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10 DOWNING STREET THE PRIME

MINISTER

13 November 1981

you suggested Thank you for your letter of 22 October in which an emergency relief that I should approach President Reagan about operation for Poland. major Western Consultation and co-ordination between Poland's the Polish government partners in dealing with the various requests this year, and for have put to them has been very close throughout n so. I am in no doubt our part I am determined that it should remai the economic and other that the US Government are very well aware of ct with the Polish problems facing Poland and are in close conta have been prepared, at authorities about them. Western governments Poland substantial the request of the Polish Government, to give In case you have not seen it, I enclose a copy economic assistance. House of Lords giving of a recent statement by Lord Trefgarne in the some details. in agreement I agree that the way forward in Poland must lie and Solidarity. and constructive co-operation between Government mic decision-making and Workers' self management, devolution of econo elements of the a greater reliance on market forces are all major should therefore Government's proposals for economic reform and No amount of external provide some basis for substantive dialogue. d faces, nor the aid will solve the economic problems which Polan root of them. The only social and political problems which are at the are the Poles themselves, people who can really resolve their problems them into effect. And by agreeing on the solutions and then putting it is that the Poles you do not need me to emphasize how essential Much now ference. should be left to do this without outside inter /depends

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the national depends on the willingness of both sides to work for the It is encouraging that representatives of Solidarity, good. have Church and the Government have now apparently begun to discussions on the problems that confront them. I can assure you that we and our partners are well aware of the of the potential dangers of the situation in Poland and are at gr_vity of Poland's economic plight. Western Governments authorities ullis very moment engaged in discussions with the Polish I prospects for further economic assistance in 1982. Since on -Elle approved a wrote to you on 20 August, the European Community has wheat, butter further tranche of food supplies to the Poles, mostly over food. and meat, which should help alleviate the difficulties Food supplies are not of course your concern that Poland should also industrial and agricultural products In this context long-term recovery.

the only answer and we share be supplied with the necessary to boost production and assist

we were grateful for your offer Professor to provide a list of Polish requirements compiled by We are, however, in close contact with the Poles on Saunders. Commission their requirements, most recently at the Joint Trade the best use Meeting in London in October, and have discussed fully for UK export credits to Poland (£65 million) in 1981. I was interested to see your suggestion that, apart from to offer financial and material help, we should also be prepared union the Poles assistance with technical training and trade I know that this is organisation and entrepreneurial skills. the Solidarity something which the British Trades Union Delegation to that a TUC Congress have discussed with the Poles and I understand ilities for representative is currently in Poland exploring the possib further co-operation.

Sir Bernard Braine, DL MP