TEN ROMEO NEWSLETTER
Report 53
August 1, 1992
Dear Friends:
In early July I made a trip to Tallinn to evaluate conditions under the new Estonian currency reforms.
I'm pleased to report that conditions seemed to be improved. The thriving black market street action was gone. Hotel costs were $50.00 per night - not the $300.00 or $400.00 one expects in Moscow. Hotel food was reasonable. Bananas were available on almost every street corner. The cost was high, but in earlier days there was but one delivery a year. Skirts were short, short, SHORT. I mentioned this to Rev. Olav who said, "It is said in Tallinn that wives and daughters make skirts out of their husband's and father's ties!" A harbinger of better times ahead? (Sorry, no room for candid shots in this report!)
Visa and other problems precluded my usual trip to Moscow. These difficulties should be resolved before my Moscow travel later this month. The "action" memos included here represent a sampling of my efforts since returning from Tallinn on July 14th.
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
CRISIS RESOLUTION PROPOSAL
July 28, 1992
To: The Honorable Arnold Ruutel, President
of Estonia
The Honorable Boris Yeltsin, President of Russia
The Honorable
Alfonse D'Amato, US Senator from New York
The Honorable Patrick Moynihan, US
Senator from New York
Gentlemen:
For two years I have served as a "mediator" to help ease tensions between Moscow and Tallinn. I am identified on my multiple reentry visa by the Foreign Ministry in Moscow as a "mediator."
I understand an international committee is being formed to help mediate the removal of Russian troops from Estonian and other Baltic soil. This committee may be (should be?) structured under a UN mandate.
There are disparate views on this difficult problem, and I will focus on Estonia with the hope that any success in the removal of the 22,000 Russian soldiers from Estonian soil could be a model for Latvia and Lithuania.
The Estonian government's position is that the "occupying" forces should be gone "tomorrow." (Continued presence of Russian troops there will increase friction between Estonian Defense Forces and Russian soldiers with continued "incidents," two of which have occurred this month.)
Russian military leaders indicate it will be the year 2000 before all Russian troops are removed from Estonia. This date is too distant.
The view of the US Congress ties the US portion of the $24 billion assistance to CIS with the removal of Russian troops from Baltic soil without recognizing the bureaucratic nature of CIS infrastructure precluding any fast action. And, a delay in assistance from the West could be disastrous!
Each of the above positions needs modification in a way that saves face for all involved and allows this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible.
I have been told that I will be nominated to the international committee to address this difficult matter, but time is so critical that immediate steps should be focused upon an option similar to the German solution.
Thus, I am preparing a "WHITE PAPER" for circulation, suggesting that $17 million of the US one billion in assistance be allocated for the purchase of 1100 New York-produced prefabricated houses and delivery to Moscow for dwellings for the 1100 officers in command of Estonian garrisons. This plan could hasten the departure of troops from Baltic soil, and might facilitate an earlier release of Western aid to CIS.
You, Senators D'Amato and Moynihan, are two of our most skillful public servants and could move this plan through appropriate government channels.
Respectfully
Millard Harmon
cc: The Honorable Jan Martenson, UN, Geneva, Switzerland
Manager Edward Decker, Titan Mobil
Homes, Inc., Sangerfield, NY
Others as Appropriate
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
CRISIS RESOLUTION SUGGESTION
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON PROPOSED HOUSING
TITAN MOBILE HOMES, INC. is located in Sangerfield, New York, USA, with corporate headquarters in Michigan.
A 14x48-foot unit should meet the need of the average Russian military officer and his family. This unit includes two bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, and kitchen.
Additional Information:
- Units will have a roof constructed to New York State specifications
including a peak and insulation. (No flat roofs because of snow.)
- Units include washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and heating package.
- Electrical appliances will be provided by GE International and conform to
the electrical source at destination.
- Delivery of 1100 units to embarkation port possible within six months.
Cost estimates:
14x48 unit @ $10,000.00 each for 1100 units = $11,000,000.00
Transportation - USA to Russia @ $5,000 each = 5,500,000.00 *
Unexpected
contingencies
= 500,000.00
$17,000,000.00
* Cost estimates are based upon a recent TITAN delivery of 1700 14x48 units to Israel. The cost of delivery to Russia might be reduced if inactive Russian merchant ships presently docked in Murmansk were utilized. The Russian government might welcome the opportunity to activate shipping required for this project, and would certainly appreciate hard currency shipping payments.
Floor Plan of 14x48 Unit:
2 BEDROOM MODEL 445T 14' X 46' 613 SQ. FT.
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
July 30, 1992
Chairman Edison W. Spencer
FORD FOUNDATION
320 East 43rd Street
New York, NY
10017
Dear Chairman Spencer:
We need your help!
The children of Tallinn, Estonia, are in dire need of a CT SCANNER.
Two years ago my friends at the INSTITUTE OF THE USA AND CANADA in Moscow suggested that I make myself available to Estonian leadership to work toward increased understanding between Moscow and Tallinn. This assignment has been pursued, with the resolution of a number of small misunderstandings. In this process I have become aware of a number of needs in the Estonian community.
On July 14th I returned from my 44th trip to Tallinn where I continued my friendship with a delightful five-year-old named Sergey who has undergone five major brain operations in his young life. This appears to be the result of his mother having been caught under the Chernobyl cloud while pregnant.
As I investigated Sergey's diagnosis, I became acquainted with the medical community in Tallinn, and learned that without the diagnostic capability of a modern CT SCANNER children often suffer unnecessary exploratory surgery.
I understand health concerns, other than "Planned Parenthood," have not been served by your prestigious organization. However, as a professional educator my first contact for help is with you. I hope you have the time to briefly focus on our problem, since my friends in your organization have retired.
The children's need in Tallinn is great, and with no modern CT SCANNER, Estonia rates at the bottom of the world community regarding health care a SCANNER provides. Could the FORD FOUNDATION assist Estonia in acquiring a CT SCANNER?
If not, could you suggest where our efforts might be focused to acquire this piece of modern health equipment for the children of Tallinn?
Respectfully,
Millard Harmon.
Enclosure
cc: Dr. Toomas Adams - Sergey's Radiologist
The Honorable Andres Kork M.D.,
Minister of Health, Republic of Estonia
The Honorable Arnold Ruutel, President,
Republic of Estonia
0thers as Appropriate
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
SPECIAL PROJECT SUGGESTION
July 24, 1992
To: Director Rolf Hassenblatt
SHELL OIL COMPANY, Vantaa, Finland
From: Dr. Millard Harmon
Dear Rolf:
How fortunate I was to catch you in on my layover at Vantaa on July 14th on my way from TLL to JFK. Thanks for your agreement-in-principle that Estonian General Aviation colleagues need all the help we in the West can furnish.
For the last several years I have been providing help and advice to Mati Sormus and his colleagues in Tallinn. I am sending you a number of background reports relating to my partnership with Estonian aviation.
My present concern is a PIPER CHIEFTAIN recently acquired by AVIES. Russian fuel could kill those two Continental engines very quickly.
A mutual friend of ours in Helsinki suggested the obvious solution to the AVIES matter: acquire a Russian fuel truck and put it on the ferry to Helsinki once a week for SHELL 100 LL.
On July 8th, I suggested that solution for fuel to General Director Gennady Lazurin of AVIES. Investigation revealed that former Soviet trucks do not meet emission standards, and thus may not be driven from the port to Vantaa and back for fuel. Neither do Soviet trucks have western type filters.
The solution to protection of that beautiful CHIEFTAIN became very obvious!
Arrange with SHELL friends in Helsinki to provide a SHELL fuel truck to AVIES for the weekly trip to Vantaa.
There are two options that might be considered:
1. A refurbished fuel truck - used long enough to be discounted by SHELL might be provided as a gift to AVIES, or
2. An on-line fleet SHELL fueler might be provided AVIES on a two-year loan while AVIES gets on its feet.
For three years I negotiated with the Moscow Civil Air Board. One of my ignored suggestions was that they place SHELL 100 LL at Sheremetyevo for private pilot colleagues wanting to fly into Moscow. At that time, I kept John Davenport and his colleagues at SHELL INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMPANY in London informed of my work. If the above two options are beyond your capability in Helsinki, I think we could sell London on supporting your help to AVIES. Provide AVIES with a SHELL truck (new or old) and you would be in on the ground floor of future general aviation growth in the former USSR!
cc: General Director Mati Sormus, Estonian
State Department of Aviation
General Manager Gennady Lazurin,
AVIES
Others as Appropriate
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
MEMORANDUM
July 31, 1992
To: President & CEO Carl C. Icahn
TRANS WORLD AIRLINES, INC.
Phone: 914-242-3000
FAX: 914-242-3917
Dear President Icahn:
You and your crew of Flight 843 are to be congratulated for the excellent evacuation procedures executed last evening in what could have become a major disaster. Saving all 292 souls aboard your 1011, under such critical circumstances, must be considered fulfillment of effective training.
While we are all thankful for the success of the evacuation last evening, the loss of that beautiful 1011 is considerable, and may need to be replaced quickly to fulfill TWA booking obligations. You may have surplus aircraft stored on the desert in Arizona as many US carriers do. If not, and you need a replacement quickly, I'd like to call your attention to FINNAIR.
While returning from Helsinki earlier this month, it came to my attention that FINNAIR has five DC-1O-30/s available for sale or lease as they update to MD-11s for their intercontinental routes.
I have worked with FINNAIR for the last eight years in helping the former USSR and the present CIS improve use of their air space. My friendship with FINNAIR leadership has taught me that they are socially aware, and helpful beyond expectation of a business enterprise.
If information on the following aircraft is of interest to you, I'm sure FINNAIR would assist you during this difficult time. A short-term lease would be possible while you pull equipment out of the desert, or a purchase option could be available. These aircraft are well maintained and are presently fulfilling charter needs, but one could be available immediately.
FINNAIR DC-10-30/s - All upper galley with a MAX. of 355 seats.
Registration Hours
MAX. Two KGS Serial No. Notes
OI1-LHA 67487 259500
47956 Original Buy
OH-LHB 70282 259500
47957 Original Buy
N-345HC 40244 267600
48265 Extended Range
OH-LHD 68722 256300
47865 Purch. - Alitalia
OH-LHE 53152 259500
46978 Leased to 1994
If there is a chance that the above aircraft could be of help to you, you will find the FINNAIR leadership to be sharp minded, but also warm, helpful and cooperative.
Warmest regards!
Cordially,
Millard Harmon
cc: VP Leif Lundstrom, FINNAIR - Phone 358-0-818-8500, FAX 358-0-818-8739
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
July 30, 1992
To: General Col. Pavel Grachev, Russian Defense Minister
Minister
Alexander A. Larin, Russian Civil Aviation
Chief Gerinady G. Matveev,
International Relations, Civil Aviation
Chief Alexander V. Balaur, Protocol,
Civil Aviation
Gentlemen:
What exciting opportunities you leaders have in these days of change!
Russian air space will now have the possibility of becoming like US, Canadian, and Australian air space - completely free and open.
Russia has many similarities to the United States. Your country is vast, your population is diverse, and the Russian personality parallels the American personality in terms of the "can do" philosophy which has turned Siberia into a vibrant, productive area - similar to our West of earlier years.
Most airspace in the world is far more restrictive than in the three countries mentioned above. Your future, and that special quality of your people, will benefit most if you adopt the free and open air space enjoyed by me and my flying colleagues in America.
Russia is filled with dynamic, capable young men and women who can't wait to fly their own home-built aircraft in Russian skies. As you know, I have many friends in President Volk's organization, FEDERATION OF AVIATION AMATEURS, with whom I have worked in recent years in support of their desire to expand the general aviation sector within Russia. It is important that an open and regulation-free policy be considered for the future.
A step toward "open skies" could be taken by allowing commercial aircraft more flexibility to utilize "great circle" travel into Moscow and other Russian centers as well as over Russian territory. Equipment in modern aircraft can handle "direct" flights while saving fuel and time. Small adjustments of your MOAs (Military Operating Areas) to the north or west could facilitate direct flights to your major airports. With time, these great circle routes could eventually become designated as airways. This could be done with little modification of ground navigation aids.
If it would be convenient, I would like to meet with you during my August trip to Moscow to discuss effective small steps that might be considered at this time in preparing for the future. The three years I spent negotiating with you and your colleagues, Gennady, for small modifications of your air regulations were helpful to Western general aviation pilots.
Let's hope further discussion on such matters will be helpful!
Respectfully,
Millard Harmon
cc: Cosmonaut Igor Volk, FEDERATION OF
AVIATION AMATEURS
Others as Appropriate
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Harmon Associates
34 Elsmere Avenue
Delmar, New York 12054
(518) 439-7166 FAX (518) 475-0434
MEMORANDUM
August 1, 1992
To: Cosmonaut
Igor Volk
President, FEDERATION OF AVIATION AMATEURS
From: Dr. Millard Harmon
Dear Igor:
I recall with great pleasure my association with you and your colleagues over a number of years. It was my intervention with Admiral Don Engen which resulted in the invitation which enabled your group to make your first flight to Western soil - the flight to Seattle.
You will also recall that I met a number of times with you and your colleagues to hammer out arrangements for DODSON AVIATION to purchase five YAK-l8Ts for $20,000.00 each. A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING underwent modifications and adjustments over an extensive period of time to satisfy your expectations. DODSON accepted the final document, and I understood the modifications suggested by your negotiating team satisfied you. Last February I left in Moscow five copies of the MEMORANDUM signed by DODSON for delivery to you, but copies with your signature have never reached us.
Next week President Robert Dodson will be in Moscow with The Honorable Joan Finney, Governor of Kansas, and an American economic team to investigate investment and purchase opportunities in Russia. DODSON is prepared to finalize the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING while in Moscow, which should allow the agreement which we have worked on for two years to be executed to mutual satisfaction.
This FAX is to alert you to a call from the American Economic Council team's interpreters next week. They expect to bring you and Dodson together.
It may be helpful for you to understand the rationale behind the purchase offer for your aircraft which we determined two years ago.
For your YAK-l8Ts to be sold to a wide market in the United States, the aircraft will have to undergo extensive modification at the DODSON facility. The panel must be replaced with installation of an FAA-certified instrument configuration. Other work will be required to remove the "EXPERIMENTAL" status of the YAK-l8Ts for broad marketing in America. You will recall that we suggested this first purchase of five aircraft would be a test program with the hope of purchasing several dozen in the future. The modifications we have in mind will cost around $40,000.00. We need to keep final price to American buyers, including shipping a ancillary costs, under $70,000.00.
Warmest regards! You will enjoy meeting President Dodson!
Cordially,
Millard Harmon
cc: President Robert Dodson, DODSON AVIATION, INC.