Claiborne Pell: “I am concerned by the calls that I have heard during the last few days for an abrupt change in United States policy…”

“I am concerned by the calls that I have heard during the last few days for an abrupt change in United States policy toward Russia, including for an end to United States assistance. I agree that there are some disturbing sounds and images emanating from individuals in Russia: Provocative claims that Russia has a special interest in neighboring countries and nationalist cries for the unity of all Russians. The revelation that one of our senior CIA officials was spying for Russia is the latest bit of troublesome news. However, I believe that calls for us to disengage and to end our assistance program are hasty, counterproductive, and dangerous. I, like everyone else, am deeply troubled by the alleged activities of the CIA officer in question, including the possibility that he may have been responsible for the loss of lives. As I suggested to the Secretary of State at yesterday's Foreign Relations Committee hearing, however, it is naive to think that countries--even friends--do not spy on one another. While the United States should pursue the Ames case vigorously with the Russians, it would be inappropriate to retaliate by writing off Russia and shutting down our assistance program. At this delicate point in Russia's development, it is critical that we not lose sight of the big picture.”