Getting Close to the Soviets in This Country and Theirs

I am referring to the various articles you ran regarding a visit by high-ranking Soviets to Orange County last week.

If people from the Soviet Union are being invited to exchange ideas with the average “Joe”--if there is such a person--for heaven’s sake, get someone who knows something about the history of the visitor’s country, their political and social systems and their current philosophy.

The people handpicked for this occasion, by the questions and responses reported, are really ignorant of the facts, considering that the Soviets who are permitted to travel abroad are passionately dedicated to their system, are highly educated about the host country, and are masters at manipulating the people with whom they come into contact.

I find it hard to believe that our people would make such ignorant statements and comments to the Soviet visitors. Isn’t there anyone else out there to interact with the Soviets who is better prepared?

HELENA CRAIG

Huntington Beach