Memorandum by Lech Walesa, 'On Starting the Roundtable Talks'

Right now we can begin to discuss the topics for negotiations, which I presented in my statement of 26 August.[1] I think that in the beginning of next week talks should be concerned with two questions:

1) implementation of the promise made by the authorities that there would be no repression toward striking workers, and that those [repressive measures] have been applied, will be annulled,

2) union pluralism and within its framework the legalization of NSZZ[2] “Solidarity”, consistent with the postulate of the striking crews.

I think that the first stage of implementing the principle of the “Roundtable” as a process should be a factual discussion of the above topics and preliminary decisions. The composition of the meeting should initially be trilateral,[3] as was our meeting on 31 August.[4] I am going to present personal proposals separately.

A positive consideration of the above mentioned questions will allow for a broader debate on economic and political reforms in our country.

Gdansk, 4 September 1988


[signed][5]



[1]. It concerns a “Statement of the Dialogue” of 25 August 1988, submitted to the authorities on 26 September 1988. See footnote 16 in document No. 6.

[2]. Niezalezne Stowarzyszenie Zwiazkiw Zawodowych, the Independent Association of Trade Unions.

[3]. It means representatives of the authorities, “Solidarity” and the Church.

[4]. On 31 August 1988 a meeting occurred in Warsaw, with Cz. Kiszczak, S. Ciosek, L. Walesa and archbishop J. Dabrowski participating.

[5]. Illegible signature of Lech Walesa.