Speech #940011283

They bitterly reject the "russification" program through which the Communists plan to methodically obliterate every aspect of the Lithuanian culture. from religion to language. From her early days. Lithuania has been dedicated to Christian principlesan orientation which to this day remains strong despite atheistic campaigns of massive proportions ranging from blatant social pressure to deportation to Siberia to the ultimate in blotting out ones opposition: Death. These reports are substantiated by underground publications which are smuggled out from time to time. as well as firsthand witness provided by the emigrants who reach our shores. The ban on the Lithuanian language within her previous bounds of sovereignty is perhaps the cruelest edict of all. The proscription of the use of ones native language. which is not only the major means of communication. but also the binder for and reflection of the entire culture. paralyzes the very heart of the people. Lithuanian is the oldest living language in Europe. the Soviets disregard for its antiquity and beauty demonstrates the shallowness of their own culture as well as their insecurity as they face the several states they have deigned to embrace. One can hardly discuss captive nations under the domain of the Soviet tyrants without mentioning the issue of emigration. All the glorious plans for detente that have been put forth by our Department of State simply are not borne out by the figures on immigration. Of those individuals immigrating to the United States and giving Lithuania as their last permanent residence. an average of 40 per year arrived between 1951 and1970. since that time. the average has dropped to 20 per year. Clearly. the number has been cut in half coincidentally with the enthusiastic implementation of our d6tente policy. The figures prior to 1950 are even more dramatic. with Well over 2.000 individuals listing Lithuania as their previous homeland between 1931 and 1940. At no time during the period for which statistics were available has the official U.S. quota constituted a barrier to prospective emigrants from Lithuaniaand I suspect that they are not alone. The undeniable effect of dtente on emigrationat least from Lithuaniahas been to further constrict the already narrow opening. Once a proud and free sovereign nation. Lithuania has become another victim in the Communist game of tyranny.