NSC MEETING ON POLAND

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Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06902818
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RIPPUB
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U
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21
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July 13, 2023
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February 17, 2022
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F-2017-01794
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February 6, 1981
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Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 t/ze NSC Meeting on Poland 6 February 1981 Contents Background Memorandum SNIE on Polalid Tab A Talking Points Tab B Haig Memorandum Tab C OER Paper on Economic Leverage Tab D British List of Economic Measures Tab E Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 .35eRET (b)(3; 5 February 1981 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD SUBJECT: Meeting with Secretary Haig, 5 Feb 81 In the course of briefing Secretary Haig this morning, he made several points that he asked me to bring to the DCI's attention. They seemed to be triggered both by the current intelligence I showed him and by the agenda of tomorrow's NSC meeting. szeftrf � 5Feb91 - � Mul tibia (b)(1) (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 SECRET pm SUBJECT: Meeting with Secretary Haig, 5 Feb 81 SECRET Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 ..SEC-RET Supplementary Talking Points Political Situation A. Central committee and parliament sessions and Supreme Court decision on farmers union, all next week, will provide indicators of results of leadership debate on moderate policies, particularly whether to use force. -- Moderates win: political continuation of existing pattern of alternating periods of tension or crisis and short periods of relative calm until Soviet patience runs out. -- Hardliners win: eventual Polish use of force likely to provoke general strike and possibly uncontainable violence. B. Soviets pressing Kania; may be considering pushing for his replacement. Want a clear line to emerge from next week's decisions. -- Barring large scale breakdown of order, Soviets probably do not want to intervene before Party Congress (23 February - 4 March) -- After Congress, maneuvering room broadens; still rather the Poles take coercive measures themselves. Military Situation A. Soviet forces opposite Poland have achieved a level of military preparedness that will permit them to react to events in Poland with speed and flexibility. D. We continue to believe that if the Soviets decide to intervene in Poland with a force of some two dozen divisions, they probably would take one to two weeks to prepare. 5EcRET Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 ,SEarr E. If the Soviets decide to intervene with only a few divisions, preparations could be accomplished in two to three days. Economic Situation A. In 1980, national income declined by 4 percent, agricultural production by 12 percent, industrial production stagnated. Hard currency debt stands at about $25 billion; the debt service about 100 percent. B. Outlook in 81 for the growth of national income, industry and agriculture is again bleak. C. Larger trade deficits expected to improve the supply of food and assure supplies of vital raw materials. $12 to $13 billion needed to cover repayment of principal and interest and cover the current account deficit, exclusive of interest. Will require large scale aid from East and West: not only debt relief but new funds. Negotiations underway to obtain debt relief from Western banks and governments; moving slowly. Unless substantial aid forthcoming quickly, Poland could default within the next few months. Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 SEGRET THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE WASHINGTON, D. C. 20505 National Intelligence Officers MEMORANDUM FOR: VIA FROM NFAC #586-81 5 February 1981 Director of Central Intelli ence Bruce C. Clarke, Jr. Deputy Director, NationaJ rjp Assessment Robert M. Gates National Intelligence Officer for USSR-EE SUBJECT : NSC on Poland 1. We understand from the NSC staff that Dick Allen will open the discussion on Poland with a briefing on the current situation and several of the key judgments of the SNIE published last Monday (at Tab A). The talking points at Tab B would supplement what we understand Allen will be presenting, should you be asked or wish to comment. 2. Secretary Haig will then summarize the status of the Interagency Group's work on contingency measures against the USSR should they invade Poland, as well as the status of consultations with the Allies on such measures. The Secretary has approved the memorandum at Tab C which reviews the political and economic measures already under consideration and it presumably will serve as the basis for his briefing. In this connection, the paper you requested on Western economic leverage is at Tab D. As you are probably aware, there is some interest at the upper levels of State and Defense in the development of more far-reaching economic measures than yet identified should the Soviets intervene. The British list of economic measures may be discussed; it is at Tab E. 3. I recommend you read the SNIE (if you have not) and Secretary Haig's memorandum, as background for Friday's meeting. The salient points in each are underscored. 4. Finally, in the discussion of possible contingency measures, you may want to point out that to the extent planned sanctions are selective and kept under wraps, their deterrent effect is significantly diminished. Maximum deterrence would result from comprehensive, far-reaching measures, agreed by the Allies, and well-publicized in advance (an approach the Allies probably would not countenance). All Portions of this Memorandum are Classified SECRET _SFX-firr DERIVATIVE CL BY SIGNER REVIEW ON FEB87 Derived from Multiple Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 NFAC #586-81 5 February 1981 SUBJECT: NSC on Poland Also, the NSC should know that the Soviets almost certainly believe that any sanctions would last no more than a year or two and that there would be at least some loopholes -- a view reinforced by their experience after the invasion of Czechoslovakia and with the post- Afghanistan sanctions. This assessment is in fact probably realistic and will weaken the impact of any planned sanctions as a deterrent. Robert M. Gylis:4-1 Attachments: As Stated Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 ...������`: � - ES SENSITIVE � 8102706 DEPARTMENT OF STATE ACTION MEMORANDUM � vs., SECRET/SENSITIVE TO: The Secretary THROUGH: P - Mr. Newsom FROM: EUR - George S. Vest Q)Ir SUBJECT: Polish Contingency Planning: Allied Consultations 30 JAN 1981 Issue Approval of contingency political and economic measures to be decided by NATO Foreign Ministers in the event of Soviet intervention in Poland. Discussion At Tabs A & B are lists of political and economic measures which could be taken in elm event of Soviet intervention in Poland. The list of political measures (Tab A) was forwarded to capitals by NATO permreps on December of a Soviet intervention NATO ministers are to meet in emergency session and decide which ones are to be implemented in the light of the actual circumstances of Soviet action. The 1131 of oolitical MeASures hak hpean subsequently discussed with the British, French and Oermans with relevant comments indicated in indented paragraphs. The list of economic measures (Tab B) are the product of ad referendum work among the Four which refines the list of possible economic measures submitted by the britis oliowing the December NATO ministerlal. You already agreed that we can continue discussing this list with the Four. At the January 30 interagancv meeting on Poland chaired by David News= there was unanimous agreement that this Administratian g.hoillti_pruinrsp this oar/ipr contingency planning as a basis for further allied wnsultation and for eventual action by NATO ministers in the event of Soviet intervention. We SECRET/SENSITIVE RDS-3 00/2001 � - Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 _ Anoroved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 SECRET/SENSITIVE -2- would like to be in a position to have Walt Stoessel convey this to the British, French and German Ambassadors when he meets with them on February 9. arly next week Bob Rormats and Mike Rashish will be discussing the economic program with economic Cabinet members not involved in David Newsom's meeting. Recommendation That, assuming that the talks with the economic agencies go well, you authorize us to inform the British, French and Germans that the new Administration endorses the.politicak and economic contingency planning which has gone on to date on Poland as abasis for further consultations and action in the event of Soviet intervention. We may also subsequently wish to inform other allies, but that depends upon the tactics we work out with the British, French and Germans. Approve Attachments: Disapprove � � Tab A List of PoliLical measures Tab B List of Economic measures Drafted:EUR:RLB -y/msp 1/30/81: Ext 2-72 SECRET/SENSITIVE Clearance:EB:EJohnston F.mtst &Latta E:GStreeb Ole Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 E,..:RET/SENSLTIVE Possib1i2 Political Measures Since December 23, 1980 discussions in the Alliance, in smaller groups, and bilaterally have drawn on the list circulated by the NATO International Stai:f and which NATO PermReos agreed should form the essential elements for a menu to be studied further in capitals and then decided by Foreign ministers at an emergency Ministerial following soon after any intervention. Wording of and the numbering of measures below follows the form in that NATO document. Indented comments reflect the conclusions on meetings of the Washington group the French, Aritiah and German AtOmssillors plus the Under Secretary oi ptAte for Political Affairs). 1. liake protest demarches where and as appropriate. 2. Call for emergency UN Security Council Meeting and, if appropriate, a meeting of the General Assembly. This measure has been discUssed among Allied UN PermReps in New York. 3. Conduct intensive campaign of public condemnation 4. Recall Ambassadors from Moscow and, perhaps other Warsaw Pact capitals for consultations. From Moscow A) Ambassadors should be recalled at as close to the same time as possible so that a signal of unity is preserved and it does not appear that any Allies are dragging their feet � ...lab. Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 SECkET/SENSITIVE B) Make clear that they are recalled for consultations rather than as a permanent measure. C) Before they are sent back to Moscow there should be consultations among the interested countries so that the return does not signal disarray. From Other Warsaw Pact Capitals A) As with other measures involving the other Eastern European5, including the GDR, whether and how to act will depend upon the actual nature of the governments' participation. (It is understood that the FRG has special interests where the GDR is concerned.) From Warsaw A) If the Soviets put in a puppet government hen Ambassadors should probably be recalled for consultations. B) If the Kania government survives and its role in the intervention is unclear then the question of recall would need to be studied further in the light of all the facts. C) If the Polish Government ioins the people in resisting then Ambassadors should probably not be recalled since the Poles will need Western moral support and because Ambassadors could be vital in helping with refugee needs. 5. ,Suspend 15- ticioation in the CSCE Madrid meeting following condemnation of Soviet actions on the basis of the Helsinki Final Act. Further consultation is required to agree upon a scenario that would make clear that the NATO Allies left the Madrid moeting because of a most serious Soviet violation of the Final Act and that a resumption of these talks would require actions by the Soviet Union to rostore confidence. SECRET/SENSITIVE Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 � ... VMS...1W SECRET/SENSITIVE - 3 - In addition to making clear that the Soviets are to blame, the Allies should reaffirm their support for the Helsinki Final Act, the continuation of the CSC?, process, and try to make it possible for the neutrals to support our position. 6. Suspend participation arms control aim disarmament negotiations such as MBFR; CTB, CD, CDE4 (See Note under #7) ... ..1111. 7. Review with the United States SALT and LRTNF negotiations. The Ft_ench Lamaism was that a.U._ of_ the above should be suspended eouallv because the Soviets would have shown they were not trustworthy partners. Nonetheless, for any talks that were not actually in sessiczn. the French could agree that they would not need to be formally broken off so long as there was Western agreement not to resume them while the Polish problem continued. The German Ambassador stressed that his government yould not want to nave suspended CTB, SALT or LRTNF. The US suggested that the record show that there had been no consensus regarding the public 'suspension of the following control CTB and TN?. It was agreed that further work was requireo on these measures, and it was noted that the new US administration is presently reviewing these issues. 8. Impose Additional riaqtrirtinng Or Rnvicat, and possibly other Warsaw Pact Embassies, incluaing limits on travel and staff at bll levels. Needs further work on what agreed measures would be. 9. Suspend all exchanges !Ugh-level visit g with Warsaw Pact States participating in the intervention. It was agreed that such a measure should be immediately implemented and that consultations would be undertaken before any high-level visits were subsequently undertaken. SECRET/SENSITIVE =7".. Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 ���� � � � 1��� � 10.4 Ilii����.��������� SECRZT/SENSITIVE -4- 10. Suspend major cultural, academic, scientific and athletic ,exclianoes and, if applicable, the execution of cultural agreements. In general there are very serious problems with formally announcing the non-implementation of bilateral governmental agreements -- including in the cultural field. Perhaps a distinction can be drawn between those culture, art and sporting exhanges that can be stopped at little cost, and those in the educational and scientific fields that enhance Western influence in the East. Further refinement required. 11. Urge like-minded and other countries to emulate 411ie4 measures. ����������������������� It was agreed that it is very important to have nations like Japan, Australia, hew Zealand, -no Spain take similar measures and that this required consultation -- which for now it was agree� shoulo be bilateral. This topic is unoer active oiscussion at NATO. rev 1-27-81 SECRET/SENSITIVE Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 � ������:r. 11111.0,1 � S'e.CkETZSENSITIVE Possible Economic Measures 1. Al]. exports from our countries to the Soviet Union not covered by existing contracts are embargoed. 2. Asjney official credit:.. credit guarantees, or credit �insurance shall be issued in support of trade with the soviet Union. We further recommend that private banks exercise strong restraint in providing new financial facilities, loans and credits to the USSR. 3. We will curtail, to the extent Possible under existing agreements, air, land. and sea transPort services with the USSR, ,and Soviet fishery in waters under our Llrisdiction. 4. We gall upon our companies to take note of the new political situation and.to exercise restraint in their commercial dealings with the Soviet Union, and we ask them to establish no� new commercial representation.in the Soviet Union. 5. We will examine, jointly and urgently, possibilities for further restraints particularly on the transfer of advanced technology. � 6. In addition, economic advisors shall continue to examine All the possibilities suggested in the British list and those raised in their previous discussions. 7. The Question of whether to apply similar measures against Other members of the Wars P;sct will be considereg_in the iisht of thoir artual participation. (Regarding the GDR, it is understood that the FRG has special concerns.) How Poland itself will be treated would depend, inter alia, on whether the Polish Government invited in and cooperated with Soviet military activities. 8. While not a post-intervention measure, the important Question of immediate economic assistance for Poland, incluoing debt relief, is'also on the agenda as it relates to chances for deterring an intervention. rev 1-27-81 - Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 .� � 11 ����1,..� � sm. � �� INST: C ' EUR S/S S/S-I �.. � Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C069028185 SENSITIVE 8102706 DEPARTMENT OF STATE ACTION MEMORANDUM IS/1.7 11)U SECRET/SENSITIVE TO: The Secretary THROUGH: P - Mr. Newsom FROM: EUR - George S. Vest SUBJECT: Polish Polish Contingency Planning: Allied Consultations 30 JAN 1981 Issue Approval of contingency political and economic measures to be decided by NATO Foreign-Ministers in the event of Soviet intervention in Poland. Discussion At Tabs A & B are lists of Political and economic measures which could be taken .1,71 t'le event of Soviet intervention in Poland, The list of political measures (Tab A) was forwarded to capitals by NATO permreps on December 41w In thp pvpnt of a Soviet intervention, NATO ministers are to meet in emergency session and decide Whips ones au to be implemented in the li ht of the actual circumstances soviet action. The list of DO Ltical measures has bppn subsequently discussed with the British., French and Germans with relevant comments indicated in indented paragraphs_ The list of economic measures (Tab B.) are the prqcluct of ad referendum work among the Four which refines the list of possible economic measures submitted by the. British following the December NATO ministerial. Yotzalnmdy agreed that we can continue discussing this list with the Four. At the January 30 interacency meetino on Poland chaired by David Newsom there was unanimous Agreement .that this Administration qhou1t1 pnAerqp this parlior contingency planning as a basis for further allied consultation and for eventual action by NATO ministers in the event of Soviet intervention. We SECRET/SENSITIVE RDS-3 1/30/2001 _ - _ � �: � � � Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 SECRET/SENSITIVE -2- 'would like to be in a position to have Walt Stoessel convey this to the British, French and German Ambassadors when hp Me ts witn them on February �. iarly next week Bob Rormats and Mike Rashish will be discussing the economic program with economic Cabinet members not involved in David Newsom's meeting. Recommendation That, assuming that the talks with the economic agencies go well, you authorize us to inform the British, French and Germans that the new Administration endorses the.politicaA and economic contingeney.plannina which has gone on to date on Poland as aiesiz for further consultations and action in the event of Soviet intervention. We may also subsequently wish to inform other allies, but that depends upon the tactics we work out with the British, French and Germans. ,Approve Attachments: Disapprove � Tab A List of Political Measures Tab B List of Economic. Measures � Drafted:EUR:RLB -y/msp 1/30/81: Ext 2i72 SECRET/SENSITIVE Clearance:EB:E.7ohnston ban ku.,,a0 E G5treeb � Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 SLZRET/SENSITIVE Possible Political Measures Since December 23, 1980 discussions in the Alliance, in smaller groups, and bilaterally have drawn on the list circulated by the NATO International StaEl and which NATO PermReps agreed should form the essential elements for a menu to be studied further in capitals and then decided by Foreign Ministers at an emergency Ministerial following soon a ter any intervention. Wording of and the numbering of measures below follows the form in that NATO document. Indented comments reflect the conclusions on meetings of the Washington group the French, Pritish and German Ambassalorsolus the Under Secretary of ptate for Political Affairs). 1. Hake protest demarches where and as appropriate. 2. Call for emergency UN Security Council Meeting and, if appropriate, a meeting of the General Assembly. This measure has been discUssed among Allied UN PermReps in New York. 3. Conduct intensive campaign of public condemnation 4. Recall Ambassadors frcm Moscow and perhaps other Warsaw Pact capitals for consultations. From Moscow A) Ambassadors should be recalled at as close to the same time as possible so that a signal of unity is preserved and it does not appear that any Allies are dragging their feet _ Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 . .� � � � SECRET/SENSITIVE - 2 - .B) Make clear that they are recalled for consultations rather than as a permanent measure. C) Before they are sent back to Moscow there should be consultations among the interested countries so that the return does not signal disarray. From Other Warsaw Pact Capitals A) As with other measures involving the other Eastern European*, including the GDR, whether and how to act ,will depend upon the actual nature of the governments' participation. (It is understood that the FRG has special interests where the GDR is concerned.) From Warsaw �' A) If the soviets put in a puppet government then Ambassadors should probably be recalled for consultations. B) If the Kania government survives and its role in the intervention is unclear then the question of gecall would need to be studied further in the light of all the facts. C) If the Polish Government 'loins the people in resisting then Ambassadors should probably not be � 'recalled, since the Poles will need Western moral 'support and because Ambassadors could be vital in � helping with refugee needs. 5. ,Suspend participation in the CSCE Madrid meeting following condemnation of Soviet actions on the basis of the Helsinki Final Act. Further consultation is requited to agree upon a � scenario that would make clear that the NATO Allies . left the Madrid meeting because of a most serious Soviet violation of the Final Act and that a resumption of these tAlks would require actions by the Soviet Union to restore confidence. SECRET/SENSITIVE Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 ��� �����01. �in %In ...vim. SECRET/SENSITIVE - 3 - In addition to making clear that the Soviets are to blame, the Allies should reaffirm their support for the Helsinki Final Act, the continuation of the CSCI1 process, and try to make it possible for the neutrals to support our position. 6. Suspend participation it arms control ana oisarmament neQotiations such as MBFR, CTB, CD, CDE. (See Note under 17) ao. 7. Review with the United States SALT and LRTNF negotiations. The French goaltion was that all of the above shoula pe Suspended eouallv because the Soviets would have shown they were not trustworthy partners. Nonetheless, .for any talks that were not actually in session4 the French could agree that they would not need to be formally broken off so long as there was Western agreement not to resume them while the Palish problem continued. � The German Ambassador stressed that his government yould not want to have suspended CT, SALT or LRTNF. The US suggested that the record show that there had been no consensus regardina the Public suspension of the following arms control negotiations: MEFILAIUT, CTS and TN?. It was agreed that further work was requirea on these measures, and it was notea that the new US administration is presently reviewing these issues. 8. Impose additional restrirtinni nn snvtpro and possibly other Warsaw Pact Epbassies, incluaing limits on travel and staff at, ill levels. Needs further work on what agreed measures would be. 9. Eyspend all exchanges high-level visits with Warsaw Fact States participating in the intervention. It was agreed that such a measure should be immediatelyiimplemented and that consultations would be undertaken before any high-level visits were subsequently undertaken. SECRET/SENSITIVE Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 ���� � � �� � I. moor � SECRET/SENSITIVE -4-. 10. Auspend major cultural, academic, scientific and athletic ,exchanges and, if applicable, the execution of cultural agreements. In general there are very serious problems with formally announcing the non-implementation of bilateral governmental agreements -- including in the cultural field. Perhaps a distinction can be drawn between those culture, art and sporting exhanges that can be stopped at little cost, and those in the educational and scientific fields that enhance Western influence in the East. Further refinement required. ���� 11. Urge like-minded and other countries.to emulate Allied measures. It was agreed that it is very important to have nations like Japan, Australia, New Zealano, ano Spain take similar measures and that this required consultation -- which for now it was agree� shoulo be bilateral. This topic is unaer active discussion at NATO. rev 1-27-61 � _SECRET/SENSITIVE Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818 w � ma. � � � -U1.11.411 aim � �� � SECkET/SENSITIVE Possible Economic Measures 1. All exports from our countries to the Soviet Union not Covered by existing contracts are embargoed. 2. No new official credits. credit-guarantees. or credit insurance shall be issued in support of trade with the Soviet Union. We further recommend that private banks exercise strong restraint in providing new financial facilities, loans and credits to the USSR. 3. We will curtail, to the extent Possible under existing agreements, air, land, and sea transport services with the USSR, oand Soviet fishery in waters under our jurisdiction. 4. We gall upop our companies to take note of the new political situation ano,to exercise restraint in their - commercial dealings with the Soviet Union, and we ask them to 7,10- establish no. new commercial representation.in the Soviet Union. - S. We will examine, jointly and urgently, possibilities. for further restraints particularly on the transfer of advanced technology. 6. In addition,- economic advisors shall continue to examine all the possibilities- sugnested in the British list and those raised in their previous discussions. 7. The Question of whether to apply similar measures against other members of the WarsAi. ?act will be considereg in the light of their ant-nal participation. (Regarding the GDR, it is understood that the FRG has special concerns.) How Poland itself will be treated would depend, inter alia, on whether the Polish Government invited in and cooperated with Soviet military activities. 8. While not a post-intervention measure, the important Question of immediate economic assistance for Poland, including debt relief, is'also on the agenda as it relates to chances for deterring an intervention. rev 1-27-81 Approved for Release: 2021/11/22 C06902818