Banks for Tanks
Socialist Republic1982Internationalism and other strugglesChurch, state and civil libertiesInternationalism and other strugglesChurch, state and civil liberties
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Le st Lech Walesa, leader of Soli darnosc has been held inco mmunicado since the clampdown 21 Wall Street Journal ‘‘many US bankers see Soviet—style authoritarianism as their best hope for recovering the 1.3 billion dollars that Poland owes them.
“Most bankers think authoritarian governments are good because they impose discipline’’, said an executive at a bank with millions of dollars in Polish loans. . .
“Who knows which political system works?” says Thomas Theobald, senior executive vice-president in charge of Citibank’s international division. “The only test we care about is: can they pay their bills?” And a report in the December 13 Sunday Times reveals that British bankers feel the same way. ‘‘Speaking only as a banker, it would be a good thing if Russia invaded, because then she would be obliged to honour Poland’s debts”, said one London banker.
Another supposed defender of the Polish people is the Pope! According to the Sunday Times the Pope was advised about the military clampdown two hours before it took place by the Polish Ambassador. The role of the Catholic Church in Poland has been hand in hand with the authorities as long as the regime leaves the church room for manoeuvre. Accordingly the Polish Archbishop has spent his time pressurising Lech Walesa to tone down his demands. Solidarity and the Polish government