TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER
Report 52
April 15, 1992
Dear Friends:
Recently I have attempted to provide a report following each trip to Tallinn and Moscow. However, with the receipt of a multiple reentry visa, the trips have increased to nearly one every two months. On my arrival home, I face a dilemma. Do I pursue the recent tasks generated by the last trip, or jump into the excitement of providing the timely reports that my family, sponsors and friends are expecting?
There is a great need for Western expertise in the former USSR. On each trip new doors open which are "prevenient grace" in action, and offer unusual opportunities to provide assistance through my administrative skills, experience and interests.
Travel in December, 1991, and February/March, 1992, will be covered in this document. This newsletter, as do many recent reports, primarily addresses activities generated by the remarkable political changes in the former USSR. A later report will deal with continuing work on TEN ROMEO and future plans.
SOVIET/AMERICAN STUDENT EXCHANGE
In the spring of 1991 a Soviet friend contacted me while I was in Moscow and asked for help. "We have purchased AEROFLOT flight tickets to JFK in the fall for our student exchange group to be in California, but can't locate hard currency for the flight to California and back to JFK. Could you arrange for our students to visit a school on the East coast?"
This was something that I felt certain could be arranged, and it was done.
On October 30th, eighteen Soviet students, ages 14 to 16, and an adult advisor, my Moscow friend who had made the spring request, arrived at JFK where school officials and I met them. These energetic Muscovites had an exciting time at Albany High School for three weeks.
The group's return to Moscow was scheduled for November 20th. On the evening of November 19th, 14-year-old Sonja was struck by a car.
Sonja's right leg was broken, requiring two pins to be inserted. It was obvious that she would have to remain in Albany.
As the group prepared to leave for JFK on the morning of November 20th, it took an hour for the tearful goodbyes to be said. I gained the satisfaction of knowing that lifelong friendships had been forged in those three weeks of studying, living, and recreating together.
Sonja remained in Albany until she was able to travel, returning to Moscow in December.
In January I received an emergency call from Sonja's grandmother whom I have known for eight years. Sonja's cast had been removed at a Moscow hospital. The Soviet medical team suggested a three-day stay for removal of the two pins.
Sonja is a bright, attractive, young lady. She had been treated at Albany Medical Center, one of the finest medical facilities on the East coast. She, and her family, had deep reservations about facing three days in a Moscow hospital.
It became objective number one of my February trip to Moscow to arrange for Sonja's surgical procedure to be handled by the American Medical Center in Moscow, and this was accomplished. The ten-minute, "out patient", surgical procedure of removing the pins has been done, and Sonja's recovery is complete with no side effects.
How East/West matters have changed! The problems of a Soviet minor remaining in the US with no passport or visa (both of which were on the passport of the adult leader who had to accompany the 17 Soviet students back to Moscow), arranging for the adjustment of Sonja's AEROFLOT passage, and the medical accommodation in Moscow were easily resolved, attesting to the new world we live in!
A NEW FRIEND
On the overnight train from Moscow to Tallinn during my December trip I met Sergey, a delightful young man of five years of age.
In the four-bunk compartment, Sergey and his mother were two of my three traveling companions making the trip and sharing accommodations.
Sergey was returning from Moscow where he had received medical treatment. This young lad has undergone four major brain operations in his young life. His mother was caught under the Chernoble "cloud" following the disaster we are all aware of.
What a privilege it was to witness the love, patience and attention this remarkable woman showed her young son whose medical problems have left him with the capabilities of a three year old. How easy it is to be captivated by a youngster, and I was soon the young man's dear friend. I took Sergey and his mother to supper in the dining car, and later was invited to their home in Tallinn for an evening meal.
Having supper with Sergey and his family was a moving experience. His father, or "poppa" as he is called, is an automobile engineer. Sergey has an older brother and sister.
The love I saw expressed on the train was multiplied in the family environment. The meal was tasty and well prepared.
Sergey, who teaches LOVE to everyone he meets, and his family.
Sergey's mother speaks only Russian, but, with my limited knowledge of Russian and the help of a dictionary, we managed to communicate. Before departing for home I arranged a meeting with her and an interpreter for clearer understanding.
She presented an urgent and eloquent report of a pressing need at the Tallinn Medical Center. A new diagnostic computer is needed to properly serve the children in Tallinn. Improper diagnoses result in some children being operated on unnecessarily. A new machine would eliminate such false starts. Her thought was for me to share this critical information with my friend, President Ruutel, who could then make new equipment readily available.
I passed the message to President Ruutel as she requested. Knowing the cost of such equipment would be prohibitive due to lack of hard currency, I offered to assist the President in acquiring the equipment needed.
In February I met with Dr. Adams in Tallinn, and learned the model number of a CT scanner needed to better serve the children in his city.
Dr. Adams who needs a CT scanner.
During the time in Tallinn in February considerable ground work was done so that on my June trip I will meet with the Minister of Health to plan a request which I will hand carry to the Ford Foundation. God willing, the children of Tallinn will have the new equipment needed.
A MESSAGE FOR PRESIDENT BUSH
While with friends at the USA CANADIAN INSTITUTE in Moscow I received disturbing news. Just a few days before my arrival, Vladimir Zhirinovsky had made unpleasant statements in a presentation to an audience at the largest Moscow theater. His message was chilling, but more disturbing was the wildly enthusiastic reception by a large number of those present for his impromptu speech.
It was not clear to my friends in Moscow if the potential threat of Zhirinovsky's message was fully understood in the States. In fact, there was general apprehension as to whether the dire straits of their city were understood in a broad sense by the leaders and people of my country. I am certain that my friends at the Moscow "think-tank" stressed their critical times to all Americans who crossed their threshold.
Zhirinovsky's message was transmitted to President Bush, a copy of which is page eight of this report.
In December the outlook in Moscow was bleak. Help was slow in arriving and spasmodic. By the first of the year, supplies from Desert Storm were committed to the CIS, and then the consortium, under the brilliant leadership of President Bush, committed 24 billion dollars in support which was direly needed.
As a result, the possibility of anarchy seems less likely now.
TULA HUMANITARIAN AID
Tula, Russia, is Albany's sister city. Five tons of food and clothing were collected here for distribution in Tula during January.
On January 23rd, the Albany-Tula Alliance Committee asked me to assist in finding a way to get their aid to Russia. Thus began an intensely concentrated several weeks of effort.
Stratton Field is home base for the 109th Air National Guard's C-130s which supply the Arctic DEW line in the summer. Military aircraft were available, crews had volunteered their time, and we hoped to deliver the aid to Mayor Tyutyunov on the ramp of the airport in Tula.
The problem was to locate proper approach plates for the Tula Airport.
I made an exhaustive search with requests to friends on the Russian Civil Air Board, officials in Tula, and even contacted Yeltsin's office for assistance. I also communicated with friends at Jeppesen who furnish approach plates worldwide, and at American Red Cross who deliver aid worldwide. I spoke with FINNAIR contacts who fly internal Russia extensively, but no one had approach plates for Tula.
With a major arms factory in Tula, a number of us were certain there had to be more than a "Sport Flying Field" with a sod runway which had been reported.
And so, a second objective was established for my quickly arranged February trip to Moscow - "eyeball" Tula Airport and return with a firsthand report and approach plates.
On February 28th 1 drove the 100 miles from Moscow to Tula, went to the airport, opened the most impressive door in the terminal foyer, and behind it met Director Vladimir, the chief of the field.
Vladimir arranged a grand tour. I took pictures of the control tower, radar room, the 6,000-foot runway, the many aircraft on the ramp, and was then given a complete set of approach plates.
Many decades ago the word went out "Tula is a super-secret military base". That order has not been rescinded, but, in the warmth of "glasnost", I was treated as an honored guest, and all doors opened.
Director Vladimir whose greatest dream is
to establish
air passenger service between Tula and Albany.
The information I obtained was too late to impact the delivery of our aid which was sent by C-5 to Ryson. Ground transportation from Ryson to Tula was provided by the Russian military. A moderate amount of pilfering occurred on the ground run, but this was expected. The approach plates have been filed with the 109th for future aid deliveries. Tula will become a commercial airport as their market economy takes hold.
ESTONIA'S NEED FOR 3,000 MACHINE GUNS
The third objective of the February trip to Moscow relates to discussion of machine guns in Tula.
In December while in Tallinn I was having lunch with my best friend in the Estonian government. When we had finished our meal and had discussed a number of mutual interests, I asked him, as I always have before leaving his country, "Is there any problem here in Tallinn which my special expertise might be helpful to you in solving?".
He was not hesitant in his response. "Yes, there is a matter that we are wrestling with at this time which you could help us with. We need 3,000 machine guns to protect our common Estonian/Russian border!"
He explained that an agreement with occupying Soviet forces would leave small arms with the Estonian border guards when the troops left Estonia. That arrangement had been rescinded.
This turn of events generated an obvious threat. The standard of living east of Estonia is lower. A byproduct of Soviet unrest in the winter ahead could be roving bands of armed hooligans intent on mischief.
I promised to do what I could.
Page seven of this newsletter carries a report of my efforts regarding the "naked border" which had become a primary concern of President Ruutel in those dark days of December.
I will share a few thoughts that stand out in my mind as I think back on this interesting project.
Checking with business friends in Tallinn indicated there was little perception of the potential threat to Estonian borders. Indeed, they had no knowledge of the breakdown in negotiations for Soviet light arms.
At home I came under unexpected criticism. "Dad, you're a public service type person! You have an unblemished reputation as an educator and 'helping person'. If you become a gun dealer, your image will be ruined!" I agreed that might be true, and then kept my thoughts to myself.
Following my Tula Airport experience, I met with Mayor Tyutyunov and other Tula government leaders to discuss the Albany HUMANITARIAN AID scheduled for arrival within the week. The next contact was with the leadership of the Tula Arms Factory.
The attitude of the London contact for arms was an eye-opener in its crassness. The discussion with Tula arms specialists was different - warm, direct and cordial,
Ruutel's office arranged a meeting with Deputy Minister of the Interior, Arved Taaska - one of the most remarkable men I've met in my travels. His English is impeccable. He is a dapper dresser, spent 25 years in the Soviet Army, and spoke eloquently on the joys and pleasures of his recent visit to the US. A warm, delightful colleague with whom to hammer out a document for 3,000 machine guns.
Estonian Deputy Minister of the Interior.
A retired General with the soul of a poet.
The Estonian march to independence has been called a "victimless" journey since no lives were lost in the process. This was the result of Ruutel's leadership, and of his friendship with Yeltsin who on two occasions interceded on President Ruutel's behalf. Thus the recommended letter from "Arnold" to "Boris".
A SPECIAL PHONE FOR PEETER
Following the coup, Director General Peeter Sookruus of the Estonian Broadcasting Company said in. a letter to me, "Estonian Broadcasting Company played a critical role in our recent emergency and was the only radio within USSR borders not controlled by Moscow. However, we now recognize how vulnerable we might have been, had our telephone lines been cut."
He went on to express his organization's need for a radio that could operate without the use of telephone lines. I offered to help him find such an instrument.
Since Peeter's concern of August 23, 1991, I've looked into the matter of satellite telephones and cellular telephones.
American cellular phones do not function in Europe. After a number of false starts, I contacted President and CEO George Fisher of MOTOROLA.
It is a pleasure to report that, by the time you receive this newsletter, Peeter will have his MOTOROLA NMT 450 cellular phone through the generosity of President Fisher and his staff. "It will be a small contribution to welcome Estonia back into the Western community of nations" are the words I recall from Jeremy Buckland, the European Manager for MOTOROLA, who is handling the delivery of the unit.
Many thanks, MOTOROLA!
AVIES BECOMES NEW ESTONIAN AIRLINE
You may recall from previous reports that ESTAIR became the first Estonian airline. With the advantages offered "entrepreneurship" in a new Estonian economy, I'm pleased to report that a second airline has been formed and is now operating under "Certificate Number 2" serving flight interests in that geographic area.
Those who have formed this airline are friends, and I am providing support when they need it,
I've obtained the listing of all 121 modifications for their aircraft, and microfiche of the airframe and engine parts and service manuals. I will find a way to get this material to Tallinn as soon as possible.
AVIES Piper Chieftain with Director Gennady, interpreter Ludmila, Mil, and chief pilot.
CONCLUSION
It is disappointing that there has not been space, or time, to bring you up-to-date on the exciting things going on with TEN ROMEO during the last many months. While my newsletters covering the last twelve months have dealt primarily with activities resulting from the political "fall-out" of recent events in the former USSR, there has been ongoing attention to aircraft work in preparation for the excitement ahead.
My next report will reach you soon, and it will be devoted primarily to my next two flying goals.
Thanks to all of you for your interest and support, with special appreciation to those involved in the "Tula" project.
PEACE TO ALL!
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A PRIMARY NEED IN THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA
A Report by Dr. Millard Harmon
BACKGROUND
In December of 1991, I became aware of a primary concern of President Arnold Ruutel of the newly reestablished Republic of Estonia.
With a bleak winter ahead, many problems faced the Estonian leadership including the shortage of food, medicines, and heating oil. Above these critical necessities was the desperate, but little known, need for 3,000 machine guns to protect the new Estonian borders from the potential danger of roving bands of armed hooligans. Soviet military forces departing Estonia had contracted to leave their light arms behind for border protection, but this arrangement was rescinded. Thus, the safety of 1.6 million Estonians required immediate attention to border security.
Locating 3,000 machine guns became, my primary focus.
My contacts were unsuccessful in the United States, since the illegality of machine guns has closed down such arms dealing. It was possible to make contact with an arms dealer in London who had 3,000 Thompson submachine guns available which were manufactured in Yugoslavia for NATO. The London dealer was unwilling to state the price for a stripped-down standard gun, so the London contact was dropped, and on 2/28/92 I traveled to Tula, Russia.
In Tula I met with the leadership of the Tula Arms Factory. The intent was to negotiate for the AK-47. However, when placing the Estonian border problem before factory officials, they suggested that a newer, better weapon was available, the AKC-74-Y. The new weapon is lighter, and uses 5 mm ammunition rather than 7 mm, an advantage in the close action of border protection. A straightforward, firm, reasonable price was quoted to me.
A DOCUMENT NEGOTIATED
On 3/5/92 I returned to Tallinn and met with the Estonian Deputy Minister of the Interior who is responsible for border protection.
I knew hard currency was extremely scarce within the Estonian government, so I asked the Deputy Minister if it was worth spending such limited funds to eliminate the border risk. He thought it was, but it was then suggested that a purchase offer be made in rubles which are more plentiful.
The Deputy Minister and I, in consultation with President Ruutel's office which had arranged the meeting with the Minister, then composed the following letter to be sent from President Ruutel to President Yeltsin:
Dear Boris (Yeltsin):
We desperately need 3,000 AKC-74-Y machine guns to protect our common borders from drug trafficking, organized crime movement, and armed dissidents. It would be mutually advantageous for our common border to be stabilized.
I have authorized our Deputy Minister of the Interior to make available 4,000 rubles per gun, or 12,000,000 rubles for purchase of these weapons.
Respectfully,
Arnold (Ruutel)
It is hoped that through this document Estonian borders are now secure.
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
December 20, 1991
The
President
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington, DC 20500
Mr. President:
I have just returned from my 43rd trip to Moscow where I received disturbing news from my friends, and yours, of the INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF USA AND CANADA about Vladimir Zhirinovsky.
Several days before my arrival in Moscow, Mr. Zhirinovsky appeared in one of the largest Moscow theaters with a microphone, and addressed the audience before the film.
"When I am your President I will shoot truck drivers until our transportation system begins to move food to our city again. And I'll solve the Baltic 'difficulty' - I'll plant our radio-active waste on their borders with huge fans to blow the dangerous pollution across their population centers. You call me a 'Hitler'? What a compliment! Do you realize Hitler provided full employment for his people? He also built the best highway system in Europe! Vote for me and I'll solve all our problems!"
I was told that the remarkable part about Zhirinovsky's performance was the wildly enthusiastic response of the theater audiences.
Our INSTITUTE friends indicate that 1/3rd of their population is willing to give President Yeltsin the time necessary for democracy to work. Another 1/3rd is willing to jump on Zhirinovsky's bandwagon immediately. This leaves 1/3rd of the population as a "swing-group" which could go either way, depending upon what happens in the next few weeks. If food becomes more available quickly, they will give Yeltsin the time he needs. If not, they will join Zhirinovsky's radical following which could lead to another totalitarian state.
We must find a way to move increased amounts of food to Moscow immediately!
I'm holding this letter until you return from your important work in the Far East. Once the backlog is cleared from your desk, we must find innovative, divergent ways to influence positively the Moscow "swing-group" toward providing the time to give democracy a chance.
Warmest regards to you and your charming wife!
Respectfully,
Millard Harmon
#24280950-290
cc: Dr. Georgi Arbatov and Dr. Sergey Plekhanov