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TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER

FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT, Report 7

NORTH POLE PROJECT, Report 1

June 10, 1986

Dear Friends:

Just returned from another quick, but successful, trip to Moscow.  Perhaps the biggest miracle, among several, was that the trip came about at all.

The problem related to this last trip was the "window" that was available for the travel.  As soon as the PBS documentary film, "FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT" was complete, it seemed appropriate to hand carry a master print to my friends in Moscow for use on Soviet TV.  A second need for the Moscow visit related to the NORTH POLE PROJECT which I felt would benefit from an external verification of TEN ROMEO having reached the Pole.  This would require careful negotiations with Soviet Satellite leaders.  (My Washington contacts indicated they felt the Soviets would be unlikely to cooperate with my confirmation needs.)

However, I had accepted an important speaking engagement for May 28th which precluded a departure before that date.  Then, on June 28th a beautiful daughter is being married in Chapel Hill, NC.  In July the PBS film will be released, and it seemed appropriate to be around for that important event.  In early August the TEN ROMEO TO THE NORTH POLE project flight is scheduled.  As a result of this tight time-frame, it appeared that May 29th through June 12th was the only slot available for the Soviet trip unless the travel were to be delayed until next fall.

A further complicating fact was the French Exposition in Moscow for late May which made locating hotel space difficult.  Only through the extraordinary efforts of my FINNAIR friends, as well as my Moscow Intourist contacts, was the Intourist Confirmation number received on May 21st, and this left an unbelievably short time for issue of a Visa.

I called Intourist in NYC, and then spoke with the USSR Consulate in Washington about expediting the Visa clearance.  The Consulate contact was mighty straightforward.

"Dr. Harmon, there is no way that we could issue you a Visa for a May 29th departure with as little lead time as this!"  And then, as an after thought, he asked, "Do you have an Intourist Confirmation number?"  I said yes, and gave him the number.  There was a moment's silence on the phone, and then he said, "Oh! Send me your Visa application by overnight mail, and we'll see what we can do!"

What kind of code had my friend Valery, in Moscow, placed in my confirmation number that expedited the Consulate service?  My material arrived in Washington on May 22, and I had included an extra check and address label for a return by Federal Express.  On May 29th, two hours before my scheduled departure for the USSR, my Visa arrived.  Once again, my Soviet friends had served my needs at an efficiency level far above normal expectation!

On this trip I flew FINNAIR to Helsinki, then took the ferry to enter the USSR at Tallinn, Estonia.  Dr. William P. Shaw, President of Crosscurrents International Institute, is a most knowledgeable internationalist.  He served many years with the Kettering Foundation where international contacts were developed and great facility gained in world-wide travel.  Bill is a close friend, and is extremely generous - particularly in sharing his experience and contacts with me.  (For example, since there are no telephone books available in Moscow, telephone numbers are valuable pieces of information.  Over 50% of my Moscow telephone numbers were given to me by Bill.)

It was Bill who suggested that I try a Soviet entry at Tallinn.  He indicated that the city was beautiful, the ferry ride from Helsinki pleasant, and the train trip to Moscow an excellent chance to enjoy the beautiful Russian countryside.

The Tallinn entrance was all Bill promised it to be, and with several friends in the city, my short stay was pleasant.

The remarkable accomplishments in Moscow during my three day stay may have been partly due to the extensive telephoning done from Tallinn as I alerted my friends to my Moscow arrival.  Over a dozen calls were made, and the telephone bill was less than ten rubles.

While in Moscow I stayed at the Hotel Ukraine this time, which is about ten minutes from the center of town by taxi.  I understand the Ukraine caters more to the Soviet traveler, but I had no difficulty managing, although I would have enjoyed being at the Intourist Hotel where I know many of the staff.  On my way to the Ukraine I had stopped at the Intourist Hotel to see if there might be a room available for my transfer.  The "hot-seat" - that position which deals with unusual problems or questions - was manned by a friend, and I asked her if there was room for me in her hotel.

"Dr. Harmon - in my heart there will always be a room for you - you are our PILOT HERO!  But - today I think we may have a problem!"  The register was carefully checked, and there was no room, but this kind of spontaneous warm welcome indicates why I enjoy the Intourist Hotel so much.  I would hasten to add, however, that as warm as such welcomes are, there is an absolute prohibition against "fraternization" between Intourist employees and guests.  Two years ago, being less knowledgeable about the "Intourist" system and its functioning, I asked one of these delightfully helpful young ladies if I could buy her a cup of coffee as she was leaving for her 30-minute break.  With that same friendly manner which so endears these beautiful young women to all American visitors, I was told that there would be nothing she would rather have me do, but if she allowed it, she would undoubtedly be fired.  So much for Intourist policy, and I have never made that protocol mistake since.

As I unpacked at the Ukraine, I found that my electric razor had been switched on while banging around in my briefcase and was dead.  This seemed a major disaster, until I discovered the "MEN'S HAIR SHOP".  Can you imagine a ten minute shave by a beautiful young lady for 60 cents with a face massage thrown in to boot?  That "disaster" certainly had a silver lining!

My Moscow time was packed about as tight as one could imagine.  The following recollections cover those busy days.

On Monday, June 2nd, my first stop was to pay respects at the US Embassy, and then I went to Novosti News headquarters for a meeting with Vladislav Trapeznikov, arranged by phone on Friday from Tallinn.

The meeting was warm and cordial.

"Millard, I want you to know how much we appreciated your cable on our Chernobyl problem.  It arrived during an international symposium, and was read from the podium.  We had TV coverage of the symposium, so your warm message of concern was received by far more than just those in attendance."

I thanked him for the information and gave him a copy of Report #6 which he read quickly.  "You have a packed agenda for this short Moscow visit.  How may I help?"

On my transatlantic flight on that beautiful FINNAIR DC-10, I had carefully scheduled time slots to include the many contacts required during my three days in Moscow.  I had also determined the specific help that would be requested of individual Moscow friends.

"Do you have a secretary, Vladislav?"

"Yes - sometimes I think I have too many secretaries!"

"If you would translate my letter to Chairman Gorbachev requesting the loan of one of your P-39s, and then have it typed, this would be most helpful."

Vladislav was happy to provide this assistance.  We had a delightful personal visit for about an hour, and then I was on my way to Gostel Radio.

Boris was my contact at Gostel.  He was the gentleman with the delightful sense of humor who handles TV matters with Gostel.  In November I had left a TV cassette with Boris, and asked that a copy of the Moscow "TIME" TV news program of my interview be dubbed and sent to me.  Miraculously, the film arrived in Delmar the day before the final editing of the PBS film, "FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT", and thus was made a part of the final version.

I complimented Boris on his ability to get the film dubbed and then sent to me with such propitious timing.

"Millard - you put too many lights on my Christmas tree!"

A strange response, but perhaps my compliments had been a bit too flowery.  A "Master #2" copy of the "FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT" was given to Boris, and we discussed the review process it would go through for use in the Soviet Union.

My next contact was with Andrew Sturua, the sharp young man who handled my TV interview for "Moscow TIME News" in November.

"Millard - did you get the film clip I sent you?"

Now I understood Boris comment.  It was not Boris who had sent the film, but Andrew.  I explained how nicely its arrival had worked into our plans, and indicated a copy of the completed PBS film was in Boris hands.  He said he would get a copy as soon as possible.

Andrew asked about TEN ROMEO's next project, and I explained the plans underway for the trip to the North Pole in early August.  I also mentioned that while hand carrying a copy of the PBS film to Moscow was a primary mission of this trip, working out arrangements with "MORSVIAZSPUTNIK" for external cockpit verification of arrival at the North Pole was of equal importance.  Andrew indicated he felt his viewing public in Moscow would be interested in the Pole flight and we should give some thought to how US TV news clips might be moved to him for use.  We discussed options for a short while, and then he changed the subject.

"Millard - are you familiar with that epic flight which occurred nearly 50 years ago, when a Soviet crew flew from Moscow, over the North Pole, and landed in Washington?"

"Yes, Andrew, I know about that flight.  However, I have been unable to locate the precise dates."

In early spring I had discussed that flight with Col. Brown, of the NAA, and had sent a cable to Moscow requesting the actual date so that some sort of joint celebration might be made on its 50th anniversary.

Andrew continued, "That flight occurred on June 18-20 in 1937.  Why don't you reverse that flight next year on June 18-20, and we'll have a great joint celebration here in Moscow!  It would be an extension of your FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES, and would give us a great media platform to talk about American and Soviet friendship." ( Obviously, one of my first calls as soon as I returned home was to Col. Brown, and plans are underway for such a flight.)

Was this a coincidence?  Or, had my cablegram been under consideration with the concomitant delay that had prevented my receiving a response as yet?  Neecheevo!  (It doesn't matter!)  Once again, thinking was underway for another small CBM (Confidence Building Measure)!

My next stop was at Aeroflot, where I left with Mikhail a complete set of material from Beech Aircraft Corporation on the Beech-36.  I knew my Beech-36 had created quite a stir at Sheremetyevo.  If some of the top leadership in Aeroflot want a fast, high performance single to move about in, all the background information on performance and cost is now on their desks.  Before departing the States a careful check had been made and the BE-36 carries no technology prohibited from crossing the East/West line.  (Thanks, Harry.  Now we sit and wait!)

What a busy, but satisfying, day Monday was!  I returned to the Ukraine Hotel, cleaned up, and then went to one of my favorite restaurants (at the Metropole Hotel) to relax over an extended meal.

On Tuesday my first visit was with my friends at School 29.  They were involved in their examination schedule, but it was possible to have a relaxed visit with both Inna and Yana.  As always, a few Polaroid prints were shot to leave with them, and both expressed a continued interest in visiting my educational colleagues in New York State if it were arranged without personal cost to them.

As I left School 29, a quick taxi ride brought me to Novestia News headquarters, where Elena Ivanova was waiting for me in the lobby.  Elena is Editor Igor's wife and interpreter for the Educational Gazette article on TEN ROMEO which had provided such extensive visibility in Moscow last November.  She had also translated the "Moscow Diary" series, which ran in the KNICK NEWS last December, and placed a condensation of it in the Moscow press.  Following the Challenger disaster, I had received a warm letter of sympathy from her which I placed in the KNICK NEWS, and the same cablegram sent to Trapeznikov on Chernobyl was also sent to Elena.

We went to her well appointed office, and following the amenities - as well as a few Polaroid shots for her grandchildren - she said, "Millard, we were so pleased to receive your cablegram.  We gave it wide circulation here, but we were hurt to have received so few messages such as yours!  Furthermore, we could not understand the joy and glee with which the Western Press dealt with our misfortune!"

"Elena, - there was no joy or glee ANYWHERE over the problems of Chernobyl!  What you witnessed in the Western Press was a concentration on the unusual!  Furthermore, there is no government control over our free press, and headlines which carry disastrous news sell newspapers!"

Elena's concept of the non-Soviet world is more accurate than that of many in Moscow, since she lived in Washington, D.C., from 1943 to 1947 while her father, a munitions expert, was on assignment from the Soviet Union.  She considers the United States the country of her youth.

We discussed the press for a few minutes, and then she said, "You know, Millard, our press has far more freedom than you may realize.  Why, just last week we printed a story in our paper which three Politburo members took strong exception to.  Our Editor simply told the Politburo members that it was the paper's job to print the story as we saw it, and it was their job to accept or reject the facts presented!"

I gave Elena a copy of Report #6, and she read through it coming to a stop at that point where it was mentioned that Bantam Books was considering an adventure series on the exploits of TEN ROMEO.

"Soviet youth would certainly enjoy TEN ROMEO's adventure series as much as American children!  We also have a great need to provide those kind of interesting and exciting stories for our children!"

What an interesting turn of events!  I thought back to the excitement in that 7th grade classroom of Boarding School 38 in November of 1983 when I first mentioned TEN ROMEO flying into Moscow.  Soviet children WOULD find TEN ROMEO's projects exciting.

International agreements on copyright laws have had difficulty in straddling the East/West demarcation line.  But, working out an accommodation on a small adventure series for Soviet children should be far simpler than arranging to fly TEN ROMEO into Moscow!  We pledged a mutual attempt at making the TEN ROMEO series available in the Soviet Union.

Elena had invited me to lunch, and we had a very pleasant meal in the Izvestia cafeteria.  Elena knew I had scheduled the afternoon with members of MORSVIAZSPUTNIK to discuss the use of the Soviet satellite by TEN ROMEO on the North Pole flight.  As we returned to her office, she looked at the address of my next meeting, and said, "That is a bit difficult to find.  I'll call an Izvestia car to provide your transportation.  We wouldn't want you to be late for such an important meeting!"

By way of background, - in the spring, as I began the planning for TEN ROMEO's flight to the North Pole, it seemed appropriate to consider confirmation of arrival at the Pole by sources external to the aircraft.  Walt Dean is an electronic genius on the cutting edge of ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitters) developments at ARNAV Systems, and a close personal friend.  I knew the remarkable capability of the new generation ELTs, and called Walt who indicated a special transmitter could be built for the Pole flight.

However, my contacts in Washington were a bit skeptical.  "The Soviets may not look with favor upon your plan to kick an ELT out of TEN ROMEO at the North Pole.  After all, that Soviet satellite is designed to save lives, not play around with record flights!"  I called Col. Brown, of the NAA.  "Milt - I'm going to Moscow to get approval for using the Soviet satellite for confirmation of TEN ROMEO's arrival at the Pole.  Can you and General von Kann keep American satellite concerns off our backs if I obtain Soviet approval?"  Milt said he thought that might be possible.

My Tuesday afternoon meeting of June 3rd, was arranged with Yuriy Zurabov, and Yuriy Lavkovskiy.  As I arrived at "MORSVIAZSPUTNIK" headquarters, where Soviet satellite operations are centered, I was ushered into a conference room, and met the two "Yuriy"s, each of whom were vice-presidents.

I had brought with me a copy of the Soviet Education Gazette describing my Ambassador of Friendship role, a copy of Report #3 on my flight into Moscow, and Report #6 mentioning the North Pole flight and the hope of obtaining external verification.  Coffee was brought in, and after they had reviewed my material, their question was simple.

"How can we help you reach your objectives?"

Following an hour and a half of discussion, arrangements were agreed upon.

The ELT, or radio transmitter, would operate for only three passes of their satellite, or 315 minutes and then be silenced.  Frequency to be used would be 121.5, but no aircraft registration or normal emergency signal would be transmitted.  Instead, M-I-R would be transmitted for the Soviet satellite (meaning PEACE which was the first message transmitted by Sputnik in 1957), and N-A-A would be transmitted for the American satellite.

As our meeting wound down, Zurabov moved from the conference table to the phone.  "We are excited about this project of yours, and think there should be some coverage by our press.  I am calling a journalist friend of mine."

Once again I had met a couple of Soviet colleagues, had a delightfully open and friendly conference where I gained agreement on everything I had hoped for, and walked away with two new Soviet friends.

I returned to my hotel and called the Embassy to thank Col. Bob for providing me the phone number and names so I could arrange the afternoon meeting.  I also told him how well the meeting had gone.

"We are mighty pleased to hear that, Dr. Harmon.  So often it doesn't go that way!"

(As soon as I arrived in the States I reported my progress to Col. Brown, and he obtained US clearance for our project.  My next report was to Walt Dean, and he is moving ahead on the manufacture of our special transmitter.)

Tuesday evening I visited Elena and Igor in their apartment which was just across the street from the Ukraine Hotel.  What a beautiful location!  It is on the top floor of the housing complex, and their balcony overlooks the river with all of Moscow spread out before them.  Igor's library was MOST impressive.

Wednesday morning I reviewed copies of the GENERAL AGREEMENT signed at the Summit in November, and the PRESIDENT'S EXCHANGES INITIATIVES which I had picked up at the Embassy.  (Thanks, Ray, for that small section on elementary children.)  Then I found my way to the Moscow Press Center, where I sat in on Marshal Akhromeev's press conference on SALT II.  Akhromeev is Chief of the Soviet General Staff.

Behind the Marshall and his two Soviet colleagues on the podium were two charts displaying the main points of SALT I, and SALT II.  A fifteen minute presentation was made from the podium, and then the press conference was opened to questions.  Eight TV camera crews were operating, and well over a hundred journalists were present representing both East and West Block news services.

A major point of contention centers on a missile the West calls the SS-25, but which is called an RS-12 or 12M by the Soviets.  The West considers the SS-25 a new weapon.  The Soviets insist that the RS-12M is a modification of the RS-12 with improved telemetry, but the same "throw-weight", and thus legal under SALT II.

Over an hour of questions had been addressed, with several references to the SS-25, when Walt Rogers, of ABC TV, asked, "Marshall Akhromeev, the US military know all about your RS-12M.  Why not share with us, the press, the working drawings of the RS-12M?"

"There would be nothing gained by that.  I have already told you three times this morning that the "throw-weight" is the same!"

"Then what you are telling us, Marshall Akhromeev, is that we must take your word for the RS-12M having the same "throw-weight" as the RS-12!?!?"

A ripple of laughter spread through that auditorium like lightning, and the major problem in East-West arms discussions focused clearly for me.  The world beyond the Eastern Block is simply unwilling to accept the "word" of that generation of Soviet Military leaders presently in power on such important matters as "throw-weights" without substantial verification.

How will the impasse on non-verification, which is so important to all of us living on this beautiful planet, end?

No one knows at this time, but I am willing to suggest that the Soviet military arm will soon become more responsible.  Chairman Gorbachev is a young, dynamic leader.  He has taken dramatic, effective steps to improve his home economy.  The prohibitions on alcoholism, his crackdown on corruption, and the more relaxed arrangements for Soviets to leave their country (just recently 117 Soviets were allowed to join their American family members), represents an enlightened Soviet leadership.  The Soviet military will soon feel that enlightenment in their area of responsibility and it will bring with it acceptable verification.

I thought back to Monday afternoon as I was leaving Boris office. He said, "Millard, I was impressed with your ending statement on Report #5 which referred to the Soviet Union maturing and gaining self-confidence.  That was a significant philosophical statement, and I agree with it.  Given time, my country and your country will work together more effectively."

I left that press conference with increased insight.

On Thursday morning I had an early breakfast with Lidia just before my departure from Moscow.  She was radiant, and bursting with exciting news!  On March 7th she had married an American and planned to be in the States by September!

A few wrap-up comments on this quick Moscow trip.

My schedule and Mayor Saikov's schedule were too tight for a meeting this trip.

The meeting with MORSVIAZSPUTNIK leaders was as warm and friendly as any I have had in the USSR.

My only disappointment on this trip was to learn that the GENERAL AGREEMENT signed at Geneva last November is primarily to be funded from the private sector.  Very limited tax money will be going into the accord agreements.

A carefully arranged plan has been devised to request the loan of a Soviet P-39 for ten years.  This plan is being implemented, and I will share its details with you in the next report.

And now, a quick review of the TEN ROMEO to the North Pole project.

An Astro Compass has been located and will be installed during my next trip to Palmer Airmotive in Wellsville, New York.  (How's that for fast action?  Nice to have friends out there!)

There is a Twinning arrangement between Albany and Quebec as a part of the Albany Tri-centennial Celebration.  As a result, TEN ROMEO will once again serve as a FRIENDSHIP link with a stop in Quebec on our way north.

While we expect our meteorological friends will tell us when to actually "GO" (Didn't they do a remarkable job on the Triangle trip?), our starting "window" is expected to be between August 1st and 5th.

Sooooooooooo - it appears that everything is on track for the exciting next step for TEN ROMEO's adventures.  My next report to you will probably be done either just before or just after the early August flight.

This is a good place to add "thanks" to Bill, Jim, Gus, Steve, Craig, and Allen for special interest and support.

And now, I will turn my full attention to a beautiful daughter's wedding on June 28th in Chapel Hill, NC.  WHAT EXCITEMENT!  A wonderful new son will join the clan, and the whole family will be together for the event.  Switzerland, the Virgin Islands, Birmingham, Rochester, and Atlanta will all give up their "Harmon offspring" for our celebration.

MIR!