National Security Directive in Response to Polish Roundtable Agreement

Officials in the United States watched closely the historic roundtable talks that took place between Communist Party leaders and the opposition in Poland from February to April 1989. During these sessions, participants agreed to numerous changes, including the initiation of economic reform measures. In response to the roundtable agreements that focused on Poland's economy specifically, U.S. President George H. W. Bush issued this national security memorandum, in which he indicated U.S. willingness to assist Poland in relieving its debts and developing new economic models in both the public and private sectors. This document demonstrates U.S. officials' interest in the events that were unfolding in Eastern European countries, as well as their eagerness to participate in the democratization process.