I ask you, Mr. President, to intervene on my behalf before the Congress of the United States and the United Nations, as well as the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., to hasten my and my family's immigration to the U.S. from the U.S.S.R. My situation is such, that my father was brutally killed on Dec. 5, In 1947, during the month of December, at 4:00 a.m., having been all- At 12 years of age, I began doing physical labor, beyond my strength, During my labor service, I persistently tried to achieve exoneration. TOLSTOY FOUNDATION, INC. To: The President of the United States of America Mr. Jimmy Carter From: A Citizen of the Ukranian S.S.R. cont. In 1955, I was released, but with no right to return to y At present, the new constitution confirmed these flaws. On the basis of article #39, I am legally deprived of my homeland, and all rights stated in this constitution; the same applies to my children. I had to change my convictions, and I became a Believer, It is of ill omen to continue residing in the U.S.S.R., according to article # 39 of the constitution. P.S.- My brother and his family have also expressed the desire to inmigrate with me: BENTLY T. ELLIOTT 2310 Windsor Road Alexandria, Virginia 22307 May 15, 1979 Mr. Walter Hoving Chairman of the Board Tiffany & Co. 727 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10022 Dear Mr. Hoving: Although we have never met, I have often heard my brother Frank praise your exceptional contributions to the Christian community. I understand Frank has already alerted you that I would be writing, and perhaps you will remember his letter on my behalf. As you will see from the enclosed, I am trying to assist the Tolstoy Foundation in organizing a national campaign in support of Russian Christians, many of whom are suffering horrible persecution. The United States government is certainly aware of this problem, but it acts more embarrassed by it than genuinely concerned. I know that you are a very busy man, but if our effort is to succeed, we badly need the leadership of individuals like yourself to inform the public and encourage it to get involved. Is there a chance you might have any interest or free time for such a challenge? If there is, and that would be fantastic, please contact Alla Ivask at your earliest convenience at the Tolstoy Foundation. Alla has been working on this problem for an extended period and she is extremely dedicated and wellinformed. Obviously I'd like to hear from you as well. I also wanted to alert you to one additional possibility you might be receiving a call from George Otis, Jr. Perhaps you know his father, George, Sr., who is a retired businessman, a pilot, and a most respected and dynamic Christian who authored The Blueprint, hosted the television program "High Adventure," and who also works tirelessly on many other fronts. George, Jr. is training a contingent of volunteers to witness for Christ during the upcoming Moscow Olympics. I know that he would value the opportunity of speaking with someone with your wisdom and experience, and I can attest that he is in all ways honorable and responsible. Thank you very much for anything you could do to help. would, of course, understand perfectly if you are already too heavily engaged to make any commitment. Sincerely, Bully T. Flut Bently T. Elliott I BENTLY T. ELLIOTT 2310 Windsor Road Alexandria, Virginia 22307 May 15, 1979 : Dear Friend: For years, millions of Americans have worked together to relieve suffering and secure the emigration of an untold number of Russian Jews. And while that campaign has obviously not been a total success, and must be both sustained and intensified, it has produced results during 1979, a projected 50,000 Jewish dissidents will be permitted to leave the Soviet Union. - Yet for all the good work done on behalf of Russian Jews, no such campaign has ever been waged on behalf of Russian Christians. That is tragic, for their suffering has been equally great, and their needs remain equally desperate. Orthodox Christians, Baptists, Lutherans, Pentacostals and countless other Christians belonging to unregistered Russian churches face widespread persecution of the most horrid sort persecution that violates specific guarantees set down in the Russian Constitution, that mocks the spirit of the Helsinki Accords and that contradicts the very essence of a civilized society. For Christians of conviction, simple but persistent public declarations of faith can provoke harsh retaliation -- public humiliation, followed by social ostracism and, in some cases, torture in the form of starvation diets, druggings, beatings and constant isolation inside concentration camps and so-called "psychiatric hospitals." American authorities are aware of this problem. They know, for example, that some 20,000 Russian Christians have decided to risk the worst by sending their names to the Supreme Soviet, asking for permission to emigrate. But to date, the attitude of our government has been one of near silence, even passive acquiesence. Letters from Russian Christians to the White House pleading for help have not been answered. The State Department promised the Tolstoy Foundation to look into the problem in view of possibly taking official action. That promise has not materialized. That leaves the American people. They can make a difference. Perhaps, only they can make a difference. What is urgently needed is a massive outpouring of public indignation from millions |