Center For Security Policy Criticizes Undisciplined House Aid Package For Poland And Hungary

The Center for Security Policy today issued a critical review of the Polish and Hungarian Democracy Initiative Act (H.R. 3204) slated for House consideration at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19th. In its assessment entitled Safeguarding U.S. Equities While Aiding Poland and Hungary, the Center described the legislation as an initiative "borne of noble intentions" but "fraught with significant defects and enormous potential liabilities for the American taxpayer."

"This large-scale economic and financial assistance package for Poland and Hungary is offered virtually without conditions," said Frank J. Gaffney, the Center’s director. "If Congress passes this legislation in its present form, it will convey apparent indifference as to whether or not Poland and Hungary (1) remain members of a hostile military alliance, (2) persist in performing an active espionage and technology-theft function for the Soviet Union, or (3) continue to advance systemic economic and political reforms."

"The U.S. largesse this measure proposes to bestow is not made contingent upon either wholesale structural economic reform or continued progress toward true democracy — conditions that would appear essential to the future viability of Poland and Hungary," noted Gaffney.

To correct these potential problems with H.R. 3402, the Center recommends that a number of important stipulations be added before final congressional action occurs on this legislation. It also strongly cautions against irresponsible precedents contained in H.R. 3402 as presently drafted. The Center is concerned that the preferential treatment offered Poland and Hungary would, if enacted, cause the United States immeasurable grief in its political and financial dealings with other, indebted and destitute developing countries.