227. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Platt) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (McFarlane)1
SUBJECT
- Commemoration of Yalta Anniversary
As requested in the NSC’s memorandum of January 17,2 the Department of State has coordinated with other agencies to develop an agreed United States government approach to the upcoming Yalta anniversary. This memorandum reflects the joint views.
The 40th anniversary of Yalta has already generated considerable press coverage. We also expect various emigre groups to issue statements condemning Soviet behavior and accusing the West of acquiescing in the Soviet actions. The Polish American Congress is planning a press release, public meetings, and a lunch with select Congressmen. The USSR and the East European states will probably issue statements accusing the West of trying to overturn Yalta. They will charge that FRG revanchism, backed by the United States, seeks to undo the post-war boundaries.
USG silence in the face of these expected charges and press attention would be unwise. Rather than allow the dialogue to be dominated by such views, we suggest the attached press statement putting forth our interpretation of the significance of Yalta along the lines of the President’s statement last August, with particular attention to the meaning of the agreements for Eastern Europe.3 The Department Spokesman [Page 976] should issue the statement, since any higher level official risks opening old political wounds and drawing more attention than warranted.
The State Department Historian is also updating a 1982 reference paper concerning Yalta which will provide needed background information for US officials and public speakers.4
We believe that a joint statement by Western heads of government, as has been proposed by Dr. Brzezinski, will not only draw too much attention to the event, but would in all likelihood magnify conflicting historical interpretations and transform the matter into a divisive alliance issue.5 We propose to inform NATO of our planned statement, but do not intend to seek a unified Alliance statement. However, we have incorporated some of Dr. Brzezinski’s points into our draft statement.6
- Source: Reagan Library, European and Soviet Affairs Directorate, NSC Records, Subject File, U.S. Foreign Policy; NLR–170–13–49–17–7. Secret.↩
- Not found.↩
- In remarks made at a White House luncheon, held on August 17, 1984, marking the 40th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, the President stated that U.S. policy regarding “Poland and other captive nations” was based on “a set of well-established principles. First, let me state emphatically that we reject any interpretation of the Yalta agreement that suggests American consent for the division of Europe into spheres of influence. On the contrary, we see that agreement as a pledge by the three great powers to restore full independence and to allow free and democratic elections in all countries liberated from the Nazis after World War II, and there is no reason to absolve the Soviet Union or ourselves from this commitment. We shall continue to press for full compliance with it and with the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act, and other international agreements guaranteeing fundamental human rights.” Reagan added, “Passively accepting the permanent subjugation of the people of Eastern Europe is not an acceptable alternative.” (Public Papers: Reagan, 1984, Book II, p. 1143)↩
- The Historian, William Z. Slany. In February the Office of the Historian released the updated 6-page version, entitled “The Yalta Conference,” as Historical Issues No. 1. In telegram 32454 to all diplomatic posts, February 2, the Department sent the text of the paper, indicating: “In connection with forthcoming 40th anniversary of Yalta Conference of February 4–11, 1945, Office of the Historian (PA/HO) has prepared the following historical reference paper intended to provide background useful to Dept and Emboffs.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850075–0028)↩
- See footnote 4, Document 224. In a February 1 memorandum to McFarlane, Sestanovich wrote: “State is probably right about Brzezinski’s idea, but given the attention that the anniversaries are getting, we think a Presidential statement is appropriate. The meaning of Yalta has more to do with postwar history than with the celebration of the World War II victory. As such, it’s an occasion to show the FRG that this year’s observances won’t be directed simply against them.” (Reagan Library, European and Soviet Affairs Directorate, NSC Records, Subject File, U.S. Foreign Policy; NLR–170–13–49–16–8)↩
- Attached but not printed is the undated Department statement. In a February 2 memorandum to Platt, Kimmitt indicated that the NSC staff had received Platt’s January 24 memorandum and agreed “that a public statement is necessary to mark the Yalta anniversary.” Kimmitt attached a draft Presidential statement prepared by the NSC staff, indicating that he expected that the White House would release it on February 4. He also noted the NSC’s support for “the Department’s proposal to issue an updated review of Yalta by the Historian’s office.” (Reagan Library, European and Soviet Affairs Directorate, NSC Records, Subject File, U.S. Foreign Policy; NLR–170–13–49–15–9) The White House released the President’s statement on February 5. For the text, see Public Papers: Reagan, 1985, Book I, p. 119.↩
- McKinley signed for Platt above Platt’s typed signature.↩