30 May 1997
A 'NEW MARSHALL PLAN'; 'SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP' RELAUNCHED
President Clinton's stay in The Netherlands and Britain on
a tour designed to highlight his vision of the U.S.
commitment to Europe received leading story coverage
throughout that continent and elsewhere. Commentators
focused on his call May 28 in The Hague to help rebuild the
countries of the former Soviet bloc "in the spirit of the
Marshall Plan" that 50 years ago set Western Europe on the
path to democracy, prosperity and peaceful cooperation.
A majority of analysts enthusiastically approved the thrust
of the president's initiative, with Paris's centrist La
Tribune remarking that it was "a nice way to finish off the
task begun by General Marshall and to consolidate America's
economic and political values" throughout Europe.
Editorials endorsed Mr. Clinton's emphasis on self-help,
open markets and private enterprise and his assertion that
NATO enlargement would help anchor the new democracies in
the East in a larger Europe. London's conservative Daily
Telegraph held that he "put his finger...rather well" on
the substance of the Marshall Plan--that it was not simply
about economic aid, but "about know-how...opening
markets...fostering economic cooperation." Other writers
complained that the speech was "vague" and that the
president did not offer to "shell out a cent." "The U.S.,"
carped government-funded France Inter Radio, "wants to
exercise its power without having to pay for it." Left-
leaning, influential La Repubblica of Rome emphasized that
the Clinton plan "must be transformed into a series of
concrete initiatives, if the rich West's private sector is
to take up the challenge." Warsaw's centrist-right Zycie
remained skeptical that other countries would follow Mr.
Clinton's lead: "The American president appealed to the
Western countries to include new members in the European
Union, but no one picked up the proposal," it said.
Several writers pointed out that the West is already
helping former Warsaw Pact countries to put their political
and economic houses in order. Istanbul's mass-appeal
Hurriyet suggested that another Marshall Plan should be
implemented for the recently emerged Central Asian
republics. The Hague commemoration of the Marshall Plan,
in turn, evoked many paeans to its achievements from
grateful journalists. Right-of-center Frankfurter
Allgemeine remarked that the plan's success went "beyond
the economic" to include creating "the bases for European
unification."
Observers also highlighted the Clintons' popularity among
the Dutch during their stay in The Hague. Amsterdam's
Calvinist left Trouw gushed that "Clinton and his wife can
rejoice in sheer warm-heartedness" and conservative De
Telegraaf stated that "Hillary Clinton loves Amsterdam and
Amsterdammers love the American first lady." Independent
Catholic De Standaard of Brussels diagnosed the "kind of
craziness (that has) fallen on The Netherlands these last
days" as "Clinton mania." Media covering yesterday's
meeting between President Clinton and British Prime
Minister Blair concluded that it re-established the
"special relationship" between the U.S. and Great Britain.
London's Independent Television News judged that the two
leaders "established a remarkable rapport, giving the
Anglo-American relationship a new momentum."
This survey is based on 38 reports from 11 countries, May
20-30.
EDITOR: Mildred Sola Neely
EUROPE
THE NETHERLANDS: "Sheer Warm-Heartedness For Clintons"
Calvinist left Trouw pointed out (5/29), "If there is
anything that President Clinton's visit has made clear, it
is that much has changed. Ten or 20 years ago, our country
would have been full of protest--against the cruise
missiles, the war in Vietnam and against everything
American in general. Today, however, Clinton and his wife
can rejoice in sheer warm-heartedness.... The most
remarkable thing probably is that we have begun to have a
different view of the United States. In the speeches by
Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Kok, the message was that
the Americans showed us the way to a stable and prosperous
Europe and that we should now ignite that torch in Eastern
Europe as soon as possible.
"One may call it rhetoric--but it also reflects the
consensus which we have not known for a long time.
Apparently, with the fall of the wall, the earlier
objections against 'capitalism' disappeared and we tend to
think along the same lines as the Americans. Yet, those
lines have their limits.... It is true, Eastern Europe
could use much more investment. But, Clinton is right to
say that a lot is going on and that it is up to Eastern
Europe itself to create opportunities."
"Confirmation Of Willingness To Include Eastern Europe"
An editorial in conservative De Telegraaf (5/29) commented,
"The U.S.-European summit in The Hague resulted in a
confirmation of the willingness to involve Eastern Europe
in the unification of Europe which actually started 50
years ago with the Marshall Plan.... Russia and the other
former Soviet states completely lack the human and
technical infrastructure to use the offered assistance
efficiently. President Clinton rightly so pointed that
out. Fifty years ago, Europe was destroyed, but had
potential. After 70 years of communism, Russia has been
destroyed and it does not have anything left. In this
light, it was good to call for private investments."
"Hillary Clinton Loves Amsterdam And Amsterdammers Love
Her"
Conservative De Telegraaf front-paged this under the
headline "Amsterdam Conquered With A Smile" (5/28):
"Hillary Clinton loves Amsterdam and Amsterdammers love the
American first lady. This proved to be true yesterday
during the lightning visit of the charming wife of U.S.
president yesterday to the capital.... Both at the
Rijksmuseum and at the Anne Frankhuis, Hillary Clinton was
welcomed by several hundred people who tried to get a
glimpse of the 'most important woman in the world.'"
"Marshall Plan: It Worked"
Calvinist left Trouw (5/28) pointed out in an editorial:
"Putting in perspective the size, the impact and the goals
of the Marshall Plan with which the United States came to
the rescue of impoverished Europe after World War II,
President Clinton will be able to certainly claim one thing
during the commemoration in the Ridderzaal: It has worked.
The plan was the cornerstone for lasting cooperation and
stability in a Europe which was characterized, before, by
division and war.
"It would be naive to view the Marshall Plan as an act of
generosity of an idealistic people. That is not the case.
With their aid of many billions, the Americans had
strategic and commercial goals in mind. They wanted to
build a dam against expanding communism in many European
countries--also in The Netherlands. Furthermore, they
undoubtedly realized that a recovering Europe would turn
into a sizeable market. Why not? We always tend to link
aid to altruism. However, if there is one thing that we
have learned from the Marshall Plan, it is that the focus
on mutual interests can often enhance cooperation and
stability. Fifty years later, the part of Europe which has
become prosperous in the meantime is looking at an
impoverished Eastern
Europe and it is justified to hope that that same drive
for cooperation--which was present at that time--will
accompany the integration process."
"More Than Just A Speech Is Needed"
An editorial (5/27) in influential, independent NRC
Handelsblad stressed, "The decisive question is whether the
current U.S. government will continue to believe in its
own words. As Marshall knew, more than just a speech is
needed to solve a problem. The Truman administration began
to work energetically and the Marshall plan became a
success. Western Europe seized the opportunity and started
its reconstruction. If Clinton's stabilization plan--
encompassing all of Europe--is to succeed, Truman and
Marshall's efforts will have to be equalled. That will be
the real likeness between both events."
"Welcome Mr. President"
Centrist Haagsche Courant (5/27) said in an editorial, "The
visit of President Clinton is not only an honor for The
Hague. It is also a burden...there are so many security
measures.... But as our minister of interior said, 'Those
who invite a U.S. president know what they are getting
into.' Major gratitude is appropriate for the visionary
view of Marshall and the people who supported him.
Current President Clinton is therefore very welcome to
celebrate the Marshall commemoration with us. Clinton
should also get credit for the fact that the commemoration
takes place in an atmosphere with hardly any anti-
Americanism. The man who achieved the position in the
White House proved to be less isolationist than we had
feared. Despite opposition from the Congress, Clinton did
not step back from taking on his responsibilities in
foreign policy. It would therefore be good if the theme,
'former East bloc,' were raised during the visit to The
Hague."
BRITAIN: "Two Leaders At Ease With Common Goals"
BBC TV said (5/29): "The two youngest leaders in their
nations' history agreed today that a new era demands new
ideas.... They called for a regeneration of the special
relationship. At a high-visibility meeting at Downing
Street, the two leaders showed themselves to be at ease and
with common goals, and the two couples appeared to bond
easily."
"New Momentum For Anglo-American Relationship"
Independent Television News (ITN) judged (5/29): "The two
leaders spoke almost as one. It is clear that they have
established a remarkable rapport, giving the Anglo-American
relationship a new momentum."
"A New Accord Is Born"
The centrist Independent front-paged this report by
political editor Tony Bevins (5/30): "Tony Blair and Bill
Clinton opened up a new phase of buddy politics yesterday
with a rose garden press conference in which they both
declared the death of the old ideologies. The two leaders
agreed that they would pool ideas and drive for an
international program of job-creation. And there was hard
thinking and determination to push the peace process in
Northern Ireland. But the most remarkable accord, with
identical views echoed on both sides, was on the new
politics of a new generation of world leaders."
"Blair And Clinton In Harmony"
The tabloid Express said in an editorial (5/30): "The
visit went off without a hitch.... On the eternal problem
of Northern Ireland, for example, President Clinton
delivered as much as the
British could expect, promising to stay actively involved
as he told Sinn Fein/IRA that there must be an unequivocal
ceasefire in deed and word.... Without doubt, both
English-speaking nations benefit from a symbiotic
relationship between the White House and Downing Street.
Both men have personal reasons for wanting their
administrations to succeed. Mr. Clinton, serving his last
term as president, is seeking his place in history. Mr.
Blair, beginning his first term as prime minister, is
determined to win a second term."
"Clinton Put His Finger On The Issue Rather Well"
The conservative Daily Telegraph's diplomatic editor Chris
Lockwood judged (5/29): "The Marshall Plan, of course, was
never simply about money. It was about know-how, about
opening markets, about fostering economic cooperation....
In his speech, President Clinton put his finger on this
issue rather well, appealing to the EU to extend membership
to the East Europeans as rapidly as possible."
"Lessons From Marshall Plan For Eastern Europe"
An editorial in the independent Financial Times held
(5/29): "The Marshall Plan...was the most successful
example of enlightened self-interest in history.... When
the Berlin Wall came down, some argued that the United
States and Western Europe should show similar generosity.
No such vision was forthcoming, but neither has it proved
necessary. Although less grandiose and more pragmatic, the
joint approach of Europe and the United States has stressed
precisely the elements of the Marshall Plan which
contributed most to its success. These were the opening up
of markets and the creation of a favorable climate for
private investment.... If there is one lesson that can be
drawn from the post-war experience, it is that the
environment in which markets operate is at least as
important as the money that is pumped into them."
"Blair And Clinton Bond Could Aid Ulster"
Political Editor Tony Bevins wrote for the centrist
Independent (5/29): "Prime Minister Blair and President
Clinton will today seal a strong personal bond that could
yet help to promote a lasting peace in Northern Ireland....
The influence of the president on Northern Ireland could
be more immediate and dramatic if he is persuaded to use
all of his covert power and influence to persuade Sinn Fein
and the IRA that they must resume their ceasefire and open
the way for top-level talks on the future of Ireland."
GERMANY: "It's Up To Eastern Europeans"
Centrist Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung (5/30) remarked: "The
Eastern Europeans know that it is up to them to pull their
heads out of their economic quagmire. There will be no
comparable program as there was 50 years ago. It is true
that the leaders who assembled in The Hague promised
further assistance for the former communist states, but
the term 'Marshall Plan' was rightfully avoided in this
context. It would have only created illusions about the
extent of the support and could possibly have weakened
their own reform efforts according to the motto: The West
will finance our prosperity. However, on the basis of the
incalculable size of this move, such a financial transfer
is ruled out. In addition, the Western states are also in
dire straits. By the way, so far, more money has been
transferred to the Eastern part of Europe than the Marshall
aid if it were calculated on the value of today's
currencies."
"A Great Success Of U.S. Foreign Policy"
Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger noted on the front-page of
right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (5/30), "The
Marshall Plan is rightfully considered a great success of
U.S. foreign policy, not only because it called for
economic liberalization and promoted Europe's resurgence.
This is why it has become a myth and an ideal whose
imitation is recommended again and again. But
the lasting effect of the Marshall Plan goes beyond the
economic perspective. It finds itself in the European
institutions. The plan created the bases for European
unification and contributed to the reconciliation between
France and Germany and to Germany's integration into the
Western community. And it acted, together with NATO, as
an anchor for the United States of Europe. Unlike after
World War I, the United States did not give in to its
isolationist reflex but presented itself as a guaranteeing
power for European security. And this is one of the
outstanding achievements of U.S. post-war policy and thus
of the Marshall Plan."
"Why Europe Must Keep Pace With U.S."
Regional radio Bayerischer Rundfunk of Munich (5/28) aired
the following commentary by Horst Klaeuser: "The distance
between the United States and Europe was once smaller....
Obviously, Europe is unable to keep pace with the United
States. If, 50 years after the Marshall Plan, there is a
crisis between the United States and Europe, then this
crisis exists in the heads of the people, but not in their
wallets. Clinton's appeal to tackle a new Marshall Plan as
a joint task and to massively support the young democracies
in the East...should quickly be addressed and taken
seriously. The United States still selects Europe as a
partner and an old friend. To maintain this state, we
between Bonn and Rome, The Hague and Athens still have a
lot to learn."
"U.S.-EU: Trade Conflicts, But Cooperation More Important"
Brussels correspondent Eberhard Wisdorff filed the
following editorial for business-oriented Handelsblatt of
Duesseldorf (5/28), "It is no longer a surprise when
European-American summit meetings are accompanied by trade
conflicts between the partners. The same is true this
time, when President Clinton meets the leadership of the
EU...in The Hague today. But it has always been the case
that comprehensive cooperation of the transatlantic
community has been more important than individual
conflicts and that this cooperation helped settle such
problems between individual partners. This will become
very clear today...because the historical and political
framework conditions cast a special light on mutual
relations, since this meeting...also serves to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan.... It is
certainly true that there is a long list of trade policy
controversies between the EU and the United States.....
But these conflicts are mere trifles measured against the
mutual economic interlinkages, the significance of both
partners for international trade and security policy
cooperation.... At their summit meeting in The Hague, the
partners will take stock of cooperation that was initiated
in 1995 with the New Transatlantic Agenda. The outcome
will certainly be positive.... The further development of
transatlantic relations, however, should be influenced by
the upcoming important changes in the EU."
FRANCE: "Superpower On The Cheap?"
Dominique Bromberger told government-funded France Inter
Radio's listeners (5/30): "These last few days there has
been a high concentration of self-congratulatory U.S.
celebrations. These are all the more embarrassing because
Europe is in a sad state.... Nothing of major importance
came out of the European-American summit in The Hague. As
for the Founding Act, it is a sham.... The U.S.
president, who has never really shown much interest in
world affairs, wants to go down in history thanks to
anniversaries and celebrations.... The problem is that
today Bill Clinton is preaching in favor of a `new
Marshall Plan' for Eastern Europe without shelling out a
cent. The United States wants to exercise its power without
having to pay for it."
"The Hague Summit In A Hurry"
Philippe Lemaitre observed in left-of-center Le Monde
(5/30): "In less than two hours, the participants made a
whirlwind economic and political tour of world affairs....
But for lack of time, the single currency and the
admission of Central European nations into the EU were not
discussed. The important Euro-American issues were not
debated, as if the United States were unsure of the
counterparts sent by the EU's institutions.... The Middle
East and Bosnia were discussed in the bilateral
meetings...but commercial issues were never raised."
"Clinton Offers Aid To Eastern Europe"
Alain Guillemol suggested in Catholic La Croix (5/29): "The
divisions within Europe will soon disappear. At least
this is President Clinton's message. During his European
trip, he is putting all his energies into this philosophy-
-on Tuesday, in Paris, with the signing of the NATO-Russia
Founding Act, and on Wednesday, in The Hague where he
announced a 'New Marshall Plan' for Eastern Europe."
"A Strong Europe"
Joseph Limagne cautioned in regional Ouest France (5/29):
"The problem with Clinton's idea is that the United States
must control Europe's future at our own cost. It is not
ingratitude on our part or an insult to the United States
to ask for a strong European Union able to work with the
United States on a friendly basis and on equal footing."
"Clinton: The New George Marshall"
Jean-Marie Macabrey remarked in centrist La Tribune (5/29):
"Fifty years after George Marshall, President Clinton
wants to go down in history with NATO's enlargement. Bill
Clinton likes to equate Eastern Europe's participation in
NATO with a 'new Marshall Plan.' A nice way to finish off
the task begun by General Marshall and to consolidate
America's economic and political values.... But like Harry
Truman, Bill Clinton is facing opposition from his
conservative opponents. He managed to finally convince
Yeltsin. Now he must convince the U.S. Congress and public
opinion.... Unlike Harry Truman, he cannot use the threat
of communism."
ITALY: "'Special Relationship' Relaunched"
In the view of left-leaning, influential La Repubblica
(5/30): "The United States and Great Britain have
relaunched their 'special relationship.' One day of
intensive talks between Bill Clinton and Tony Blair was
enough to achieve a result which will certainly have
repercussions in Europe.... There is total agreement
between Clinton and Blair, just like there was between
Thatcher and Reagan and, much earlier, between Churchill
and Roosevelt. The time of `understanding and
cooperation' is back between the two nations."
"Beautiful Holiday For Clinton, Triumphal Show For Blair"
A report from London in centrist, top-circulation Corriere
della Sera read (5/30): "Why Bill Clinton came to London,
other than to celebrate the new Labor government led by
Tony Blair, is unclear. After the long press conference
in the sunny Downing Street garden, reporters were still
wondering what the U.S. president and the British prime
minister had said that was so important. Never mind: It
was a beautiful holiday for Clinton and a triumphal show
for Blair. Most of all, it was an occasion to finally see
together the two `political twins' of the new left."
"Clinton Put Superpower's Commitment Behind Europe"
Left-leaning, influential La Repubblica said (5/29): "There
were many expectations for Bill Clinton's short speech....
Clinton did not make the concrete offer the poorest nations
dreamed of, that of a huge flow of government funds, since-
-aside from the assistance already given--the rich G-7
countries no longer have the means. Nor did he provide
absolute guarantees of a future without conflict. But he
put all the weight and prestige of the last superpower
behind a commitment for a Europe 'which will be able to
enter into the next century in peace, prosperity
and democracy.'... Inevitably, the 'Clinton plan' remains
vague: It must be transformed into a series of concrete
initiatives, if the rich West's private sector is to take
up the challenge."
"Celebration, Emotion And Appreciation"
According to a dispatch from The Hague in leading business
Il Sole 24-Ore (5/29): "The celebration, emotion and
appreciation were not only for the past. Yesterday Bill
Clinton used his speech to clearly and fully present the
American agenda in Europe 'for the next 50 years.'
Pragmatically...Clinton presented his interest to Eastern
Europe. He stated clearly that the 'new' Marshall Plan
after the end of the Cold War must be carried out with
private capital, that investments will be based on market
criteria, and that, following economic globalization, the
centralized state aid approach is outdated."
"Clinton Reminds America That No One Can Do It Alone"
A brief scenesetter on ceremonies for the Marshall Plan
anniversary in The Hague in Rome's conservative Il Tempo
read (5/27): "The trip to Europe for the important Marshall
Plan anniversary and the meeting in London with British
Prime Minister Tony Blair will enable the U.S. president,
most of all, to focus Americans' attention again on the
positive aspects of the relationship between the United
States and Europe."
"Symbolic Content For The Future"
Washington correspondent Mario Platero filed for leading
business Il Sole-24 Ore (5/25), "The President's first
trip to allied European nations in his second term was
meant to be essentially a commemorative event: The
Marshall Plan symbolizes the common effort towards
reconstruction after World War II. But the stop in Paris,
a last-minute addition, enriches the trip with symbolic
content that concerns the future.... The coincidence of
two such important events--the Marshall Plan anniversary
and the signing of the agreement on NATO expansion--is
rare: The two events have more in common than one may
imagine."
"Clinton Relaunches New Atlantic Agreement "
According to Washington correspondent Ennio Caretto in
centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera (5/27):
"President Clinton's attendance at the signing of the
NATO-Russia Founding Act in Paris and at ceremonies for
the Marshall Plan anniversary in The Hague...is the
confirmation of the central role played by Europe in U.S.
foreign policy. The president who, upon his debut four
years ago, underscored the `Asian vocation' of the U.S.
superpower, converted himself to the creed of all his
predecessors, i.e. that international stability and
prosperity depend on Atlantic agreement. But the trip is
also a sign that Clinton, like George Bush before him, is
facing serious obstacles in the redefinition of U.S.-
European relations in the post-Cold War era, both because
they have become more complicated and contradictory and
because America tends towards neo-isolationism. President
Clinton is visiting Europe with only one arrow in his bow-
-NATO expansion.... In The Hague, Clinton will try to get
out of his quiver another arrow, a `child' of the Marshall
Plan, an initiative for the reconstruction of Eastern
Europe and its entry into the European Union....
Formally, Clinton's trip...will be a major success. But,
in substance, his arrows may be blunt: The trip will not
open a new chapter in Atlantic history, as was the case
with NATO and the Marshall Plan."
BELGIUM: "Definitely In The Spirit Of Marshall Plan"
In independent Le Soir (5/29), Pierre Lefevre observed:
"This is not a new Marshall Plan. But it definitely is the
spirit of the Marshall Plan. When urging the European
Union to promptly integrate the countries of Central and
Eastern Europe, the U.S. president is falling in line with
the spirit of the Truman initiative.... However, Bill
Clinton does not have the same carrot to offer any longer.
He abstained from any financial promise and his advisers
reacted in a very
reserved manner to Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok's proposal
to organize a Euro-Atlantic conference to discuss an
assistance program for the Eastern countries. Proposing to
those countries to help them helping themselves is also in
the spirit of the Marshall Plan. But this assistance
essentially will not be monetary."
"Does Eastern Europe Need A Marshall Plan?"
Christophe Lamfalussy stresssed in conservative Catholic La
Libre Belgique (5/29), "Eastern Europe did not benefit from
a Marshall Plan. Does it need one?... The Cold War being
buried, several Central European countries today have
achieved a spectacular economic conversion. In the Czech
Republic, in Hungary or in Slovenia, foreign investments
have opened new plants, taking advantage of the Central
European industrial tradition. Privatization programs were
launched successfully. Pockets of wealth were created
where the standard of living is equal to, if not higher
than that of old industrial areas such as the (Belgian)
Borinage or Northern England. Thanks to investment funds,
the EMUs and the dollars of international aid, those
countries are positioning themselves to join the European
Union within 10 years without endangering the fragile
budget balance that makes it possible for the rich regions
of the EU to finance the conversion of the poorest regions
of Southern Europe."
"Clinton Mania In The Netherlands"
Bettina Hubo filed for independent Catholic De Standaard
(5/29), "It was as if a kind of craziness had fallen on The
Netherlands these last days, a Clinton mania. The media
were especially thrilled by the short visit of the U.S.
president. His arrival Tuesday night at Schiphol (airport)
was covered as completely as the hours-long arrival of
Santa Claus each year."
"Combined Generosity, Vision And Enlightened Self-Interest"
In independent Le Soir (5/28), Pierre Lefevre held that the
Marshall Plan offer "combined generosity, vision and
enlightened self-interest on the part of the United States.
Strategic considerations matched charitable intentions....
The spirit of the Marshall Plan was not to take over
Europe, but to help it help itself.... The purpose was to
create a political and economic order similar to the one
prevailing in the United States and favorable to American
interests, but by giving Europeans the role of genuine
partners, mastering their own affairs."
POLAND: "Where Is Marshall?"
Centrist-right Zycie (5/30) commented, "The idea of the
U.S. president to create the aid fund for Central Europe
did not meet with enthusiasm. The American president
appealed to the Western countries to include new members
in the European Union, but no one picked up the proposal."
ROMANIA: "No Concrete Details"
According to independent Adevarul (5/29), "Arousing much
interest, the (U.S. president's speech) voiced America's
commitment to giving economic support to Eastern Europe,
but did not include concrete details on this assistance.
It is probably too early for figures." However, the daily
agreed that a new Marshall Plan would help the former
communist countries to "knock down the economic barriers
between the two parts of the continent."
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC
JAPAN: "Marshall Plan 50th Anniversary And European Order"
Business-oriented Nihon Keizai's editorial concluded
(5/29), "NATO leaders and Russian President Yeltsin signed
a basic protocol on future NATO-Russia relations. The
50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan coincides with the
creation of a new European order leading into the 21st
century... In reference to NATO expansion, the United
States, Western European nations and Russia reaffirmed the
ideal of an indivisible Europe. But the United States and
Western Europe appear opposed to Russia's wish to join the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD).
"At present, the United States is not powerful enough to
aid Russia all by itself. Obstacles remain between the
West and Russia because of differences in (political and
economic) systems, and Russia needs to do much in the way
of self-help in order to implement reforms. These are the
realities in Europe and Russia on the occasion of the 50th
anniversary of the Marshall Plan."
INDONESIA: "Japan Played U.S. Marshall Plan Role In Asia"
The government-oriented Indonesian Observer (5/20) said in
an editorial, "Although the United States was the
mastermind behind the Allied victory that saw the defeat
of Japan at the close of the Pacific War in 1949, there
was no similar plan forthcoming when it came to helping
Southeast Asian countries because they were still under
European colonial domination. The United States limited
itself to supporting their struggle for independence. It
was the defeated Japan that pushed them to further growth.
Japan had managed to rehabilitate its war-ravaged economy
using American economic aid, and opened up economic
relations with the newly independent countries in this
part of the world."
MIDDLE EAST
ISRAEL: "George Marshall's Greatest Victory"
Independent Haaretz commented (5/29): "'U.S. policy is
directed against no nation or doctrine, but against famine,
poverty, despair and chaos.' Exactly 50 years later, an
American president succeeded in making Russia's leader
swallow George Marshall's rhetoric and even smile in the
process. The Russian simply had no choice.... The high
point of president Clinton's European trip was the signing
ceremony in Paris.... However, the real celebration was the
gathering of the leaders of the 55 members of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to mark
the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. In his wildest
dreams George Marshall may have never imagined that all of
Moscow's past satellites--from Prague to Tashkent--would
one day gather to offer him their deepest respect and
gratitude."
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5/30/97
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