Document No. 82: Record of Conversation between Evgeny Primakov and Margaret Thatcher, September 18, 1989
p. 521
Texte intégral
1These notes capture the congruence between the British prime minister’s attitude towards Eastern Europe and that of Gorbachev’s top aides, including the future Russian foreign minister, Evgeny Primakov. When the Soviet official expresses appreciation for Thatcher’s position “in favor of stability in Europe,” the prime minister confirms the need for “a stable ‘background’” and goes on to extend high praise to the Polish leadership for its skill in managing the current situation—an exact parallel to Gorbachev’s own assessment of Poland’s former dictator, and now elected president, Wojciech Jaruzelski.
__________________
2[…]
3Thatcher: We are also watching the developments in the other Eastern European countries with great interest. What is happening there now should have happened inevitably sooner or later.
4Primakov: Indeed, many of the developments happening now in the world draw increasing attention. It is clear that stability on the continent will depend on how they play out. Our Parliament highly appreciates your position in favor of stability in Europe.
5Thatcher: Under conditions when big changes are underway, we need to ensure a stable “background.” We are very impressed by the skill the Polish leadership has shown in their management of the processes in the country. Western countries are willing to provide assistance, and such assistance is already being provided. […]
6[Source: Archive of the Gorbachev Foundation, Fond 2. Opis 1. On file at the National Security Archive. Translated by Svetlana Savranskaya.]
Auteur
Le texte seul est utilisable sous licence Licence OpenEdition Books. Les autres éléments (illustrations, fichiers annexes importés) sont « Tous droits réservés », sauf mention contraire.
Masterpieces of History
The Peaceful End of the Cold War in Europe, 1989
Svetlana Savranskaya, Thomas Blanton et Vladislav Zubok
2010
The Last Superpower Summits
Gorbachev, Reagan and Bush. Conversations that Ended the Cold War
Svetlana Savranskaya et Thomas Blanton
2016
Masterpieces of History
The Peaceful End of the Cold War in Europe, 1989
Svetlana Savranskaya, Thomas Blanton et Vladislav Zubok
2010
The Last Superpower Summits
Gorbachev, Reagan and Bush. Conversations that Ended the Cold War
Svetlana Savranskaya et Thomas Blanton
2016
