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A. It is absolutely impossible. The KGB was never omnipotent. Even if many of its members are unhappy with the disorder and unhappy that any freedom at all has been granted in the Soviet Union, it is a well-disciplined organization, and it follows orders; it is not adventuristic.
Q. How genuine is the Soviet Communist Party's decision to renounce its political exclusivity?
A. I am very skeptical and cautious about it. The party wants to give the impression that it is not the undisputed authority, but it still is determined to remain in control of society, to remain the main force. The party remains deeply entrenched, deeply rooted in all ((government)) agencies. There is no other administration apart from the party. At some time, potential opposition forces will become political parties and will fight for some influence. But that will take at least until the next millennium.
Q. Is there a chance that the army, worried about the disturbances in the Soviet Union caused by Gorbachev's reforms, might intervene to topple him?
A. I don't think so. The leadership of the army and of the party are close to each other. And the majority of the officers do not wish to get involved. There are very few of them who would want to be in charge of all the mess, to take all the responsibility for cleaning it up without any guarantee that they can do it. In the past the Soviet political situation was predictable; now it is getting less and less predictable. There are some important people in the party who, because of the country's chaos, talk about a possible split in the party. If it comes to that, the army will have to decide whom to pay its allegiance to, whom to support. Then it cannot entirely be ruled out that the army will become politically decisive in which side ends up on top.
Q. Will Moscow use force against secession by the Baltic states?
A. No. There are several reasons. Moscow will not hesitate to use force in Azerbaijan and similar places. The Caucasus is strategically very important, and the Soviet leadership is less concerned about public reaction there. But the Baltics are so civilized, so connected to the West. All that makes military intervention there more difficult.
Q. Do you think the KGB has forgiven you in the new climate between East and West and within the Soviet Union?
A. No.
Q. Will it ever?
A. No. Never. But I would like to think that now that Gorbachev has said he wants the Soviet Union to join the family of civilized nations, he will let my family go free.