Changing Status of Soviet Satellites

Report Outline
Loosening of Soviet Ties With Satellites
Post-Stalin Trend Toward Liberalization
Policy of United States an East Europe

Loosening of Soviet Ties With Satellites

Growth of Freedom of Action in East Europe

The soviet bloc states of eastern europe, held under tight rein by the Kremlin since they were occupied by the Red Army at the end of World War II, are attaining a new and freer status in the Communist world. They are still far from enjoying in actuality the position of equality recently proclaimed by Soviet Premier Khrushchev for all Communist nations, small or large. But they are edging toward a degree of independence vis-a-vis their giant Russian neighbor and toward a larger measure of internal freedom.

The evolution is political, economic, intellectual. Economic distress has spurred decentralization in industry, a return to individual incentives, and increased trade with Western countries. Writers and painters have gained a startling freedom of expression in some of the “people's republics.” The Iron Curtain is being lifted to welcome tourists from the West.

In their relations with the Soviet Union, the satellites are finding many channels leading to greater freedom of action. Under Secretary of State W, Averell Harriman told a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee, March 10, that “Eastern Europe is no longer the monolithic structure it was under Stalin.” Two Communist nations—Yugoslavia and Albania—no longer can be considered Soviet satellites at all. Yugoslavia established its independence from Stalin-ruled Russia in 1948 and has retained it through 16 years of freeze and thaw. Albania, rejecting Khrushchev's de-Stalinization program, broke away from the bloc two years ago and supports Red China in the rift between the two Communist giants.