Speech #1000019605

I am particularly interested in the link between improved respect for human rights by the Soviet Union and increased commercial ties between our two nations. It is a wellknown fact that the Soviets want greater access to both the United States markets and United States goods. Also highly publicized is Gorbachevs Glasnost. or openness policy. driven by a desire for improved international opinion on the subject of Soviet violations of human rights. particularly of Jewish emigration. I believe that passage of House Concurrent Resolution 34 at this time would achieve two goals. First. a strong expression of congressional concern prior to an official delegation visit to the Soviet Union during Easter recess would bolster the delegations efforts to relate the need for significant human rights progress to improved bilateral relations. The great hardships suffered by Soviet Jews is wellknown and has been a major irritant to United StatesSoviet relations over the years. A significant easing of the problem would go far toward improving the dialog between Moscow and Washington. Second. passage of this resolution would send an important signal of support to American Jewish leaders currently in Moscow to discuss the issue of Jewish emigration with Soviet authorities. Morris J. Abrams. president of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry. who is presently involved in the discussions. was quoted today in the Washington Post as saying that American Jews are prepared to help the Soviets improve their relations with Washington. Mr. Abrams told Soviet officials that if emigration rates grew sufficiently. he and his colleagues would recommend suspension of the JacksonVannick trade restriction. which links mostfavorednation [MFN] status for the Soviet Union to improved emigration levels. as well as the Stevenson amendment. which prohibits the reduction of tariffs on Soviet goods imported into the United States. These two laws were enacted in 1974 in an effort to press Moscow into relaxing restrictions on Jews desiring to emigrate. Already some progress has been made. but much more could be done. I believe that this resolution sends the right signal at the right time. and I hope that the Soviet Unions desire for increased trade and improved international public opinion will contribute to a far more liberal treatment of Soviet Jews and other dissidents.