Inside Report (1)

August 13, 1982

Is Western Europe sidling up to Poland?

A number of West European governments are said to have made initial moves toward a ''thaw'' in contacts. Most of the European NATO countries have quietly suggested a return to political contacts at the higher foreign ministry levels. The Poles are pleased because, they say, the initiative came from the West Europeans. It's encouraged a cautious feeling that the West is moving toward modification of attitudes on sanctions. And the US? Top officials see tiny signs of a possible softening but are still worried by President Reagan's mixed statements.Mentioned are a possible lifting of the ban on Polish air landings in the US or the exclusion of Polish fishing vessels from East Coast fishing grounds.