TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER
Report 51
November 1, 1991
Dear Friends:
What a delight to see the changes in Tallinn since the Coup!
The first surprise was clearing customs at the Tallinn airport. I was carrying a heavy cardboard cylinder five feet long and twelve inches in diameter containing 15 paintings by the Russian artist, Vladimir. You may recall I flew Vladimir and Olga to Dayton, Ohio, where my friend, Pat Whipp, displayed Vladimir's work. It was time to return those paintings which had not sold.
The young lady serving as a customs official (a word or two verified she was Estonian) simply asked, "What's in the box?" I said, "These are Soviet paintings which have been on display in America, and I'm returning them to the artist." She nodded, and passed me through with no interest in looking inside the package. (You did a beautiful job of waterproofing that container, Pat. I was concerned about a customs inspection - the packing could never have been put back together properly. Besides, I wanted Vladimir to have the honor of opening your seals in Moscow!)
Not a single "red" flag flies in central Tallinn, and the stack of the ferry GEORGE OTS no longer carries the hammer and sickle. There seemed to be more Estonian policemen, and while the statue of Lenin in front of the Estonian Communist headquarters had been toppled during the coup, now the pedestal is gone also. All that remains is a neat planting of shrubbery.
But - the most exciting change was the clear access to the Parliament building with no tank defenses. The last two reports have carried photographs of the granite roadblocks positioned at the approach to the seat of Estonian government, and they are now gone.
No Tank defense at the approach to Parliament!
PROMISES KEPT
It was a pleasure to deliver to my friends at the Estonian State Department of Aviation a complete set of training video cassettes for the "PRIVATE PILOT". This was possible through President John King of KING ACCELERATED SCHOOLS. (Our friends send their warmest thanks, John! Your films will start the training of Estonian youth for aviation pilot careers.)
Papers which will register Estonia with ICAO, the international group of air controllers, were delivered for completion.
Ten New Testaments in English which had been requested were presented to Rev. Olav along with a mini-sermon on my perception of the new Estonian freedom.
Discussions were held with AEROCO on the possible manufacture of aircraft components for a friend in Kansas, and a dozen people received gifts of food and small items they had asked me to bring them.
DISTURBING NEWS
Since I first flew TEN ROMEO into Tallinn skies, a warm relationship has developed with Tallinn Air Controllers. You may recall that TEN ROMEO, through the intercession of controllers there with the local Soviet military, was allowed a short sightseeing flight over Tallinn last year. In the spring of this year I arrived in Tallinn on the eve of a planned air controller strike. I tried to dissuade my friends from striking since I had lived through the US air controller strike where there were no winners.
Soviet controllers were determined to strike, but I was able to convince them to lower their demands to a more reasonable level. They asked me to represent them in negotiations with the Supreme Council of the USSR, their controlling agency. The local newspaper, PAEVALEHT, carried an impressive feature article in which I stressed the need for salary increases for controllers. Their salaries have remained static at 350 rubles per month during a period of 300% inflation. I also proposed over-flight costs to Western commercial aircraft be raised a bit to cover the cost.
Because of the close friendship which has developed over the last 18 months, controller friends in Tallinn and Moscow bring me up-to-date on commercial flight matters each time I arrive.
Imagine my surprise when I learned that an obvious commercial aircraft was allowed official entry into Soviet airspace and then, over 1,000 miles later, was intercepted by Soviet Military aircraft and turned back to its departure point.
This raises the specter of Flight 007 with related serious questions:
Why intercept an obvious passenger airline after deep penetration of Soviet airspace? Is there a "hair trigger" tied to the military interception? Is the Soviet military "overreaction" a function of reduced military stature? Could this become a serious problem given the internal difficulties in the former USSR?
Knowledge of this recent military interception did not reach the media because a number of specific steps were taken to prevent that from happening. The information received was privileged and should not be discussed further. I will, however, recommend to General Shaposbnikov and Civil Aviation Minister Panyukov an alternative way of dealing with penetration of Soviet airspace by Western passenger aircraft which, if adopted, would bypass military interception.
I negotiated for three years with the International Relations Department of the Soviet Civil Air Board. A number of my suggestions were adopted.
We know the Soviets handle a great many Western flights with dispatch and aplomb. There is, however, a better way than "hot military pursuit" to deal with confused clearance matters. The Soviets were open to my offer to be helpful in the earlier days of "glasnost" and met with me a number of times. I will once again make my services available. Military interception of passenger aircraft is a throwback to those difficult days of the Cold War when there was not the understanding and cooperation present today. My recommendations will suggest an alternative more commensurate with today's climate.
BIRTH OF A DREAM
While overlooking Tallinn from the comfort of my 21st-floor hotel room, I gave thought to the beautiful city below which I have come to love.
The old part of the city with all its charm is just southeast. The main street, Viru, was below me, and from Viru Street west to the harbor is an area slated for rehabilitation in the near future. The harbor opens onto the Baltic Sea, and I thought of the exciting future of this gem of a city where there will be increased US involvement,
My thoughts drifted back to the two months I spent last summer in support of The Honorable James M. Inhofe, Congressman from Oklahoma, and his 60-year commemorative flight honoring that famous Oklahoman, Wiley Post, and his circumnavigation of the globe in the Winnie Mae in 1931. You may have seen Jim's extensive press coverage on his daring replication.
Over 5,000 miles of Jim's flight were in Soviet airspace. I worked with my Soviet colleagues in arranging flight clearance for this epic trip. Jim has been most generous in his comments about my efforts, saying the clearance I arranged was about the only thing that went right with the Soviets last summer.
Before Jim's departure, his Congressional colleagues gave him a small task. While he was in Moscow, he was to review Moscow real estate that the Soviets were willing to trade for space they wanted in Chicago for a new Consulate. I did my best to implement Jim's assignment by alerting our Moscow Embassy to Jim's Congressional task. However, the transition between Matlock and Strauss, along with the traditional visa foul-up that we pilots often face when flying Soviet skies, (sounds like you had an experience similar to mine in Moscow, Jim) made it impossible for the assignment to be carried out.
Jim's mission represented unusual Congressional enlightenment. Taking advantage of a member's travel to a distant location is time and cost efficient.
My lifelong efforts have been as a local, state and federal public servant: I have served as a senior staff member to the Republican leader of the New York State Assembly; in early 1980 I was nominated as a candidate for Reagan's Secretary of Education; my nomination and official duties have brought me into official contact with the White House many times; I knew my TEN ROMEO newsletters were read by White House staff because of references appearing in print.
As I looked down on Tallinn that afternoon, I knew a State Department "point-team" dealing with matters associated with establishing our US Embassy was in town. Did I have sufficient credibility for my suggestions to be considered by Washington leaders regarding the Embassy location? Was there any other American who had made nearly 40 trips to Tallinn since 1984? What other American might know the city better than I?
That afternoon, in the comfort of my hotel room, a dream was born.
Somewhere, in the fullness of time, a bright symbol must be established to remind the world and future generations of the triumph of man's soul and its desire for freedom! Why not here in Tallinn? The concept could be embodied in a beautiful structure, not ostentatious, and perhaps only 15 stories high. It should face East and Moscow, should be open with no security wall, be built by an American construction firm, and become a living example of the strength and leadership of the United States during a difficult 70 years.
Some will consider the cost too great for an Embassy in a nation of only 1.7 million people. But we must remember that the Estonian march toward democracy during these last four years was a victimless success, with no loss of blood. This was due primarily to the remarkable leadership of President Arnold Ruutel.
Ruutel's leadership, the victimless aspect of the Estonian march toward democracy, and the physical location of Tallinn all support the idea of an Embassy with symbolic significance overshadowing cost factors.
I selected an area in the rehabilitation section west of Viru Street as an appropriate location, and spoke with a number of Estonian friends about my dream. The Honorable Irma Raud is Vice Mayor of Tallinn, an architect, and is responsible for the rehabilitation of the area west of Viru street. I shared my dream with her office staff. Room 507 at the Palace Hotel is our temporary Embassy, and I spoke with people there. I spent a half day with the Honorable Mart Laar, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Estonian Supreme Council, reviewing Embassy sites his committee has suggested.
The cost of the structure I have in mind may be greater than present Congressional thinking. But, Estonian friends are wildly enthusiastic about my proposal. If cost becomes a major obstacle, it might be possible to broaden the mission of the structure and consider it not only an Embassy, but also an information center supported by a dozen or more major US foundations. This would meet a request from a number of Estonian friends who say, "Your government provides extensive support to Third World countries. Our occupation for 50 years has reduced us to Third World status, so why can't your government provide us with such support? At least establish centers of information sponsored by foundations which can help us regain the skills we have lost."
The concept of a dream has to be planted as a seed and nurtured carefully over a period of time for full blossom. A two-page "White Paper" has been prepared and is being distributed to Congress, the State Department, government leaders, and others as appropriate. We will see what time delivers.
DISAPPOINTMENT IN MOSCOW
My work in Moscow went exceptionally well: fifteen paintings were returned to Vladimir, an agreement was signed by Victoria, the adult advisor to the 18 Soviet students who would be on an exchange program at Albany High School from October 30th through November 20th, and major progress was made on the YAK18T purchase project.
However, I encountered an unbelievable experience at the US Embassy in Moscow.
I stopped by the Embassy to have a signature witnessed. As I entered the Embassy door I was instructed that my briefcase could not be brought inside. I protested to the Marine guard, and he further indicated my briefcase could not be brought inside, that it HAD TO BE LEFT ON THE SIDEWALK OUTSIDE THE FRONT ENTRANCE.
I could not believe what I was being told! I had released my driver and car for a 30-minute errand for my host, and thus had no secure place for my briefcase. My protests fell on deaf ears. The signed contract on the Soviet/American student exchange program I'd implemented, the YAK-18T contract agreement, the paperwork on ICAO registration for Estonia, and ten other important documents had to be left on a curbstone on a Soviet street with the vegetable bags and personal effects of Soviets requesting US visas?!?!?
I thought back to the early days of the 1980s, when the US Embassy in Moscow was an oasis in a hostile land, where an American was welcomed with open arms, where I had rubbed shoulders with those who had become friends, spoken the mother tongue with no concern about "bugs", and even enjoyed the pleasure of an American lunch at the Embassy snack bar now and then. Granted, our Embassy operates under terrible difficulties with too small a staff, and an overload of some 49,000 US visas for Soviets.
Still, it was a major disappointment to be treated like a "Soviet" at my own Embassy, and this disappointment was heightened by the thought of delightful times in those earlier years.
My reception at room 507 in the Palace Hotel in Tallinn was as warm and open as the Moscow reception was cold, impersonal, and inappropriate. Thank you, Kathleen and Ingrid!
Vladimir receives his paintings at his studio in Moscow.
1991 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
I read with interest, upon my return from Moscow, that Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi had received this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
The prestige and attention that accompanies the Oslo award may well become the shield that protects the life of this heroic lady. It will now be more difficult for the oppressive military leaders to eliminate her from the Burmese political scene. Indeed, the Peace Prize has served as effective lifesaving protection a number of times in the past. In my estimation, protecting a life is a valid use of this prestigious award.
In the fall of 1990 Soviet friends indicated they intended to nominate me for the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, saying "Your work with us over the last seven years represents a depth of commitment in time and personal resources which embodies the highest ideals of the Nobel Peace Prize". They suggested, however, that I ask a number of American friends to provide support nominations since their view of my activities was somewhat restricted.
Last December and January, four Soviets and eleven Americans sent nominations or support nominations to the Nobel Institute in Oslo suggesting me for this prestigious award.
This is an appropriate time to publicly thank those of you who contacted Oslo on my behalf.
Bill and Joan, it was so nice of you to remind the committee of my early efforts at bridging cultural, geographic, and political boundaries while building understanding by exchanging art work of my sixth grade students with contemporaries in Japan, Germany and the Soviet Union in the early 1950s.
Phil, you were there as a Junior Chamber official when I was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Nation in 1956. Thanks for your focus on the reasons for that award!
Steve, that was a comprehensive letter you provided the Oslo committee on my more contemporary efforts at generating understanding across political boundaries as we worked together in the New York State legislature.
John, those were kind words you spoke at the New York State Methodist Troy Conference in your address to my hometown neighbors and colleagues. "Harmon has done more for peace and understanding in his work in the Soviet Union than anyone outside government channels!" Coming from the Chaplain of the US Embassy in Moscow, those are words of high praise!
Elena, your feature article on the Celebrity Page of the Izvestia weekly supplement provided an excellent accounting of my efforts at building FRIENDSHIP BRIDGES to generate increased understanding between Americans and Soviets. I'm sure the Oslo committee found your words interesting and informative, if not compelling.
Walt, you did a masterful job in chronicling my concern, and action to meet that concern, for Soviet flying colleagues on their flight to Seattle in 1990. (A copy of Walt's letter appears on pages 7 and 8 of this report.)
To those mentioned above, and the rest of 15 Soviet and American friends who wrote, my deepest appreciation for your support in taking time to communicate with the Oslo committee.
I never had any illusions about the award coming my way. I have, however, reveled in the joy and pleasure of having kind, busy, concerned friends who were willing to take the time and effort to list my contributions for an objective review by a committee who look at outstanding individual accomplishments throughout the entire world.
THANK YOU, DEAR FRIENDS!
POTPOURRI
The Tallinn Methodist Summer Camp for children was a great success with 304 registered including children, counselors and adult leaders. Thanks to all who helped provide the 750 pounds of food required.
With CNN's help we are making progress toward a SAT PHONE for Peeter's Tallinn Radio station.
I've been asked to give the message at the Albany Prayer Breakfast in April. This assignment is greatly appreciated since local talent is seldom selected for the assignment. (Thanks for your efforts, Roger!)
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WALTER N. DEAN, P.E. NAVIGATION/COMMUNICATIONS
CONSULTANT
8060 Sacajawea Way Wilsonville, OR
97070 (503) 694-1443
January 4, 1991
Chairman Gidske Anderson
Nominating Committee
Norwegian Nobel Committee
Norwegian Nobel Institute
Drarnmensvein 19 N-0255
Oslo
2, Norway
Dear Chairman Anderson:
I understand that Dr. Millard Harmon is being formally nominated for the 1991 NOBEL PEACE AWARD. I first met Dr. Harmon while I was Vice President for Engineering at ARNAV Systems, and over the years I have been very impressed with his continuing efforts to promote peace and understanding, particularly between the peoples of the USA and the USSR. In support of his nomination, I would especially like to call to your attention a recent incident in which I had the pleasure to participate.
On June 7, 1990, Dr. Harmon led a flight of two single-engine Bonanza aircraft across the Atlantic to Sheremetyevo airport, Moscow, on a "WINGS OF FRIENDSHIP AND PEACE" flight. On June 8, meeting with his Soviet Sport Pilot friends at Chkalov Field on the outskirts of Moscow, he learned that his Soviet colleagues were planning to complete his circle of friendship and peace. Their plan was to extend his USA to Moscow flight with a squadron of seven Soviet civil aircraft flying from Moscow across Alaska to the continental USA. This would complete the "circle of friendship" and be an epic "first" for civil aviation of the USA and the USSR.
At the meeting on June 8, Dr. Harmon learned of the concern his Soviet colleagues had of the novel experience of flying in Western skies. Navigation was a principal concern. Dr. Harmon told them, "We want your flight to be as safe as possible, so I will speak to my friends in the U.S. general aviation industry, and supply you with the latest ARNAV Loran-C receiver, which has the capability of working with your Loran-C navigation system. This will make your navigation of our skies safer!"
I was very surprised when Dr. Harmon called me at ARNAV and told me of the offer he had made, but I could not refuse. I was able to lend him one of ARNAV's new R-50i model loran receivers which we had designed (but not tested) to work with the Soviet version of Loran-C, "Chayka". Dr. Harmon decided that this special equipment deserved special delivery, so he personally carried it to his Soviet friends in Moscow. There it was installed in the lead aircraft for the trip. After the flight had been completed, I had the pleasure of accompanying him on a subsequent trip to Moscow to pick up the "magic box", as he called it, and bring it home. Dr. Harmon's bold step of offering a "state of the art" Loran-C receiver to his Soviet friends is typical of his "can do" attitude. He also arranged for a Bendix/King transponder to be installed in the lead Soviet aircraft upon arrival in Alaska. This was fortuitous, because some marginal weather conditions were encountered en route to Seattle. In addition, through his friendship with Mr. Horst Bergmann, president of Jeppesen-Sanderson Co., he was also able to provide Jeppesen air navigation maps for the trip.
Much of the success of the epic flight of the Soviet civil aviators into the USA must be attributed to Dr. Harmon's efforts. His enthusiasm and obvious concern for the safety of his Soviet friends enabled him to marshal resources from the general aviation community in the U.S. to assure an additional safety factor for the flight. He did all this in a manner that made all of us involved delighted to be able to participate.
He is a true flying ambassador of good will. I enthusiastically support Dr. Harmon's nomination.
Sincerely
Walter N. Dean