Cheney on Gorbachev

The article read like a Defense Department news plant to manipulate public support for stronger defense programs. My objection was the article’s prominence which continues the perception that we must continue perceiving the Soviet Union as an enemy because Gorbachev is likely to fail and be replaced by someone more hostile to us.

Cheney’s view is contrary to most opinions that we have been reading recently. The conventional wisdom seems to be that Gorbachev has become stronger with each of his acts since becoming general secretary. Indeed, the recent resignation of 110 members of the Central Committee was an unprecedented action.

Archie Brown, a specialist on Soviet politics, wrote on your Op-Ed Page (“Will Cassandras See the Light Now?”) the previous day “. . . This week’s Central Committee spring cleaning makes still less likely than before a palace coup against the Soviet leader. It would now take something closer to a revolution than a Politburo or Central Committee volte-face . . . to remove Gorbachev from office.”

Our strategic interest is best served by supporting Gorbachev and his attempts to move the Soviet Union to a more democratic state. Cheney should be emphasizing the importance of our helping the Soviets in their valiant desire to change rather than sowing more seeds of mistrust. Let’s emphasize the positive.

LEILA H. NEWMAN

Pacific Palisades