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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, June 13, 1980
Page 17
But, getting back to Europe, the realization of just how weak, how exposed
the contin�nt really is, is just beginning to dawn on its men of influence
Claude Imbert, chief editor of the French news magazine Le Point, writes
in the June 2, 1980 Newsweek (European edition): "No matter how much we
Europeans criticized American leadership in the past, we never ceased
relying on it. So now that the United States appears to be failing in its
mission as leader and champion of the European alliance, we are suddenly
aware of our weaknesses vis-a-vis the Soviet Union--politically, economic
ally and, most importantly, strategically. This awareness is heightened
since most of us...worry that the United States may not resume its full
world role for a decade--if not longer.
"In Europe, the prospects of a new relationship with the Soviet Union take
several forms. They are all, however, underlined by the fear of a weak
Europe compared� an increasingly strong, arrogant and self-assured
Soviet Union, which now deliberately--and ostentatiously--displays its
power. In recent talks with French diplomats, Soviet leaders didn't
bother to conceal their new arrogance. Yes, they said, with positively
Hitlerian brutality, we moved into Afghanistan. So what? It's no concern
of yours what we do there.
"The Soviets use the same tactics over the question of nuclear weapons in
Europe. Never mind about our SS20s, the Kremlin now says. They are not
your coRcern.
Just don't put Pershings [U.S. missiles] in Europe. There
is no bargaining climate anymore, no more talk of equilibrium--simply a
bald assertion of the bully's might. This behavior is the prelude to a
bid for the neutralization of Europe, a long-term Soviet goal."
Too many Europeans, asserts Mr. Imbert, are succumbing to the "siren song"
from Moscow. They are being lulled, he contends, by the idea that "Fin
landization" may not be so bad after all. Mr. Imbert appeals to fellow
Europeans to "take stock of ourselves before it's too late. We must
remember that French President Charles de Gaulle only took an independent
line because he knew that he was, in the last resort, secure within the
overall U.S. defense orbit."
In view of America's decline and Russia's burgeoning power, Europe, con
cluded Mr. Imbert, "is only now becoming conscious of how alone it is.
A stretch of solitude is always beneficial if it is used to reflectCJn
ultimate goals and airns--especially if they involve an ultimate spiritual
survival."
--Gene H. Hogberg, News Bureau