27. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford1
Ambassador Dobrynin has just given me the following message relating to Simas Kudirka.
“Kudirka has been released from detention as a result of a Pardon. He is given the possibility now to return to his home in the Lithuanian Republic and to get employment. The question of further possible steps concerning Kudirka in connection with President Ford’s request is under continuous consideration. For the personal knowledge of the President, Mr. Brezhnev would like him to know that he is keeping this question within the scope of his personal attention.”2
- Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Transition File, 1974, Box 1, Subject File, Letters to and from World Leaders—US–USSR Exchanges, 8/9/74–11/5/74. Secret; Eyes Only. The President wrote at the bottom of the page: “Thanks/keep me posted/I am most interested. GRF.”↩
- In a memorandum to the President on September 4, Kissinger relayed the following update from Dobrynin: “As a result of disagreement which occurred in his family, Kudirka up until now has not applied to the local authorities about his wish to emigrate permanently to the United States. When he does so it will take several days to consider his application and to process the proper documents. After that has been done, Kudirka and those members of his family who so desire will be able to leave the Soviet Union and go if they like to the United States.” (Ibid.) During a meeting at 11 a.m. on September 5, Ford and Kissinger briefly discussed Soviet emigration: “President: I notice the Soviets are making efforts to let some specific cases go. Kissinger: Yes, and releasing Kudirka is a special favor for you.” (Ibid., Memoranda of Conversations, 1973–1977, Box 5)↩