Wrangling Over Waldheim

Most Austrians feel the decision to bar President Kurt Waldheim from the U.S. ((WORLD, May 11)) was rude and offensive, especially since Austria is a friendly country. While many Austrians are unhappy about the way Waldheim handled the charges that were leveled against him, they are convinced he committed no crimes during World War II. Austria should not be treated like a banana republic. This nation's painful history, particularly from 1918 to 1945, is much too complicated to be judged by U.S. officials. As far as Waldheim's "incomplete" memory is concerned, he joins the ranks of other respectable Presidents who tend to forget important matters after much less time.

Hannspeter Winter

Vienna

As an Austrian observing the political scene in my country from abroad, I would like to thank the U.S. Department of Justice for taking steps against President Waldheim. He has lied about his involvement in the German army during World War II and has been evasive in answering his accusers. Waldheim does not deserve to be President.

Edith Nave

Hohenbrunn, West Germany