Saving Radio Free Europe for Democracy's Sake

I have heard with great dismay of the new American government's plans, for financial reasons, to put an end to the work of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty. I usually urge government administrations to economize; but with this intention to liquidate the Munich stations, American policy undermines its own successes.

The Radios are the voice of the free world. It was this voice, beamed by America into the East Bloc, that prepared the ground for the bloodless revolutions of 1989 in Eastern Europe. It shows the magnanimity and political maturity of your country that the triumph over socialism has not led the Bush or Clinton administrations to haughtiness. But your modesty should not extend to the quiet liquidation of American positions in Europe. There is a broad majority in Germany who have not forgotten America's con tributions to the defense of our freedom.

A sensible and future-oriented policy includes the nurturing of old friendships. It lies in America's interest not to pull back too far from European society. Americans should not liquidate these stations that are so useful to their own interests and to those of democracy. Peter Schiwy, Berlin

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