(12)Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace.

In paragraph 12, the speaker begins by posing two questions primarily to

a
elaborate on the weak message that the changes convey

b
frighten the audience with the threat of extreme violence

c
ease the fears of the audience by revealing hopeful changes

d
highlight his suspicions of the sincerity behind these changes

e
illustrate the importance of strengthening Soviet power