338 FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1950, VOLUME I

which ‘we were recently faced in Korea, namely, a drastic and cata-
strophic drop i m world confidence, with attendant unfavorable reper-
cussions on our purposes in every part of the world. Having recognized
the existence of a state of war, we would be guided by existing war
plans for such a contingency. |

15. A direct Soviet. attack upon our forces in Germany, Austria,
or Japan is also improbable in the light of our present analyses of
Soviet intentions. Should it nevertheless occur, it would obviously
produce automatically a state of hostilities between the two countries,
since our own forces would be inevitably attacked and would have to
act in self-defense.

Part I

POSSIBLE ACTIONS BY THE UNITED STATES TO COUNTER FURTHER SOVIET
MOVES AND UNITED STATES CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT SUCH ACTIONS

(Still in preparation.)

 

Policy Planning Staff Files

Statement by the Chairman of the National Security Resources Board
(Symington) to the National Security Council * |

TOP SECRET [Wasuineron,| July 6, 1950.

Succestep Action By THE NSC For ConsIDERATION OF THE PRESIDENT
in THE Licur or THE Korean Srrvation

The’ invasion of South Korea came as a surprise and shock, not only
to the people of the United States and the world, but also to the people
around this table, whose job it is to ) Keep the President correctly
advised.

As we see it, there are » further shocks which must be absorbed, the
possible. consequences of which it is our duty to present to the
President, |
First is the now unmasked great and growing combined military
strength of Soviet Russia, and such of its willing and ambitious satel-
lites as China and North Korea; a strength so great that it will
be impossible for the United States to settle this dispute in this little
country of Korea for some months; and if additional “outbreaks”
of commantst satellite countries force us into further attrition of our

 

This statement was read and discussed at t the 60th Meeting of the National
Security Council, July 6, and was subsequently circulated to Council members.
‘On July 7, in accordance with Symington’s suggestion, the statement was referred
to the NSC eonsultants for consideration in connection with NSC 73 (supra)..