NID: USSR: BALTIC REPUBLICS GAIN LIMITED ECONOMIC AUTONOMY
Document Type:
Collection:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
06826806
Release Decision:
RIPPUB
Original Classification:
U
Document Page Count:
1
Document Creation Date:
November 26, 2019
Document Release Date:
December 10, 2019
Sequence Number:
Case Number:
Publication Date:
December 6, 1989
File:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 NID USSR BALTIC REPUBLI[15743476].pdf [3] | 28.67 KB |
Body:
Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826806
USSR: Baltic Republics Gain Limited Economic Autonomy.
Although a law adopted by the Supreme So % jet last week gives
the three Baltic republics considerable economic freedom. Moscow
retains key levers of economic control. The law does not give those
republics the exclusive ownership of their laid and natural resources
they had demanded, keeps kcy sectors of thc economy and some
industrial enterprises under Moscow's control. and continues to bind
the three republics to state orders and dependence on centrally
allocated resources. It lets them set up independent banks. create
financial markets. control prices and wages, and introduce their
own currencies for intrarcpublic use.
Comment: The law is a victory for both the Baltic republics and
President Gorbachev, who reportedly maneuvered behind the scenes
for its passage. Gorbachev believes greater Baltic economic autonomy
will dampen secessionist sentiment and provide a favorable testing
ground for his reforms. The law also will aid moderate nationalists
who believe independence can be won by working for gradual change
through existing institutions. While some of is language is ambiguous
and contradictory, the Baltic republics will take the law as a green
light to press for reintroducing private proprrty and a market
economy.
NR Record
9
"IVITSOCTAL
TCS 2982/89
6 December 1989
Approved for Release: 2019/10/29 C06826806