U.S. Probing Claim of Soviet Slave Labor

The United States is investigating allegations that the Soviet Union manufactures products using slave labor and that the goods are exported, Treasury Secretary James A. Baker said today.

Conservatives have long charged that the Soviets use political prisoners to mine ore, including gold, and in the production of a variety of products, some of which are sold in the United States.

U.S. law forbids importation of goods that are made using convict or compulsory labor.

Baker, in testimony before a House subcommittee that oversees Treasury operations, said his department is actively reviewing evidence and that countries other than the Soviet Union might also be involved.

Exchange With Rep. Wolf

“What I am saying,” Baker said, “is that this is not a one-country specific issue.”

The secretary, at one point, got into a heated exchange with Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.).

Wolf, his voice rising, said he is very disappointed with the Reagan Administration’s lack of action on the issue and said the Treasury should bring a test case against the Soviets.

“I’m going to tell you something,” a visibly angered Baker said. “I’m not going to bring a case if I get shouted at one more time by you.”

The issue comes under the Treasury Department’s area of responsibility because under U.S. law, import bans are administered by the Customs Service, a Treasury affiliate.