Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XLI, Global Issues II

61. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Clark) to President Reagan¹

Washington, June 13, 1983

SUBJECT

• Ambassador Stoessel’s Mission to Europe for Consultations on Soviet Human Rights Performance

Issue: Whether to designate Ambassador Stoessel’s July trip to Europe for consultations on Soviet human rights performance as a Presidential mission.

Facts: In response to increased Soviet human rights violations, George Shultz decided to intensify our efforts to combat these illegal and inhumane Soviet actions by sending Ambassador Stoessel and Assistant Secretary Elliott Abrams on a special mission to eight European countries (Austria, Belgium, England, Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) in early July.² The purpose of their visit is to consult and inform our European Allies of projected U.S. efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry and other human rights issues.

In order to maximize the impact of Ambassador Stoessel’s trip, State suggests that the trip be designated as a Presidential mission and that Ambassador Stoessel carry individual letters from you to the respective European heads of government. At Tab A is a draft letter outlining your concerns about the increased evidence of Soviet anti-semitism and repression of human rights. The text has been cleared by Speechwriters.

Discussion: I concur with State’s recommendation and believe that Ambassador Stoessel’s trip will provide us with a timely opportunity to enlist the help of our Allies in devising a common human rights policy.

RECOMMENDATION³

1. That you approve the designation of Ambassador Stoessel’s’ trip to Europe as a Presidential mission.

2. That you approve the proposed text of a letter to be delivered by Ambassador Stoessel to Heads of State.

Tab A

Draft Letter From President Reagan to Multiple Recipients⁴

Washington, undated

Dear:

I have asked Ambassador Walter Stoessel to make a special trip to several countries in Europe to let you know of my concern about the human rights situation in the Soviet Union. The situation concerns me because of the importance I attach to the Helsinki Final Act commitments, because of the terrible costs that are being paid by individual human beings, and because our overall relationship with the Soviets is seriously affected by human rights violations. Our Western countries have been working hard to find ways of dealing with the Soviet Union that enhance the chances for peace. Arms control negotiations are naturally a major focus of this effort. But I am convinced that human rights must be another, and for that reason we give it a central role in our discussions with the Soviets.

In some cases our talks with the Soviets have made us hopeful that progress is possible. Yet, at the same time, Soviet performance on human rights has deteriorated badly in several specific areas; one manifestation of this is the drastic cutback in the number of Jews and other Soviet minority groups permitted to emigrate. There is also evidence that a renewed anti-Semitic campaign is underway. The current repression of human rights points to a decision to eliminate ties between the Soviet people and the outside world that are not under the complete control of the authorities. This includes jamming of Western broadcasts, cutbacks in international telephone service, harassment of Western tourists who seek contact with Soviet citizens and the continued campaign of arrest and imprisonment of Soviets who express ideas not in keeping with official policy. Andrei Sakharov’s exile to Gorkiy, the elimination of his direct contact with the outside world, and the difficulties his wife has experienced in Moscow symbolize this intensified atmosphere of repression.

I have, therefore, asked Ambassador Stoessel to give you our thoughts and to hear yours on how we might most effectively deal with the Soviets on this vital issue. He has an especially distinguished record of professional involvement in Soviet affairs, and no one is better qualified as an interlocutor. Ambassador Stoessel has my full confidence, and I know he will be worthy of yours.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan

1. Source: Reagan Library, European and Soviet Affairs Directorate, NSC: Records, Economic Summit, Human Rights (2 of 2). Confidential. Sent for action. Drafted by Dobriansky. A stamped notation on the memorandum reads “The President has seen.”
2. See Document 60.
3. Reagan checked and initialed the “OK” option for both recommendations.
4. Confidential. In a June 18 memorandum to Hill, Kimmitt transmitted the text of a copy of a letter from Reagan to multiple heads of state regarding the Stoessel mission. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, P830095–1934)