ABALKIN CONDEMNS '500 DAYS' RECOVERY PROGRAM

This document is an unclassified intelligence cable (PM2709094590) dated September 23, 1990, detailing a critique of the '500 Days' economic recovery program in the Soviet Union. The text is presented as a transcript of a discussion between an individual named Abalkin and an interviewer named Garifullina. Abalkin expresses strong skepticism regarding the '500 Days' program, characterizing it as a political maneuver that relies on a 'mystery effect' to gain public support. He argues that the program promises a painless transition to a market economy, which he views as a deception. Abalkin highlights that the program is being rushed through without sufficient professional investigation or critical analysis. He compares the current social climate to a crisis situation where people are susceptible to believing in miracles, including mass beliefs in aliens and extrasensory perception. The document also touches upon the political status of the USSR, mentioning the sovereignty of republics and the role of the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic Supreme Soviet in adopting the program. The text concludes with a discussion on the practical steps already taken, such as the registration of commercial banks and the establishment of trade exchanges, suggesting that the reform process was already underway despite the criticisms leveled against the overarching '500 Days' plan.