World

Though many Western leaders have generously praised the reforms taking place in Poland and Hungary, they have been relatively stingy in offering any material encouragement. Now, however, the words may be matched by an ample infusion of cash. Last week the European Community proposed that 24 non- Communist industrialized countries, including its own twelve members, send $648 million in aid to Warsaw and Budapest next year.

That figure is in addition to the $252 million in food and economic assistance to both countries pledged earlier by President George Bush. Last week, addressing the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, Bush declared that "we must do more." In the case of Poland, the Administration is planning to increase its assistance program. Though the White House offered few details about what it called a "new package of support" for Poland, aides hinted that a half-billion dollars' worth of credits and loans would be announced this week. Officials said it would be channeled through agencies, like the IMF, that monitor its effects on the recipient's economy.