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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: Files Folder Title: Dissident Lunch-White House May 11, 1982 (1 of 2) Box: 22 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 DISSEDENT LUNCH-WHITE HOUSE MAY 11, 1982 1/2 FOIA F06-114/6 Box Number 22 YARHI-MILO 2212 ID Doc Type Document Description No of Doc Date Restrictions Pages 9237 MEMO ALLEN TO PRESIDENT REAGAN RE WHITE 1 ND B1 HOUSE INVITATION FOR SOLZHENITSYN R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6 9238 MEMO PIPES TO ALLEN RE WHITE HOUSE 1 10/15/1981 B1 INVITATION FOR SOLZHENITSYN R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6 9239 MEMO CLARK TO PRESIDENT REAGAN RE WHITE 1 3/20/1982 B1 HOUSE INVITATION FOR SOLZHENITSYN R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6 9240 MEMO PIPES TO CLARK RE PROPOSED WHITE 1 3/5/1982 B1 HOUSE INVITATION FOR SOLZHENITSYN R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6 9241 MEMO PIPES TO ALLEN RE SOLZHENITSYN 2 6/24/1981 B1 R 3/19/2013 F2006-114/6 9242 MEMO PIPES TO TYSON RE PRESIDENTIAL LUNCH, 1 4/16/1982 B1 B6 TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1982 PAR 12/13/2007 F06-114/6 9243 MEMO PIPES TO TYSON RE MAY 11 PRESIDENTIAL 1 4/26/1982 B1 B6 LUNCH PA 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. 5351 aft MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL September 15, 1981 ACTION MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD V. ALLEN FROM: RICHARD PIPES is SUBJECT: Presidential Meeting with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn The memorandum to Gregory Newell at Tab I recommends that no meeting be scheduled between the President and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn; you are already familiar with the reasons for this recommendation. At Tab A is a draft letter for Mr. Newel's use. The incoming memorandum with attachments is at Tab II. RECOMMENDATION That you sign the memorandum to Gregory Newell at Tab I. Approve Disapprove 1) I like this makes discussed ni a small Attachments: group Lord, Shearman P.us, Renkschles, Tab I Memorandum to Gregory Newell Tab A Draft response Tab II Incoming memorandum and letters Saily; there a one. page summery memo 2) This was due for Janet: 15 Sept new pone I don 'v understand why it was held. H dis cursed by the 5351 2 MEMO ANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 5, 1981 MEMORANDUM FOR GREGORY J. NEWELL FROM: RICHARD V. ALLEN SUBJECT: Presidential Meeting with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn My recommendation and that of the NSC Staff is that no meeting be scheduled between the President and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Attached at Tab A is a draft response for your use, if you feel an additional letter to Representative Lott is required. 3 Dear Mr. Thank you for your letter of , in which you suggest that the President issue an invitation to Mr. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn to visit the White House. Mr. Solzhenitsyn's stature as a great writer and heroic figure in the Russian dissident movement is beyond question. We will give your suggestion careful thought. Sincerely, THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON REQUEST FOR SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATION 11 September 1981. TO: Richard Allen VIA: GREGORY J. NEWELL FROM: MICHAEL P. CASTINE MPC PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR RECOMMENDATION ON THE FOLLOWING REQUEST UNDER CONSIDERATION: EVENT: On behalf of his constituent,Rev. Paul Honomichl, Rep. Trent Lott asks that the President meet with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. DATE: open LOCATION: The White House BACKGROUND: RESPONSE DUE: 15 September 1981. Thank You. YOUR RECOMMENDATION: Accept Regret Surrogate Message Other IF RECOMMENDATION IS TO ACCEPT, PLEASE GIVE REASONS: August 31, 1981 Dear Trent: This is just to let you know that I have not forgotten your July 6 letter forwarding Reverend Paul O. Honomichl's request that Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn be extended an invita- tion to the White House. Please be assured that I have directed Reverend Honomichl's suggestion to the appropriate White House office for careful consideration. I hope that you will feel free to contact me whenever I can be of further assistance to you. Thank you for your interest in writing. With cordial regard, I am Sincerely, Max L. Friedersdorf Assistant to the President The Honorable Trent Lott House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 CC: Greg Newell (Scheduling) w/copy of incoming for appropriate act sent CC: Richard Allen w/copy of incoming, FYI MLF:CMP:ASR:vm1-- 8 5TH DISTRICT, MISSISSIPPI WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 202-225-5772 REPUBLICAN WHIP 6 RULES COMMITTEE Congress of the United States DISTRICT OFFICES: GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI 39501 601-854-7670 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT house of Representatives HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI 39401 TOM H. ANDERSON, JR. 601-582-3246 LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI 39440 Cashington, D.C. 20515 July 6, 1981 031675 Honorable Ronald W. Reagan The President The United States of America The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: I am taking the liberty of contacting you in behalf of Rev. Paul O. Honomichl, pastor of the Houston, Mississippi, Presbyterian Church. As you will note from Rev. Honomichl's correspondence which I have enclosed, he has expressed his belief that Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn be honored by an invitation to the White House. I would greatly appreciate your consideration of Rev. Honomichl's request, and the benefit of your comments thereon. Thanking you and with highest regards, I am Sincerely yours, Trent Lott TL/bf 7 th Houston Preshyterian Church 226 W. WASHINGTON ST. HOUSTON, MISSISSIPPI 38851 PAUL O. HONOMICHL (601) 456-4167 PASTOR June 23,1981 Representative Trent Lott U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr. Lott; I have been intending to write to thank you for coming to Houston to address to Republican Committee. I especially appreciate the time you gave me personally to speak with you afterwards. There are many matters which I feel the people at the "grass roots" would like to see the administration do, but it seems that the president and his staff are so busy that a letter from me on these issues might get lost in the shuffle. I would like therefore to present some ideas to you for your conveyance to those who would be in a position to take some real action on them. First, you will recall that the Democrats REFUSED to have Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn as a 'guest to the white house to honor him for the expose' in The Gulag Archipelago of the horrid evil perpetrated upon the Russian people I and many of my friends feel that this was a terrible insult to a man who is dedicated to the humane treatment of all people and justice and freedom. The Republicans would gain the good will of many Americans all across the Nation by having Mr. Solzhenitsyn to the White House and honoring him in whatever way seemed appropriate. You may want to refer to the Congressional Record of the 94th Congress, Tuesday, July 15, 1975 when Mr. Phil Crane addressed the attention of the body to Mr. Solzhenitsyn's bravery and courage in the face of overmounting opposition by "liberal communist murderers" in Russia. President Gerald Ford, no doubt under pressure from the left wing in Washington, REFUSED to honor this brave man. I feel that it is time something was done in the name of truth and rightness instead of political favoritism. Please give this matter your deepest attention. Sincerely in Christ Jesus, Paul 0. Honomichl I \ 10am THE white HOUSE 18/6/01 washington Nan: Please antact Corl - Wedam Xri-ok 10am steaman- In neutichler Darley to set up meetry' her This 30 nervites at must meded. Fuday oct. 9th AM? wed. ou.7th AM ? or 2 pm - 2:30 5 PM Dissidents Solihemby 9 RECEIVED 81 SEP16 A7: 39 Wigheld 10/9/81 JANET COLSON at 10am BUD NANCE DICK ALLEN tos 3 3 IRENE DERUS egd 5/ JANET COLSON K BUD NANCE PETER CY TO VP SHOW CC CY TO MEESE SHOW CC CY TO BAKER SHOW CC CY TO DEAVER SHOW CC CY TO BRADY SHOW CC Comments: 1) "I'd like this matter discussed in a small group - Lord, Stearman, Pipes, Rentschle Bailey; then a one-page summary memo. Janet, 2) This was due for 15 Sept response. I don't understand why it was held. (I discussed w/Newell by phone.) J. Colson mty held 10/9/81 10am 10 5351 add-on (2) MEMORANDUM Dissidents NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CONFIDENTIAL October 30, 1981 ACTION MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD V. ALLEN THROUGH: CHARLES P. TYSON FROM: RICHARD PIPES SUBJECT: White House Invitation for Solzhenitsyn In response to your note on my memorandum of October 15 (Tab II), at Tab I is a memorandum to the President requesting approval to schedule a dinner inviting Soviet emigre dissidents to the White House, including Alexander Solzhenitsyn. (C) RECOMMENDATION That you sign the memorandum to the President at Tab I, forwarding a list of suggested guests (Tab A). Approve Disapprove Attachments: Tab I Memorandum to the President Tab A List of suggested dinner guests. Tab II Memorandum to Mr. Allen dated October 15. DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL White House Guidelines, August 28, 1997 Review October 30, 1987. By smf NARA, Date 6/26/02 5351 MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON CONFIDENTIAL ACTION MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM: RICHARD V. ALLEN SUBJECT: White House Invitation for Solzhenitsyn Over the past several months, a number of influential persons have been urging that you invite Aleksander Solzhenitsyn for a private meeting at the White House. I have been reluctant to recommend such a course because from the time he had settled in the United States, Solzhenitsyn has become increasingly active in Russian emigre politics, assuming leadership of the more conservative and nationalistic elements which are often anti-Western and anti-democratic. For you to receive him privately would suggest to Russians in the Soviet Union and abroad that you are endorsing his very controversial views and associations. (e) At the same time, powerful arguments can be made in favor of honoring Solzhenitsyn's great achievements in fighting Communism and exposing it as an inhuman ideology that threatens all countries. (e) A way out of the difficulty may be for you to invite Solzhenitsyn together with several other leading Soviet emigres, including individuals who represent more moderate, pro-Western tendencies as well as the ethnic minorities of the Soviet Union. A suggested list of those is attached at Tab A. All of them have given proof of their courage and most have spent long years in Soviet prisons and psychiatric wards. A dinner at the White House in their honor would demonstrate your sympathy for the cause of dissent in the USSR without identifying you with any particular current in it. (e) RECOMMENDATION That you approve the scheduling of a dinner inviting Soviet emigre dissidents listed at Tab A. Approve Disapprove Attachments: DECLASSIFIED Tab A List of Soviet emigres. NLRR F06-114/6#9237 CONFIDENTIAL BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13 Review October 30, 1987. LIST OF PROPOSED GUESTS FOR PRESIDENT REAGAN'S DINNER FOR SOVIET DISSIDENTS Ludmilla ALEXEEVA (293 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, New York 10591). A founding member of the Russian Helsinki Watch Group, who had travelled widely around the USSR to investigate abuses of human rights until expelled in 1977. Valerii CHALIDZE (145 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10028). A scientist, he was one of the earliest to get in trouble with the authorities in the struggle for human rights. Left in 1972. Presently publishes Russian political literature in New York. General Peter GRIGORENKO (4330 - 48th Street, Apt. 4F, Long Island, New York, New York 11104) A distinguished Soviet Army general and once an ardent Communist, he took up in the 1960s the cause of the Crimean Tatars whom Stalin had expelled from their homeland in 1944; cashiered from the service, he was committed to psychiatric wards. An Ukrainian by origin. Pavel LITVINOV (293 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, New York 10591) The grandson of Stalin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was arrested and tried for organizing in 1968 a demonstration in Red Square protesting the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Andrei SINIAVSKII (c/o Sorbonne, Paris, France). An eminent writer and editor, he published for years in the Soviet Union under the pen-name "Abram Tertz". Caught in 1965 he was given a prominent trial, spent a long sentence in camp. Alexander SOLZHENITSYN (Cavendish, Vermont). The prominent writer and author of Gulag Archipelago, was expelled in 1975. Valentin TURCHIN (7534 - 113th Street, Forest Hills, New York 11375). A physician, he headed the Moscow Chapter of Amnesty Inter- national. Friend of A. Sakharov. Forced to leave USSR in 1977. Father Georgii VINS (38 Stanton Road, P.O. Box 1188, Elkhart, Indiana 49515). A Baptist minister, spent many years in camps. 5351 add-on 13 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CONFIDENTIAL October 15, 1981 DECLASSIFIED ACTION NLRR F06-114/6#9238 MEMORANDUM FOR RICHARD V. ALLEN BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13 FROM: RICHARD PIPES is SUBJECT: White House Invitation for Solzhenitsyn Cary Lord, Norm Bailey and I discussed the perennial question of a White House invitation for Solzhenitsyn. The three of us agreed that a personal invitation to Solzhenitsyn would not be advisable because Alexander Isaevich would be likely to use the opportunity to deliver a political sermon that might prove embarrassing to the President and send all the wrong signals to pro-Western elements in Soviet society and emigration. At the same time, a blanket refusal may prove awkward because it could suggest that we are afraid of annoying Moscow with an invitation to him. (e) Option 1. We came up with the idea of inviting Solzhenitsyn not individually but as a member of a small group of prominent Freedom Fighters. One possibility would be to invite half a dozen world famous figures distinguished for their contributions on behalf of liberty: e.g., H. Matos, Frederick Hayek, Raymond Aaron, etc. (e) Option 2. Another possibility -- which I personally prefer -- would be to gather several Soviet dissidents in emigration who represent diverse trends in the Soviet political spectrum: in addition to Solzhenitsyn, who speaks for the Russian nationalist right, Siniavsky, a representative of the pro-Western center, Pavel Litvinov (arrested in 1968 for his Red Square protest against the invasion of Czechoslovakia), Ludmilla Alexeeva (charter founder of the Moscow Helsinki Group), Alexander Ginzburg (a much-persecuted dissident and friend of Solzhenitsyn), and Father Vins (a Baltic priest with a splendid record of resistance). . (e) RECOMMENDATION That you approve one of the two options set forth above. Approve Option 1 Approve Option 2 4 Disapprove CC: Norman Bailey Carnes Lord James Rentschler hel this fer can lu William Stearman how done. small for D deview CONFIDENTIAL Review October 15, 1987. Plu Ocrbals get which a gusts memo a 11 A 14 LIST OF PROPOSED GUESTS FOR PRESIDENT REAGAN'S DINNER FOR SOVIET DISSIDENTS Ludmilla ALEXEEVA 293 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, New York 10591). A founding member of the Russian Helsinki Watch Group, who E had travelled widely around the USSR to investigate abuses of human rights until expelled in 1977. (Taila) Valerii CHALIDZE 145 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10028). A scientist, he was one of the earliest to get in trouble E with the authorities in the struggle for human rights. Left in 1972. Presently publishes Russian political literature in New York. (512) 860 - 8823 (212)784-3676 General Peter GRIGORENKO (4330 - 48th Street, Apt. 4F, Long Island, New York, New York 11104) A distinguished Soviet Army general call and once an ardent Communist, he took up in the 1960s the Thenday No cause of the Crimean Tatars whom Stalin had expelled from their homeland in 1944; cashiered from the service, he was committed to psychiatric wards. An Ukrainian by origin. 631-4861 (91x) Pavel LITVINOV (293 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, New York 10591). (acila) The grandson of Stalin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was E arrested and tried for organizing in 1968 a demonstration in Red Square protesting the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. 661-2838 - cuperence Parksan nevew Andrei SINIAVSKII (c/o Sorbonne, Paris, France). An eminent writer OK and editor, he published for years in the Soviet Union under No the pen-name "Abram Tertz". Caught in 1965 he was given a prominent trial, spent a long sentence in camp. 05142) Alexander SOLZHENITSYN (Cavendish, Vermont) The prominent NO writer and author of Gulag Archipelago, was expelled in 1975. (212)541-0044 Valentin TURCHIN (7534 - 113th Street, Forest Hills, New York 11375) A physician, he headed the Moscow Chapter of Amnesty Inter E national. Friend of A. Sakharov. Forced to leave USSR in 1977. Father Georgii VINS (38 Stanton Road, P.O. Box 1188, Elkhart, at Indiana 49515). A Baptist minister, spent many years in No camps. Td.(219) 522-3486 8 me Bosis Forianay- vilde Roses(:) Ayshe 303-99thst., Dwoklyn, N.Y., 11209. (212)238-1621. Biship Basil Rodrianko, 20110 Auna st., San Nanasco, calf. 9Y118 off X15/751 1000 have 415/751 1258 15 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 3/15 Dick Pipes, Please get States reaction to your proposal. JL 3/18/82 John Poindexter, The to Eaplelouses + scaulan us State concurs. Richard Pipes National Security Council The White House Package # 1176 ABH57 SEQUENCE TO HAS/SEEN ACTION John Poindexter Bud McFarlane in Jacque Hill 2 g Judge Clark 3 A John Poindexter L. Staff Secretary S Sit Room Rx I-Information A-Action R-Retain 0-Dispatch 0 DISTRIBUTION CY To VP get Show CO CY To Meese w Show CC CY To Baker Show CC CY To Deaver Show CC Ppes 16 D May lunch 11th THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 4/6/82 TO: Chuck Tyson FR: Jacque Hill you Chuck, here is the paper work for the record. 17 92 National Security Council The White House Package # 1176 SEQUENCE TO HAS SEEN ACTION John Poindexter / P Bud McFarlane Jacque Hill 2 g I Judge Clark John Poindexter Staff Secretary 3 A Sit Room I-Information A-Action R -Retain D-Dispatch DISTRIBUTION CY To VP Show CC CY To Meese Show CC CY To Baker Show CC CY To Deaver Show CC Other COMMENTS Jacque, Till the Judge done 3/31/82 also discussed Chuck Tayson, w/ you. gA Work out details. Julona John CONFIRENTIAL 1176 18 MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE DECLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL WASHINGTON NLRR F06-114/6#9239 ACTION March 20, 1982 BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT FROM: WILLIAM P. CLARK SUBJECT: White House Invitation for Solzhenitsyn Issue Over the past year, a number of influential persons have been urging that you invite Aleksander Solzhenitsyn for a private meeting at the White House. However, there are strong objections to inviting Solzhenitsyn alone. (C) Facts From the time he settled in the United States, Solzhenitsyn has become increasingly active in Russian emigre politics, assuming leadership of the more conservative and nationalistic elements which are often anti-Western and anti-democratic. For you to receive him privately would suggest to Russians in the Soviet Union and abroad that you are endorsing his very controversial views and associations. At the same time, powerful arguments can be made in favor of honoring Solzhenitsyn's great achievements in fighting Communism and exposing it as an inhuman ideology that threatens all countries. (C) Discussion A way out of the difficulty may be for you to invite Solzhenitsyn together with several other leading Soviet emigres, including individuals who represent more moderate, pro-Western tendencies as well as the ethnic minorities of the Soviet Union. A suggested list of those is attached at Tab A. All of them have given proof of their courage and most have spent long years in Soviet prisons and psychiatric wards. A lunch or dinner at the White House in their honor would demonstrate your sympathy for the cause of dissent in the USSR -- a very worthy cause -- without identifying you with any particular current in it. (C) RECOMMENDATION O.K. No 1. That you approve the scheduling of a lunch or dinner inviting Soviet emigre dissidents listed at Tab A. Attachment: Tab A List of Soviet emigres. Prepared by: CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL Richard Pipes Review March 5, 1988. A 19 LIST OF PROPOSED GUESTS FOR PRESIDENT REAGAN'S DINNER FOR SOVIET DISSIDENTS Ludmilla ALEXEEVA (293 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, New York 10591). A founding member of the Russian Helsinki Watch Group, who had travelled widely around the USSR to investigate abuses of human rights until expelled in 1977. 914/332-1578 Valerii CHALIDZE (145 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10028). A scientist, he was one of the earliest to get in trouble with the authorities in the struggle for human rights. Left in 1972. Presently publishes Russian political literature in New York. 212/860-8823 General Peter GRIGORENKO (4330 - 48th Street, Apt. 4F, Long Island, New York, New York 11104). A distinguished Soviet Army general and once an ardent Communist, he took up in the 1960s the ZINAIVA cause of the Crimean Tatars whom Stalin had expelled from their homeland in 1944; cashiered from the service, he was committed to psychiatric wards. An Ukrainian by origin 212/784-3676 Pavel LITVINOV (293 Benedict Avenue, Tarrytown, New York 10591) The grandson of Stalin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was arrested and tried for organizing in 1968 a demonstration in Red Square protesting the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. 914/631-4861 Andrei SINIAVSKII (c/o Sorbonne, Paris, France). An eminent writer and editor, he published for years in the Soviet Union under the pen-name "Abram Tertz". Caught in 1965 he was given a prominent trial, spent a long sentence in camp. (Pain) Alexander SOLZHENITSYN (Cavendish, Vermont). The prominent writer and author of Gulag Archipelago, was expelled in 1975. Valentin TURCHIN (7534 - 113th Street, Forest Hills, New York 11375). A physician, he headed the Moscow Chapter of Amnesty Inter- national. Friend of A. Sakharov. Forced to leave USSR in 1977. Father Georgii VINS (38 Stanton Road, P.O. Box 1188, Elkhart, Indiana 49515). A Baptist minister, spent many years in camps. Ms. ayohe SEITMURATOVA 303-99 th St. Brooklyn, ny 11209 212/238-1621 3/10 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 3/20 Friend Deaver, Bill wanted you to see this before it goes to the President Bulway out guay After review, please return to BT Merchant in the Situation Room, ext 2585. 21 75 National Security Council The White House Package # 1176 SEQUENCE TO HAS SEEN ACTION John Poindexter I & Bud McFarlane 2 Will Jacque Hill 3 Judge Clark 4 $ A John Poindexter 5 H Staff Secretary G D Sit Room I-Information A-Action Retain D-Dispatch DISTRIBUTION CY To VP Show CC CY. To Meese Show CC CY To Baker Show CC CY To Deaver Show CC Other COMMENTS Pager talked To Eaglebenger and John: Have Dear go over the Scanla. They Concur before is goes to Pris we - 22 National Security Council The White House Package # 1176 57 SEQUENCE TO HAS/SEEN V ACTION John Poindexter Bud McFarlane Jacque Hill as g Judge Clark A John Poindexter Staff Secretary Sit Room I-Information A-Action R-Retain -Dispatch 0 CY To VP CY To Meese Set DISTRIBUTION 1:30 Show CC Show CC CY To Baker Show CC CY To Deaver Show CC Other 23 1176 THE WHITE HOUSE washington 3/15 Dick Piges, Please get States reaction to your proposal JL 3/18/82 John Poindexter, The 3 Eaptelouses + scaulan us State concurs. Richard Pipes nw 1176 24 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CONFIDENTIAL with SECRET Attachment March 5, 1982 ACTION SIGNED MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK FROM: RICHARD PIPES M SUBJECT: Proposed White House Invitation for Solzhenitsyn Approximately every two or three months, some influential Senator or other prominent public figures urges a White House invitation for Alexander Solzhenitsyn. This time the recommendation comes from Senator Jepsen and Congressman Kemp. I have repeatedly recommended against this proposal. My reasons are stated in the attached memorandum to Richard V. Allen, dated June 24, 1981 (Tab II). Subsequently, Stearman, Bailey, Lord and I put our heads together and found what seemed the best solution to the problem, namely a Presidential lunch (or dinner) for a group of Soviet dissidents, including Solzhenitsyn, representing the diverse trends in the emigration. A proposed list of these persons is attached at Tab A. Allen approved the recommendation but apparently took no action. I further attach a memorandum from you to the President (previously submitted to Allen) recommending such a course (Tab I). (C) State concurs. Once a decision on this matter has been reached, an answer can be drafted to Senator Jepsen and Congressmen Kemp (Tab III). (C) RECOMMENDATION That you sign and forward the memorandum to the President at Tab I. Approve Disapprove Attachments: Tab I Memorandum to the President Tab A List of Soviet emigres Tab II Memorandum of June 24, 1981 to Richard V. Allen Tab III Incoming letter of February 22 from Senator Jepsen and Congressman Kemp CC: Norman Bailey Carnes Lord DECLASSIFIED William Stearman NLRR F06-114/6#9240 CONFIDENTIAL with SECRET Attachment BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13 Review March 5, 1988. 3872 MEMORANDUM Dessidents EVA HAS SEEN NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL 25 SECRET June 24, 1981 ACTION Pupis 9/9 MEMORANDUM FOR: RICHARD V. ALLEN FROM: RICHARD PIPES NP SUBJECT: Solzhenitsyn I understand that you are meeting this afternoon with Senator Jepson to discuss Sozhenitsyn and that you would like a memorandum from me on this subject. (C) There are really two Solzhenitsyns. One is the heroic fighter against Communist oppression and the author of Gulag Archipelago, a work that has had a profoundly salutary effect on Western perceptions of the Soviet Union. This Solzhenitsyn is a heroic figure and a symbol of resistance to Communist oppression. The people who wish the President to receive him in the White House usually are aware only of this side of him: it was only this side of him that was known in 1974 when Solzhenitsyn came to the United States, which is why President Ford's refusal to meet with him rightly evoked such a storm of protests. (C) The other Solzhenitsyn is a cunning politician who has gradually revealed himself since 1974, a man who sees himself as a future leader of Russia. In this capacity he identifies himself with the most reactionary and nationalistic Russian elements in the Soviet Union and abroad. His followers in emigration, consisting heavily of Nazi collaborators in World War II, glorify the old Russian monarchy. extol General Vlasov, the leader of the pro- Nazi Russian army in World War II, sympathize with Petain and Franco, and, following Solzhenitsyn's lead, on every occasion assail Western values because they hold the West directly responsible for Communism and the suffering it has inflicted on Russia. (S) Thus, while a meeting with Solzhenitsyn might signal to the world at large a reaffirmation of our anti-Communism (which is hardly necessary in any event), to the Russians it would symbolize U.S. identification with the most conservative, nationalist strain in the Russian opposition at the expense of the pro-Western, liberal, human rights opposition, headed by Sakharov and Orlov. Do we want to make such a commitment? (8) I have no doubt of the good intentions of Americans who promote a Reagan-Solzhenitsyn meeting. I believe, however, that they are innocent victims of a political ploy initiated by Solzhenitsyn DECLASSIFIED SECRET Review June 24, 1987. NLRR F06-114/6+9241 Fob- BY RW NARA DATE 3/19/13 SECRET 2 24 for his own political purposes, which are not necessarily ours. Not all anti-Communism is good. We should support only that anti-Communism which is carried out in the name of democratic and liberal principles, and it so happens that Solzhenitsyn does not share those in the least -- indeed, he scorns them as much as does any Soviet leader. (S) RECOMMENDATION My recommendation would be that the President not meet with Solzhenitsyn but instead, on some suitable occasion, such as a birthday, send him a congratulatory message similar to the one he had recently sent to Sakharov. (S) Approve Disapprove SECRET and 2) 1176 United States Senate WASHINGTON, D. C.20510 ROGER W. JEPSEN IOWA February 22, 1982 Mr. William P. Clark Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs The White House Office 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500 enclosure Dear Bill: & We had worked with Vice President George Bush and others to bring President Reagan together with Alexandr Solzhenitsyn during CREED's (see enclosure) last Washington meeting on October 28 and 29, 1981. Unfortunately we weren't able to arrange a meeting at that time. CREED will next meet in Washington on May 26 and 27. Once again there is an opportunity to bring Solzhenitsyn to Washington and arrange a meeting between him and the President. Solzhenitsyn's public appearances are rare. An appearance with President Reagan is guaranteed worldwide publicity. This publicity, in turn, would help: 1) demonstrate to the Soviets and the rest of the world that this Administration has an unfaltering commitment to speak out against human rights violations behind the Iron Curtain. The inevi- table contrast between such a meeting and President Ford's refusal to meet Solzenitsyn will prove that things are different under President Reagan. 2) emphasize that repression and persecution are an integral part of the Soviet system -- and an integral threat to the values and security of our nation. This is an important message as the Administration seeks to enact a program for stronger defense and renewed commitment to countering Communist aggression. 28 Mr. William P. Clark February 22, 1982 Page 2 Can you help us arrange such a meeting? If the President agrees to meet with Solzhenitsyn, or if your staff should want more information, please contact Herman Pirchner of Senator Jepsen's staff at 224-0046. Thank you for your consideration of this request. New Jack U.S. York F. Congressman Hemp U.S. Sincerely, Roger Iowa Senator W Jepsen Japsen Enclosure M National Security Council file Dissider The White House Package # Syz 21 SEQUENCE TO HAS SEEN ACTION John Poindexter Bud McFarlane Jacque Hill Judge Clark John Poindexter / & Staff Secretary 2 A Sit Room I-Information A-Action R-Retain D-Dispatch DISTRIBUTION cc: VP Meese Baker Deaver Other COMMENTS Juny, T here in ms award for sol. are aware of juling about him. He is balanced by c large group of other Russia emigies for lunch John 30 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL NON-LOG April 6, 1982 NOTES MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK FROM: JEREMIAH O'LEARY gaof SUBJECT: Aleksandr Solzenitsyn This is an early warning note for what sounds like a potential flap. Today I received a call from Alfred Friendly, a former Staff member at the NSC and a Russian expert. He said the word is out that the White House has invited Solzenitsyn to come here on May 11th, possibly to receive some kind of award from the President, perhaps the Freedom Medal. I know nothing of this, but Friendly says that he is in frequent contact with other Russian dissidents, many of them in this country. These people do not love Mr. Solzenitsyn, according to Friendly, and consider him pro-Soviet and anti-Western. He suggests that such a ceremony for Solzenitsyn might lead to protests and demonstrations by the other Russian emigres. CC: Richard Pipes NSC/S PROFILE CONF IDENTIAL ID 8202344 RECEIVED 08 APR 82 17 31 TO CLARK FROM TYSON DOCDATE 07 APR 82 PIPES 07 APR 82 DECLASSIFIED White House Guidelines, August 28, 1997 PIPES 16 APR 82 By smf NARA, Date 6/27/02 KEYWORDS: AP USSR SOLZHENITSYN, A IMMIGRATION ZARECHNAK, DIMITRI MUROMCEW, CYRIL SUBJECT: PROPOSED GUEST LIST FOR PRES LUNCHEON 11 MAY W/ ALEXANDER SOLZHENITSYN much & SOVIET IMMIGRANTS & REQUEST FOR INTERPRETERS ACTION: FOR DECISION DUE: 28 APR 82 STATUS C FILES WH FOR ACTION FOR CONCURRENCE FOR INFO CLARK Pyses COMMENTS REF# LOG NSCIFID (N / C) ACTION OFFICER (S) ASSIGNED ACTION REQUIRED DUE COPIES TO - 4/30 Recd State Memo CT,RP re interpreters DISPATCH W/ATTCH FILE (C) 2344 8211758 32 DEPARTMENT OF STATE Washington, D.C. 20520 April 29, 1982 UNCLASSIFIED MEMORANDUM FOR MR. WILLIAM P. CLARK THE WHITE HOUSE SUBJECT: Russian Interpreters The names of the two Russian interpreters who will be present at the President's May 11 luncheon for Soviet emigres at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 11 are: Dimitri Zarechnak Cyril Muromcew. Details concerning where and when they should report would be appreciated, and should be communicated to Thomas W. Simons, Jr. (632-3738) or Richard E. Combs, Jr. (632-1452), EUR/SOV, Room 4217, Department of State 20520. commanawar Bremer, Executive Secretary UNCLASSIFIED NSC/S PROFILE CONFIDENTIAL ID 8202344 add-on RECEIVED 08 APR 82 17 Dissider to TO CLARK FROM TYSON DOCDATE 07 APR 82 33 PIPES 07 APR 82 DECLASSIFIED PIPES 16 APR 82 White House Guidalines, August 28, 1897 By smf NARA, Date 6/27/02 KEYWORDS: AP USSR SOLZHENITSYN, A IMMIGRATION ZARECHNAK, DIMITRI MUROMCEW, CYRIL SUBJECT: PROPOSED GUEST LIST FOR PRES LUNCHEON 11 MAY W/ ALEXANDER SOLZHENITSYN & SOVIET IMMIGRANTS & REQUEST FOR INTERPRETERS ACTION: FOR DECISION DUE: 06 MAY 82 STATUS X FILES WH FOR ACTION FOR CONCURRENCE FOR INFO CLARK Taken car of COMMENTS REF# LOG 8202942 8203089 NSCIFID (N/) ACTION OFFICER (S) ASSIGNED ACTION REQUIRED DUE COPIES TO Jugon Pipes X 5/3 add on preparetive Clark 4 may nsc/s C 6 May takencare of by#3118 per RP₂ DISPATCH W/ATTCH FILE (C) 2344 THE WHITE HOUSE 34 WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM 4/30/82 TO: MUFFIE BRANDON/WILLIAM P. CLARK 78R for FROM: GREGORY J. NEWELL SUBJ: APPROVED PRESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY PLEASE IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING AND NOTIFY AND CLEAR ALL PARTICIPANTS. THE BRIEFING PAPER AND REMARKS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO RICHARD DARMAN BY 3 P.M. OF THE PRECEDING DAY. MEETING: Lunch with Soviet Immigrants DATE: May 11, 1982 TIME: 12:15 pm (changed from 12:00 as previously notified) DURATION: 75 minutes LOCATION: Residence REMARKS REQUIRED: Yes MEDIA COVERAGE: Coordinate with Press Office FIRST LADY PARTICIPATION: REMARKS REQUIRED CC: A. Bakshian C. Romero M. Brandon B. Shaddix R. Darman L. Speakes R. DeProspero S. Studdert K. Duberstein WHCA Audio/Visual D. Fischer WHCA Operations C. Fuller R. Williamson E. Hickey N. Wormser M. McManus A. Wrobleski E. Rollins on are THE WHITE HOUSE 35 WASHINGTON MEMORANDUM 4/30/82 TO: WILLIAM P. CLARK FROM: GREGORY J. NEWELL 72R for SUBJ: APPROVED PRESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY PLEASE IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING AND NOTIFY AND CLEAR ALL PARTICIPANTS. THE BRIEFING PAPER AND REMARKS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO RICHARD DARMAN BY 3 P.M. OF THE PRECEDING DAY. MEETING: with Alexander Solzhenitsyn DATE: May 11, 1982 TIME: 12:00 Noon 10 minutes DURATION: Oval Office LOCATION: REMARKS REQUIRED: To be covered in briefing paper MEDIA COVERAGE: Coordinate with Press Office FIRST LADY PARTICIPATION: No CC: A. Bakshian C. Romero M. Brandon B. Shaddix R. Darman L. Speakes R. DeProspero S. Studdert K. Duberstein WHCA Audio/Visual D. Fischer WHCA Operations C. Fuller R. Williamson E. Hickey N. Wormser M. McManus A. Wrobleski E. Rollins C. Tyson M. Wheeler 2344 Dissidents MEMORANDUM 34 NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CONFIDENTIAL April 7, 1982 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR CHARLES P. TYSON FROM: RICHARD PIPES or SUBJECT: Presidential Lunch, May 11, 1982 Here is the progress report: I am still waiting to get Solzhenitsyn's telephone number. As concerns potential additional guests, I would like to suggest the following: 1. Professor Lev Dobriansky of Georgetown University, the head of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. 2. Ed Klein, a New York businessman who has been extremely helpful in assisting Russian dissenters in this country. 3. Robert Bernstein, President, Random House, another American who has been unusually helpful in assisting Soviet intellectuals. 4. M. Rostropovich, Director of the National Symphony. 5. Ambassador Max Kampelman. DECLASSIFIED White House Guidelines, August 28, 1997 By sml NARA, Date 6/27/02 CONFIDENTIAL Review April 7, 1988. National Security Council The White House Package # 2344 SEQUENCE TO HAS/SEEN ACTION John Poindexter / 40 Bud McFarlane 2 in Jacque Hill 3 of Judge Clark 4 A John Poindexter Staff Secretary Sit Room I-Information A-Action R-Retain D-Dispatch DISTRIBUTION cc: VP Meese Baker Deaver Other COMMENTS WW MEMORANDUM 2344 add-on 38 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON UNCLASSIFIED WITH April 7, 1982 CONFIDENTIAL ATTACHMENT ACTION MEMORANDUM FOR WILLIAM P. CLARK FROM: CHARLES P. TYSON DIDN SUBJECT: The President's Luncheon with Soviet Immigrants -- Tuesday, May 11 The President's luncheon with Aleksander Solzhenitsyn and other Soviet immigrants has been approved and is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, at 12:00 noon. Jacque has indicated to me that you have an interest in discussing the list of invitees with Maestro Rostropovich of the National Symphony. Attached at Tab A is an approved list of invitees and also a sug- gested list of invitees who Dick Pipes feels would add substantially to the luncheon. Because news of this event has leaked to the press, it is important that you review and approve the list as soon as possible. Dick Pipes will then issue the in- vitations verbally -- to be followed by a formal invitation from Muffie Brandon's office. RECOMMENDATION That you approve the luncheon guest list. Approve Approve, as amended Disapprove Attachment Tab A - Guest List UNCLASSIFIED WITH UNCLASSIFIED UPON REMOVAL CONFIDENTIAL ATTACHMENT OF CLASSIFIED ENCLOSURE(S) sosile lesses 2344 add-on 39 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CONFIDENTIAL April 16, 1982 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR CHARLES P. TYSON FROM: RICHARD PIPES & SUBJECT: Presidential Lunch, Tuesday, May 11, 1982 I would like to suggest a small change in the list of persons invited to the May 11 lunch. I would drop Turchin, because he basically represents the same cause (Helsinki movement) as to Chalidze and Alexeeva, and replace him with Ms. Ayshe Seitmuratova. This lady is a Crimean Tatar. She has fought bravely for her people, whom Stalin had deported and who have not been allowed to return to their homeland. Because she is a woman and a Muslim she would add a certain "affirmative action" FOIA(b) (6) balance to the list. Her address is The Helsinki Committee of Congress also called me and urged that Congressman Fascell and Senator Dole be invited inasmuch as they chair the Committee on Security and Cooperation in Europe which is directly concerned with the violations of human rights provision of the Helsinki accords. 8 DECLASSIFIED IN PART By LOS , NARA, Date 12/13/07 NLS 506-114/6-9242 CONFNDENTIAL Review April 16, 1988. RPX 40 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL April 22, 1982 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR CHARLES P. TYSON FROM: RICHARD PIPES N SUBJECT: Invitees to May 11 Luncheon Here are seven of the invitees, all notified by phone (see attached). They now should receive formal invitations. There are three more to await decision on Monday: 1. Mrs. Shcharansky: I talked to someone in her Jerusalem apartment and passed on the message but she has not yet called back: I suppose she needs some kind of an O.K. If she calls on Friday, Fran will let you know. 2. Ms. Seitmuratova and the Orthodox priest: I would feel better if I got more information on both of them which I will do on Monday morning, when I return from Vienna. Attachment Partial List of Persons Invited to Presidential Luncheon - May 11, 1982 Ludmilla ALEXEEVA 293 Benedict Avenue Tarrytown, New York 10591 Valerii CHALIDZE 145 East 92nd Street New York, New York 10028 General Peter GRIGORENKO 4330 - 48th Street, Apartment 4F Long Island New York, New York 11104 Pavel LITVINOV 293 Benedict Avenue Tarrytown, New York 10591 Andrei SINIAVSKII 8, rue Boris Vilde Fontanay-aux-Roses 92260 France Alexander SOLZHENITSYN Cavendish, Vermont 05142 Father Georgii VINS 38 Stanton Road P.O. Box 1188 Elkhart, Indiana 49515 Dissident 42 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL CONFNDENTIAL April 26, 1982 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR CHARLES P. TYSON FROM: RICHARD PIPES M SUBJECT: May 11 Presidential Lunch Here are the additional (and final) persons to be invited: 1. Ms Ayshe SEITMURATOVA: 2. Mrs. Avital SHCHARANSKY: FOIA(b) (6) I have given up on the Orthodox priest because, in view of the split in the Orthodox Church in this country, to invite the representative of one faction would only infuriate the other. (F) Thus, we will have nine guests. ) DECLASSIFIED IN PART NLS F06 -114/6 # 9243 By LOJ NARA, Date 12/13/07 CONFIDENTIAL Review April 26, 1988. [ I filed 4/38/82 NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL Paula Chaliche (212) 860 - 8823 Litvinor (914)631-4861 May 11th 12 noon FILE Dissidents 44 Q: Is the President going to meet with Alexander Solzhenitsyn, as recommended by Senator Jepsen and Congressman Kemp? A: The President has already met with emigrees from the Soviet Union, including Mrs. Avital Shcharansky, whose husband is currently the object of Soviet persecution. He is actively considering, additional meetings with a (emigres) wide range of the courageous Soviet citizens who have defied their government's repression, suffered at the hands of Soviet authorities, and have finally left their homeland. 45 Background: The President will he hosting a lunch on May 11 for a number of prominent Soviet emigrees. Alexander Solzhenitsyn will be among those invited. The President has decided against an individual meeting with Solzhenitsyn to avoid showing favoritism in the factional disputes among Soviet emigrees in which Solzhenitsyn is heavily involved. The invitations to the guests for the May 11 lunch will be issued in the next few weeks, and when they are issued the lunch will be announced publicly. JN 47 producty sprase) < NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL schilod >8 ) Dissidents - Ed Klein - Dobransky Dobre ansky Reagan UTWE (515) -pind May " E 8886 Actionalation- als) R - disibit Time Where \ 46 > George Humphrey Chalidze COMMOTE YTIRUO32 JANOITAN 8c visity 63 Grig.- 1. (212) X 784-3676 primo 3 dad --- Si - 661 - 2838 TOTAL Vins - rond Indiana 4/28 oreginal returned 49 MEMORANDUM to mr. Russo THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON 4/29/82 WH spingiviz to file has '82 Dissident April 26, 1982 & FOR: RICHARD PIPES FROM: PAUL RUSSO P.R. RE: SOVIET DISSIDENTS LUNCHEON Leslie Dutton from Los Angeles, is interested in the May 11 Soviet Dissidents Event and would very much like to discuss that with you. A copy of her letter is attached. I would appreciate it if you could take the time to talk to her. Her number is 213 477-8231. Thank you for your assistance. The Hannaford Company, Inc. 10960 Wilshire Boulevard 49 Suite 422 Los Angeles, California 90024 213/477-8231 Public Relations & Public Affairs April 19, 1982 Mr. Paul Russo Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs The The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Hannaford Washington, D.C. 20515 Company, Inc. Dear Paul, It has come to my attention that there will be a dinner at the White House on May 11, 1982 for Soviet dissidents who are now living in the United States. However, it is my understanding that three of the most prominent dissidents from the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have not yet received an invitation. I thought perhaps that you would be most interested to know that all three of these gentlemen vigorously supported President Reagan for election in 1980. Their names and addresses with a brief descripton are below: SIMAS KUDIRKA - Lithuanian sailor who jumped off a Soviet trawler off the coast of Martha's Vineyard asking for asylum in 1972. A tele- vision movie on his life featured Alan Arkin as Simas. (341 Highland Boulevard, Brooklyn, New York 11207). VLADAS SAKALYS - A copy of a Christian Science Monitor article about Vladas' escape from Soviet-occupied Lithuania in 1980 is attached herewith. (341 Highland Boulevard, New York, 11207). PAUL BRUVERS - Living in the United States with his wife on a student visa while studying for the Baptist Theological School. Paul was convicted and sentenced to prison and hard labor camps for conducting a public opinion survey in Riga, Latvia. (See article "Flight to Freedom", BALTIC BULLETIN, February-March 1981 attached. His address is 275 N Oakland Avenue #8, Pasadena, California). He is thirty years old. These three dynamic young men have told quite a story about life behind the Iron Curtain and why they chose to leave their homelands. Certainly, they should be included in a group of distinguished Soviet dissidents. Very best regards, Lislie Leslie Dutton Account Executive Enclosures LD/mg TWX/Telex 910-342-7566 Los Angeles New York Sacramento Washington, D.C. Thirty-four-year-old Olafs Brüvers has their holidays? How did they like their never known a free and independent work? What radio programs did they Latvia because his homeland was appreciate most? forcibly invaded and occupied by the Seventy-five percent of the 236 Soviet Union eight years before his people polled, Russian as well as Latvian birth. Yet Olafs Brüvers and his brother opposed unpaid overtime work required by the government on Saturdays, Olaf Bruvers, Pavil had the audacity to openly a well-known question the Soviet system, attempting indicated that they played the state- Latoian to conduct the Baltic nation's first public required lottery in order to win and not dissident, opinion poll. As a result, Brüvers spent to support the state, also, if given the is urging six-and-a-half months in a labor camp for chance would vacation in western support for "slandering the Soviet Union." countries. the Baltic-American Freedom League program. The public opinion poll was one page Brüvers and his brother were arrested long, each copy individually typed. and the opinion polls were confiscated In June 1982, Bruvers' visa will expire. Brüvers said that since private printing by the KGB in 1977. After completing a Until then, however, he is available to equipment is not permitted by the six-and-a-half month sentence in a labor show a 25-minute 8mm sound film of Communist government, he and his camp, the entire Brüvers family was labor camps in Latvia. He helped to brother had to spend nearly three-and-a- harrassed until eventually a one-month smuggle the film out of his country in half months preparing the forms before hunger strike by family members 1975, while active in the Latvian they could start the opinion poll. prompted Soviet authorities to allow independence movement. Brüvers wants In Riga, where the poll was them to leave the country for West Americans to see this rare glimpse of life conducted, a majority of the population Germany. behind the Iron Curtain. is Russian because of Soviet mass Bruvers and his wife have been deportations of Latvians to Siberia. The granted political asylum in West For information regarding an interview with Olafs Bruvers brothers asked Russians and Germany but are living temporarily in Brüvers or for viewing the film, please contact: The Latvians alike to answer the questions. Los Angeles, California while he is Hannaford Company, Suite 422, 10960 Wilshire Where did the workers like to spend attending a theological seminary on a Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90024, Mrs. student visa. Leslie C. Dutton (telephone 213/477-8231). 6 Baltic Bulletin February/March 1982 By Daniel Southerland Staff correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor Sakalys Is Impressed with the affluence which he has seen Soon the people were fighting to gel It back. Over the Washington In the two months which he has spent In the United States. He years a remarkable thing happened. The protesters prepared You have to wonder which demanded the most courage had.expected the standard of living to be high. but the reality a petition and In 1979 sent It to Sovlet President Leonld Brezh from this tough Lithuanian patriot. surpasses his expectations. nev. It was signed by an extraordinary number of people - Living through the 15 years In forced labor camps? He Is to be granted political asylum here and one day may 143,000 of them - a number unheard of for protest petitions Standing up to his secret police Interrugators? seek citizenship. But he looks like a man searching for submitted to the Soviet leadership. Or making his final escape? Americans who are as tough as he Is and not finding them. He Glven such widespread resistance, men and women like Walking. running. crawling. swimming - It look Viadas does not think that the West has the good sense or the will to Viadas Sakalys do not consider themselves "dissidents," as Sakalys 20 days to cover the 373 miles to freedom. The most resist Soviet aggression. He thinks the Seviets will Invade they are known In the West. They consider themselves Lith dangerous part was crossing the heavily patrolled Soviel bor- Poland. uanlan patriots trying to get the Soviet authorities to live up der. with Its guards, dogs. electrified fence. barbed wire, and "The Soviets will come to Poland." he says matter-of- to the rights supposedly guaranteed by the Soviet constitu a lake. factly. arguing that no matter how limited the Independence tion and legal codes. In some ways. the men of the KGB, the Soviel State Secu- which the Pollsh workers have achieved. the Soviets see that Viadas Sakalys does not have an advanced education In rity Committee. must be happy to be rid of Vladas Sakalys. Independence as undermining their system. the usual sense. After completing primary and secondary Resistance Is written all over his Nordle features. Don't push "In Lithuania, everyone is waiting to see how II will end In school, he spent so much time In jalls and labor camps that me around. Don't try to be nice to me. Elther way. there will Poland." be says. there was little opportunity for formal training. But through be no compromise. That Is what the plercing blue eyes. the He predicts that the Pollsh workers will resist the Invasion home study and on-the-Job training be did learn about the compact body. and the no-nonsense look seem to say. but that the Soriets will crush them. fabrication and repair of eyeglass lenses and became a II. When he decided to escape from the Sovlet Union. Sakalys And what will the West do? censed optician. In addition to speaking Lithuanian, he has was with his family. It was In May of this year. and he was "The West will not move even a little finger," be says. learned to speak Russian, Pollsh, and Latvian, and has a enjoying a respite from prisons and forced-labor camps. But To many people In the West. Lithuania is nothing more rudimentary knowledge of English and German. when the authorities threatened to throw him -- for the fourth than a vague memory - one of those small lands which the Most Important for his work In the human rights field. he time - Into such a camp, he decided that II would be too Russians swallowed after World War II. But to Vladas has learned the Soviet laws. You might call him a labor camp much of a burden, not Just for himself but also for his wife Sakalys. Uthuania lives. It In a culture. a language, a rell- lawyer. and two young children. glon - and A will to restst. Sakalys has never known anything but resistance. He was He had been Interrogated by the KGB about the signing Located on the western side of the Soviet Union with bor- born during the war and Nazi occupation. He grew up wit- and dissemination of petitions protesting the Soviet occupa- ders on Poland and the Baltic Sea, Lithuania Is about the size nessing a guerrilla movement against the Soviets. To crush !lon of Lithuania, and suspected the secret police were fol- of Belglum and Holland combined. More than three-quarters the resistance. the Soviets deported several hundred thou- lowing him. He dodged the pollcemen. went underground. of Its population of 3.4 million is estimated to be Roman sand Lithuanians. Sakalys's wife was born of deportee par- and a month later left Lithuania on his Journey to freedom. Catholle. ents In Siberta: his uncle was a guerrilla whom the Soviets Sakalys was carrying a map from an atlas which didn't The church says that virtually no religious Ilterature has executed. even warn him that he would have to cross a lake. All II really been openly published since 1945. But Lithuania is rich In Dut his was a divided family. Sakalys's father - he never told him was that he would have to head north toward the underground Ilterature of all sorts. speaks of his father - was a Communist official. Ills father northwestern Up of the Soviet Union and then west. If the In 1960. people In the seaport city of Klalpeda bullt a abandoned his mother. and he has disowned his father. guards. and the dogs. and the fence didn't get him, he would church with their own hands and at their own expense. But Sakalys's first encounter with the secret police came In reach Finland. despite the official permission orginally granted for building 1955. when, at the age of 13, he was arrested for putting up a Viadas Sakalys (It Is pronounced "Shahkahlees") looks a this church, the local authorities later began to ralse objec- ponter demanding "Russians, get out of Lithuania!" The po- bit out of place In Washington, D.C. Il has been more than tions and Impose requirements. They seized the church. tore lice beat him, questioned him for three days. and finally four months since be crossed the Sovlet border Into Finland. down the steeple. and converted the church Into a concert turned him over to school authorities for further punishment. leaving behind him his family and a life of Interrogations and hall. IDs first Imprisonment did not come until six years later. labor camps. But be looks as though someone had Just fished In 1961, he was sentenced to six years In Jalls and forced- him out of one of those cold northern lakes. dried him off, and labor camp for "disseminating slander" against the Soviet given him the first sult they could flnd. government and for membership In anti-Soviet underground II is a dark blue sult with white pinstripes which Sakalys Is organizations. That was followed In 1971 by four more years wearing. and the trousers appear to be about a size too small. In falls and labor camps. His last sentence was for five years, The collar of his white shirt Is crooked. He knows that to talk and be was released from his last labor camp term on May 1. 'o people In the West. these are the clothes he must wear. But 1978. you can tell from the way he wears them that he Is not used to On May 30 of this year, Sakalys was arrested for Interro- Western Edition Thursday, November 20. 1980. such things and doesn't much care about them. Of overriding gallon about the signing of petitions against the Soviet occu- patton of Lithuania, the Sovlet Invasion of Alghanistan, and importance to him are the comrades be left behind to carry like Soviel violations of human Hoble