ABSTRACT
1. With the pace of reform in Eastern Europe continuing unabated, you may welcome a few comments on the changes in Czechoslovakia. The Communists have been edged into a minority position with 10 out of 21 Ministers in the Federal Government, after difficult negotiations between the Civic Forum and the former Prime Minister Adamec. (They are also in a minority in the Czech and Slovak Governments.) Civic Forum has only 5 members in the Government, but backs 9 in total, including two Communists (the economic experts Komarek and Klaus). The Communists’ former allies, the Socialist and the People’s Parties, have two portfolios each. Recent events have shown they are more likely to side with Civic Forum than with the Communists. Although the latter have been forced to relinquish their leading role in the Government, the Federal Assembly will retain a substantial majority of Communist deputies until new elections take place. Morale within the Party is low, although it is clear that some members have not given up the struggle. Interesting evidence of this has come to the Embassy in the form of a copy of instructions on spoiling tactics vis à vis the Civic Forum to be used by the Party faithful. 1
