Latvians. Lithuanians. and other Soviet nationalities. and Volta Germans. in return for U.S. trade concessions." The KissingerJackson agreement. said the Secretary. does "not specifically refer to those of the Jewish faith. but I think it is a reasonable extrapolation from the record that this was the predominant concern. There is no specific reference I believe to Jewish emigration but I think in the legislative history of this matter one would have to say that this has not been the primary focus of t he conservations." This testimony of Secretary Kissinger thus shows beyond all reasonable doubt. Mr. President. that we even lack assurances that Jewish emigration will be increased in the Soviet Union. let alone emigration of all other citizens of Communist countries. At best. Secretary Kissinger has offered us. as an article of faith. a vague hope that if we grant trade concessions to the Soviet Union. that the Soviet Union might be willing to increase Jewish emigration. As the situation now exists. the prospects for increased emigration of all citizens and nationalities from Communist countries under the Trade Reform Act are at best dim. For reasons that are not explained by Secretary Kissinger. the administration has ignored the clear intent of section 402 and has narrowed its efforts to the problem of Jewish emigration from the Soviet Union. No understanding has been gained with regard to the emigration of all Soviet citizens. Nor has any understanding been sought or gained with any Eastern European country. or with any other Communist country. for that matter. regarding the emigration of its citizens. We seem to have turned our backs on the thousands of individuals who wish to gain their freedom and escape their Communist captors. In particular. we have closed the door on those citizens of Communist countries who wish to be reunited with their families here in the United States.
Keywords matched
emigration