[Home Page]  [Newsletters]  [About Mil Harmon]  [Future Plans]  [Sponsors]  [Advisors] [News Coverage]  [Acronyms]

TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER

HEL-SVO SPORT PILOT CORRIDOR, Report 2

December 20, 1988 

Dear Friends:

This report will carry information on TEN ROMEO's FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE to the USSR becoming a two-way operation with the Kesas' visit to Delmar, the story of my lecture tour through West Germany, and the sequence of meetings in Moscow.  These events occurred between October 5th and November 12th.  I will mail this report after the first of the year to avoid cutting into the pleasure of your holiday season.

First, you will note a new title for this series of reports.  In reviewing my present primary interest, my efforts have been focused upon arranging with the Soviet CAB (Civil Air Board) for use of Red Airway One from Helsinki to Moscow (Sheremetyevo) by Western sport pilots without requiring a Soviet escort crew or navigator.  Under these circumstances, please consider "Interim Report #1" dated September 1, 1988, as "HEL-SVO SPORT PILOT CORRIDOR, Report #1".  Rest assured, my next two major flights the inauguration of the European DMZ, and the FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE from Washington, DC, to Beijing, China - continue to be researched, with targeted flight dates to be identified in the near future.

Vello and Rita Kesa have been mentioned in my earlier reports.  They are the delightful young couple in Tallinn who have been wonderful hosts to me on my travels through Tallinn to Moscow.

In earlier reports I've mentioned my efforts to bring the Kesas to Delmar for a ten-day visit.  It had been my hope to bring them back with me from my Spring trip to Moscow earlier this year.  While the Kesas had received approval for the trip from Moscow officials, the Estonian Communist Party turned down our request.

Obviously, this was a great disappointment to me and the Kesas.

However, it seemed to me the turndown was a perfunctory technical denial not in line with "glasnost".

On July 15th, Chairman Gorbachev appointed a new First Secretary to lead the Estonian Communist Party, the Honorable Vaino Valjas, former Soviet Ambassador to Nicaragua.  On July 22nd, I sent a cablegram to First Secretary Valjas, asking for a reversal of the Estonian Communist Party turndown of our visitation request.  The cablegram cost $200.00, but was certainly worth it since the Kesas received their approval shortly thereafter.

I had been planning for four months for the Kesas to fly into JFK by Aeroflot, but at the last minute these arrangements hit a snag.  Fortunately, it took only ten minutes by phone to arrange alternate flight plans for them with FINNAIR.  In checking out final details, I asked that a room be reserved for the Kesas at Hotel Inter-Continental Helsinki.  To lock in arrangements I called my friend, John Kivivan, of the hotel management and indicated the normal price of $220.00 per night was excessive for my Soviet friends.  The response was immediate and supportive!  "Dr. Harmon, we know how important your FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES are and are delighted the Kesas will be visiting you.  I'll be happy to reduce that price 50% for your friends!"

What a pleasure it was to see the Kesas walk through the customs clearance door at JFK!

It would be difficult for me to do justice in this short report to the excitement of introducing the Kesas to this great country of ours!

The fifty-plus selections at the salad bar at COCO's restaurant was of particular interest to our guests, although they found all of the Albany area restaurants interesting and exciting.  Arrangements were made for Vello, a master automobile mechanic, to spend time in three locations where be observed automobile repair.  (He enjoyed his visit with you, Jay, the most!)  Rita proved herself to be an excellent comparison shopper, and both Rita and Vello selected numerous outfits to project the "American" image upon their return to Tallinn.  On their fourth day with us, Vello and I were discussing plans for the next day.  Vello looked at me, shook his head thoughtfully, and said, "Is very big trouble to be with Rita in shops!"  True, the selection and quality of consumer goods generated an insatiable appetite for American products.

But - with careful discussion and planning we were able to set an order of priority which was both satisfying and reasonable.

The Kesas' first priority was for both to have an American pair of glasses.  I called Dr. Irving Unger, my optometrist/friend, and he dropped everything to see the Kesas.  After the examination, and later the fitting, Rita said, "Dr. Unger is the nicest doctor I have ever met!"  After glasses came clothes; all kinds of shoes for Rita, and slacks, shirts, and sweaters for both of them.

Each evening the Kesas would bring out a new and exciting present from Tallinn as thanks for our hospitality.

Bananas are a delicacy available only once a year in Tallinn, thus we had bananas every morning for breakfast.  Finnish TV reaches Tallinn, so Vello expressed an interest in specific video tapes which we rented and watched.

Travel during the Kesas' short stay was extensive, and enhanced by the use of TEN ROMEO.  A flight from Albany to Niagara Falls enabled us to spend one day enjoying the sights from the American side of the Falls.  There was a quick drive north to enjoy the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, view the majestic, bright colors of the changing foliage, and visit Split-Rock Falls, a favorite summer swimming spot.  We also flew to Block Island for a delightful weekend of relaxing.

Block Island is a beautiful place - a little island seven miles long and three miles wide, twelve miles south of Pt. Judith, RI, and twenty miles east of Montauck, Long Island.  This lovely place has become the Harmons' personal Shangri-la and with the easy access provided by TEN ROMEO, we spend as many weekends as possible at our home on the Island.

One of the assets of the Island - and perhaps one of the reasons we love the place so much - is the Baptist Harbor Church.  This beautiful little church has been mentioned in earlier reports.  It is our "church away from home", and the congregation is filled with warm, loving people who have taken the Harmons into their fellowship.

One of the high points of the Kesas' visit was to introduce them to our Harbor Church friends.  Rev. Tony Pappas is a rising light in the national leadership of the small-church congregation.  His sermons are planned with insight, and always deal with matters relative to a Christian's walk toward understanding.  At the end of the sermon, Dr. Pappas comes down from the pulpit among the congregation for a "Time of Sharing".  This time is never rushed, and provides an opportunity for sharing a wide spectrum of interests and concerns.

Toward the end of the "Sharing" time, I stood up to introduce the Kesas.

"Tony, I'd like to introduce two dear friends from Tallinn, USSR, - Vello and Rita Kesa.  I might be tempted to suggest that Vello and Rita are average Soviet citizens, but if you were to know them as I do, you would realize this is not true.  There are facets to their bright personalities which mark them far from being average.  However, I can say that these two friends have no political strength or power base to have allowed them to visit America.  It was a personal appeal to the Honorable Vaino Valjas, First Secretary of the Estonian Communist Party, which has allowed them to be with us."

And then, turning to the Kesas, I continued, "And now that I have told the congregation about you, Vello and Rita, let me tell you about this wonderful congregation.  These friends here in church already know you both, since they follow my efforts in building FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES as shared with them in my newsletters.  They know you through my reports, and are members of my 'cheering section' as I have worked toward generating increased understanding between Americans and Soviets.  In fact, your being here is in large measure a result of the prayers of these friends and neighbors who are partners with me in making my FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES a two-way street!"

The response was tumultuous as that wonderful congregation wrapped these delightful Soviet guests in the warmth of their fellowship, love and koinonia.

The Kesas' time with Ruth and me passed far too quickly, but gave us pleasure we continue to savor and enjoy.  Just before leaving, we asked the Kesas what impressed them most during their visit in America.

"Everywhere we went we saw on the faces of people we passed on the streets and in the shops a great happiness, and everyone is so polite!"

Not the lack of lines at the check-out counters, not the availability of bananas or consumer goods, nor the variety of good restaurants, but rather - a clear perception of a quality that reflects positively upon the inner soul of America.

I look upon the Kesas' visit as a miracle.  To have broken these two young people out of the Soviet society for a ten-day visit to America may, in the long run, be far more significant than the two FRIENDSHIP FLIGHTS by TEN ROMEO into Sheremetyevo.  The extensive, worldwide media coverage of those two unique flights was important, but to blaze a trail toward easier access to visitations between Americans and Soviets has a broader base with far more meaningful implications.

To have threaded the needle of success through Soviet bureaucracy in bringing the Kesas to America was not a simple task.  And, as always with important accomplishments, there have been many silent partners in this success.  I am delighted with the extensive support which was always available from Ambassador Matlock.  His interest, backed by supportive telegrams, made acquisition of the American visas as quick and simple as possible.  The willingness of First Secretary Valjas to move rapidly shortly following his appointment represents a degree of trust it is reassuring to see.  The fast action of my friends at FINNAIR to provide alternative flight arrangements was a big factor, and the pleasure of the immediate support of my friends at Hotel Inter-Continental Helsinki should not go unmentioned.

And, beyond all of these there is the possibility of so many more unidentified partners who may have helped to tip the scales in favor of our breakthrough: Ambassador Dubinin, the Honorable Mr. Dobrynin, and a host of other influential Soviet friends who have followed my progress through my periodic newsletters - any one of whom might have put in a word of support at a critical moment.

To all of these a heartfelt THANK YOU!

On October 16th the Kesas departed JFK for home as scheduled.  You did a beautiful job, Vello and Rita, in representing your great country to your hundreds of new American friends.  You will be remembered with warmth and affection, and all who met you will know the truth of my statement of many years ago: "Soviets are very similar to Americans and may be as delightful as your next-door neighbor!"

*  *  *  *  *  *

Last February I wrote to the Honorable Franz-Josef Strauss, President of Bavaria.  Strauss was one of the most loved leaders in West Germany.  I knew he was an experienced pilot, and thought we might have a number of mutual interests.  As a result of that contact, a lecture series was arranged for me to share with Bavarian high school students my experiences in building FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES between the USSR and the USA.

My invitation was sponsored by the Bavarian Aviation Association who asked Klaus Strienz, an economics teacher in Hochstadt, to serve as Lecture Coordinator.  In a telephone planning session with Klaus, I indicated that I would donate my lecture time, but I thought expenses should be covered.

Klaus did a remarkable job in scheduling a demanding program for the week of October 24th through 29th.  The Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) committed a new luxury car for my travel needs, and the Bavarian Aviation Association agreed to cover food, hotel and out-of-pocket expenses.  Lufthansa would be contacted requesting a "sponsored" ticket from JFK to Munich.

The Lufthansa ticket never materialized, but I was not inclined to press very hard for it.  After all, my partnership with FINNAIR is locked in and this satisfying relationship is all the commercial airline sponsorship I need.

Klaus contacted me in early October suggesting I arrive in Munich three days earlier than planned to join a student retreat in the Austrian Alps sponsored by the HYPO-BANK, one of the most prestigious Bavarian banks.  This was easily arranged through my friends at FINNAIR, and my ticket was adjusted to make the early arrival possible.

I arrived in Munich, met Klaus, picked up the BMW, and we were on our way to the mountain retreat.

It would be hard to find a more idyllic spot for a mountain retreat.  The chalet was comfortable and warm, located a few kilometers inside the Austrian border and about three miles from the paved highway.  The chalet was owned and operated by a family who provided delightful meals.

For two days and two nights, 15 of us climbed the nearby peaks, enjoyed stimulating fellowship, ate ravenously, and became acquainted with one another.

Hans Forst and Horst Lehenbeuter were HYPO-BANK officials taking part in the seminar.  The bank finances the retreat which has become an annual program for top senior students to come together in pleasant surroundings to learn about career opportunities in HYPO-BANK.

My presentation of FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES was scheduled for Saturday evening.  The pleasure of working with young adults in a teaching environment has grown dim through many years as an administrator, but Saturday evening on the side of that beautiful mountain long-lost perceptions returned easily as ideas were exchanged and new horizons exposed.  The students were fascinated by my experiences with Soviet students and visits to Soviet schools.  I had brought with me the small replica of TEN ROMEO built by my friends at the Beech Aircraft factory for use in my lecturing, and all agreed TEN ROMEO was a beautiful and effective instrument of detente.

After my formal presentation, one of the first questions was, "What does the 'FINNAIR' logo on your flight jacket mean?"

I reminded the students of the many years Finland had effectively dealt with the Soviets and indicated that the FINNAIR leadership felt my commitment to improving Soviet/American relationships on a person-to-person basis was unusual and highly appropriate.  "As a result, a warm partnership has developed with FINNAIR.  I am given 'courtesy crew status' which allows me to fly on their aircraft to pursue my FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES."

"As a matter of fact," I continued, "FINNAIR provided the ticket for me to come to West Germany to share with you my efforts in building international friendship."

The group was thoughtful for a moment, and then another question came.  "You mean to tell us you came all the way from the United States to share with us your FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES and experiences with Soviet students, and Lufthansa didn't provide you with free transportation to West Germany?????"

I indicated that was the case, and we moved to other items of discussion.

The following morning a delegation of students joined me over my morning coffee.  "We have been thinking about your partnership with FINNAIR which has allowed us to learn about your FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES and work with Soviet students.  We think Lufthansa should have provided you with transportation, but since they didn't, we would like to find a way to thank FINNAIR.  We plan to run a full page advertisement on FINNAIR in our school newspaper at no cost to you or FINNAIR!"  The speaker was the editor of the school paper.

It was an interesting and divergent thought.  FINNAIR's main office in West Germany is in Stuttgart.  The Stuttgart offices were contacted and express mail brought the necessary advertisement layout developed and approved by FINNAIR.

Before the morning ended the students had planned an additional divergent concept, approved by the HYPO-BANK officials present.  "We would like to meet and become friends with Soviet students.  Would you please invite ten or twelve Soviet students to join our seminar next year?"

The HYPO-BANK officials were enthusiastic about a joint West German/Soviet student seminar and pledged their financial support for the project.  My schedule would have me in Moscow within ten days, and I promised to extend their invitation to my School #29 friends in Moscow.

Sunday evening we left the mountain and returned north to Klaus's home where I prepared for a busy week.

It is hard for me to recall a busier week than my time in Bavaria.  My retrospective perception is of a kaleidoscope of bright, colorful, memorable experiences.

I recall a caution expressed by Klaus as we cruised the Autobahn at 120 mph toward his home as we left the retreat.

"Millard, don't go out of your way to mention Mathias Rust while you are with us.  There is great animosity toward him among aviation enthusiasts here in West Germany."

At my first press conference, the first question put to me was, "What do you think of Mathias Rust?"

I looked at Klaus, and turned to Theo Rack, Vice-President of the German Aero Club, and one of my primary hosts.  "Do you mind if I address that question, Theo?"  He readily gave his approval.

"I have two viewpoints concerning Rust.  First, as a pilot, I am appalled by his lack of discretion.  When he crossed the Soviet border he, in effect, stole that aircraft from his flying club, which denied any further use of the craft by his flight-club partners.  He broke every flight rule in the book, and he terminated the flight by the extremely stupid and dangerous act of landing in Red Square.  As a pilot, I have great contempt for his action."

"Second, as an educator who has spent most of my life working with teenagers, I was fearful of the penalty that might be extracted by the Soviets for his indiscretion."  I then shared the contents of the letter to Chairman Gorbachev which I carried to Moscow on my June 18th COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT, and reviewed my two days of negotiations with the Soviet Central Committee for Rust's release, all of which has been reported in detail in an earlier report.

My busiest day was Wednesday with three hours of lecturing in each of two schools, three press conferences, twenty-minute mini features at each of two TV stations, and dinner with a group of twenty aero club members.  Gunther Bergmeir was one of the club leaders at the dinner, and he and all his colleagues were impressed with the my Beech-36 model.  They wanted to build a flying model of TEN ROMEO, and asked for a set of working drawings of the Beech-36.  (My friends at the Beech factory are locating drawings for me to send to Gunther.)

I had an interesting visit with Paul Wegmann, Mayor of Ingolstadt, visited the Glider Museum brought into being primarily through the efforts of Theo Rack, visited the East German border and the First Flight Museum.  As I was being interviewed by Christiane Slavik of TV TOURING, I was reminded of how similar these attractive young ladies are who have spoken with me about TEN ROMEO and my "Ambassador of Friendship without Portfolio" assignment: Joan Lunden in NYC, Yvonne Wright in St. Thomas, and now Christiane in Wurzburg, all bright, exciting young ladies loaded with personality.

I understand that 20 newspaper articles appeared.  There were two major TV appearances, and hundreds of students heard my message and were given our brochure on the 1987 flight into Moscow.  A good week's work!

A loss to West Germany was the untimely death of Franz-Josef Strauss on October 3rd.  As president of Bavaria he was one of the best known German leaders of recent decades.  It was one of my high hopes to have become personally acquainted with Franz-Josef, but that was not to be.

As I look back on the Bavarian experience, once again it appears to have been a project moved along by many helping hands.  Klaus's handling of detail matters was superb.  Was Franz-Josef's interest and help a move to provide a comparison to the Rust flight to Moscow?  Were the aviation enthusiasts interested in 154 speed records, or fascinated by a single-engine aircraft used as an instrument of detente?  No matter - it went well and everyone seemed pleased with the results.

On Saturday I was on FINNAIR flight No. 764 departing Munich at 6:05 p.m. for Helsinki with a 40-minute fuel stop in Prague.  One of my closest Soviet friends, Journalist Vladislav Trapeznikov, has been transferred to Prague as an editor for the International Organization of Journalists.  Once again, with the help of my FINNAIR friends through telex with their Prague office, arrangements were coordinated for Vladislav to come aboard for an interview and short visit.  The unrest in Czechoslovakia created travel problems for Vladislav and he was unable to return to the city from a business trip in time for our meeting.  On January 17th I'll return to Prague to try again.

*  *  *  *  *  *

I arrived in Tallinn by ferry on Sunday and had a pleasant evening with the Kesas.  I asked Rita how things had gone since her return from America.

She was radiant, and sparkled with excitement, "Since return, nothing but talk, talk, talk, talk!!!!"

On Monday I contacted First Secretary Valjas' office.  I had with me a beautiful bound volume of Scenic New York State, and a Beech-36 lapel pin as thanks for help with the Kesas' visit.  He was in Moscow with Gorbachev.

The night train Tuesday had me in Moscow by 10:00 am. Wednesday, and I spent the afternoon arranging final details of my contacts in the days ahead.  The first telephone call was to Andrew Sturua, the TV journalist who suggested I be in Moscow as a part of the November 7th festivities.  My session with his TV camera crew was scheduled for Sunday in Red Square.

The next morning I went to School #29 where Director Inna Teplova is principal and Yanna Krakova is the head English teacher.  I always have a great time at School #29 and the students seemed pleased to see me.  I gave Yanna 44 letters from students in Albany studying Russian who were looking for Soviet pen pals, and discussed the HYPO-BANK invitation.  The invitation generated great excitement, and it was determined that the request should be formally presented through the central Soviet educational leadership in Moscow.  (This was done upon my return to the States.  We are awaiting a decision.)

At noon on Thursday a working luncheon had been arranged with Journalist Elena Ivanova, a friend and excellent interpreter, and Col. Igor Chkalov at Izvestia headquarters.

Igor retired from the Soviet Air Force, is the son of Valery Chkalov who commanded the 1937 Soviet Polar flight to the USA.  I understand Igor is identified as a "Hero of the Soviet Union", and is one of my most knowledgeable Soviet friends.  He knows the intricacies of Soviet bureaucracy.

In my report of October 30, 1986, I had suggested the possibility of an F-14 and Soviet Mig flying together into selected Western airfields as a major CBM.  (Confidence Building Measure, as described by the Helsinki Accords.)  USSR/USA relationships have improved since 1986, and now might be an appropriate time to suggest such a project to US and Soviet military leaders.  Before leaving the States, I moved the concept to Secretary Carlucci, and thought Igor might be the key to finding the proper access to the Soviet military.

With Elena's help, I explained my concept to Igor suggesting that to see an F-14 and Mig flying together might lessen the tension the world feels about potential superpower confrontation.

Igor was thoughtful.  "Millard, wouldn't it be better to mix American and Soviet crews on a couple of intercontinental bombers like the Apollo/Soyez project of 1975?"

"A great idea, Igor, but training a mixed crew would take excessive amounts of time.  Besides, your military leadership and mine might object to exposing their strategic bombers to such familiarity by potential opponents."

Igor thought for a moment and said, "Why not place the American pilot in the Mig, and the Soviet pilot in the F-14?"

"Another good idea, Igor, but again - perhaps too time-consuming.  How many hours of transition time would be required for your military leadership to be comfortable in turning a late model Mig over to an American pilot?  US military leadership would have a similar reluctance."

Igor continued, "The greatest value of your project, Millard, might be to have the two aircraft fly into Soviet and American airfields, but the range on our latest Migs is no more than an hour and a half.  We could never make it to your country - we don't have air-to-air refueling capability for crossing the Atlantic."

We continued to discuss options and modifications of the concept.  Igor raised a number of concerns, one of which related to Third World countries.  "Millard, Third World countries would view a combined USSR/USA flight as the superpowers ganging up on them.  Their press would have a 'hey-day'!"

"Igor, the Third World press is always beating on us!  They'll get over their concern in time."

For two hours Igor and I examined many aspects of the combined military flight of a Mig and F-14, (which I thought was a quick, simple, practical symbolic partnership) and several related options.  I am not sure Igor was convinced that my plan was the best possibility.  However, as we prepared to leave, Igor said, "Millard, I will support your project as you have presented it, but will need time to consider who might be our best Soviet military contact.  Prepare a letter for me formally asking for my assistance in representing you and your project.  Then, let's meet next Wednesday before you depart for a final conference on how to proceed."

As we were about to leave, Igor examined the Beech-36 model I had with me and marveled at its precise detail.  "Millard, a model like that should be in the Chkalov Museum.  Could it be arranged?"

I assured Igor I would speak with my colleagues at the Beech factory about such a possibility.

Thursday evening I saw Andrew Sturua, and on Friday morning went to Aeroflot headquarters for my conference with members of the CAB (Civil Air Board) for further negotiations on the Helsinki-Moscow Sport Pilot Corridor I've been negotiating for since my 1987 flight to Sheremetyevo.  The session, as usual, was warm and friendly but I sensed a more positive atmosphere toward opening the HEL-SVO corridor to western pilots without requiring a Soviet navigator aboard.  There seemed to be general agreement that as middle-management, those of us around the table should provide in-depth planning for a relatively foolproof plan which could be placed before top CAB officials for approval.  I zeroed in on three specific recommendations for those present to consider.  The next meeting was scheduled for May 11th at 10:00 a.m. when I would return with a more complete plan for their possible acceptance.

I returned to my hotel and called Valery Zima whom I had missed earlier.  Valery's schedule was tight because of the pending celebration.  "Millard, my schedule is impossible, but I would like to see you.  Could you be here in 15 minutes?"

I've known Valery for several years.  He's been promoted beyond the point of having personal contact with Intourist clients, such as myself, but he is a good friend and I enjoy visiting with him.  His office is next door to Hotel National, so there was no difficulty in arriving at his office at the suggested time.

We sat down in the conference room, and coffee was served as we brought each other up-to-date regarding our respective families.  I asked him if he had been receiving my TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTERs.

"Yes, Millard, they come through quite quickly these days and we look forward to them.  They are filled with such warmth and fellowship - yes, I could even say love".  You may not realize how well-known you have become here in Moscow.  Do you remember that beautiful Beech-36 lapel pin you gave me several years ago?  The moment my mother saw that pin, she confiscated it.  She loves it and wears it constantly."  I gave Valery another pin.  "This is for your daughter - when she's old enough to understand our FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES."

We turned to other matters.  "Have you located sponsorship for the continuation of your FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES yet, Millard?"

I said that we have added a number of small but important SUPPORT SPONSORS, but have yet to locate a primary funding entity.  Valery suggested Dr. Hammer might be inclined to help TEN ROMEO, but I indicated that communication with Dr. Hammer is open and that I do receive advice from him occasionally.  "He probably thinks I'm doing fine on my own!"

I returned to my hotel feeling lifted by Valery's interest, concern, and warm fellowship.

On Saturday I was scheduled to see Dr. Sergey Plakanov, Deputy Director of the Institute of US and Canadian Studies.  Sergey is probably the most knowledgeable of my Soviet friends regarding US matters.  This, with his Soviet background, makes him a valuable source for providing valid insights into the Soviet society.

My primary concern was immediately placed on the table.  "Last year, Sergey, I recall Chairman Gorbachev indicating that the military parade would no longer be the cornerstone of your November 7th celebration, and I reported this recently to my 500 newsletter contacts.  Since arriving in Moscow the practice military parade through Red Square at 10:00 pm seems to be as heavy as I recall in previous years.  Am I going to be caught off base in my perception and reporting?"

Sergey's reply was measured, "Last year's comments should certainly not be interpreted as suggesting the military parade would be eliminated.  It's more a matter of emphasis.  Contact me Tuesday and we'll discuss the level of military exposure in Monday's parade."

A reasonable suggestion, and I moved to a second concern.  "Western critics have belittled Gorbachev's recent peace initiatives suggesting the predominance of Soviet conventional military strength in Europe leaves him in a superior position.  In my measure of Gorbachev's intent, I think he is sincere in his attempt to lessen tensions.  As you know, in one of my recent newsletters I suggested Gorbachev's western critics may soften their view when he unilaterally reduces Soviet conventional arms, and I predicted he would do this soon.  Will I be caught off base on this prediction, also?"

Sergey provided me with Soviet background publications suggesting the predominance of Soviet conventional arms was, in fact, an illusion.  I will review this material and hope to discuss it on my next trip.  (My message to Sergey following Chairman Gorbachev's presentation at the UN was loud and clear.  "Fantastic!  I'm off the hook!  Gorbachev did exactly what I predicted he would do!")

Before leaving the States I had received information from Secretary Carlucci's office on the US position regarding the Soviet suggested European DMZ.  I asked Sergey if he knew the status of the DMZ proposal.

"The proposal is on the table and under consideration.  I understand present discussion is focusing upon the width of the zone, with the Soviets suggesting 300 km, and the Americans suggesting 150 km."

Washington had said the US position was anti-DMZ, and I left the States prepared to withdraw my offer for TEN ROMEO to open the DMZ with an overflight.  My original offer was to make TEN ROMEO available if there was agreement on the DMZ by both the USA and USSR.  With apparent progress reported by Sergey, I decided to allow my offer to stand.

I then turned to the F-14 and Mig partnership flight, and Sergey recalled my presentation of the project in the 1986 newsletter.  I suggested that with the Mig participation at the Paris Air Show, my F-14/Mig flight was a more likely possibility - a first step toward "beating swords into plowshares".

"The concept is exciting, Millard.  It could signal to this tired old world a message we've all been waiting for.  The Mig appearance at Paris was to interest potential purchasers.  I'm not comfortable with that concept - there is too much military hardware being sold.  We'd be better of if such sales were forbidden."

As I prepared to leave, Sergey said he appreciated receiving the TEN ROMEO Newsletters, and asked if I was making progress toward a major sponsor.  "A primary sponsor has not yet been found, but I'm not discouraged.  The work I'm involved in seems to be Spirit-directed, and many positive things have come from my FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES!  Funding will come when the time is right."

"We know that is true, Millard.  But keep in mind one does not have to have a religious commitment to believe that events in the world are propelling us toward positive ends."

I left Sergey's office pondering the fact that two Soviet friends had expressed concern for my funding.  Could it be that they feared my efforts might be terminated because of lack of financial support?

The TV filming went well on Sunday.  It was shot in the center of Red Square, and I made reference to the fact that Americans and Soviets were partners 46 years ago, and that we should find our way back to that close, warm friendship.  I mentioned that the Chkalov flight had brought America and the Soviet Union closer together, and suggested that the TEN ROMEO COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT was conceived and executed to bring about a new people-to-people closeness.  The clip was several minutes long and was aired twice on Monday, reaching more than 80 million viewers at each showing.

Sunday evening I called my friend Rev. Anatoly Sokolov to apologize for not seeing him in the morning at church.  I explained my commitment to Andrew in Red Square, and suggested we should get together in May when I will return to Moscow.

"Wonderful, Brother!  I now have a small church in the outskirts of Moscow.  Would you like to 'preach the word' to my congregation in May?"  And so it was arranged.

On Monday I watched the parade from the top floor of the Hotel National in a room facing Red Square.  It was Professor Barry Childers' room.  We had met the day before in the hotel restaurant.  Our viewing position may have been the best in the city.  Of the three-hour parade, the military took 15 minutes.

On Tuesday I called Sergey to discuss his evaluation of the parade.  "Millard, my ten-year-old son said the military part of the parade stunk!  There was no heavy equipment, and the military part was too short!  There is no question but what the military part of the program was much less of a 'cornerstone' than in previous years.  I think you may consider yourself off-the-hook on your report to your newsletter recipients."

That was good news!

Wednesday at noon I met Elena and Igor at Izvestia Headquarters as had been planned.  Elena had arranged for me to use an Izvestia composition-room typewriter to prepare the material Igor had requested.  We sat around the table pulling together the translations, the back-up printed material, and the special transmittal letter.

"I have given careful thought to your special project, Millard, and have begun my inquiries as to the proper direction to. move your material for serious consideration.  When you return in May, you will have a meeting with appropriate military personnel to consider the F-14/Mig partnership flight.  If you would like, I would be happy to attend that meeting with you."

After coffee and a snack, the meeting concluded and I left Izvestia headquarters.  I was very thankful for Elena's highly proficient skill as an interpreter, and Igor's commitment as a friend to assist in a project he was not convinced would be beneficial.

I took the train to Tallinn on Wednesday evening.

My primary objective in Tallinn was to hand deliver my gifts to First Secretary Valjas.  In spite of the Secretary's tight schedule, he was most gracious and received me in his spacious office on the top floor of the party headquarters building.  I explained how enjoyable the Kesas' visit had been, thanked him for his support, and gave him the book and pin.

I took the ferry to Helsinki, relaxed at the Hotel Inter-Continental, and met an interesting gentleman in the hotel sauna.  Cyrus Eaton is a delightful person who has been working with Soviets since 1954.  This was the first time I've met someone who has had Soviet contact earlier than my 1958 effort.  Too bad I didn't meet Cyrus sooner.  With his increased experience, his advice might have saved me a great deal of time.

The flight to JFK on FINNAIR was a relaxing, pleasant time as always.

 *  *  *  *  *  *

On the home front, I'm pleased to report that Hotel Inter-Continental Helsinki has become a SUPPORT SPONSOR.  I consider the hotel my operational headquarters in Europe, and have enjoyed their excellent facilities for several years.  The response to my proposal for sponsorship was particularly satisfying, and said, in part, "We will gladly sponsor your FRIENDSHIP work."

Johnson Stationers has also joined the TEN ROMEO team.  (Thanks, Wayne!)

The TEN ROMEO postcard has been developed and ordered, and the TEN ROMEO grape juice is in process.

Warmest regards to all of you, and I'll be in touch again soon.