POLAND: PROTESTS OVER FOOD SHORTAGES

Created: 7/25/1981

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

1

POLANDi Protests Over Pood Short'.^aj

Consumer dissatisfaction has risen sharply in Poland in the last several days, and demonstrations reportedly are being planned in protest over worsening food Marches are expected in centralin Kutno today and others early next week in Lodi. Although no effective date was given, the government on Thursdayist of new prices, which willore than tripling of the prices of butter, bread, sugar, and milkore than doubling of flour and ham prices. The government alsopercent cut in meat rations for August. ^0

Government actions concerning meat rations and price increases may lead to confrontation with Solidarity, which has opposed any cuts in meat rations. Solidarity chief Walesa has indicated that, although necessary, price increases should be deferred until after economic reforms are enacted. The government consequentlyilemma both because of the exhaustion of meat reserves by the end of this month and becauseapidly deplet-

Approved for Rsleasa DaKAUG m