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TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER HEL-SVO SPORT PILOT CORRIDOR, Report 3 February 6, 1989 Dear Friends: I was prepared to apologize for the length of the last report, but it has generated a wave of response greater than any previous report. Telephone calls, notes in the mail, comments on the street, and discussion at coffee fellowship following church services, all indicate the extra length of HEL-SVO Report #2 provided something of interest to many readers. Twelve pages is looooooong, so I'll try to hold my reports in the future to the standard eight pages. The excitement of the moment is a new SUPPORT SPONSOR! Roger Hannay is a dedicated Christian and the Albany tn-city area is a better place because of his efforts. He, his father, and cousin Bob operate HANNAY REELS, a dynamic company that manufactures reels of all kinds which are marketed worldwide. HANNAY REELS will cover postage costs for mailing reports from this point on, as well as stuffing envelopes, affixing mailing labels, and all activities relating to moving our reports out. HANNAY REELS is a "blue-chip" operation with broad international experience in mailing, distribution, verification of addresses, etc. This support is sorely needed at this time and is greatly appreciated. ( Many thanks, George, Roger, and Bob!) Even with the increased length of the last report, there were a number of items that had to be left out. I'll address several of those matters now. Insufficient time has been spent in my reports considering the ramifications of TEN ROMEO inaugurating the European DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) by an overflight. When I was speaking with Sergey Plakhanov last November, I said, "Sergey, the concept of a DMZ is archaic - a throwback to a dark period in time when there was an Iron Curtain, or stone wall, separating our countries. Your Chairman and my President are tearing down that barrier between us, brick, by brick, by brick!" Sergey laughed, - the concept of Gorbachev and Reagan, sleeves rolled up, knocking bricks out of a stone wall with their sledge hammers of warm rhetoric was a new allegory, and he enjoyed it. We then moved ahead in our consideration of Soviet/American discussions of the European DMZ. Sergey's comments on progress in those deliberations seemed to be a step ahead of information I had received from Secretary Carlucci's office just before leaving the States. (That should not be considered unusual - things move fast these days.) My American friends have viewed the invitation of a TEN ROMEO overflight with some skepticism and concern, since it was a Soviet idea. The West has come to expect a hidden agenda in Soviet suggestions, with some undefined Soviet advantage as a consequence later. If a European DMZ is established by the Soviets with a unilateral withdrawal of their forces by 150 kilometers, TEN ROMEO would not be involved in an overflight. However, if there is agreement, with the DMZ established jointly, TEN ROMEO's WINGS OF FRIENDSHIP would be an appropriate symbolic inauguration tool. It could represent a new era of openness in Europe. I have more trust in the Soviets than many of my compatriots. I recall three years ago when my contact with Soviet media experts was first initiating the forging process which would grow with time into close friendships. They asked if they could quote me. My response carried a warning: "Quote anything you like, but remember that if any of my quotes are given even the slightest twist to reflect a Soviet advantage, or show me or my country to a disadvantage, my friendship work here in the Soviet Union will be over." With as much Soviet press as I have received, it is impossible for me to see everything that is print. However, some major items have been translated by my colleagues here in the States. Never have my words been twisted to embarrass me or show the United States in a negative way. My Soviet media friends have treated me well with no attempt at gaining an advantage. Since it was a media contact who suggested the TEN ROMEO overflight, I have little concern about being used by the Soviets in this matter. The DMZ project has become an interesting factor in my planning for the future. This is the first time that my planning process has not been entirely within my control. It would be unfortunate to be in China when the DMZ should be flown. For this reason, I have been attempting to gain further clarification about the time frame of the installation of a European Corridor. Just recently there have been references in Soviet press releases mentioning an arms agreement extending to the Urals. This is language used by Carlucci's office, and gives me great hope that the Soviets may be on the verge of accepting a broader view toward resolving European differences with the American negotiating team. If this happens, there may be no need for a DMZ, which would be fine with me. However, the prestigious invitation for TEN ROMEO to help inaugurate the DMZ makes this possibility a top priority. In my last report there was a reference to Sergey providing me with Soviet published material which indicates that an Eastern Block advantage in conventional forces is illusionary. I carefully reviewed that material, written by Dmitry Yazov. Yazov attempts to balance excessive numbers of Eastern tanks against the West's increased number of tank weapons. Also, the West's or NATO's increased naval forces seem to be viewed as bringing into balance the Eastern Block's advantage in aircraft and men. The Soviet suggestion that increased naval activity around Iceland represents the threat of a northern invasion of their homeland seems contrived to most Americans. Statistics widely accepted in the West identify Eastern tanks at 18,000 units with the Western level at 6,000 units. These are critical matters with plenty of room for misunderstanding, even between men of good will. Both Sergey and I may gain increased understanding in May as we compare sources and exchange ideas. We shall see. I should also mention that Sergey, as well as Valery Zima, in the process of commenting on the reports which they have been receiving for many months indicated that they think the reports should be put into book form so that people other than my 500 correspondents would be able to enjoy the story of TEN ROMEO. This raises an interesting point. This report is number 36, so there is much material preserved in print on TEN ROMEO's exciting adventures during the last five years. This material is what I have written and does not include the mountain of material that has appeared in the media. But - I have no contacts in the book publishing field. Now may be the time to find a way to turn these reports into book form, so I'm asking for help. Is there anyone out there who has read a number of my reports who could assist in creating a linkage with a major book publisher? I'm ready to move toward another communication instrument on the FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES, and with your help, it just might be possible to have a book in print. Also, there was additional conversation with Igor Chkalov in November which did not find its way into my last report. Igor indicated he was working with a Soviet museum, and they wanted a P-39 for static display. They searched for a P-39 throughout the Soviet Union and were unable to locate one. Finally, there was the recollection of one going down on a ferry flight from the States in 1944. This aircraft was located off the Aleutians and retrieved, but is in need of extensive repair. Igor asked if I could provide plans for their rebuilding of the aircraft. I said this could be done, since I think it would be a task much less difficult than flying into Sheremetyevo. Upon returning home, I contacted a friend at the Smithsonian Institution and learned that the military had placed on file during the post-World War II years large numbers of 35 mm microfilm reels on combat aircraft. A computer readout indicates there are 16 reels on the P-39 and its 31 models. The task of providing Igor with what he needs will be simplified if I can get the model series and perhaps even the serial number of the aircraft he is working on. I am requesting this information from the USSR and hope it will arrive soon. I'd like to hand deliver the plans Igor needs when I'm in Moscow in May. However, is there anyone out there who was a part of the Bell administration or research staff in the early 4O's who would be willing to contact me? Frankly, I'm way over my head in this matter, and could benefit greatly from someone with "hands-on" experience. I'm sure with proper background knowledge a relatively small number of schematics can be identified and sent to Igor without reprinting 36 reels of microfilm. (At least I'm hoping so!) Igor had an additional request. A friend of his is involved in medical research, and asked to receive the latest information available in the States on sudden cardiac arrest, resuscitation practices, and treatment following such trauma. This request was easier to fulfill. With three young practicing MD's in the family, information was quickly located. (Thanks, Chuck!) In the past a number of books sent to friends in the USSR have been lost in the mail so I'll plan to take this material with me this spring. Last month I made a quick trip to Europe and it was possible for my wife, Ruth, to make this trip with me. What a pleasure to introduce Ruth, a practicing dietitian, to the culinary delights of FINNAIR! She also enjoyed spending time at the Hotel Inter-Continental Helsinki, which has become European headquarters for my FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES. During this trip there was a second attempt to reach my Soviet friend in Prague. The first attempt was made last fall, and that meeting did not take place because of the political unrest that was sweeping Czechoslovakia. I was not successful on this second attempt, either. (Sorry about that, Vladislav! I thought we might talk about the European DMZ, but your input on that important project will have to be handled by telephone and/or the mail. However, I am becoming an expert on the Prague airport!) It was possible to be in Basel, Switzerland, for son Roger's diploma performance on the Lute at the Basel Conservatory. The program went well, and now Roger will be able to devote more time to performances in France and Germany, as well as pursue his interest in classical languages. As a classical scholar, Roger is mighty talented, speaking nine languages. (He certainly takes after his mother with such obvious intellect!) I traveled to Biel, Switzerland, where I made contact with the OMEGA watch company before returning to the States. It was a pleasure to meet top OMEGA officials. I explained that I have had an OMEGA Chronometer since purchasing TEN ROMEO. That beautiful, precise instrument has become an indispensable supplement to my panel equipment and has been the official cockpit timer on all of my 154 speed records. I asked the vice-president responsible for such watches if OMEGA would be interested in becoming a sponsor of TEN ROMEO. The concept seemed to spark his interest (perhaps no more than standard European courtesy?) and, as a first step, my OMEGA was left with him for a factory refurbishing. After 18 years, it certainly can use such attention. (Thanks, Werner!) I was introduced to a director for follow-up, and he took me to a secure conference room where it was possible to look over the total line of OMEGA watches! What a beautiful display, and the service received from my own OMEGA attests to the quality of these high-precision instruments. The new quartz chronometers were mighty interesting! The OMEGA Chronometer was the official watch on the US moon shot. Their new OMEGA Seamaster was developed for the Summer Olympics in Seoul and is currently in use by the US undersea research team. The general OMEGA line provides excellent timepieces for the public. My suggestion is to press for more use of the OMEGA Chronometer by General Aviation pilots. No one needs a precision wristwatch more than GA pilots as they serve the economy and public in ways more extensive than most people realize. The director and I discussed a testimonial I might provide. We determined that this concept should come under consideration by the top US OMEGA administration team, and I was told how to reach them. This contact has been made, and we'll see what develops. When I first started record flying, I had every intention of arranging a link with OMEGA on the basis of the excellent service my chronometer had provided. The contact was delayed until OMEGA engineering added a quartz drive to my type of watch. For declaring the OMEGA chronometer as the official timer of TEN ROMEO's past and future record flights, along with any testimonial that may be worked out, I hope to have a quartz unit for 10R. Back on the Moscow scene - I have one additional area where I need help. Igor Tazabrin, Elena Ivanova's husband and editor of the Soviet Education Gazette, has a set of Kennedy half dollars which is complete except for the 1970 coin. Does anyone have a 1970 Kennedy half dollar that I could take with me on my next trip to Moscow? I need help in making Igor's collection complete. Call or drop me a note if you can be a partner with me on this. On the home front, I recently had an interesting experience. A message left on my answering machine from a person who identified himself as an FBI agent asked that I return the call. When I did so, he asked if he could come out and speak with me. I asked him what it was about and he said, "It's about your contact with the Soviet Embassy." I indicated I'd be happy to see him in a half hour if he'd care to come to the house, and he said he'd be there in an hour. The agent arrived at the appointed time and I invited him into the living room. I asked him what his concern was and his questions followed a general probing trend, but relatively soon zeroed in on his major area of interest. "Do you have any contact with KGB agents? I took a quick double-take as I mentally reviewed my extensive list of Soviet friends, and then said, "I have many Soviet friends, but doubt that any of them are KGB agents. It would be difficult, however, for me to know my Soviet friends well enough to be aware of all their connections. I can say my Soviet friends have never requested that I bring them specific information on current military or high-tech matters." Slowly, the intent of his visit became more clear. I've had numerous contacts with the Soviet Embassy in recent years in the normal process of rushing a visa, or requesting help for the Kesa's visit. Then I understood. When the Kesas arrived in Delmar, they were required to contact their Embassy in Washington. I made the call, then turned the phone over to Vello who spoke for two or three minutes about trips I had suggested we take during their stay. Soviet Embassy personnel had no objections to our plans. It's general knowledge that the FBI's surveillance technique gives them the telephone number of every incoming call to the Soviet Embassy as well as a recording of the conversation. Apparently nothing triggered the FBI's interest or concern until my telephone number was associated with a Soviet speaking fluent Russian. I recalled Vello's telephone conversation, and was impressed with his Embassy contact asking why he and his wife weren't staying in the States longer. (Eleven days is a short time for the effort required in clearing approval for the trip and cost of the travel!) I did my best to relieve the agent's concern, and told him that I maintained a file of my written contact with Soviets in the US Embassy in Moscow. I also mentioned that the White House was on my mailing list and had received copies of all of my reports. For an hour and a half I spoke of my Soviet visit in 1958 and the intense contact in recent years as I worked my way through the multiple layers of Soviet bureaucracy to build my FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES with TEN ROMEO. I showed him a copy of the cablegram sent to the Honorable Vaino Valjas which made the Kesa's visit in my home possible. Agent "Al's" visit was comfortable and pleasant. He is young, extremely polite, and it was a pleasure to become acquainted as I shared information on my FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES. I loaded him down with a dozen or more copies of recent reports and gave him one of our brochures. He left as a friend, and TEN ROMEO gained a new member of our correspondence group! * * * * * * * * I've been continuing my research on the European DMZ to gain further understanding on its value, its origin, and its likelihood of coming about. I recently acquired a documentary account of a meeting held in Berlin from June 20-22, 1988, entitled, "International Meeting for Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones". I learned that Cyrus Vance first suggested the DMZ, and I gained insight into the thinking of those nations involved in the conference. (Thanks, Allen!) The possibility of placing TEN ROMEO on line as a participant in the dawn of a new era of peace in Europe is not to be taken lightly. It would be unfortunate to be in China when the European DMZ was established. A careful review of these two projects and their interrelatedness is being done. A second factor in reconsidering the timeframe of our China flight relates to TEN ROMEO's engine. The annual inspection has been completed and the engine is declared fit, with 1682 hours. It could probably go to 2000 hours, but that's a pretty tired engine to fly to China. I've knocked gently on several doors, but to date there is no clear direction as the best way to move. No door has opened with the authority of being the correct choice. The new Voyager engine does not appear to be ready; the Continental 550 might be an option, or I could put in the standard 520 and have many years of reliable flying. I am devoting further study to this matter and am investigating sponsor possibilities for assistance in the installation of the new engine. Each year the First United Methodist Church here in Delmar votes on my re-certification as a Lay Speaker. This year, in preparation for that vote, I have written a background report on how I became involved in the exciting work I now do. I've enclosed a copy of that report since it may be of interest to newer members on the correspondence list. Remember, I need your help! Nearly 500 receive each of my reports, and I understand research indicates that four or five individuals read most publications. Please keep the following in mind, and call or write if you have suggestions! (A readership of 2,000 is a valuable resource!)
Warmest regards to all! My next report will follow my return from Moscow. ---------------- FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DELMAR, NEW YORK Report to Charge Conference from Lay Speaker Dr. Millard Harmon The Rev. Dr. Arthur F. Hagy, Jr. was generous recently in suggesting, as he requested information on my 1988 activities, that "Your reports help us realize the far range of Delmar in the spreading of the Good News". Art's comment sharpened the perception of my activities of the last five years as a conduit of Good News and personal witness. Since 1983 the intensity and breadth of my work toward detente, in all its ramifications, has been Spirit driven. Prevenient grace has been a partner in my activities to an incredible degree, verifying the Spirit in action. Doors have opened which I alone could not have managed. In the broader content of Art's comment of "spreading the Good news", Lay Speaking could well apply to the full range of my recent activities. Thousands of students have received my message of international friendship and good will this year in Moscow, West Germany, and here in New York State. There have been several major TV presentations, numerous talks before church meetings, service clubs, and general interest groups, as well as extensive press coverage. Thirty-five TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTERs have been sent periodically to nearly 500 friends, colleagues, and family throughout the world who have an interest in my work toward detente and peace. (This is a great support group with many partners in faith.) My message of hope and friendship in the Soviet Union has been well received with the Soviet media identifying me as "Ambassador of Friendship without Portfolio". What feeds the intensity of this drive which is demanding in time, energy and money? The basic fuel is the belief that one person can make a difference in this complicated world of ours. In 1983 I took early retirement, a step many in our congregation have taken before me. With good health and a reasonable level of available energy, I did some soul searching to determine how best to commit my remaining time and resources. Monumental problems face civilization today - environmental and energy concerns, poverty, hunger, disarmament - to mention only a few. But, in 1983 I perceived the most immediate risk to our planet was the East/West confrontation which had been building for 40 years. I thought back to my research experience in Soviet schools in 1958. At that time I fell in love with the Soviet school children I met, and their teachers and school administrators were professionals to whom I could relate; many became friends. The positive experience of 1958 gave me insight into the Soviet Union few Americans have. With prayerful introspection, I was moved by the Spirit to commit my time, energy, and financial assets to generating friendship and increased understanding between Americans and Soviets. This commitment has been strengthened by prevenient grace which occurs often enough for my decision of 1983 to be reaffirmed as appropriate. In 1983 I returned to the Soviet Union for a 25-year update on my original educational research of 1958. New doors opened with many opportunities for making new friends. Since then I've made 20 trips to the USSR in support of friendship projects serving the interests of my original commitment. When a Soviet and American meet and, upon departing, both feel good about the encounter, detente is being served, with the world being a safer place by a small increment. My aircraft, TEN ROMEO, became a major partner in my work toward increasing friendship and understanding. Two successful flights made into Sheremetyevo, the international airport just outside Moscow, a flight to the North Pole, a swing through the Bermuda Triangle, and numerous carefully planned continental flights resulted in 154 speed records. The first Moscow flight was chronicled by a one-hour documentary PBS TV film. TEN ROMEO is an incredible machine. Pressing it to the upper limits of its design capability provided media excitement which focused world attention upon the FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES which were being built. As an example of doors which have unexpectedly opened for me, I had made arrangements to borrow a Soviet satellite for three revolutions of the earth or 315 minutes to verify my record run to the North Pole. Friends on the West coast had intended to provide a special transmitter, but engineering problems developed and it was not ready. Forty-eight hours before departing for the Pole I called a friend at Narco for help. Narco had a new transmitter approved by the FAA which had a special carrier wave for communicating with satellites, but it had never been used. A research engineer flew the transmitter to me at Albany airport hours before my departure. The drop at the North Pole was the first field-test of the Narco equipment. The Soviets verified the transmission from the parachuted transmitter as being 1/2 mile from the geographic North Pole. These past five years have been filled with excitement and accomplishment. My circle of Soviet friends has expanded, and as I listen with a "third ear", I detect many expressions of faith from friends who serve the Soviet government well. Preaching from the pulpit of the Moscow Baptist church was a memorable experience. My contact with Soviet schools continues with warmth and enthusiasm. Lydia, whom I met at the Moscow Baptist church and who served as my interpreter for three years, has realized her dream of emigrating to the States. My Christian friend Fagon of Kiev is faring better under "glasnost" and "perestroika". And, last October my FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE to the USSR became a two-way street when the Kesas were allowed to visit Ruth and me here in Delmar from Tallinn, USSR. What do I see ahead? I have been asked to preach in Moscow again in May. During that trip my fifth negotiating session with the CAB (Civil Air Board) is scheduled in quest of a flight corridor along Red Airway One from Helsinki to Moscow for sport pilots where a Soviet navigator will not be required. My contact with Soviet schools should result in an exchange visit late this spring. Soviet friends are pressing for the European DMZ to be inaugurated with an overflight by TEN ROMEO. Of course, this will not happen without agreement between the Soviet and American negotiating teams on the need for a DMZ at this time. Speaking to high school students will continue, the lecture circuit will be active, and further progress toward TEN ROMEO's BEIJING FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE will be made. Also, the search will be intensified for acquiring the proper aircraft to be modified into a single-engine propjet with which I will challenge three ultimate aircraft flight records. Through my reports and media coverage, many of you have followed my efforts to build a safer world. You have kept me in your prayers as I have risked much in the name of Peace. The prayerful support I have received during TEN ROMEO's flights was felt in three particular instances, as I faced circumstances beyond normal expectation for survival. I felt your support and the Spirit saw fit to provide deliverance. Thank you. I appreciate your indulgence in this report which is different from the tally sheet that normally covers lay speaking activities, and respectfully request your vote for re-certification as Lay Speaker.
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