STATE ffiNT BY SECRETARY OF STATE VANCE ------------ July B 1979 •• '· During the past two days we have learned that next week the Soviet Union will start the trials of several ' Prominent dissidents These men and woman of uncommon courage are put on trial on a nlli ber of pretexts In truth e1ng ' they------ '· are • being tried for asserting fundamental human rights -- to speak out and to petition and criticize their Government - rights guaranteed in international agree- ments entered into by their Government • These trials t'li th their lack of due process 1 violat fundamental principles of justice I reflect the deepest feelings and -------- American -- v lues of the people when I depore these events They inevitably affect the climate of our relations and impose obstacles to the building of confidence and I • cooperation between our countries y plans to meet with Foreign Minister Gromyko next Wednesday in Geneva are unchanged Y e have- lou ' _ Gaid · t heb Lhe 5tlategie l Fme Lim tae1 en 'PalJEO o an on - tbcir reec J • • 6 - ___ _ 2 have often expressed to Soviet authorities our ---· deep'concern about Soviet treatment of dissidants '· shall do so again next week I In light of these developments we have taken certain actions Yesterday I asked Barbara Blum Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and her to cancel their trip to the Soviet Union elegation I have today ·· at the President's direction instructed the President's - -- ·--- · -- -science Advisor Frank Press 1 and his delegation t-o do ·likewise Let me say finally that the struggle for basic human freedom is not a short-term effort We will persevere because of our enduring belief in the dignity ---of -the individual ·' -_ -------- ------· - - - • - -- '- • ---- ·' '