Polish Uprising Called Critical Test of Soviet Satellite Control

Three faculty members agreed that the recent uprisings in Poland are of very great importance to the future of Soviet Russia's domination of its eastern European sattellites, but all doubted that Russia would use force to bring Poland back under its domination.

During the past week, internal changes in the Polish government have given rise to speculation about the strength of Russia's satellite empire.

Zbigniew K. Brzezinski, instructor in Government, said, "The Polish situation poses for the Soviet leadership an almost insoluble problem. To use force against the Poles might mean a crisis in international communism, e.g., a renewed defection by Tito, difficulties with the Italian Communist party, possibly even strained relations with Mao Tse Tung."

"Not to use force," he continued, "but adjusting to the situation, is to invite a pattern of imitation among the other sattelites." Brzezinski feels it is "more likely" that Russia will not use force.

Michael Karpovich, Curt Hugo Reisinger Professor of Slavic Languages and Literature, said that he found it "difficult to believe that the Soviet government will use force," since such action would be, "too clear a demonstration that they really have not renounced Stalin."

Bruce C. Hopper '24, associate professor of Government, feels that it is most important that the United States should, "keep quiet, and let Poland settle it." He said that any American statements or actions at this time might be construed as interference in the affairs of the satelites and could prompt the Russians to resort to force."

Karpovitch said that the uprisings might tend to reverse the recent liberalization of Soviet internal policy, but he would not predict whether the unrest might seriously weaken the power of the current Soviet leaders.