CZECHOSLOVAKIAN NATIONALS IN CLEVELAND AREA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP70B00338R000300190056-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 1, 2006
• Sequence Number: 56
• Publication Date: September 4, 1968
• Content Type: OPEN

Approved For Release 2006/08/01: CIA-RDP70B00338R000300190056-4
September 4, 1968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -Extensions of Remarks
have been suspicious of the Colossus of the
North, despite the many attempts to help
them on our part. People-to-people programs
can help eliminate the suspicions. Hopefully,
other states will follow Maine's good example.
THE LATE HONORABLE ELMER J.
HOLLAND
His death is a great loss to Congress
and to the country; he will be sorely
missed. His life was an inspiring por-
trayal of the noblest and most patriotic
ideals of civic and humanitarian re-
sponsibility. May the memory of ELMER
HOLLAND, man and citizen, be held in
reverence for generations of Americans
to come.
HON. DANTE R. FASCELL PROTEST RALLY AGAINST COMMU-
OF FLORIDA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, September 4, 1968
Mr. FASCELL. Mr. Speaker, a very
great and good man has passed away
this-summer, a man who was truly a
man of the people whom he represented.
I believe that is how ELMER J. HOLLAND
will be remembered, as one who gave of
himself heart and soul all his life fol-
lowing the Gospel's command to "love
thy neighbor." He will be remembered
not only for what he did, but for what
he was-a kind man, beloved by all who
knew him for his warmth and loyalty,
and for his sensitivity to the needs and
feelings of others. He was a courageous
man, too, one who, as he once said of
himself, "loved a good fight."
He dedicated himself completely to
the public welfare; he sacrificed much
for his country. A decorated veteran of
two world wars, he was a true patriot
who fought not only to defend our coun-
try but also to make it a better place in
which to live. After a career as both a
business executive and as a union rep-
resentative, he served eight terms in the
Pennsylvania Assembly, four in the
house and four in the senate.
Representative HOLLAND first came to
Congress in 1942, when he was elected to
fill an unexpired term. In 1956 he again
won a special election to fill a vacant seat
in the House, and he was reelected to
every succeeding Congress. As the years
passed, the creative genius of this great
humanitarian inspired much compas-
sionate legislation that became the law
of our land. ELMER HOLLAND was one of
the early advocates of medicare: As rank-
ing member of the House Education and
Labor Committee, he championed the
raising of minimum wages, liberalization
of Federal employee compensation provi-
sions, lowering of the minimum age for
social security benefits, raising the stand-
ards of mine safety, and establishing the
35-hour workweek. He was ready always
to speak for the weak and helpless, the
most humble workers, the disabled or the
aged.
It was Congressman HOLLAND who was
first drawn to the plight of the thou-
sands of workers whose jobs have been
replaced in the inevitable process of auto-
mation. It was his plea that was first
heard for a program of training and
rehabilitation to give men marketable
skills to replace those no longer needed.
Out of his sympathy and determination
came the Manpower Development and
NIST INVASION OF CZECHOSLO-
VAKIA
HON. WILLIAM E. MINSHALL
OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, September 4, 1968
Mr. MINSHALL. Mr. Speaker, on Fri-
day, August 23, I was privileged to join a
protest rally held at Bohemian National
Hall in Cleveland by the American Com-
mittee for the Liberation of Czecho-
slovakia.
It was a moving occasion in which all
of us pledged our united efforts to the
cause of a self-determination for that
courageous little nation.
I include in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
the magnificent speech given by Martin
Hrabik, the distinguished president of
the committee, and of the resolution
adopted by the assembly at the rally:
SPEECH OF MARTIN HRABIK, PRESIDENT, AMER-
ICAN COMMITTEE FOR LIBERATION OF CZECHO-
SLOVAKIA, AUGUST 23, 1968
[Translated from Czech]
Honorable guests, brothers and sisters, we
are gathered here today at the very time
when the Czechoslovakians are attempting
to stop Soviet tanks with nothing else but
their bare hands and their own bodies. On the
television screen of the entire world, we see
the united and spontaneous resistance of the
Czechoslovak people against the invaders.
The ink has barely dried and the friendship
treaties of Cierna and Bratislava, which guar-
anteed the Czechoslovaks the right to con-
duct their internal affairs as they saw fit, and
already the forces of the signatories repre-
senting a population of about three hundred
million have attacked and occupied the small
Czechoslovak Republic.
The Soviet Union without regard to its in-
ternational obligation and to the most fun-
damental laws of human decency is destroy-
ing the only Socialist government in the
world which has the absolute support and
confidence of its citizens. By this action the
Soviet Union has shattered the solidarity of
the international Communist movement.
This solidarity has been a 50-year old aim of
Soviet diplomacy. The cynical declarations of
the representative of the U.S.S.R. to the
United Nations, Ambassador Malik, have only
confirmed the hypocrisy and wickedness of
Moscow. This unhumane act has forever de-
stroyed the traditional sympathy the Czech
and Slovak people have had for their Russian
brethren. This invasion has also buried any
hope that the Czechoslovak Communists may
have had about the feasibility of humanizing
and democratizing Socialism. It has also un-
veiled the true intentions of the Kremlin's
foreign policies. Today the example of Czech-
oslovakia clearly demonstrates to the leaders
Training Act of 1962. Conceived, written, national agreements and commitments. if
and sponsored by Congressman HOLLAND, anyone today were to put trust in the peace-
this landmark, legislation will stand as ful and democratic aims of the Soviet Union,
a triumphant monument to a man who logic capitulate the overwhelming
logic of must the Czechoslovak experience.
never failed to heed the cries for help I am proud of the citizens of my native
of his fellow men, land. They have resisted and are resisting
E 7657
boldly. I am moved to tears by the courage
of the Czechoslovak youth. I fear for their
lives and safety.
In the name of humanity we call today to
the entire world:
Help the Czechoslovak people!
Help a people whose democratic traditions
date several centuries!
Help humanity!
Help democracy!
RESOLUTION
(Adopted by the assembly at the protest rally
against the Communist Invasion of Czecho-
slovakia-American Committee for the
Liberation of Czechoslovakia)
We, the citizens of Greater Cleveland, here
gathered, do condemn, solemnly and publicly,
before the conscience of the entire world,
the brutal, ruthless and unprovoked aggres-
sion of the Soviet Union and its allies against
the Republic of Czechoslovakia;
We deplore this invasion as a flagrant viola-
tion of all the canons of decency and
mutual self-respect which govern the rela-
tionship between men and nations;
We hold this action as an outrage against
the principles of sovereignty and self-deter-
mination espoused in the United Nations
Charter of which the Soviet Union, Poland,
Hungary and Bulgaria are signatories;
We fear for the life and safety of the
Czechoslovak political leaders and all those
active and committed to the reform move-
ment;
We fear for the life and safety of the
common people who have supported the
liberation drive;
We fear for the spark of liberty and democ-
racy which have been ignited in Czecho-
slovakia;
However, most of all remembering the
tragic fate of the Ukrainians,- Lithuanians,
Latvians and Estonians, we fear for the exist-
ence and survival of the Czechoslovak Repub-
lic as a national entity.
Therefore,
We call upon the United Nations;
We call upon each and every freedom loving
nation in the Americas, in Africa, in Europe
and Asia;
We call upon the President and the Con-
gress of the United States of America;
We call upon each and every American
City;
We call upon men of peace and good will
not to let a small nation of 14 million, which
desires nothing more than to conduct its own
affairs in business, honor and freedom to be
annihilated by the overwhelming force of
its enemies.
We implore all to spare no effort to effect
the immediate withdrawal of the Warsaw
Pact troops from the Czechoslovak Republic.
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN NATIONALS IN
CLEVELAND AREA
HON. CHARLES A. VANIK
ZTLO OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, September 4, 1968
Mr. VANIK. Mr. Speaker, in the last
several days,.I have been contacted by
over 40 Czechoslovakian nationals, cur-
rently visiting the greater Cleveland area
on visitor's visas, concerning their status
and political asylum in the United States.
In view of the number of people desir-
ing assistance in obtaining political asy-
lum, I have sent the following telegram
to the President of the United States:
In view of the cruel and disheartening
occupation of Czechoslovakia by military
forces of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw
M MORI/CDF
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -Extensions of Remarks September 4, 1,968
Pact countries, I urge that asylum and refuge
be extended to all Czechoslovak nationals
currently visiting the United States.
The young Czechoslovak nationals are
those most Interested In seeking political
asylum since they are unwilling to accept
the new restrictions imposed by the
Soviet Union with the new regime. Many
of the older, married couples were re-
luctant to ask for asylum since they have
children who remain in Czechoslovakia.
I have directed three specific cases con-
cerning political asylum to the attention
of the Secretary of State.
It is my hope that the President can
make an early determination on the
question of granting political asylum so
that these young people may know how
to plan their future.
CHAIRMAN MENDEL RIVERS COM-
MENDED
HON. WM. JENNINGS BRYAN DORN
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, September 4, 1968
Mir. DORN. Mr. Speaker, no South
Carolinian in the modern history of our
State Is held in higher esteem than our
beloved and respected colleague, Mgte-
DEL .RIVERS.
Recently the cosponsors of the observ-
ance of National Maritime Day at the
Port of Charleston adopted a splendid
resolution which I commend to the at-
tention of the Congress and to the peo-
ple of our country:
A RESOLUTION
Whereas, Honorable L. Mendel Rivers, rep-
resentative from the First Congressional Dla-
trict, and Chairman, Committee of Armed
Services, United States House of Reprosenta-
tivea? has served his constituency faithfully
and effectively; and
Whereas, Congressman Rivers has long been
a strong advocate for the development of
commerce at the Ports of South Carolina and
a vigorous supporter of a larger U.B. Merchant
Marine; and
Whereas, his contributions to the economy
of his District and South Carolina through
the attraction of commerce and Industry, his
concern and Interest in each and every con-
stituent have endeared him to his people;
and
Whereas, he has unceasingly devoted his
energies to the preservation of America and
its heritage of freedom through his position
as Chairman. Committee on Armed Services;
and
Whereas, his character, his dedication to
duty, his enthusiasm, and his courage, are
inspirational-not. only to his constituents--
but to those throughout the world who love
freedom; now
Therefore, be It resolved, that the co-
sponsors of the observance of National Merl-
time Day at the Port of Charleston com-
mend Honorable L. Mendel Rivers most high-
ly for his exemplary record of public service
In the Congress on behalf of his District,
his State, and his Country.
Attested to this 21st Day of May, 1068:
Propeller Club of the United States, Port
of Charleston; Charleston Branch Pi-
lots Association; Maritime Association,
Port of Charleston; South Carolina
State Ports Authority; Charleston Tri-
dent Chamber of Commerce; Delta Nu
Alpha Transportation Fraternity; Na-
tional Defense Transportation Associa-
tion.
BLESSINGS OF AMERICA FAR OUT-
WEIGH DISADVANTAGES
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, September 4. 1968
Mr. McFALL. Mr. Speaker, in these
days of Instant communication and the
constant search for sensational happen-
ings to report on television, radio, and in
other news media, a rather distorted
picture of America has emerged.
It is heartening, therefore, when a pub-
lication of nationwide circulation adds up
some of the good things about our coun-
try and publishes results that show the
blessings preponderantly overshadow the
comparatively few drawbacks.
The editors of U.S. News & World Re-
port in the Issue of September 2 have per-
formed an excellent service in presenting
the article, "The Good Things About the
United States Today."
It is important that we recognize and
give full credit to accomplishments of
the American people during recent years
to make this a better land and a better
world, In my estimation. I therefore com-
mend the article to those who may not
have had an opportunity to read it. The
article follows:
(From the U.S. News & World Report, Sept.
2, 19DB]
THE 0008 THINGS ABOUT THa UNITED STATES
TODAY
At home and abroad, America now Is being
pictured as an ailing giant.
Racist strife. student anarchy, a rising
wave of crime, dissent over the war in Viet-
nam-these and other troubles are leading
many in the world to conclude that the
united States is on the road to decline and
downfall.
Yet a close look at the facts of life in
the America of today turns up quite different
conclusions. The nation's strengths are found
to be groat and varied.
Below the surface turmoil, a peaceful revo-
lution is transforming not only the economy
but the social structure. Never. In the past.
has a society offered so much prosperity to so
many of Its people.
Far from being it "sick" society, Americans
In the malority are showing themselves to be
strong and morally responsible.
They are spending billions to erase pov-
erty in the nation-and more billions to help
other nations.
It is the nuclear defense system main-
tained by the United States that is pro-
viding security for much of the world.
American troops drove Communist invaders
out of South Korea, kept the peace in Leb-
anon and staved off a Communist take-
over in South Vietnam.
SUCCOR To WORLD
U.S. aid, flowing generously overseas since
1945. rescued Western Europe from the brink
of anarchy after World War II and averted
famine in India. Now It Is generating social
revolutions In many of the world's small
nations.
Recently Australia's Prime Minister John
Gorton said:
"I wonder if anybody has thought what the
situation of comparatively small nations
would be if there were not in existence a
United Btatee-with a heritage of democracy
and is wilnngness to see that small nations
who otherwise might not be able to protect
themselves are given some shield. Imagine
what the situation In the world would be if
there were not a great and giant country pre-
pared to make those sacrifices."
Today, despite its supposed "weakness," the
United States towers over the globe r.e no
other power in ii story ever his been able
to do.
American capital investment in Europe
comes to about 18 billion dollars. Predic-
tions are heard that U.B. Industry on that
continent soon will become the world's third-
largest economic rower-after America Itself
and Soviet Russia.
Not only In terms of political power, but
in culture, the "American way of life" 16
turning tip everywhere.
Even In Communist countries, young peo-
ple are playing "rock" music. The right
luncheon favored by American businersmen
is making heavy Inroads on the Parisian
cuisine.
Not long ago President Lyndon B. Johnson
took Issue with those who say that the U.S.
Is "sick." He said: "America, I believe. Is es-
sentially healthy ;and] is getting healthier."
STORY OF PROGRESS
A with range cif arguments can be mar-
shaled to support the view that the U,8., If
not living in the "best of times." is far from
moving toward the "worst of tinges."
In the U.S. Itself, steady progress is being
made on a broad front toward a solution of
major problems. This Is being done in the
energetic and experimental way of Americans.
As just one example--
Quietly. behind the scenes of racial strife
that draw world acorn, Negroes--by the hun-
dreds of thousands every year-are moving
out of poverty Into the ranks of the middle
class. In the past two years. President John-
son said more Negroes and other nonwhites
have risen above poverty than In all the pre-
vious six years combined.
Since 1960, the number of Negro ffrnllles
earning more than $7,000 a year has more
than doubled. Median Income of the Negro
family has gone up from $3,233 In 1960 to
$4.900.
Reason for this Is that a larger number of
Negroes are getting jobs-and better jobs,
too.
Between 1903 and 1967, the number of
Negroes hired for professional, technical and
managerial jobs rose 35 per cent. Total Negro
employment rose 20 per cent.
Educationally, the Negro-white gap in
school years completed has narrowed from.
an averr.ge of two years In 1960 to six reonths
at present. And statistics show that a U.S.
Negro Ir more likely to go on to college than
Is any citizen of uny Western European coun-
try except France.
The racial up'aeaval, taking place peace--
fully behind outward turmoil, is on'y part
of the nation's transformation in recent
years.
RISE FROM POVERTY
Altogether, more than 14 million Ameri-
cans have left poverty behind them during
the past seven years.
Lates'. estimates indicate that the propor-
tion of families earning $7,000 or more an-
nually, in terms of .1966 dollars, had risen
from 22 per cent in 1950 to about 55 per cent
in 1966. And last year, for the first time,
median family Income reached $8.000 a year.
. Meanwhile, the proportion of families
earning under $5,000 a year. It terms of 1966
dollars, had dropped from 58 per cent In 1950
to about 28 per cent.
Socially and politically, the result is that
the middle class Is becoming the dominant
fact of life in today's America, to an extent
that most foreigners can only dream about.
Five million more American families own
stock than in :903, while 23 million more
have savings accounts.
Homo ownership has gone up from 33 mil-
lion families to 37 million since 1960. Multi-
car ownership bas gone up from 9.5 million
to 14.7 million, and 94 per cent of all Amer-
ican femilles have at least one television
set-often two--in the house.
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