POLAND: PROPOSED PRICE INCREASES POSTPONED

Created: 1/18/1982

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

POLAND: Proposed Priceostponed

The government has postponed implementation of oharp price inareaeeo because it fears public reaction. Archbishop Glemp again has criticized martial law practices, and the regime has denied the statement by its Ambassador to the UK that rartial Ian may end in two or three ueeke. 1

The authorities announced over the weekend that they will "amend- their-ercent price rises on consumer items. The statement said the changesresented to the public "as soon as possible."

inrned last Thursday that the period for

Lc discussionalready had been extended to the end of the month.

An official olaims that Premier Jaruzelskimost of the detainees in custody until afterprices go into effect in order to prevent,to the increases.

Commenti The regime appears to be as indecisive about its future economic policies as about its political course. It clearly does not feel secure enough tothe stoepinereases officially proposed onecember. IV

The government certainly recognizes that continued detention of Solidarity activists could heighten the vehemence of the public's rotation to the Increases. The regime is also aware that in pre-Solidarity days the population reacted spontaneously and violently to price increases that wore far more moderate than those now under discussion.

Glemp Speaks Out Again

Archbishop Glemp yesterday restated his public criticism of martial law. Bo accused the authorities of continuing arrests, not releasing the detainees, e, maintaining its campaign of extracting loyalty oaths. Glemp said thattbese actions increase the hostility of the people.

IS2

Approved for Release Dale AUG 9

Comment: riticism i* probably intended to influence the political and economic program that Jaruxelski is. slated to unveil to parliament next Monday. Polish bishops will meet this week, and they, too. maytrong statement warning the government leaders that they cannot expect cooperation from the Church if they continue their harsh practices. Such pressure could stiffen the resolve of reolme conservatives, wh tha Church as their

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