The first U.S.-Soviet deal under Reagan was a quiet human rights deal: people who had taken refuge in the U.S. embassy during the Carter era were allowed to emigrate, on condition the U.S. wouldn't publicize it; Reagan's willingness to keep silent convinced the Soviets his word could be 'taken to the bank.'

factualpending

Speaker

George Shultz

Evidence Quote

it must have convinced the Soviets that if you deal with him and he gives you his word on something you can take it to the bank

Source

George Shultz on Economics, Human Rights and the Fall of the Soviet Union 9/3/2007EconTalk
Created: 6/15/2026, 9:20:22 AM

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