Speech #930162419

I have always supported the principle of allowing people the right to choose where they wish to live. We know that this is not the case in all parts of the world today. I cannot condone the idea of the United States granting trade credits and guarantees to those nations which deny free emigration. We cannot look the other way and ignore the plight of fellow human beings who do not have the right to determine where they can live. Administration and congressional support for granting trade concessions to Russia increased with the announcement of the termination of special levies directed against those seeking to emigrate from the Soviet Union. It was believed by many that this resolved the problems relating to emigration in Russia. but this is not true. The Soviet Government has simply changed tactics. Special harrassment and new exit tax policies are now being applied to Jewish families with children who are attempting to leave Russia. This has resulted in 3weekold babies being listed as traveling alone and. thus. subject to levies. This convinces me that there has been no permanent relaxation of Soviet hostility to Jews. particularly emigrating Jews. and that trade concessions which we extend to Russia because of a presumption of changed policies in this area are not deserved. It is also believed that denying extension of credits to Soviet exports is not a proper or even an effective way of dealing with the problem of Soviet jewry. Mr.