But the rest of the world knows better. Mr. President. there is a lesson we must learn about Soviet oppression: the Soviets do not maintain their present emigration policy because they resent pressure from the West. or because of state secrets. or slander against the state. They maintain their emigration policy. which is part and parcel of their policestate structure. because all power emanates from and accrues to the state. Individuals are pawns. and official policies of antiSemitism. harassment of Christians and other religious minorities. and absolute control over dissidents are tools in the service of this totalitarianism. Speaking on the subject of Soviet Jewry last December. I noted that General Secretary Gorbachev was perceived to be a different kind of leader. one conversant with the ways of the West and. more than that. willing to work peacefully and constructively with the West. The continuing plight of Soviet Jews. the Soviet record on human rights. disregard for the Helsinki accords. the trickle of emigration visasall of these should remind us that no change in that system is forthcoming. We must continue to speak out forcefully and at every opportunity. to link together improvements in emigration with any continuing EastWest trade. arms and cultural relations. and remind the world that failure to defend and preserve democracy leads to the antithesis of democracy. communism. Mr. President.
Keywords matched
emigration