LETTER TO WILLIAM J. CASEY FROM CHARLES Z. WICK

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP86M00886R002100090002-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 23
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 9, 2008
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: September 26, 1984
• Content Type: LETTER

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MEMORARIDUM FOR: I
Date
FORM
7 101 USE PREVIOUS
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 United -)i,ector
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Agency
Washington. D.C. 20547 Executive Registry
l84- 9306
September 26, 1984
USIA
I would like to call your attention to this summary of overseas
media reaction to the President's UNGA address. It shows, to
date, a very positive response. The Agency will issue
additional summaries and will also analyze the overseas public
input of the President's speeches and meeting with Soviet
Foreign Minister Gromyko.
Best regards.
Sincerely,
Charles Z. Wick
Director
The Honorable
William J. Casey
Director
Central Intelligence Agency
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SPECIAL Foreign Media
REPORT Reaction
United States Information Agency
PRESIDENT'S UNGA ADDRESS
September 25, 1984
Summary
Worldwide media response to the President's address before the 39th session
of the United Nations General Assembly was exceptionally positive, albeit
cautious in that many saw.its tone as considerably different from Mr.
Reagan's previous speeches dealing with the USSR.,
The observation that his remarks were "conciliatory," "warm" and "positive
and sincere" dominated the media in the 24-hour period following the
address yesterday. Several editorials declared, as did one in independent
General-Anzeiger of Bonn, that the speech "deserved undivided applause."
The independent London Times said it was "the most conciliatory speech he
has made." In Paris, independent Quotidien held the President "wrapped
himself in dove feathers."
The tone of the President's speech impressed many. Independent Davar of
Tel Aviv said it illustrated "Washington's goodwill." In Seoul,
Government-dominated Kyunghyang Shinmun believed the President came through
as "sincere and positive."
Media analysts judged the President was paving the way for reopening a
dialogue with the Soviet Union. A commentator for publicly financed NHK-TV
in Tokyo said his words provided "a concrete step toward opening a
dialogue." Turin's centrist La Stampa maintained the Soviets "will not be
able to reject Reagan's offer of negotiations." In Madrid, right-of-center
Ya declared the speech "signalled resumption of dialogue."
Some foreign journalists perceived the President as suggesting inclusion of
the Soviets in solving regional problems. London's liberal Guardian said
that "most significantly he seemed to be saying the United States would
allow Moscow a say on regional issues." The independent Irish Times of
Dublin said this idea "could render dividends." Bonn's conservative Die
Welt held that "the core statement was that spheres of influence are a
thing of the past."
A scattering of foreign media observers critical of the speech remarked, as
did Denmark's independent Jyllands Posten, that the President presented few
new initiatives. Some maintained the tone was inspired by electoral
considerations. London's conservative Daily Telegraph said the speech was
"clearly designed to undercut Democratic criticism."
Many correspondents noted Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko's "impassive"
reaction. While suggesting that the Soviets "could not help but be
impressed," they reported, as did 24 Heures of Lausanne, that Gromyko
"never applauded once."
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"Reagan Offers Russia a New Start"
Headlines in London this morning were "Reagan Prepared to Open Negotiations
With Soviet Union...Chernenko Health Casts Doubt on Summit... Giving Peace a
Chance" (Times), "Reagan Offers Russians a New Start...A Reach For the
Sky...With a Smile and a Nod and a Question" (Guardian), "Reagan Offers
Deal on Arms to Kremlin,...Reagan-Gromyko Talks Portrayed as 'Pact with
Devil'" (Daily Telegraph), "Reagan Offers 'Star Wars' Restraint to Promote
Arms Talks" (Financial Times), "Reagan Woos the Kremlin" (Daily Mail) and
"Can the Two Old Hawks Have a Way to Peace" (Daily Express).
"Regular Meetings...A New Climate"
Washington correspondent Nicholas Ashford reported today in the independent
London Times: "President Reagan yesterday proposed that the two super-
powers should establish regular ministerial and cabinet-level meetings to
'resolve needless obstacles to understanding.'...
"The President said his objective was to 'develop a new climate of policy
understanding' between the United States and the Soviet Union. Such a
climate was necessary, he said, if crises were to be avoided and real arms
control negotiated...
"In the most conciliatory speech he has made on U.S.-Soviet relations since
he assumed office, the President expressed the hope that a new round of
nuclear arms and space weapons talks could begin by the end of this year or
early in 1985...
"Yesterday's speech was noteworthy as much for its tone as for its con-
tent. There was none of the tough anti-Soviet rhetoric which had charac-
terized the President's earlier statements on U.S.-Soviet relations..."
"A Chance For the Soviets to Climb Down"
The paper editorialized: "President Reagan should be well pleased with his
current speech writers. The text they provided for his use at the UN
General Assembly could hardly have been better suited to its time and
place. Without modifying the substance of his position on any point, or
even soft-pedaling his general principles, Mr. Reagan managed to strike the
right note of respect for the independence of nonaligned states, combined
with urgent conciliatoriness in his approach to the Soviet Union...
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"Smarting from their defeat over the 'Euromissiles,' the Soviet leaders
must not have been willing to accept that. Yet they must know by now that
there is no chance of getting a freeze only when and where there is an
imbalance in their favor.
"There are some signs that they are looking for a way out which will not be
too obviously a climb down. If that is the spirit in which Mr. Gromyko
goes to Washington, yesterday's speech suggests that he should find Mr.
Reagan in a helpful frame of mind."
"Soviets Offered a Say in Regional Issues"
The liberal Guardian's New York correspondent Jane Rosen wrote: "President
Reagan set a new antic hopeful tone for American-Soviet relations yesterday,
offering regular consultation on regional issues, the exchange of military
information, and a new effort in arms-control negotiations...
"The highlight of the speech was a series of proposals for regular, high-
level contact with the Soviets. Most significantly, Mr. Reagan seemed to
suggest that the United States would be willing to allow Moscow to have a
say in many regional issues from which it has long been excluded...
"The President appeared to be seeking to convince Moscow that his
Administration wants to establish 'a realistic, constructive working
relationship' with the Soviet Union..."
"Should Be Seen as Far More Than Rhetoric"
Another correspondent added: "His call for regular high level U.S.-Soviet
meetings to draw up a 'road map' of strategic projections over the next two
decades should be seen as far more than rhetoric.
"It corresponds to a growing view, at least among Western security experts,
that the development of space weaponry requires a fundamental reevaluation
of U.S. and Soviet perceptions of the nuclear deterrent.
"Until now, both superpowers have focused on offensive nuclear weapons.
The militarization of space would switch attention to defensive arms.
Unless the Soviet Union and the United States achieve an understanding
where they are moving with defensive as well as offensive systems, the
postwar equilibrium of forces could be fatally undermined..."
"Bemusement and Cynicism"
An editorial in the same paper said, "No one wishes to be skeptical....If
Mr. Reagan genuinely seeks the beginning of prolonged dialogue with the
Soviet Union, then that is profoundly cheering.... His theoretical power for
good far outstrips what Fritz Mondale, in practice, might achieve.
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"It is only when, once again, you try to discern a consistent and coherent
purpose to the President's initiatives, that bemusement and cynicism grow
like weeds on a derelict building site..."
"An Election Year...Gromyko's Stony Silence"
The conservative Daily Telegraph's correspondent in New York Richard
Beeston wrote: "The election year speech, which lacked a single direct
criticism of the Soviet Union or its Cuban ally, called for the estab-
lishment of a new working relationship with Moscow and an 'historic
breakthrough' in nuclear arms control.
"But it was received in stony silence by the Soviet Foreign Minister,
Mr. Gromyko....Politically, with Presidential elections only weeks away,
the speech was clearly designed to undercut Democratic criticism that Mr.
Reagan was inflexible and unable to reduce East-West tensions..."
"More Forthcoming Language But No Substantive Change"
The Financial Times U.S. editor in New York, Reginald Dale, filed:
"President Ronald Reagan yesterday offered to consider 'restraint' in his
'Star Wars' program...in a bid to entice the Soviet Union back to the
nuclear arms negotiating table....U.S. officials said that Mr. Reagan's
offer of restraint could involve a moratorium in the testing of anti-
satellite weapons...
"U.S. officials said that, while Mr. Reagan's proposal did not represent a
substantive shift in the U.S. position, it had been phrased in more forth-
coming language to make it easier for the Soviet Union to resume the
strategic arms negotiations that it suspended in Geneva at the end of last
year..."
"Reagan Thaws Out"
Today's Paris headlines read "American President Proposes Dialogue at UN...
Gromyko Remains Icy" (France-Soir), "East-West: Reagan Plays at Easing Ten-
sions at the UN" (Liberation), "Reagan to Gromyko: We're Ready to
Negotiate" (Parisien), "Reagan to USSR: Let's Talk Calmly... Reagan
Proposes Global Dialogue to USSR" (Figaro), "Reagan Thaws Out" (Le Matin)
and "Reagan's New Look" (Communist Humanite).
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"Wrapped in Dove Feathers"
Independent Quotidien remarked: "For his speech to the General Assembly
...President Reagan wrapped himself in dove feathers. From'his long
peroration, we retain a single phrase: 'Let's talk.' To say that his
reelection concerns were not in the forefront of his speech would be
erroneous. To claim that they accounted for everything he said would be
equally so..."
"Only the Tone Has Changed"
Conservative Figaro held: "Basically, there was no major change of
direction. The White House is maintaining its objectives, 'peace and
liberty,' and its philosophy, even if it claims not to be 'ideologically
rigid.'
"Only the tone has changed..."
"Virtues of Dialogue Rediscovered"
La Marseillaise of Marseilles noted: "Only yesterday, Ronald Reagan was
holding the USSR up to public obloquy, calling socialist nations 'the
empire of evil,' and going so far as to dream aloud, in front of an open
microphone, of unleashing nuclear war on the Soviet capital...
"And here we have the same man, for a short while reverted to candidate
Reagan, suddenly rediscovering the virtues of dialogue. He pulls the
Soviet Union back from the depths of hell and goes so far as to recognize
its status as 'the second great power.'...
"It is simply that our cowboy is also an accomplished politician..."
"Despite Appearances... Worrisome"
Communist 1'Humanite contended: "We won't complain about Mr. Reagan making
comments in sharp contrast to those he has made in the past.... After years
of tension...it is evidently not enough to display good intentions to
repair the damages. Despite appearances, American aggressivity is not
disarming itself...
"On many-points, Mr. Reagan's speech was worrisome...He appeared in no way
inclined to abandon the ambition to insure the military superiority of the
United States...It is undeniable, however, that Mr. Reagan changed tone
yesterday... undoubtedly to reassure American voters who are concerned about
his behavior over. the past four years..."
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"A Reagan To Whom We Are Not Accustomed"
New York correspondent for TV Antenne 2 asserted: If you believe Ronald
Reagan, not everything is going badly between Washington and Moscow....We
saw a Reagan this morning to whom we are not accustomed.
"Now, the question is whether we are witnessing a real redirection of
American policy toward the Soviet Union, one which will take concrete form
Friday with the visit of Gromyko to the White House or, rather, whether
it is a tactic by the President-candidate who has often been reproached for
his intransigence with Moscow."
"An Electoral Tactic or a Fundamental Change?"
A correspondent for France-Inter radio said: "We are a long way from
Reagan's famous anti-Soviet speeches but it remains to be seen if this is a
purely electoral tactic or a fundamental change in the U.S. attitude toward
Moscow."
"Reagan to Moscow: Let's Discuss Everything"
Headlines in West Germany were: "Reagan Offers Soviets Fresh Negotiations"
(Bonner Rundschau, "Reagan Offers Kremlin Dialogue" (Rheinische Post),
"Reagan Calls For Extensive Negotiations of Superpowers" (Frankfurter Neue
Presse), "Reagan Wants to Revive Dialogue With Moscow" (Sueddeutsche
Zeitung), "Reagan Appeals to Moscow For New Beginning in Relations"
(Frankfurter Allgemeine), "Reagan: I'm Ready for Constructive Discussions
with Kremlin", (Westfaelische Rundschau), "Reagan to Moscow: Let's Discuss
Everything" (Neue Ruhr Zeitung), "Reagan Proposes Exchange Even of Military
Data" (Die Welt) and "Reagan Ready to Shorten the Distance to Soviet Union"
(General-Anzeiger).
"We Are Ready For Constructive Negotiations With Soviets"
Conservative Die Welt, in a lead story, postulated that President Reagan's
"far-reaching proposals for reducing tension in the world and for improving
U.S.-Soviet relations" made a "central statement" that promotes
understanding for his foreign policy.
"The key to an understanding of the President's "very conciliatory speech"
is his statement that "America has repaired its strength, we have
invigorated our alliances and friendships, we are ready for constructive
negotiations with the Soviet Union."
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"Washington Rejects...Spheres of Influence"
Conservative Die Welt editorialized on the front page: "By emphasizing the
critical problem of regional conflicts, Reagan indicated that Washington
rejects the division of the world into spheres of influence. There will be
no return to the Soviet interpretation of the Yalta agreement..."
"Bonn Supports Reagan's Proposal For New Dialogue With Soviets"
Independent General-Anzeiger reported a Government spokesman's statements
that Bonn supports President Reagan's proposals for a new dialogue with the
USSR. The spokesman reportedly said that there should be "flexibility on
both sides."
"Speech Deserves Undivided Applause"
The same paper editorialized that President Reagan's UNGA speech "deserves
undivided applause from all concerned.
"Seldom before has a Reagan speech been so free from polemics. Seldom
before has he outlined his ideas of constructive cooperation in the world
so clearly. Seldom before has he made such frank public statements on what
he intends to discuss in detail with his counterpart... Andrei Gromyko..."
"What Has To Be Done For Peace"
Conservative Frankfurter Allgemeine commented that "in his remarks,
Reagan... appeals to popular ideas on what has to be done for peace...
"Washington has always banked on something else, namely that the so-called
arms race would become more and more of a problem to the Soviets from an
economic viewpoint...
"The Soviets must have realized that what is of primary importance is not
to carry on an arms race to wage wars that will never happen, but to engage
in a race of technical civilization."
"Reagan's New Start"
Liberal Stuttgarter.Zeitung, under the above title, observed from
Washington that the content of President Reagan's address to the UN General
Assembly was very similar to his inaugural address. "The President pushes
the 'on' button for a new foreign policy, an effort that has been
unsuccessful during his first term in office...
"There was no language too strong for him to stress the significance he
wishes to accord U.S.-Soviet relations.
"Of course, Reagan's address also was an integral part of his campaign for
reelection.... But (it) was more than mere campaign tactics..."
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"Reagan's Offer to Moscow--More Than Just Campaign Gimmick"
Pro-Social Democratic Westfaelische Rundschau of Dortmund used the above
title to comment that "during the past 12 months, Reagan has dramatically
shortened the distance between the superpowers, at least as far as his
rhetoric is concerned...
"Now he has presented a program which contains a number of constructive
proposals to improve U.S.-Soviet relations. Not even his political
opponents will be able to denounce it as mere campaign propaganda.
"This is particularly true for his suggestion to maintain ongoing bilateral
contacts..."
"A New Beginning"
Pro-Christian Democratic Frankfurter Neue Presse, under the banner above,
stated that the President "opened ways for the Moscow leadership which it
can use without losing face or prestige.
"The substance of Reagan's offer is to set up regular consultations on the
policy level."
"Reason For Hope"
Pro-Christian Democratic Bonner Rundschau judges that "there is reason for
hope, but, for the time being, not for enthusiasm.
"The beginning of a new policy between Moscow and Washington is taking
place within an extremely narrow framework. But it definitely is a
beginning."
"Secure Peace and Ban Nuclear War"
Pro-Social Democratic Neue Ruhr Zeitung of Essen said that "a new beginning
is supposed to be made to secure peace and ban the horror of nuclear war.
This is what the President of the United States demanded.
"All things considered it seems like a little bit too much of a verbalized
love of peace. But what has been said has been said, and the new beginning
might now take place if the good words are followed by their practical
implementation..."
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"Reagan Offers Hand to Moscow"
Among headlines were "Reagan Offers His Hand to Moscow" (Corriere della
Sera), "Let's Negotiate, Says Reagan to Moscow Amidst Applause--Only
Gromyko Remains Impassive" (I1 Giornale), "Prudent Offer From
Reagan--Detente Remains Monopoly of Superpowers" (I1 Messagero), "Most
Conciliatory Speech Ever Made by President Toward USSR--Moscow Hopes But
Mistrusts as Well" (La Repubblica) and "Reagan's Tone Is Relaxed--Gromyko's
Speech Awaited With Great Expectation" (Communist l'Unita).
"Not a Substantive Change"
Moderate TG-l's main TV newscast last night, from New York, said that "the
speech shows a new approach but not a substantive change in-U.S. foreign
policy."
"Gromyko's Attitude Not Surprising"
Left-of-center GR-1 radio newscast this morning observed that "Gromyko's
attitude was not surprising. The Soviets do not applaud American
speeches. His reply will be interesting."
"Three Signals"
Centrist Corriere della Sera of Milan stated that "the President's
objective was to create the most favorable premises for the meeting with
Gromyko.
"But the most interesting part of the speech consisted of three signals.
The first is the indication of an increasing U.S. flexibility on the
subject of space arms negotiations. The second is the proposal to gather
all disarmament negotiations under a single umbrella. The third is the
idea of a periodic consultation."
"An Offer the Soviets Cannot Reject"
Centrist La Stamps of Turin commented: "Reagan made a public and solemn
offer of negotiations that the Soviet leaders will not be able to reject.
"The concreteness of his statement on problem of armaments and the fact
that the President has affirmed with unprecedented clarity that there is-no
alternative to negotiating with the USSR show that Reagan's offer is a.
pledge, and dispels the suspicion that the Reaganite hawks think that it is
dangerous and inappropriate to negotiate with Moscow."
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"Balanced on Principles of Freedom and Defense"
Conservative I1 Giornale of Milan's New York correspondent, Mauro
Lucentini, felt that ."Reagan's speech was clearly balanced to safeguard the
principles of freedom and defense on which his Administration is based, but
at the same time to make a rapprochement possible."
"The Man of Dialogue"
Leftist, influential La Repubblica's New York correspondent, Gaetano
Scardocchia, commented: "The really new aspect of the speech is its tone:
serene, confident, in no way argumentative towards the USSR.
"Now that elections are nearing, he has completely put aside the wild
rhetoric of the past and offers himself as the man of the dialogue..."
"Reagan: Best Actor on American Political Stage"
Communist Party organ l'Unita's correspondent at the UN remarked: "Ronald
Reagan, the best actor on the American political stage, has performed with
success at the UN assembly in his most recent interpretation, that of the
President willing to start constructive negotiations with the USSR."
"More Constructive Contact or Episode of Showbiz Policy"
The same paper speculated: "Based on our experience, we must wonder
whether we are faced with the resumption of a more constructive contact
between the two major powers, or whether we are watching an episode of the
showbiz policy in which the U.S. President is so good..."
"Settlement of the Cold War"
I1 Mattino of Naples predicted that "the United States and the Soviet Union
will negotiate a settlement of the cold war immediately following the U.S.
elections, without the participation of the European allies."
"Reagan's Olive Branch"
Typical headlines today were "Reagan's Olive Branch" (Le Matin), "Reagan
Ready For Constructive Negotiations (Tages-Anzeiger), "Reagan Ready to.
Negotiate With USSR (24 Heures), "Reagan Appeals For Constructive Dialogue
With Moscow" (Neue Zuercher Zeitung) and "Reagan Conciliatory Toward Moscow"
(La Suisse).
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"An Impassive Gromyko"
Lausanne's middle-of-the-road 24 Heures carried Washington correspondent
Jacqueline de Montmollin's report that "faced with an impassive Gromyko--he
never applauded once--President Reagan strove to show in his address that
the United States was full of good intentions and wanted to cooperate with
the USSR, as it did with the world in general...
"However, political observers are wondering to what extent electoral
considerations may have influenced the President's declared readiness for
cooperation with the Soviet Union and the UN...
"Early comments in UN.circles indicated doubt whether the Reagan Admin-
istration was really prepared to cooperate with Moscow over for example,
the Middle East or Central America."
"Is This a New Reagan?"
Today's middle-of-the-road La Suisse of Geneva asked, "Is this the new
Reagan? One may well think it is, judging by the conciliatory tone he used
yesterday in speaking of the Soviet Union...
"It remains to be seen whether the Kremlin will grasp Ronald Reagan's
outstretched hand. Mr. Gromyko is never all smiles, but the particularly
stony visage he showed when listening to the President's speech yesterday
is perhaps not a happy augury."
"Improved Prospects for a New Thaw"
Washington correspondent George Possaner, writing in today's independent
Die Press, said that "the prospects for a new thaw between the superpowers
improved on Monday.... Addressing the UNGA in Soviet Foreign Minister
Gromyko's presence, President Reagan advocated 'constructive talks' with
the Kremlin."
"Attentive Gromyko"
Vienna's independent Kurier today judged that Mr. Gromyko "was very
attentive... when listening to President Reagan's UNGA address."
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"Reagan's Magnanimous and Excellent Bid For Better Contact"
The lead editorial in today's independent Berlingske Tidende declared that
"it was a magnanimous and excellent bid for better contact between the
United States and the Soviet Union that was issued by President Reagan in
his UN speech yesterday...
"It was a courageous attempt to remove the crisis--and its too great
expectations--from the larger political dialogue and bring it down to the
everyday level. It sounds reasonable and almost too good to become a
reality."
"Reagan's Offer on Regional Conflicts Attracted Much Attention"
Aarhus' Jyllands-Posten today ran New York correspondent Niels-Victor
Christiansen's view that "aside from the relatively warm tones and the
ideas for a general extension of permanent contacts, Reagan's speech
contained few concrete initiatives....But his idea about offering
negotiations on regional conflicts attracted much attention...
"If Reagan's speech is to be taken literally it might lead to an inclusion
of the Soviets in the Mideast peace efforts as well as in other places
where the United States has previously attempted to keep the Soviet Union
at a distance..."
"Reagan Stretched His Hand to the Russians"
A commentary on NRK TV's prime newscast stated, "We heard a self-confident
President speak to the UNGA, one who was convinced he can look forward to
another four years in the White House,_one who stretched out his hand to
the Russians...
"When Reagan now calls for regular American-Soviet foreign minister-level
meetings, he does not speak to deaf ears. The Soviets show strong interest
in an agreement aimed at reducing a future arms race in space."
"Reagan Speech Offered Clear Alternative to Propaganda War"
Oslo's conservative Verdens Gang wrote: "Yesterday's speech by Reagan at
UNGA was important because it offered a clear alternative to the current
propaganda war.
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"Everyone now hopes that the Soviet leaders will agree with Reagan that in
today's world there is no alternative to negotiations. That is all it
takes to get a promising process started."
"Reagan Hopes For Rapprochement With Soviet Union"
Among headlines today were "Reagan Offers Proposals at UN to Improve
Superpower Relations... Reagan Hopes for Rapprochement With Soviet Union"
(Helsingin Sanomat), "Reagan's 'Peace Offensive'--United States Ready For
Talks on a High Level" (Hufvudstadsbladet) and "Reagan Proposes Regular
Meetings" (Suomen Sosialidemokraatti).
"The Eloquence of an Apostle of Peace"
Today's independent Helsingin Sanomat front-paged a report by Washington
correspondent Matti Verkkola who stated that Mr. Reagan "returned to
Washington in an enthusiastic atmosphere after offering the Soviet Union a
hand in peace with the eloquence of an apostle of peace at the United
Nations...
"His speech was televised live nationally, and it bit seriously into the
Democratic opposition's foreign policy criticism. Ronald Reagan was once
again masterly, and so was Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko who sat
expressionless straight across from the President."
"Reagan Reaches Out"
Madrid's right-of-center Ya, in an editorial under the above headline,
said: "For many observers, the speech expresses not just a wish, but
signals the resumption of the dialogue between the superpowers which Reagan
hopes will be 'lasting, constructive and realistic.'"
"What Does 'Spheres of Influence Are a Thing of the Past' Mean?"
Dublin's liberal Irish Times today said, "'Spheres of influence,' Mr.
Reagan proclaimed in his address to the General Assembly, 'are a thing of
the past.'
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"It is a wholesome sentiment, but what precisely can it mean in concrete
terms? A cynic might say, for example, that it could signify simply an
agreement between the United States and the USSR to divide the world
between them--a change from regional spheres to global hemispheres.
"If, on the other hand, it means a united endeavour to resolve regional
conflicts involving one or other of both superpowers, it could yield
dividends.
"Mr. Reagan proposed that the United States and the USSR should
'institutionalize regular ministerial or cabinet-level meetings.' Since
Moscow long ago accepted the 'hot line' as a safety measure, it might not
dismiss the idea out of hand: it is in a sense along the same lines."
"Soviet Response Must Be Constructive"
The conservative Irish Independent remarked today, "Confronted with this
basket of offers the Russians may be inclined, if secretly, to claim that
President Reagan is making an election speech. .
"But it was a speech delivered at the UN before the representatives of
scores of nations and likely to be heard all over the world.
"The response from the Soviets must be constructive. If, that is, their
own internal politics make such a response possible."
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
"Reagan's Most Moderate Speech"
Prague domestic radio yesterday ran New York correspondent Michal Stasz'
assertion that "the first reactions to Reagan's speech at the General
Assembly agree that this was his most moderate speech since he took office
less than four years ago...
"The truth is that his speech is regarded as a sign of the dangerously
approaching U.S. election, which even he does not believe can be won by the
threat of a new round of the arms buildup. And this is behind the moder-
ation and apparent constructivness of (his) speech..."
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Reagan Failed to Mention Soviet First-Use Initiative
East Berlin domestic radio said yesterday that Mr. Reagan closed his UNGA
speech "with quotations from Mahatma Gandhi and Thomas Paine, in contrast
to the aggressive style of earlier speeches, in which the Soviet Union was
depicted as the Evil Empire. This time, noticeably mild tones predom-
inated...
"What Reagan omitted in his UN speech is also instructive. It is known
that the USSR proposed long ago specific, feasible steps to end the arms
race-- for example, the renunciation of the first use of nuclear weapons to
which the Soviet Union has already unilaterally committed itself. Not a ?
single word in today's speech by the American President was in fact devoted
to this."
"Change in Tone a Positive Sign"
Warsaw domestic service today carried a report by Maksymilian Berezowski,
its Washington correspondent, who said: "According to opinion here, the
President's words so far are hanging in mid-air. The change in tone is a
positive sign, but unless it is followed by the change in policy it remains
a passing gesture.
"This passing gesture is connected with the coming election, and the
decisions on changes in policy have not yet been taken. As it is said
here, Reagan wants to refute charges that he is toying with nuclear war."
"More Restrained Than Earlier Declarations"
Radio Budapest's UN commentator said last night that the President's
address "was more restrained in tone than his earlier declarations."
He summarized: "The American President made no concrete initiatives for
halting the nuclear arms race but his speech prominently featured
expressions such as a new beginning, fresh approach, negotiated solution,
cooperation and joint action.
"Reagan spoke in a similar spirit about regional problems. He called for
diplomatic steps to be taken in Central America, the Middle East and
Afghanistan--in the case of the last without even referring to the USSR..."
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"No Change in Essence"
Today's Moscow TASS released a statement saying in part: "His speech
contained no indication of any change in the essence of the present U.S.
policy'and boiled down to absolutely groundless assertions that the United
States allegedly wants the arms race to be curbed and supports the basic
aims and principles of the UN Charter.
"The President's words concerning peace were only meant to camouflage
Washington's basic foreign policy guidelines and its interventionist policy
in all regions of the world--in the Middle East, in Central America, in the
south of Africa, in Europe, in the Far East...
"The UN rosturm was actually used by Reagan for his political. election-
eering aims. That was the reason behind his attempt to present his old
policy in a new, more attractive package without changing it essence..."
'A Concrete Step' Toward Reopening U.S.-Soviet Dialogue
Publicly financed NHK-TV had correspondent Irisawa's observation today that
the Reagan speech indicates "a concrete step" toward reopening U.S.-Soviet
dialogue. The network said the Reagan speech appeared to be aimed at the
forthcoming Presidential election.
"President Sincerely Thinks Time Is Ripe To Improve U.S.-Soviet Relations"
Fuji-TV correspondent Tanaka today said it could be stated that the Reagan
speech seeks improvement of U.S.-Soviet relations to impress the American
people in hopes of producing major results the Reagan Administration has
not yet scored in the diplomatic field.
The network said, "The President sincerely thinks that the time is ripe now
to improve U.S.-Soviet relations as the Soviets have indicated a desire to
hold talks."
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"Sincere and Positive Step for Dialogue With Moscow"
Government-dominated Kyunghyang Shinmun's Washington correspondent Song
Tae-ho today described the address as "hardliner Reagan's smiling tactics,"
but said that President Reagan's peace overture is viewed as a "sincere and
positive step for dialogue with Moscow" in that he made concrete proposals
regarding the time, methods and agenda for negotiation talks.
"President Reagan Proposes Political Dialogue With Soviet Union"
Headlines today were "President Reagan Proposes Political Dialogue with
Soviet Union" (Kompas), "Reagan Offers 'Constructive Negotiations' With
Soviets" (Jakarta Post), and "Reagan Seeks 'Realistic, Constructive' Ties
With Soviets" (Indonesian Observer).
PAKISTAN
President Applauded By Most UN Delegates
All major newpapers and TV prominently covered President.Reagan's speech at
the UN General Assembly and highlighted the main themes of the speech.
The independent Muslim noted that President Reagan was applauded by a
number of delegates attending the General Assembly session but Gromyko was
conspicuous by not joining the applause.
"President Reagan Still Stands by His Middle East Peace Initiative"
All media highlighted President Reagan's reaffirmation that he "still
stands by his Middle East peace initiative as a basis for a just and
lasting peace."
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f
Israel Radio last night led its news broadcasts with reports on the
President's speech at the UN and the reaction of Foreign Minister Shamir's
spokesman,,Avi Pazner, who told Israeli correspondents in New York that
Israel remains opposed to the plan and that "this is the position of the
entire Government."
The radio station also featured the reaction of the Prime Minister's
office, which "takes some exception" to Pazner's remark.
President Criticized For Reviving Debate With Israel
Independent Maariv, in an editorial today, criticized the President for
having "revived the debate with Israel on his plan a mere six weeks before
the U.S. Presidential elections and less than two weeks after the
establishment of a new Government in Israel, whose leaders are known to
sharply disagree on the matter."
The paper also said that the reference the President'made to his Middle
East peace initiative "is meant to remind us that America's commitment to
aid Israel should not be taken for granted."
"Israel Would Profit From Quest For Renewed (East-West) Co-existence"
Pro-Government Davar today held that the President's remarks about
U.S.-Soviet relations "illustrate Washington's good will. Reagan does not
seem anxious to renew the arms race in space, which could jeopardize his
economic achievements...
"Both Israel and the Jewish people would profit from the President's quest
for renewed (East-West) co-existence, since without improved relations
there can be no fresh Jewish immigration from the Soviet Union."
"Reagan Reiterates Commitment To His Initiative"
Headlines in Amman today were "Reagan Reiterates Commitment to his
Initiative and Warns Against Expelling Israel From the UN" (ar-Rai),
"Reagan Stresses Resolution 242 is the Cornerstone For Peace Initiative"
(ad-Dustur), and "Reagan Proposing New Exchanges With the Soviets" (Jordan
Times).
"Speech Underlines an American Foreign Policy More Inclined Toward Peace"
Independent ad-Dustur today held that "the speech underlines a number of-
factors, which combined together, form an American foreign policy more
inclined toward peace."
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i
The editorial said that the new policy is a "political surprise by a
President whose reign is characterized by escalation of political confron-
tation and cold war... '
"We believe the United States is able to achieve peace in the region if its
intentions are real, but our long bitter experience leads us not to bet on
a horse that has lost the race many times....We are waiting for the
transla- tion of Reagan's words into deeds to see whether his speech is a
kind of electoral campaign or he really means a change in U.S. policy."
"Reagan at the UN"
Sawt al-Shaab today commented, under the above headline, that President
Reagan is focusing "more on the importance of negotiations rather than on
Israeli occupation of land, as if negotiations were the root of the
problem."
The editorial scoffed at the President's reference to his peace initiative
"as based on UN resolutions, without telling the world that Israel was the
first to oppose his initiative and that he himself opposed the participa-
tion of the PLO in peace negotiations."
"Reagan Wanted His UN Speech To Be Like His Reelection Campaign Rhetoric"
Government-owned al-Baath today carried a byliner's statement that said
"Reagan wanted his UN speech to be like his reelection campaign rhetoric....
If the President of the United States was really concerned with peace, he
would have announced his Administration's commitment to international
resolutions and recommendations."
TV and radio gave prominent coverage to President Reagan's UN speech, but
only two Arabic papers carried reports, in addition to both English-language
dailies.
"Reagan's Speech Aimed at American Voters"
Moderately-conservative al-Jazirah today noted that "Reagan's speech is
aimed at making American voters understand that their President, who
returned glory to America after the Democrats had dissipated it, will
compel the Soviets to reach an agreement, but from a position of strength.
If this message gets through to the voters, the speech will have achieved
its utmost aim."
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"President's Call To Promote Freedom Sounds Hollow"
The English-language Saudi Gazette today, criticized the United States as
"the biggest single source of UN weakness" and as "the odd member out."
The paper held that the President's call "to combat international
lawlessness and to promote freedom sounds hollow...Which of these
principles was the United States promoting when it encouraged Israel to
invade Lebanon, or let Sabra and Shatila happen?"
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