POLAND: EFFORTS TO COMBAT UNREST

Created: 1/27/1982

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

POLAND: Efforts To Combat Unrest

have establ movement. are compan*

Tlie governmci recently hoe been fr.ccd with short, sporadic strikes dxopito attempts to keep workers in line through cconomia ooercion. The regime remains concerned over maintaining "control" despite soma further easing of restrictions. Soviet reaction, meanwhile, to I'tvwricr Jaruxelski's aoc-Bah on Mo'iday generally hae been positive.

martial law.

rqanized underground

Poles increasingly

tary regime to the Nazi occupationmage has suffered.

At the same time, the militia reportedly is trying to coerce workers into being: more productive by firing those who resist martial law policies and invalidating their ration cards. Unemployed workers are not entitled to buy food from state stores until they receive ncw^ ration, books and then they receive lower rations.

Comment: Thefirst reported since lateare spontaneous expressions of worker dissatisfactionnB-_inay^lated by local

activists.

Solidarity probably has-

building an Infrastructure beyond the local level. The actions, nevertheless, suggest thathe initial shock of martial law has worn off.

The regime will react quickly and, if necessary, harshly to the work stoppages to show workers that strikes will not be tolerated. Public disenchantment with the military will erode the government's mostsource of credibility, making the author itii even more reluctant to loosen controls.

Government threat* to fire workers may cause some to hesitate about resisting opr-niy, if only because family members would suffer from such actions- Although the measure may help initially to restore production levels, it will further embitter many workers and help guarantee Prolonged and widespread passive resistance.

Martial Low Restrictions

The government is sending mixed signals regarding an easing of martial law restrictions. Since late last week it has allowed International Red Crossto visit and talk privately with some internees and has permitted the reopening of foreign libraries and cultural centers sponsored by Western governments.emYin southern Poland, however, recently was stopped four times by police and once was held at gunpoint while his car was searched. *mh

Comment; The regime is trying to give theparticularly for the benefit of some west Europeans that it is easing restrictions significantly. the diplomat's experience indicates continuing insecurity by the government and suggestathat it may be tightening controls in some areas.

Reactions to Jaruselskl's Speech

TASS yesterday quoted Jaruzelski'a address to the parliament at length, including his carefully hedged suggestion that martial law might be lifted at the endFebruary. The Soviets paid particular attention to the Premier's criticism of Western "interference" and sanctions and took note of his veiled threat that Poland would withdraw from the CSCE review session in Madrid if it encounters criticism there.

T *av* ouoscance in Jaruzelski'e speech

and pessimistic about prospectsialogue. Glemp and Cardinal Machnrski arc to travel next week to report on tho situation to the Pope.

2

Coiarnont: The 'PASSindicates that the Soviets approvu the tone ofemarks. It nonetheless may be significant that TASS the same day carried excerpts from an interview with Politburo member Olszowski, voicing hardline sentiments. The Interview could be intendedignal to Jaruzelski that if he fails to pursue satisfactory policies, there are others waiting in the wings who would be more willing to do

mm

The speech is likely to reinforce Glemp's pessimism about Poland's future and his [ears that bloodshed may soon ensue. His dissatisfaction with the regime's policies, however, probably will not change his view that Jaruzelski oderate. T#M

Heat Exports

The government reportedly has resumed exports of meat products from at least one plantesult of increased pork production and procurement,

Comment: Warsaw suspended meat exports last month in an effort to increase domestic supplies. Theof theit becomes widelycauso considerable resentment among Polish consumers who face reduced meat rations in January and Februarypercen^reduction in meat supplies this year. Tfj

Original document.

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