Milford chronicle., 1947-08-29
AN ARTICLE IN Foreign Affairs entitled

AN ARTICLE IN Foreign Affairs entitled
sSThe Sources of Soviet Conduct" and signed
only with the initial "X', has aroused tre-
rnendous amount of comment. The reason Tor
the comment is that "X" is authOrltatlvely
reported to be one of the top men IN the state
DEPARTMENT, whose official position forced
him towrite anonymously.
The basic attitude of the article, so far as
u, S.-Soviet relations are concerned, is sum-
med up in three unequivocal sentences: 1T is
clear that the United States cannot expect IN
the foreseeable future to enjoy political lntl-
macy with the Soviet regime. 1t must con-
tinue to regard the Soviet Union as rival,
not partner, in the political arena. 1t must
continue to expect that Soviet policies VIII.
reflect no abstract love of peace and stability,
no real faith in the possibility of permanent
happy coexistence of the socialist and capital
list worlds, but rather cautious, persistent
pressure toward the disruption and weaken
ing of all rival influence and rival power"
The pattern of events has proven that
this, in all essence, is the underlying theory
of the Truman Doctrine. 1t is obviously the
motivating force behind recent statements
and actions of Secretary Marshall And, to
remove it from any cloud of political parti-
sanship. it pretty well sums up the point OF
view of such Republican experts on foreign
policy as Senator Vandenberg and John Fos-
ter Dulles.
A good many people believe that it is a
dangerous and mistaken attitude. Some OF
these people belong to the extreme left, pro-
Soviet fringe-such as the groups which are
presently giving their allegiance to Henry
Wallace's appease-Russia program. Others,
however, are of a much more conservative
turn, and fear that the policy is wrong be-
cause, long enough perpetuated, it will make
war inevitable. But, regardless of who is
right and who is wrong, those whose duty l.
is to determine this nations policy toward
Europe are convinced that u. S. goals and
Soviet goals are generally irreconcilable.
It is probable that many Americans do not
yet realize the extent to which U. S.-Soviet
relations have deteriorated. The brave hopes
of world unity which were held during and
Immediately after the war are still fresh in
mind. We can still remember the photo
graphs of the first meetings between our
troops and Soviet troops in Germany, with
the handshakes and the tOasts and the
pledges of eternal friendship
On the practical side, only an unqualified
optimist can believe that this country is
making much progress in the diplomatic and
political war with the Soviet Union The
Soviet policy of causing disruption, distrust
= of u. S., and internal discord is producing
tangible results on two continents. The Greek
problem is more difficult than ever, and com
munist strength is undoubtedly growing
China is in complete chaOS-and, as in Greece
the power and the prestige of the communist;
are in the ascendent. Germany is torn be
tween the two conflicting idealogies, and the
Russians-aided by the powerful cOmmunis
faction in France-have prevented any rea
start toward German rehabilitation.
The Marshall plan for helping Europe t.
help herself has not failed. 1t may still pro
duce tremendous dividends. But it has be
come apparent that even the cooperating ma
tions are far from agreement. This has pro
duced strong repercuSsions in the Unite
States. Congress will view future requests fo
money for European aid with an analytics
and jaundiced eye. That doesn't mean tha
Congress is turning isolationist. But it doe
mean that it will be exceedingly reluctant
turn flood of dollars loose unless it is Gel
tain that they will really be used to help pu
Europe on her feet and to once again max
her self-Sustaining.
Another unpleasant fact that must be re
corded is that the world is on what amount
to war footing. 1t is evident that the po:
sibility of war underlies both American an
Soviet foreign policy. Unsettling reports {
the magnitude of Russia's military prepar:
tiOns have been drifting in. Enormous fa
tories have been built beyond the Urals, it
said, to produce war materials of all kinds
including long-range bombers. Vast armit
of workers have been pressed into servic
and some think that Russia is now usin
slave labor to an extent unequalled even b
Nazi Germany. Every resource is bein
given to atomic research.
This doesn't make a pretty picture, bl
those who should know best say it is trl
one. Perhaps the best hope for peace lies
the current fear of war, to all the though
being given to trying to prevent it-and
the fact that the peoples of the world,
matter what their leaders may have in min
are exhausted, and must have a prolong,
peace if civilization is to be maintained al
strengthened.