Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume VI, Soviet Union

310. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Soviet Union¹

Washington, December 2, 1980, 0108Z

318738. Subject: Poland: Newsom/Dobrynin Meeting.

1. (S-entire text).

2. Following a discussion of other matters (septel)² with Ambassador Dobrynin on December 1, Under Secretary Newsom brought up the situation in Poland. Newsom pointed out that we were disturbed by allegations which had appeared in Rude pravo and were now being repeated by Soviet media to the effect that the West is attempting to carry out counter-revolution in Poland. Such allegations are, to our knowledge, totally without foundation and they cause us concern because they could be designed to set the stage for Soviet intervention. Such a step would have very serious consequences for East-West relations in general as we have pointed out in the past. Senator Percy has conveyed this same point to Soviet leaders in the past few days.

3. Newsom pointed out that recent reports of Soviet military moves add an element of disquiet. The United States is following a policy of great restraint and this should be apparent in Moscow.

4. In reply, Dobrynin acknowledged that the administration had been restrained in its actions but pointed out that broadcasts of the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe seemed designed to stir up the situation and make it appear that Solidarity Union spokesman had a monopoly on the truth. Concerning US warnings, Dobrynin said that “we are mature people” and understand the various elements of the situation in Poland and their effect on our relationship. “Your message is getting through”, he said, and it is not necessary to repeat it. Concerning the substance of Newsom’s comments, Dobrynin would only say that he too “hoped” that intervention would not take place.

5. Newsom said that he could not accept Dobrynin’s characterization of VOA radio broadcasts which he had reason to believe were responsible and objective.

Christopher

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 84, USSR: 11/80–1/81. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information Immediate to Warsaw, USNATO, and the White House. Printed from a copy that indicates the original was received in the White House Situation Room. Drafted by Barry; cleared by W. Scott Butcher (S/S–O); approved by Newsom. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P880025–0214)
2. In telegram 318737 to multiple posts, December 2, the Department outlined Newsom and Dobrynin’s discussion on Syrian-Jordanian tensions. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P870143–0504)