The Eighth Tribe, 1981 (8. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1981-04-01 / 4. szám
PETITION We, the undersigned duly elected officers of the United States Branches of the Transylvanian World Federation and Affiliated Organizations in seventeen states are deeply concerned about the native Hungarian population of Transylvania, today a province of the Socialist Republic of Rumania. Close to threemillion Hungarians, for centuries part of the ruling majority inhabiting the ancient Hungarian homeland, were thrown into minority status due to the dismemberment of Hungary, and arc facing cultural genocide and constant physical abuse from the government of the Socialist Republic of Rumania. Since we firmly believe that the Government of the United States of America is in the position to help and save these people from the ruthless oppression of an ultranationalistic police state, therefore: We Petition THE PRESIDENT AND THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to update the Trade Act of 1974 in order to reflect the provisions of Basket Three of the Helsinki Final Agreement, at least as it applies to the countries which signed it. The Helsinki Final Agreement was signed in July 1975. The trade agreement with Rumania was signed in August 1975, based on the Trade Act of 1974. This arrangemnt over rides the provisions of the Helsinki Final Agreement, and leaves no other recourse for the native Hungarian population of Transylvania, province of Rumania, other than to assimilate, commit suicide, or leave their native land. As it appears that the Jackson-Vanic Amendment had its effect in enabling some to reach the land of their dreams, the modification of the Trade Act of 1974 should likewise have its effect in enahling people to enjoy life in their own homeland. Thus the United States could better promote and publicize its own principles and at the same time allow for a profitable trade. As Representative Vanic said in his closing remarks at the Trade Committee hearing on June 10, 1980 (See: H serial 96-123, p.278) : “There is hardly a week going by that we are not succesful in settling something here. So we shall continue in those efforts and see if we can be helpful. If that does not work, you may have to take some other more stringent legislative proceedure.” Respectfully submitted for your consideration: ALBERT WASS de CZEGE DR. JOHN NADAS president general secretary State of Florida State of Ohio MRS. ILONA BOISSENIN Washington representative VHI April. 1981 THE TRANSYLVANIAN QUARTERLY
