
all, they deny me the right to live with
ence if I am here or in the United
the woman I love, and to have a family.
States?" he asks, speaking a nearly
In the face of all this, you ask me to act
fluent English that is largely self-
logically?"
taught.
The use of the hunger strike as a
Mr. Petrov and dozens of other Soviet
weapon assumed a compelling sense for
citizens who have been refused permis-
those wishing to leave the country after
sion to join their spouses in the United
Andrei D. Sakharov, the physicist and
States, some of them for long as eight
human rights campaigner, went on a 17-
years, base their right to leave largely
day fast last year and won authorization
on the so-called Helsinki accords,
from the Kremlin for his daughter-in-
signed in 1976, that committed the
law to join her husband by proxy in the
Soviet Union, as well as 34 other na-
United States: That concession brought
tions, to a number of steps designed to
on a spate of hunger strikes, including
promote harmony, among them the
one that grouped six men and women
reunification of divided families.
married to foreigners, five of whom
Some Join Protest Groups
were promised visas as their fasts
reached the critical stage this spring.
Over the years, those wishing to leave
have adopted a variety of tactics. Some,
Timing Was Unfavorable
believing that becoming an irritant to
An individualist, Mr. Petrov declined
Soviet authorities is the best policy, join
to join that group, and he began his own
protest groups. A few others are be-
fast at a time that, in retrospect, was
lieved to cooperate quietly with the au-
probably a few weeks too late. When the
thorities, feeding tidbits of information
Soviet authorities gave in to the other
to the K.G.B., the state security agency,
five, they did so shortly before a meet-
in return for favorable consideration of
ing here of the World Cardiology Con-
their applications.
gress, an event that drew 5,000 doctors
Mr. Petrov seems to belong to neither
from all over the world. Some Western
group. He has said repeatedly that he
consular officials believe that the Soviet
has "no desire to change the Soviet
authorities were determined not to in-
Union, only to leave it, and he has
ject a jarring note into the proceedings
joined none of the protest groups.
by having Russians fasting to death al-
He avoids the condemnations and
most at the door of the congress.
categorizations that are the refuge of
For Mr. Petrov, persisting now has
those. who have rejected everything
an air of hopelessness about it, since
RIDAY, JULY 23, 1982
A3
Russian Seeking Exit to U.S.
Ends 51-Day Hunger Strike
By JOHN F. BURNS
Special to The New York Times
MOSCOW, July 22 A 29-year-old
of the four, Andrei Frolov, has left, and
Soviet freelance photographer today
he is now in Chicago.
abandoned the 51-day-old hunger strike
Soviet officials have declined to char-
he had declared in support of his appli-
acterize the secret information that Mr.
cation to leave the country and join his
Petrov and Mr. Balovlenkov are said to
American wife in the United States.
possess. Mr. Petrov worked briefly in
Two days ago the photographer, Ser-
1976 at a military research institute,
gei Petrov, held a news conference and
and Mr. Balovienkov had been em-
vowed to continue going without food, if
ployed as a computer programmer. But
necessary until he died. But today he
both men have said that the official
called the Moscow office of The Associ-
stand is a pretext and that the real rea-
ated Press and said he was quitting the
son is that the Kremlin had ordered that
fast to spare his relatives further pain.
there be no further concessions to hun-
Associated Press; United Press International
His 65-year-old mother, Klavdiya, also
ger strikers.
ended a fast that she began in his sup-
The spate of fasts began after the suc-
port last week, he said.
cessful hunger strike late last year by
LONDON: Policemen search-
"I decided to stop," Mr. Petrov said.
Dr. Andrei D. Sakharov, the physicist
that arrived for a garden
"No one forced me. I took broth this
and human rights campaigner, and his
beth II and members of Royal
morning."
wife, Yelena Bonner. After 17 days the
wing July 1 intrusion by a man
His action came less than 21 hours
two were forcibly removed to a hospi-
after his wife, Virginia Hurt Johnson,
At left, Christopher Hagon,
tal, and soon afterward officials an-
left Moscow for the United States after
two women mourning as a
nounced that their daughter-in-law,
spending four days here. Miss Johnson,
from the Queen's Household
Lisa Alekseyeve, in whose behalf the
a 23-year-old law student from Roa-
fast had been called, would be permit-
site of Tuesday's bombing in
noke, Va., had said she was leaving
ted to join her husband in the United
teir comrades
with her husband's encouragement be-
States.
cause neither of them wanted her to see
When Mr. Petrov and Mr. Balovlen-
him die.
kov were denied visas, the Soviet offi-
Sees No Right to Continue
clal involved said their wives would be
"Probably during the last few days I
permitted to join them in Moscow and
realized how much it was costing every-
take jobs. Both rejected the offer, but
one who loves me," Mr. Petrov said. "I
Elena Balovlenkov, a nurse from Balti-
don't think I have a right to continue."
more, arrived here with the couple's
Mr. Petrov's decision leaves only one
2-year-old daughter and began a round
other hunger striker persisting in his ef-
of calls on officials in the hope of per-
fort to win the right to join his wife
suading them to change their ruling.
abroad. Yuri V. Balovlenkov, 33, said
She said today that officials at the
he would continue his 18-day-old fast.
visa office had confirmed their original
He started It in May, abandoned it after
decision and that there appeared to be
42 days when he believed he had an offi-
little else she could do.
cial's promise of an exit visa but then
began fasting again on July 5 yhen the
visa was not forthcoming.
Russian's Wife Optimistic
On July 9 a senior official of the Mos-
ROANOKE, Va., July 22 (UPI) -
cow visa office summoned Western re-
The wife of Sergel Petrov said here
porters and said both Mr. Petrov and
today that she was optimistic she and
Mr. Balovlenkov had been "tempo-
her husband would eventually be reunit-
rarily refused" exit visas because they
ed.
possessed state secrets. Earlier, four
Virginia Hurt Johnson said her hus-
other members of a "divided families"
band was mentally and physically well
group to which Mr. Balovlenkov be-
despite losing more than 50 pounds. She
longed had been granted visas after a
said he had told her by telephone that
joint hunger strike that attracted wide-
his first meal since June 2 consisted of
spread attention in the West. Only one
apple juice and a bowl of broth.
Trip, Denies India Is in Soviet Camp
trying to do and what are the tre-
with the Soviets, and that does not pre-
leaders and is expected to seek to en-
Misobstacles and difficulties."
vent us from being friends with -
courage American Investment in India,
red whether she believed her talks
trying to be friends with - China or
lagging because of bureaucratic con-
help improve relations with the
with the United States, and we don't
trols and perceived hostility against
States, she said:
think it should come in the way of other
private enterprise.
friendships."
She said India was trying to Improve
Love, Soviet Style
U.S.Wives Get Temporary Visas
To Visit Soviet Hunger Strikers
By Michael Isikoff
Washington Post Staff Writer
It began as a love story, Soviet style. Virginia Hurt John-
son was an American college student in Moscow on a study
program. Sergei Petrov was a handsome and free-spirited
free-lance photographer. They met at a dinner party, a group
of young intellectuals talking about Pushkin and other giants
of Russian literature.
"I was mesmerized," recalled Johnson, a 23-year-old law
student from Roanoke, Va.
Their romance was cut short six months later at the air-
port, two days after an assembly-line marriage at the Moscow
registrar's office. Johnson rémembered that she was in tears,
saying goodbye. "Suddenly a big arm grabs my shoulders and
this gruff voice says, "That's enough,' and drags me away,"
she says. "And that was the last time I saw him."
Now Petrov is starving to death in Moscow, in the last
stages of a hunger strike he began 46 days ago to protest the
Soviet government's refusal to grant him an exit visa. His
case and that of another hunger striker, Yuri Balovlenkov,
have attracted international attention in recent days and be-
come the latest irritants in U.S.-Soviet relations. The State
Department and several U.S. congressman have lodged pro-
tests with the Soviet government, urging that the strikers be
allowed to emigrate under the 1975 Helsinki accords, which
By Gerald Martineau - The Washington Post
require that governments aid family reunification.
Virginia Johnson came to the Soviet Embassy to plead with officials.
See WIFE, C3, Col. 1
PRESER COPY
THE WASHINGTON POST
Sunday, July 18, 1982
C3
U.S. Wives Allowed to Visit Soviet Husbands on Hunger Strike
WIFE, From C1
in North Carolina, where she had been work-
level secretary and translator at a Soviet
"As a rule, men in Russia are pretty chau-
But the Soviets have dug in their heels.
ing for the summer. She said that she called
think tank. Astakhova has been applying
vinistic," she explained. "You go to a dinner
List Saturday, they called in foreign corre-
Petrov nightly, but that his voice grew faint-
and reapplying for a visa since 1974, only to
party and men usually sit in the dining room
bondents to denounce Western interference
er with each call and he was becoming less
be denied on security grounds. She and
and eat, while the women do all the work.
in Soviet internal affairs and reiterate that
and less coherent. An articulate and com-
McClellan write regularly, but haven't seen
The first thing I noticed about Sergei is that
the fasters' visas would not be granted "for
posed woman, Johnson said that when Pe-
each other since.
he was the only man who came into the
reasons of state."
trov began his protest fast, the couple dis-
"God, this security stuff is an absolute fab-
kitchen and helped the women."
Johnson came to Washington on Friday in
cussed it over the telephone. "I know it's
rication," said McClellan, 48, who still waits
They struck up a friendship. Petrov would
an attempt to obtain a temporary visa from
going to be difficult for you, but I just don't
in Charlottesville. "I think they just pulled a
guide her around Moscow, taking her to mu-
the Soviet Embassy so she could join her
want to live here anymore," Petrov told her.
name out of a hat."
seums and cafes. "It was very platonic at
husband. Her request and a similar one by
"I love Sergei and I want to be with him,"
So it appears with Petrov. "It's mysterious
first," she said. "I never told him, 'Hey, I
Elena Balovlenkov of Baltimore were grant-
Johnson said in an interview in Washington
to us," said one State Department official,
think you're really cute.'
ed.
on Friday. "But I know I can't tell him what
referring to the case. "They've been playing
By November, they were in love. "I asked
Balovlenkov, 29, left Baltimore Friday
to do. I've always trusted his judgment. I
hardball. We've talked to them repeatedly
him to marry me," Johnson said. They wore
night on what she said was a mission to per-
don't think it's my place to tell him to sub-
through diplomatic channels, the White
blue jeans to the ceremony. On March 10,
suade her husband to abandon his protest
ject himself to the life he has there, the re-
House has expressed an interest in it. But
two weeks after Johnson flew back to Duke,
fast. Yesterday, she was reunited with her
pression he has there, the humiliation he has
their question is, 'What's in it for us?'
Petrov first applied for an exit visa and his
husband, 33, in Moscow and he saw their
sthere.
One thing appears clear to U.S. officials:
trouble began.
2-year-old daughter for the first time.
"They just want to teach him a lesson, to
Petrov is no security risk. The alleged reason
The normal waiting period for exit visas
Johnson, who said she wishes that her
break his spirit, to humble him. But he
for refusing him an exit visa is that five years
from the Soviet Union is three months. On
husband also would end his fast, was to leave
would rather die than play their silly games."
ago he worked briefly as a physicist at a re-
August 14, Johnson said, Petrov called
here for Moscow late yesterday.
The Soviets' tough stand on the Petrov
search institute. The institute does classified
OVIR, the visa office, and was told that his
1982 Rhoda Baer
She said that Petrov is a skilled photo-
and Balovlenkov cases is as baffling to U.S.
research, but employes are not given access
application had been denied two months ear-
Sergei Petrov in Moscow last March, before fast.
grapher who is popular among American dip-
officials as it is painful to the two men's
to military secrets for six months and Petrov
lier, although nobody had bothered to tell
lomats and correspondents in Moscow. Now,
wives. Every year there are from 15 to 20
left after three months. "It sounds pretty
him. He was told to wait for six months and
under the Soviet constitution had been de-
however, her 29-year-old husband is bedrid-
marriages between Soviet and U.S. citizens
flimsy to us," the State Department official
reapply.
nied. He began his fast on June 2.
den in the apartment he shares with his
and in two-thirds of the cases the exit visas
said.
In January, Petrov was summoned to
"I don't think anybody in this country can
mother. Johnson said that, against the urg-
are granted routinely, U.S. officials said. Yet
When Johnson first arrived in Moscow in
OVIR again and told that his second appli-
begin to understand what life is like in that
ing of his friends, he has refused all food and
there is no apparent thread that runs
August 1980 she was 21, a Russian-language
cation had been denied - even though he
country, particularly for somebody as proud
drink, save water. She added that Petrov,
through the remaining cases in which prob-
major from Duke University. The dinner
had yet to file it. He was expelled from the
and intelligent as my husband," Johnson
who is six-foot-one and weighed 180 pounds
lenis are encountered.
party at which she and her future husband
Soviet photographers' union, leaving him
said. "When Sergei and I were together, we
when he began his fast, has lost more than
Eight years ago, for example, Wooford
met came two weeks later. She said that the
without work. On March 10, Petrov wrote to
used to have a standard joke: There's one
40 pounds.
McClellan, a University of Virginia history
tall, blue-eyed Petrov immediately attracted
Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev renouncing
question that you can never ask in this coun-
For six weeks, Johnson waited helplessly
professor, married Irina Astakhova, a low-
her attention.
his citizenship on the grounds that his rights
try and that question is, 'Why?'
A Self-Inflicted Soviet Reputation
M
OSCOW The thin young
By Anthony Lewis
worried about the hunger strike tac-
man sat on the edge of his bed
tic. Last fall the government gave way
talking calmly about the prospect of
to Andrei Sakharov, the great dissi-
his physical collapse. When I saw him
suggesting at various times that her
dent banished to Gorki when he
on July 7. Sergei Petrov had had noth-
case was "complicated" or involved
struck to get an exit visa for his
ing to eat or drink except water for 36
"security." She has had no regular
daughter-in-law. More recently
days. He was on a hunger strike for
job since 1975, and ekes out a living
group of six Russians married to
the right to leave the Soviet Union
giving private English lessons.
Americans started fasting to apply
and join his American wife.
Security was also given as a reason
pressure for exit visas; eventually all
"It's impossible for me to believe I
for refusing to let Petrov go. Now 29,
were promised visas. But, one,
am so important that I must be kept
he got a college degree in physics in
Balovlenkov, went back on strike
here as a national treasure," he said.
1976. He was assigned to a military
when officials broke the promise and
"I am not a dissident. I don't want to
research institute but was dismissed
said he would not be allowed to leave.
change Soviet society or reform it. I
after three months before, he says,
Petrov has acted on his own.
think that is an impossible task.
he got into any secret work. In any
Why does the Soviet government
"I just don't want to have any-
event, that was six years ago.
want to make an issue of this handful
thing to do with it."
Since 1976 Petrov has been a free-
of people? None is by any stretch of
Two days later, in a highly unusual
lance photographer, selling pictures
the imagination a threat to the state.
move, an official of the Soviet office
to Soviet book publishers and others.
All they want to do is live with their
for exit visas held a press conference.
His speciality is old architecture, and
wives or husbands. The only thing
He told foreign correspondents that
he has built up a reputation as a
that has given them importance is the
neither Petrov another hunger
talented photographic artist.
refusal to let them do so.
striker. Yuri Balovienkov would be
"It's one of the few professions in
The policy is especially puzzling
given visas. He charged that the Unit-
the Soviet Union that gives you an
because it encourages the extreme
ed States, in its concern for separated
independent social position," Petrov
anti-Soviet view in the United States
families, was interfering in the inter-
said. What others were there? asked.
and inside the Reagan administra-
nal affairs of the Soviet Union.
'Painter. Criminal."
tion. The American division is obvi-
When people in the West care
He met Virginia Hurt Johnson of
ous nowadays. There are those who
about the fate of a Petrov, Soviet offi-
Roanoke, Va., when she was an ex-
want to preach at the Soviet Union
cials often suggest that the real mo-
change student in Moscow in 1980.
and not negotiate. There are others
tive is provocation, a desire to worsen
They were married in Moscow in
I believe they are the realists - who
relations with the U.S.S.R. If they be-
February. 1981, and he applied for an
do not like the Soviet system but
lieve that, they are making a bad mis-
exit visa. All of his book contracts
think negotiation is essential in a
take. It is the refusal to let husbands
were immediately canceled.
nuclear world. That argument is hard
and wives live together where they
Petrov lives with his mother in a
to make when the Soviets show such,
wish an arbitrary, pointless refusal
small apartment on the outskirts of
contempt for their Helsinki undertak
that is provocative.
Moscow. When I saw him, he had
ings on divided families.
There are about 70 marriages a
lost about 40 pounds.
Petrov said Soviet bureaucrats
year between Soviet and American
He could no longer even drink
"don't need a reason to refuse us, but
citizens. Most of the Soviets are al-
much water, he said, because his kid-
they do need a reason to let us go."
lowed to leave without much fuss.
neys were starting to fail.
Higher officials in Moscow should
But in a few cases the answer is a
"I started this hunger strike not
surely understand one reason to stop
long, slow, Kafkaesque no.
just to scare people," he said, "but
tormenting Petrov and the others
Eight years ago Irina Astakhova
because I couldn't bear this life any
married to foreigners: The policy
married a visiting American profes-
more. I am not going to stop unless
makes it harder to accept the Soviet
sor, Woodford McClellan of the Uni-
they let hie go not even if they take
government as a serious one, motivat-
versity of Virginia. She has been re*
me to a hospital by force.'
ed by rational self interest.
peatedly denied an exit visa, officials
The Soviet bureaucracy is evidently
The New York Times.
Reagan Presidential Library
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Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This marker is used as an
administrative marker by the Ronald W. Reagan
Presidential Library Staff. This marker identifies the place
of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for
the purpose of digitization. To see the full publication
please search online or visit the Reagan Presidential
Library's Research Room.
FILE
Div.SPOUSES
Dear
:
I am responding to your (date) letter enclosing
correspondence from
regarding the unsuccessful
efforts of
to obtain permission to emigrate from
the Soviet Union.
We, too, are concerned over the unwillingness of the Soviet
Union to respect basic human rights, such as freedom of
movement. We are particularly dismayed in light of its
commitment in the Helsinki Final Act "to deal in a positive and
humanitarian spirit with the applications of persons who wish
to be reunited with members of their family."
The U.S. Government attaches great importance to the cases
of separated spouses. We welcome the recent Soviet decision to
resolve a number of longstanding separation cases. We have
made it unequivocally clear in our bilateral exchanges with the
Soviets that, if they are serious about improving U.S.-Soviet
relations, they must resolve the separated spouse cases. The
cases are few in number and their resolution poses no threat to
the Soviet state.
We regularly present a list of longstanding unresolved
cases to high-level Soviet officials.
is on that
list. We will continue to pursue vigorously this and other
unresolved cases until the separated spouses are permitted to
reunite.
If we can be of assistance to you in this or any other
matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Drafted:EUR/SOV/SOBI:KMHillas
01/31/86 Ext. 72248 No.
Cleared:EUR/SOV/SOBI:SLysyshyn
EUR/SOV:BLPascoe
EUR:MPalmer
H:LMurray
#2616P