NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY


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sistance must rise from, and constantly refresh, confidence and hope.
  Confidence land hope in the future will be inspired in other peoples
to the degree that they are convinced, emotionally and intellectually,
that:
  a. The means of accomplishing a. successful military defense against
Soviet aggression are or will shortly be at hand.
   b. The frustration of the design of ,the Kremlin will advance their
legitimate aspirations, notably the achievement of national freedom
and a large degree of economicindependence.
   c. Their right to share in shaping the future will not be measured
only by their material capabilities but by recognition of their cultural
traditions, indigenous institutions and national character.
   d. They are regarded as full partners in a common undertaking.
   e. The endeavor to frustrate the design of the Kremlin is not an
effort to maintain ,or to restore ,a status qo but is a step in the devel-
,opment of evolutionary arrangements among and between nations
giving an enhanced degree of political stability, economic progress,
Isocial development and international order.

   Although Soviet Communism currently is the greatest threat to the
 fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of peoples seeking freedom,

 many of the conditions against which free nations and peoples are
 obliged to contend did not originate with any particular system but
 have been exploited by Soviet Communism for its own advantage.
   6. The Role of the United States. The degree to which other
 peoples and nations develop and maintain confidence in themselves
 and the free society of which they are or hope to be a part will depend
 in critical measure upon their confidence in the United States. Cir-
 ,cumstances and events have thrust upon the United States leadership
 in world affairs. The role is difficult and uncomfortable. It requires
 patience and self-restraint. Its rewards are not invariably understand-
 ing, much less gratitude. The United States cannot escape the responsi-
 bilities of the role, but it can and should avoid being arbitrary,
 domineering and condescending. It should endeavor to speak through
 deeds as well as by words. It should desire that others than itself
 advertise its virtues. It should seek to exercise authority through
 willing concurrence rather than enforced compliance.
   To inspire confidence in its own intentions and capabilities, the
 Ujnited States must convince other peoples and nations that:
   a. It regards the arming of itself and the free world as the shield
 behind which it pursues its objectives of safeguarding freedom, main-
 taining peace, furthering human welfare and bulwarking international
 order.
   b. It does not regard war with the Soviet Union as inevitable.
   c. It is not in its character to wage aggressive or preventive war,
-although it will resist aggression with vigor, resource and will and
-with confident assurance of ultimate success.