234 



materials; they see the long-term farm problems as providing a 

 dumping ground for their commodities. 



If you look at it, it's absolutely amazing, because at the same 

 time they're having problems even dealing with Poland and Hun- 

 gary, because those countries have surplus agricultural commod- 

 ities and they have a lot of problems importing those. But I think 

 it's definitely a strategic economic move on their part to try to pull 

 Russia under their sphere of influence. 



Mr. Penny. But in terms of the relative barriers, tariffs, quotas, 

 et cetera, what 



Ms. Brookins. It would pull them under the European system. 

 The Europeans have already been out preaching to the East Euro- 

 peans why they all have to adopt a common agricultural policy like 

 the Europeans, and they've already hurt us badly in certain prod- 

 ucts where they've set up preferential tariffs with those countries, 

 deliberately set to keep our products out. 



Mr. Penny. What could we do in response to this? What's the 

 best approach the United States could take? 



Ms. Brookins. I don't think it would be — if they're going to be 

 looking at a free trade-agreement with Russia, I don't see why we 

 couldn't be considering similar measures or at least to maintain 

 Russia as a — in terms of seeing whether there's mutual benefit for 

 us in creating a free- trade agreement with Russia. 



Mr. Penny. And would you apply to the other Republics or to 

 other Eastern European nations the same philosophy? 



Ms. Brookins. I would certainly say that if they're able to re- 

 spond. I don't think we can let particularly Russia fall under the 

 grasp of the European Community. East European countries are 

 somewhat different, some of the Central European countries, be- 

 cause they're so tied even right now to Germany. 



Mr. Penny. Were there any other questions from committee 

 members before we wrap this up? 



[No response.] 



Mr. Penny. If not, I want to thank this panel. You've been tre- 

 mendously helpful. 



That concludes our hearing. 



[Whereupon, at 11:10 a.m., the subcommittee adjourned, to re- 

 convene, subject to the call of the Chair.] 



[Material submitted for inclusion in the record follows:] 



