96. Information Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs (Schifter) to Secretary of State Shultz1
SUBJECT
- Our Human Rights Discussions with the Soviets
Though our discussions on September 162 produced only meager concrete results (four dual nationals allowed to depart), the following general observations were made to us:
(1) The Soviet Foreign Ministry is prepared to discuss all emigration cases (not only the U.S. representation list) with us. My interlocutor, Yuri Reshetov, told me that he can henceforth be contacted directly on specific cases by our Embassy.
(2) The MFA is prepared to intercede with other Soviet authorities on emigration cases at our request. Your interest in the separated-spouses cases and the Nudel, Slepak and Meiman cases is noted. Some of the remaining separated-spouses cases may be resolved before long, others are quite difficult, one is nearly impossible (a person who may [Page 287] once have worked for the Soviet security services). Nudel, Slepak and Meiman “remain under the observation” of the MFA.
(3) Changes in emigration regulations are likely which will relax the veto power of relatives of prospective emigrants over emigration applications.
(4) The Commission created in the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet to review denials of exit permits, which has already overruled some denials by local offices, can be expected to overrule other such decisions as well. Over time there may be some relaxation in the Soviet approach to the problem of secrecy.
(5) The practices which we have labeled “abuse of psychiatry” have been ended.
(6) The criminal-code provisions dealing with violations of the religious-control laws and with defamation of the Soviet Union are likely to be repealed and persons heretofore convicted under these laws are likely to benefit from an amnesty. On the other hand, the clause which makes “anti-Soviet agitation and propaganda” a crime will remain in place and persons convicted thereunder (including writers of poems and songs) are likely to remain in prison.
- Source: Department of State, Correspondence File—Ambassador Richard Schifter CHRON and Subject Files, 1984–1991, Lot 94D411, Untitled. Confidential. Drafted by Schifter. Copies were sent to Matlock and Simons. “KC” initialed for Schifter. There is no indication that Shultz saw the memorandum.↩
- An undated memorandum of conversation of the September 16 meeting of the U.S.-Soviet Human Rights Working Group is in Department of State, Secretary Subject and Country Files—MemCons on US–USSR Relations, 1981–1990, Lot 93D188, Shultz-Shevardnadze—Wash 9/87.↩