FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1950, VOLUME I


Western Europe, thus precluding effective defense by the Western
Powers; and
  c. Delivering devastating attacks on certain vital centers of the
United States and Canada.
The possession by the Soviet Union of a thermonuclear capability in
addition to this substantial atomic stockpile would result in
tremendously increased damage.
  During this decade, the defensive capabilities of the Soviet Union
will probably be strengthened, particularly by the development ,and use
of modern aircraft, aircraft warning and communications devices, and
defensive guided missiles.
  VI. U.S. INTENTIONS AND CAPABILITIES-ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL
A. Political and Psychological
  Our overall policy at the present time may be described as one
designed to foster a world environment in which the American system
can survive and flourish. It therefore rejects the concept of isolation
and affirms the necessity of our positive participation in the world
community.
  This broad intention embraces two subsidiary policies. One is a
policy which we would probably pursue even if there were no Soviet
threat. It is a policy of attempting to develop a healthy international
community. The other is the policy of "containing" the Soviet system.
These two policies are closely interrelated and interact on one another.
Nevertheless, the distinction between them   is basically valid and
contributes to a clearer understanding of what we are trying to do.
  The policy of striving to develop a healthy international community
is the long-term constructive effort which we are engaged in. It was
this policy which gave rise to our vigorous sponsorship of the United
Nations. It is of course the principal reason for our long continuing
endeavors to create and now develop the Inter-American system. It,
as much as containment, underlay our efforts to rehabilitate Western
Europe. Most ,of our international economic activities can likewise be
explained in terms of this policy.
  In a world of polarized power, the policies designed to develop a
healthy international community are more than ever necessary to our
own strength.
  As for the policy of "containment", it is one which seeks by
all
means short of war to (1) block further expansion of Soviet power,
(2) expose the falsities of Soviet pretensions, (3) induce a retraction
of the Kremlin's control and influence and (4) in general, so foster the
seeds of destruction within the Soviet system that the Kremlin is
brought at least to the point of modifying its behavior to conform to
generally accepted international standards.


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