POLAND: SOLIDARITY'S STRIKE

Created: 10/28/1981

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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Solidarity's Strike

Ths union'* deoition to exempt ecixain vxtalincluding radio andthe general etrihe to beheld today *eemm intended to deflect the regimeoritioiem that it ie*

Tha union ignored regime pressure and wentits plana for the nationwide work stoppage toIts strength and discipline. Theprobably have worked hard to bring some oflocal chapters into line, but at least one indicated that it would extend the generalthe one-hour limit, vhlch the union set inminimise economic damage. Both the governmentprobably hope that tha strike will helpunrest and allow them to get on with negotiationshave bean largely held In aOJeyar.ee.-

The party Central Committee meetingis scheduled to begin several hours after the strike is slated tohave as its first order of business an assessment of the strike's implications for party policy. Those favoring continuing dialogue withmay argue, that the strike has -shown the power of the unions. 4senmV

Some party hardliners, on the other hand, may be alarmed by the strike's demonstration of the union's -effectiveness and press for even tougher measures by the party toward the union. Premier Jaruzelski's show of firmness and vigor over the lest week should put himood position to resist prescure from the hardliners. Personnel changes, decided at the Politburt on Monday, also will be acted upon today.

The Initial deployment of specialeportedly is to be completed toda^

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groups are instructed to focus on arbitratingbetween citizens and the local authorities, and not to actn tiai datura." They apparently areto request transportation support from thedistricts, suggesting that they will help expedite the movement of goods, esemm

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The teams also are expected to defend regie* policy and to blame economic problems on Solidarity, but they are not likely to make good propagandists. The regime has already been touting the effectiveness of the teams, but it may beew problem for Itself byconsumer expectations. esmsuV

The troops may be useful in ensuring movement of goods throughout the country, helping reduce pilferage, and enforcing distribution priorities, but they probably will only Marginally Increase the amount of agricultural supplies available to the cities. Soldiers could stand guard at agricultural collection points to ensure that farmers are treated fairly and that losses are keptinimum. They cannot have any dramatic impact,on the amount of food collected unless thetakes the unlikely action of forcing farmers intoturning their production over to the state, enemas

The government relies on contracts with farmers rather than on compulsory procurement. Farmers have been reluctant to signfor meatin October-December amount to only one-half the level during the same period of lastthe government has not supplied the coal and other inputs linked to agricultural sales. Many farmers prefer to sell for higher prices in the private and black markets

or to barter directly with consumers.

Original document.

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