Solidarity Crushed

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To the Editors: People around the world are shocked by the military action to crush Solidarity [Dec. 28]. Obviously, the imposition of martial law and the ruthless action that followed were on direct orders from the Kremlin. Under such circumstances, the U.S. and the West should immediately suspend economic and food aid to Poland. Continuing it only endorses and subsidizes Communist oppression. YaWar Shahabuddin Ottawa

Ronald Reagan has again faced a world crisis with a B-grade script. His speech regarding the situation in Poland was simply empty phrases for empty stomachs. I sincerely doubt that a single Pole will benefit from our sanctions or the burning of candles in the windows of America. Craig Schreiner Woodstock, Ill.

President Reagan has said, "We should help the Polish people, not the Polish government." The effect is the same. Whatever help we give, the less the Soviets will have to kick in. James J. Cunningham Hatboro, Pa.

The photograph with the caption ". . . stunned worshipers listen to priest's words of comfort" is a graphic interpretation of Marx's thought that "religion is the opium of the people." Roy D. Baker Truckee, Calif.

It isn't Jaruzelski who clamped down on the Poles. It is the string pullers in Moscow. We do not threaten our allies with invasion if they do not stop their strikes or riots. But the Soviet Union does. The Poles have done what others in Communist countries fear to do. Brigham A. McCown Ironton, Ohio

Poland is a classic example of the "peace" being promoted by the pacifist movement. Anthony B. De Angelis Willingboro, N.J.

All free men must react with consternation to the oppressive methods used by the Polish military government under orders from Moscow. The world can no longer permit the Soviets to deny essential freedoms in Eastern Europe even if the cost is thermonuclear war. Alexander P. Grantt Bonita Springs, Fla.

Poland is another example of the failure of Communism. Bullying, beating and interning people who want to be free are signs of a frightened, cowardly ideology in chaos. Walls, guards and barbed-wire fences should be put up around prisons—not nations. Richard Sypen Aurora, Ohio

Begin's Blitz

The majority of people in Israel agree in principle with the plan to annex the Golan Heights [Dec. 28].

However, most Israelis recognize the blind stupidity in passing a law to legalize such a step at this time. Unfortunately, Menachem Begin is not one of them. Daniel Ben-Tal Jerusalem

If Begin stands by his unsanctioned predation, the American Eagle will drop him, and the Russian Bear will gobble him up. Walter Gerzin Dover, Del.

Syria occupies Lebanon in the name of peace, yet has missiles aimed at Israel and rejects the U.S. negotiating efforts. Israel retaliates by announcing virtual annexation of the Golan Heights and, ironically, is immediately condemned.

Instead of vowing not to talk to Israel for the next 100 years, Syria ought to sit down at the negotiating table. It might be in for a surprise. Israel does have a rapacious appetite—not for land but for peace. Helen Aminoff Ann Arbor, Mich.

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