It is over an issue which is important. but is really peripheral to the central purpose of the bill. The bills central purpose is to authorize U.S. participation in negotiations leading to reform of the international trading system. The stumbling block from the administrations viewpoint is a proposed amendment to prohibit credits to the Soviet Union as long as that country does not freely allow the emigration of its citizens. The impasse is caused. on the one hand. by the strength of feeling in both Houses of Congress over humanitarian considerz tions. and on the other. by the deep concern felt by the administration over the effect that adoption of the prohibition on credits would have on our relations with the Soviet Union. and the chance of peace in the Middle East. Passage by the House of the bill is the essential first hurdle for the bill. without which there will be no legislation on this matter. While it is probably true that if the bill goes to the floor in the next few weeks. the provisions relating to emigration from Communist countries will be adopted by the floor. it should be recognized by persons on both sides of that issue that the bill must be considered by the Senate. that there will be time there to reflect and debate on some of the issues involved. Perhaps there are some compromise provisions that would adequately protect the interests of both sides which can be worked out. In the meantime progress on the trade bill is important to the trading system and the chances for its successful reform.
Keywords matched
emigration