Inside Report (6)

What Western response would most hurt the Soviet Union if it sent waves of troops into Poland? Sources in Europe say the biggest single penalty would be withdrawal of banks and pipe and compressor manufacturers there from financing the 3,000-mile gas pipeline that is to be the showpiece of the 1981-85 Soviet five-year plan. The project is scheduled to be unveiled at the Soviet party congressing in February.

The pipeline deal will be signed soon. If the Soviets moved on Poland after its signing, the $11 billion question would be whether the West German government would abort it.m