39. Message From President Reagan to Soviet General Secretary Brezhnev1
Information available to me indicates a growing possibility that the Soviet Union is preparing to intervene militarily in Poland.2 I wish to make clear to you the seriousness with which the United States would view such an action, to which we would be compelled to respond. I take this step not to threaten the Soviet Union, but to ensure that there is no possibility of your misunderstanding our position or our intentions.
It should be clear that the consequences of Soviet military intervention in Poland on U.S.-Soviet relations would be very serious. Our ties to the Polish people are strong and long-standing. A move against Poland would call into question those elements of the U.S.-Soviet relations left intact following your invasion of Afghanistan. Prospects for renewed progress to reduce strategic and other arms would be dealt a serious and lasting blow.
The impact in the broader international arena would be no less serious. East-West relations are already strained by Afghanistan. As [Page 102] last December’s NATO Foreign Ministers meeting made clear, Soviet intervention in Poland would mean the end of the process of detente in Europe as it has developed over the past decade.3 More generally the unprecedented tension which would accompany a move against Poland would complicate efforts to deal with sensitive international issues in ways which avoid direct confrontation and preserve the peace.
Our policy toward Poland is one of noninterference. We have pursued such a policy in word and deed. There is no threat to Soviet interests arising from Western activities in that country.
Poland’s internal economic and political difficulties are real. We stand prepared with the rest of the world community to help appropriately in resolving them. With patience and a willingness on both sides to avoid confrontation, we believe it remains possible to reach a solution acceptable to all parties. But such a solution can only emerge if the Poles remain free to address their difficulties without external pressures.
Mr. President, our two nations share a unique responsibility to refrain from actions which might threaten world peace. It is our hope that the Soviet Union will recognize the importance of continuing to deal with the situation in Poland in a manner consistent with its international responsibilities.
Sincerely,
- Source: Reagan Library, Executive Secretariat, NSC: Head of State File, USSR: General Secretary Brezhnev (8190199, 8190200, 819201). No classification marking. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads: “Sent April 3, 1981 EST.” According to Allen presided over a Molink transmission of the message that evening, and Moscow acknowledged receipt at 8:30 p.m. EST, or 4:30 a.m., April 4, Moscow time. (Ibid.) Allen briefed Reagan that morning, as the President was recovering in the George Washington University Hospital from the March 30 attempt on his life. (Reagan Library, President’s Daily Diary)↩
- Documentation on Poland is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. VII, Poland, 1977–1981.↩
- See Document 37.↩