Letter writer Hugh G. Paterson failed to understand the historical underpinnings of the Lithuanian-Soviet economic relationship. Suggesting the Soviet Union is somehow propping up the Lithuanian economy is preposterous. Proportionally, quite the opposite is the case.
The manufactured goods and agricultural products produced by Lithuania with ”subsidized raw materials” are hauled off to Russia proper at confiscatory rates of exchange. After 50 years of slave labor reinforced through an extensive network of political terror, the Lithuanians simply want out.
While Moscow`s handling of the current situation is peaceful by Soviet standards, it falls woefully short of those demanded by civilized nations, a community the Soviets desperately want to enter. The Vilnius government has been a paradigm of dignity and statesmanship. Its calls for negotiations fall on deaf ears in the Kremlin. Mr. Landsbergis` biggest mistake was believing President Bush put this nation`s ideals ahead of Pepsi-for-vodka swaps.
