FOREIGN RELATIONS, -1950, VOLUME I


    (2)ýIn the interim, the Soviet Union can-be expected to harass
the
 United States, through such satellites as North Korea, communist
 China, and eastern Germany.
   In the light of these two premises, we. should start now to spend
 more money instead of less money for our national. security; we should
 embark promptly on whatever program is necessary to suppor0-the
 position which, with.our advice, the President has taken before the
 American people, and the world.
   In order to properly support this proposed change in security plan-
 ning, it is necessary that all agencies of- the Government operate from
 the same long-range strategic defense plan.
   We do not now have such a plan. It is essential as the foundation
 for military-civilian planning, and also for that information required
 by the State Department to conduct foreign affairs.
   In 1945 the President directed that such a plan be formulated. Now,
 five years later, he has not yet received it.
   The need for this plan is no theoretical matter. Answering the Presi-
 dents five-year-old directive may now be essential to our survival.



   In summary, Russian tanks and soldiers are now reported in South
 Korea,ý part of the 116,000 troops estimated as now fighting against
 ,us in that theater. In addition, close to the Korean border there are
 reports of a minimum estimated 100,000 Chinese communist regulars,
 plus another 60,000 Russian, communist regulars; or a total force
 striking or ready to strike of at least 276,000.'2
   In addition, we know that the military posture of the communist
 nations all over the world is steadily strengthening.
   Against this number, and that posture, similar forces of the United
 States in that area now total 52,000 combat troops, plus 73,000 house-
 keeping personnel.
 Of these combat troops, around 10,000 United States soldiers and
 some 25,000 regrouped South Koreans are now engaged with the
 enemy.
   No airpower on either side is included.
   The British refused to face up squarely to the menace of Naziism
until the invasion of Poland. Some might feel as late as the invasion
of Norway,
  The President carefully avoided that mistake when he electrified
the country and the world by backing, with the support of the United
Nations, the Republic of South Korea.
  In order to carry out what is essential to maintain the President's
  2 For various estimates of te Soviet role in the Korean Conflict, see volume
VII.


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