Speech #1000017629

I would like to call my colleagues attention to the plight of Benjamin Charney. a Soviet cancer victim who is in desperate need of treatment available in the West. Benjamin is 48 years old and has a malignant tumor. If he is not permitted to emigrate immediately to receive treatment. he may not survive. I am angered by the Soviet Unions refusal to cooperate with the United States and other Western countries in cases which involve cancer patients. In the past. individuals who might have lived did not as a result of the Soviet Governments inaction. This unnecessary loss of life must not continue. I urge the Soviets to allow individuals who require cancer treatment available in the United States to emigrate and receive the appropriate care. Benjamin Charneys brother. Leon. is protesting his brothers captivity in front of the Soviet Embassy. I ask my colleagues to lend their public support to Leon Charney and to the cause of Soviet cancer patients. The cooperation of the Soviet Government in this instance might not only save Benjamins life. but would also give the Soviet Union an opportunity to demonstrate their seriousness about improving relations. I implore the Soviet Government to issue Benjamin Charney an exit visa.e