U.S. Considers More Aid for Baltic People
WASHINGTON — The Bush Administration is considering economic and diplomatic steps to expand U.S. support for the rebellious Baltic republics in their drive for independence from the Soviet Union.
The measures under consideration include the opening of information offices in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and provision of technical assistance for their economies, U.S. officials said today.
The contemplated moves fall short of formal diplomatic ties with the three republics.
A senior American diplomat, Richard Miles, has made two visits to the republics’ capitals and will hold more frequent discussions with leaders of the independence movements, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
President Bush announced last week that the United States would provide medical aid to the Baltics. The hospital ship Hope, under contract to the Agency for International Development, set sail Tuesday with supplies.
The medical help may be only the first step in a vastly expanded program. New initiatives are being prepared within the State Department for the consideration of Administration decision-makers.
“It is not a new policy. We are trying to demonstrate our political support,” one official said. “So far what we may do is at the talking stage.”
The United States has never recognized the World War II incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into the Soviet Union.
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