Primary Sources
National Securty Directive in Response to Polish Roundtable Agreement
Description
Officials in the United States watched closely the historic roundtable talks that took place between Communist Party leaders and the opposition in Poland from February to April 1989. During these sessions, participants agreed to numerous changes, including the initiation of economic reform measures. In response to the roundtable agreements that focused on Poland's economy specifically, U.S. President George H. W. Bush issued this national security memorandum, in which he indicated U.S. willingness to assist Poland in relieving its debts and developing new economic models in both the public and private sectors. This document demonstrates U.S. officials' interest in the events that were unfolding in Eastern European countries, as well as their eagerness to participate in the democratization process.
Source
George H.W. Bush to the Vice President et al., "National Security Directive, Actions to Respond to Polish Roundtable Agreement," 8 May 1989, Cold War International History Project, Documents and Papers, CWIHP (accessed May 14, 2008).
Primary Source—Excerpt
THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON MAY 8, 1989
NATIONAL SECURITY DIRECTIVE - 9
MEMORANDUM FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE THE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET THE DIRECTOR, CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS THE DIRECTOR, UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY
SUBJECT: Actions to Respond to Polish Roundtable Agreement (U)
I hereby direct that the eight measures listed below be taken in response to the Polish Roundtable agreement. (U)
--The United States will indicate to its Allies willingness to consider substantial rescheduling of Poland's official debt within the Paris Club. (U)
--The United States will inform its allies and IMF [International Monetary Fund] management that the United States supports negotiations between Poland and the IMF on a stand by arrangement subject to normal IMF conditions. (U)
--The United States will publicly indicate willingness to support viable private sector loans by the International Finance Corporation. (U)
--Legislation will be sought to accord Generalized System of Preferences to Poland. GSP treatment eliminates tariffs on a variety of products. (G)
--Legislation will be sought to make Poland eligible for OPIC (Overseas Private Investment Corporation) insurance. (G)
Private Sector Involvement
--The United States will offer to negotiate a government-to-government small/private Business Agreement to facilitate direct contacts with Poland's private business sector.
--The United States will expand training and exchange programs, targeted at the emerging private sector, in Poland. (U)
--The United States will signal support for voluntary private sector swaps of existing Polish debts for equity in Polish enterprises, or environmental, educational, or other humanitarian programs. (U)