Letter from Members of Pioneer Women, the Womenââ,¬â”¢s Labor Zionist Organization of America, to President Gerald R. Ford Regarding Legislation to Establish a Commission to Monitor the Terms of the the Helsinki Accords

U GENERAL (2 FG431 of THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON July 12, 1976 Dear Mrs. Tartakovsky and Mrs. Elkin: The President has asked me to thank you for your letter of June 24 expressing appreciation for his signature of the Case-Fenwick bill creating the Commission to monitor imple- mentation of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Administration remains deeply concerned for those every- where who are unable to exercise fundamental human rights, including the right of emigration. It is the President's view that, as Americans, we can never acquiesce in the sus- pression of human liberties. We adhere to the principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, not only in appropriate international forums, but also in our exchange with other governments, including that of the Soviet Union. President Ford believes that this approach, within the framework of an expanding and improving Soviet-American relationship, offers the best prospect of realizing impor- tant human rights objectives. With the President's best wishes, Sincerely, Milling Associate Director David H. Lissy Domestic Council Mrs. Cecilia Tartakovsky National Chairwoman FORD LIBRARY & 0ERALD Soviet Jewry Affairs and Mrs. Lillian Elkin Chairwoman, American Affairs, Eastern Area Pioneer Women 315 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10016 JUL 131976 CONTRAL FILES pioneer Women THE WOMEN'S LABOR ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. June 23, 1976 President Gerald R. Ford The White House Washington, D.C. Dear President Ford: We are happy to inform you that Pioneer Women, representing Dt 50,000 American Jewish women throughout the United States, commend you for your humanitarian leadership in signing into law the Case/Fenwick Bill creating a commission to monitor the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act. Taking this historic step, which is in consonance with the spirit of the law of our country, is providing precedent for the protection of human rights. We are hopeful that your continued leadership in assuring the rights of all men and women for equality within the countries of their birth, and inalienable rights for emigration, will strengthen the spirit of democracy throughout the world. It is, we believe, imperative that our country, as it celebrates its Bicentennial, play a constructive role in spreading and enforcing the democratic spirit among all peoples. We sincerely hope that you will continue to support the principle of free emigration for Soviet Jews and their families. The harassments and inequality suffered by over 3 million Jews in the Soviet Union will remain, we hope, foremost in your consideration and with our traditional national responsibility towards those not fortunate to live within a free and mobile society. Very respectfully yours, me Celis Celia Tartakovsky Lilian Eekin me Lillian Elkin National Chairwoman Chairwoman, American Affairs, Soviet Jewry Affairs Eastern Area 315 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016/ (212) 725-8010 MONEER WOMEN FORD is LIBRARY GERALD PIONEER WOMEN in cooperation with Moetzet Hapoalot, Working Women's Council of Israel, provides more than half of the social services in over 1,000 installations in Israel where 40,000 women, youth and children are educated yearly for constructive citizenship. In America, Pioneer Women promotes Jewish education and culture and participates actively in American civic life. Authorized Agency of Youth Aliyah.