With
your arrival, we have devoted much thought to this matter and, frankly,
we decided on this sum after thinking about the important status of
your country and about your struggle and difficult economic circumstances.
This is what we have decided to offer to you although we know that
it is small and inadequate for your needs and not commensurate with
the importance of your country.
We would like to say to you that you can take our aid and also request
aid from the Soviet Union, for you must act with flexibility.
What we know about their aid to other states is that it does not come
without something in return: if there exists Soviet aid with no strings
attached, then it is a very small amount indeed. In most cases, the
Soviets lay down conditions that are not easy. You can tell the Soviets
that you have received aid from China for 5,000 combatants.. In our
estimation, China's aid will create pressure on the Soviets. We never
oppose that; indeed, we asked some friendly states not to hesitate
in requesting aid from the Soviets.
We believe that when the Soviet Union occupied Czechoslovakia and
you took a stance that refrained from censure you enabled yourselves
to request aid and we believe that they will offer it to you.
We would like to say to you that, fundamentally, we cannot solve the
problem of covering the deficit. If you are good at turning this aid
to account you will be able to make up the difference. As friends
of yours, we have read the decisions of the Fourth Congress of the
National Front, and we noticed that if you were to apply the recommendations
of your Congress on facing the deficit, you would be able to solve
this problem. We feel that your decisions incorporate a wise and pragmatic
position which will allow you to master the deficit and face your
difficult economic problems.
Your expenditure in the past reached £33,000,000 and came down
to £20,000,000. Thus, there is no alternative to measures of
self-reliance. We can understand that your earnest request stems from
your candour with us and confidence in us, and we speak frankly with
you too. We have offered this aid after expending the greatest of
efforts to increase the amount.
As for the projects, we leave them to consultations. We are dealing
with you and co-operating with you for the first time, but we want
our relations to grow and progress. You will see that our aid, even
though limited, is the most we could have done in our present circumstances.
