Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-02-03

series of steps designed to re-
lax international tension and
strengthen confidence among
states. In this connection I should
like to call to your attention the
reduction in the Soviet Unions
armed forces in 1855 by $4,000
men; the reduction in the ap-'
preparations for military needs
of the USSR for 1856 by 90 bill
lion ruhles as compared to 1855;
the Soviet Unions withdrawal
from its last military base in
the territory of other states,
namely. the military base in Fin
land Porkkala- Udd; and the in
litiative of the Soviet Union
toward concluding a state treaty
with Austria. which led to the
withdrawal of all foreign troops
from Austrian territory and the
assumption by Austria OF the
obligation to pursue a policy of
permanent neutrality. Other
steps taken by the Soviet Union
toward easing international ten
sion and improving relations
among states are also well
known.
Aim to Decrease Tension
| In the Soviet Union it is
Thought that other states might
also back UP their declarations
with specific deeds. Meanwhile,
Ito be frank. Mr.. President. 1t
must be said that not only have
certain great powers failed to
take similar action. but on the
contrary much is being done to
increase international tension.
In spite of the positive results
of our Geneva meeting. the mill
tary appropriations Of certain
Western powers. including the
USA. not only fail TO be reduced
hut are even being increased. The
number of American military
bases in foreign territories is also
being increased: moreover. these
bases are located mainly in areas
adjoining the borders Of the
Soviet Union. You will agree that
this cannot fail to create fully
understandable apprehension
among the Soviet people concern
ing the intentions of the USA.
We cannot but call attention
also to the fact that, contrary
L to our mutual assurances OF
peace at the time Of the Geneva
Conference, Mr.. President. GER
tain leading personages OF the
USA continue to make state
ments which can in no way
be said to conform to the spirit
Eof Geneva" It is a well-known
fact, for example. that very re-
Gently a statement was made in
the USA in favor of a policy
that would keep the coun-I
try ION the brink Of war" We
must also call attention to the
lbelligerent statements of num-
her Of military leaders Of NATO,
who openly advocate a continu-I
alton of the ornaments race
and the accumulation Of stocks
lof atomic weapons in the NATO
forces and do not feel any qualms
about threatening to use them.
Clarifies Treaty Stand
In proposing the conclusion Of
"a treaty of friendship and CO.
operation between our countries,
we follow the reasoning that the
conclusion Of such a treaty and
the Improvement Of relations
between our countries would
make it easier to accomplish sub
Istantial reductions Of ornaments
and armed forces. We could. for
instance, seek a reduction in the
armed forces of FIVE powers to
these levels. which have been
duly agreed to by both the
United States and the Soviet
Union. An agreement on the
problem of atomic weapons. the
prohibition of which is de-
manded by the nations, would
also contribute to it. A solution
Iof the problem of establishing an
appropriate international con-
troll would also become easier.
! In your message you again
called attention to your open
skies" proposal. which provides
for mutual flights over the ter
ritories Of the Soviet Union and
the USA respectively by American
and Soviet airplanes for the pur-
pose of aerophotography. as well
as for an exchange Of military
information. My colleagues and
I have already had the oppor-
tunity to express their attitude
on this proposal. 1t seems to us
that in the present international
situation and. moreover. under
conditions of a completely un-
restricted ornaments race. the
carrying out Of such fights would
not only fail to free the peoples
from the fear of new war. but
on the contrary would intensity
that fear and mutual suspicion.
Judge for yourself. Mr.. President:
What would the military leaders
iof your country do II 1t were re-
ported to them that the aero
photography showed that your
neighbor had more airfields? To
be sure, they would order an
immediate increase in the num-
Der of their own airfields. Nat
urally. our military leaders would
do the same in similar case. It
is not difficult to understand
that the result would be further
lintensification, of the ornaments
race.
Refusal to Use Force
1t would be a different matter.
III we could agree on a reduction
of ornaments and armed forces.
Then. the carrying out Of an ap-
Ipropriate control, the methods Of
which could be agreed upon,
would be justified and necessary
One cannot fail to note also
that the obligation Of the USSR