Digital Archive International History Declassified digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org February 22, 1946 George Kennan's 'Long Telegram' Citation: “George Kennan's 'Long Telegram',” February 22, 1946, History and Public Policy Program Digital Archive, National Archives and Records Administration, Department of State Records (Record Group 59), Central Decimal File, 1945-1949, 861.00/2-2246; reprinted in US Department of State, ed., Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, Volume VI, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union (Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office, 1969), 696-709. http://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/116178 Summary: Ambassador George F. Kennan writes to the Secretary of State with a lengthy analysis of Soviet policy in an attempt to explain their recent uncooperative behavior. This message would later become famous as the "long telegram." Credits: This document was made possible with support from the Leon Levy Foundation. Original Language: English Contents: English Transcription Scan of Original Document DEPARTMENT OF STATE INCOMING TELEGRAM PEN-K-M No paraphrase necessary 8963 Moscow via War Dated February 22, 1946 Received 3:52 p.m. SECRET Secretary of State, Washington. 511, February 22, 9 p.m. Answer to Dept's 284, Feb 3 [13] involves questions so intricate, so delicate, so strange to our form of thought, and so important to analysis of our international environment that I cannot compress answers into single brief message without yielding to what I feel would be dangerous degree of over-simplification. I hope, therefore, Dept will bear with me if I submit in answer to this question five parts, subjects of which will be roughly as follows: (One) Basic features of post-war Soviet outlook. (Two) Background of this outlook (Three) Its projection in practical policy on official level. (Four) Its projection on unofficial level. (Five) Practical deductions from standpoint of US policy. I apologize in advance for this burdening of telegraphic channel; but questions involved are of such urgent importance, particularly in view of recent events, that our answers to them, if they deserve attention at all, seem to me to deserve it at once. There follows Part One: Basic Features of Post War Soviet Outlook, as Put Forward by Official Propaganda Machine Are as Follows: (a) USSR still lives in antagonistic "capitalist encirclement" with which in the long run there can be no permanent peaceful coexistence. As stated by Stalin in 1927 to a delegation of American workers: "In course of further development of international revolution there will emerge two centers of world significance: a socialist center, drawing to itself the countries which tend toward socialism, and a capitalist center, drawing to itself the countries that incline toward capitalism. Battle between these two centers for command of world economy will decide fate of capitalism and of communism in entire world." (b) Capitalist world is beset with internal conflicts, inherent in nature of capitalist society. These conflicts are insoluble by means of peaceful compromise. Greatest of them is that between England and US. (c) Internal conflicts of capitalism inevitably generate wars. Wars thus generated may be of two kinds: intra-capitalist wars between two capitalist states, and wars of intervention against socialist world. Smart capitalists, vainly seeking escape from inner conflicts of capitalism, incline toward latter. (d) Intervention against USSR, while it would be disastrous to those who undertook it, would cause renewed delay in progress of Soviet socialism and must therefore be forestalled at all costs. (e) Conflicts between capitalist states, though likewise fraught with danger for USSR, nevertheless hold out great possibilities for advancement of socialist cause, particularly if USSR remains militarily powerful, ideologically monolithic and faithful to its present brilliant leadership. (f) It must be borne in mind that capitalist world is not all bad. In addition to hopelessly reactionary and bourgeois elements, it includes (one) certain wholly enlightened and positive elements united in acceptable communistic parties and (two) certain other elements (now described for tactical reasons as progressive or democratic) whose reactions, aspirations and activities happen to be "objectively" favorable to interests of USSR These last must be encouraged and utilized for Soviet purposes. (g) Among negative elements of bourgeois-capitalist society, most dangerous of all are those whom Lenin called false friends of the people, namely moderate-socialist or socialdemocratic leaders (in other words, non-Communist left-wing). These are more dangerous than out-and-out reactionaries, for latter at least march under their true colors, whereas moderate leftwing leaders confuse people by employing devices of socialism to seine interests of reactionary capital. So much for premises. To what deductions do they lead from standpoint of Soviet policy? To following: (a) Everything must be done to advance relative strength of USSR as factor in international society. Conversely, no opportunity most be missed to reduce strength and influence, collectively as well as individually, of capitalist powers. (b) Soviet efforts, and those of Russia's friends abroad, must be directed toward deepening and exploiting of differences and conflicts between capitalist powers. If these eventually deepen into an "imperialist" war, this war must be turned into revolutionary upheavals within the various capitalist countries. (c) "Democratic-progressive" elements abroad are to be utilized to maximum to bring pressure to bear on capitalist governments along lines agreeable to Soviet interests. (d) Relentless battle must be waged against socialist and social-democratic leaders abroad. Part Two: Background of Outlook Before examining ramifications of this party line in practice there are certain aspects of it to which I wish to draw attention. First, it does not represent natural outlook of Russian people. Latter are, by and large, friendly to outside world, eager for experience of it, eager to measure against it talents they are conscious of possessing, eager above all to live in peace and enjoy fruits of their own labor. Party line only represents thesis which official propaganda machine puts forward with great skill and persistence to a public often remarkably resistant in the stronghold of its innermost thoughts. But party line is binding for outlook and conduct of people who make up apparatus of power--party, secret police and Government--and it is exclusively with these that we have to deal. Second, please note that premises on which this party line is based are for most part simply not true. Experience has shown that peaceful and mutually profitable coexistence of capitalist and socialist states is entirely possible. Basic internal conflicts in advanced countries are no longer primarily those arising out of capitalist ownership of means of production, but are ones arising from advanced urbanism and industrialism as such, which Russia has thus far been spared not by socialism but only by her own backwardness. Internal rivalries of capitalism do not always generate wars; and not all wars are attributable to this cause. To speak of possibility of intervention against USSR today, after elimination of Germany and Japan and after example of recent war, is sheerest nonsense. If not provoked by forces of intolerance and subversion "capitalist" world of today is quite capable of living at peace with itself and with Russia. Finally, no sane person has reason to doubt sincerity of moderate socialist leaders in Western countries. Nor is it fair to deny success of their efforts to improve conditions for working population whenever, as in Scandinavia, they have been given chance to show what they could do. Falseness of those premises, every one of which predates recent war, was amply demonstrated by that conflict itself Anglo-American differences did not turn out to be major differences of Western World. Capitalist countries, other than those of Axis, showed no disposition to solve their differences by joining in crusade against USSR. Instead of imperialist war turning into civil wars and revolution, USSR found itself obliged to fight side by side with capitalist powers for an avowed community of aim. Nevertheless, all these theses, however baseless and disproven, are being boldly put forward again today. What does this indicate? It indicates that Soviet party line is not based on any objective analysis of situation beyond Russia's borders; that it has, indeed, little to do with conditions outside of Russia; that it arises mainly from basic inner-Russian necessities which existed before recent war and exist today. At bottom of Kremlin's neurotic view of world affairs is traditional and instinctive Russian sense of insecurity. Originally, this was insecurity of a peaceful agricultural people trying to live on vast exposed plain in neighborhood of fierce nomadic peoples. To this was added, as Russia came into contact with economically advanced West, fear of more competent, more powerful, more highly organized societies in that area. But this latter type of insecurity was one which afflicted rather Russian rulers than Russian people; for Russian rulers have invariably sensed that their rule was relatively archaic in form fragile and artificial in its psychological foundation, unable to stand comparison or contact with political systems of Western countries. For this reason they have always feared foreign penetration, feared direct contact between Western world and their own, feared what would happen if Russians learned truth about world without or if foreigners learned truth about world within. And they have learned to seek security only in patient but deadly struggle for total destruction of rival power, never in compacts and compromises with it. It was no coincidence that Marxism, which had smoldered ineffectively for half a century in Western Europe, caught hold and blazed for first time in Russia. Only in this land which had never known a friendly neighbor or indeed any tolerant equilibrium of separate powers, either internal or international, could a doctrine thrive which viewed economic conflicts of society as insoluble by peaceful means. After establishment of Bolshevist regime, Marxist dogma, rendered even more truculent and intolerant by Lenin's interpretation, became a perfect vehicle for sense of insecurity with which Bolsheviks, even more than previous Russian rulers, were afflicted. In this dogma, with its basic altruism of purpose, they found justification for their instinctive fear of outside world, for the dictatorship without which they did not know how to rule, for cruelties they did not dare not to inflict, for sacrifice they felt bound to demand. In the name of Marxism they sacrificed every single ethical value in their methods and tactics. Today they cannot dispense with it. It is fig leaf of their moral and intellectual respectability. Without it they would stand before history, at best, as only the last of that long succession of cruel and wasteful Russian rulers who have relentlessly forced country on to ever new heights of military power in order to guarantee external security of their internally weak regimes. This is why Soviet purposes most always be solemnly clothed in trappings of Marxism, and why no one should underrate importance of dogma in Soviet affairs. Thus Soviet leaders are driven [by?] necessities of their own past and present position to put forward which [apparent omission] outside world as evil, hostile and menacing, but as bearing within itself germs of creeping disease and destined to be wracked with growing internal convulsions until it is given final Coup de grace by rising power of socialism and yields to new and better world. This thesis provides justification for that increase of military and police power of Russian state, for that isolation of Russian population from outside world, and for that fluid and constant pressure to extend limits of Russian police power which are together the natural and instinctive urges of Russian rulers. Basically this is only the steady advance of uneasy Russian nationalism, a centuries old movement in which conceptions of offense and defense are inextricably confused. But in new guise of international Marxism, with its honeyed promises to a desperate and war torn outside world, it is more dangerous and insidious than ever before. It should not be thought from above that Soviet party line is necessarily disingenuous and insincere on part of all those who put it forward. Many of them are too ignorant of outside world and mentally too dependent to question [apparent omission] self-hypnotism, and who have no difficulty making themselves believe what they find it comforting and convenient to believe. Finally we have the unsolved mystery as to who, if anyone, in this great land actually receives accurate and unbiased information about outside world. In atmosphere of oriental secretiveness and conspiracy which pervades this Government, possibilities for distorting or poisoning sources and currents of information are infinite. The very disrespect of Russians for objective truth--indeed, their disbelief in its existence--leads them to view all stated facts as instruments for furtherance of one ulterior purpose or another. There is good reason to suspect that this Government is actually a conspiracy within a conspiracy; and I for one am reluctant to believe that Stalin himself receives anything like an objective picture of outside world. Here there is ample scope for the type of subtle intrigue at which Russians are past masters. Inability of foreign governments to place their case squarely before Russian policy makers--extent to which they are delivered up in their relations with Russia to good graces of obscure and unknown advisors whom they never see and cannot influence--this to my mind is most disquieting feature of diplomacy in Moscow, and one which Western statesmen would do well to keep in mind if they would understand nature of difficulties encountered here. Part Three: Projection of Soviet Outlook in Practical Policy on Official Level We have now seen nature and background of Soviet program. What may we expect by way of its practical implementation? Soviet policy, as Department implies in its query under reference, is conducted on two planes: (1) official plane represented by actions undertaken officially in name of Soviet Government; and (2) subterranean plane of actions undertaken by agencies for which Soviet Government does not admit responsibility. Policy promulgated on both planes will be calculated to serve basic policies (a) to (d) outlined in part 1. Actions taken on different planes will differ considerably, but will dovetail into each other in purpose, timing and effect. On official plane we must look for following: (a) Internal policy devoted to increasing in every way strength and prestige of Soviet state: intensive military-industrialization; maximum development of armed forces; great displays to impress outsiders; continued secretiveness about internal matters, designed to conceal weaknesses and to keep opponents in dark. (b) Wherever it is considered timely and promising, efforts will be made to advance official limits of Soviet power. For the moment, these efforts are restricted to certain neighboring points conceived of here as being of immediate strategic necessity, such as Northern Iran, Turkey, possibly Bornholm However, other points may at any time come into question, if and as concealed Soviet political power is extended to new areas. Thus a "friendly Persian Government might be asked to grant Russia a port on Persian Gulf. Should Spain fall under Communist control, question of Soviet base at Gibraltar Strait might be activated. But such claims will appear on official level only when unofficial preparation is complete. (c) Russians will participate officially in international organizations where they see opportunity of extending Soviet power or of inhibiting or diluting power of others. Moscow sees in UNO not the mechanism for a permanent and stable world society founded on mutual interest and aims of all nations, but an arena in which aims just mentioned can be favorably pursued. As long as UNO is considered here to serve this purpose, Soviets will remain with it. But if at any time they come to conclusion that it is serving to embarrass or frustrate their aims for power expansion and if they see better prospects for pursuit of these aims along other lines, they will not hesitate to abandon UNO. This would imply, however, that they felt themselves strong enough to split unity of other nations by their withdrawal to render UNO ineffective as a threat to their aims or security, replace it with an international weapon more effective from their viewpoint. Thus Soviet attitude toward UNO will depend largely on loyalty of other nations to it, and on degree of vigor, decisiveness and cohesion with which those nations defend in UNO the peaceful and hopeful concept of international life, which that organization represents to our way of thinking. I reiterate, Moscow has no abstract devotion to UNO ideals. Its attitude to that organization will remain essentially pragmatic and tactical. (d) Toward colonial areas and backward or dependent peoples, Soviet policy, even on official plane, will be directed toward weakening of power and influence and contacts of advanced Western nations, on theory that in so far as this policy is successful, there will be created a vacuum which will favor Communist-Soviet penetration. Soviet pressure for participation in trusteeship arrangements thus represents, in my opinion, a desire to be in a position to complicate and inhibit exertion of Western influence at such points rather than to provide major channel for exerting of Soviet power. Latter motive is not lacking, but for this Soviets prefer to rely on other channels than official trusteeship arrangements. Thus we may expect to find Soviets asking for admission everywhere to trusteeship or similar arrangements and using levers thus acquired to weaken Western influence among such peoples. (e) Russians will strive energetically to develop Soviet representation in, and official ties with, countries in which they sense Strong possibilities of opposition to Western centers of power. This applies to such widely separated points as Germany, Argentina, Middle Eastern countries, etc. (f) In international economic matters, Soviet policy will really be dominated by pursuit of autarchy for Soviet Union and Soviet-dominated adjacent areas taken together. That, however, will be underlying policy. As far as official line is concerned, position is not yet clear. Soviet Government has shown strange reticence since termination hostilities on subject foreign trade. If large scale long term credits should be forthcoming, I believe Soviet Government may eventually again do lip service, as it did in 1930's to desirability of building up international economic exchanges in general. Otherwise I think it possible Soviet foreign trade may be restricted largely to Soviet's own security sphere, including occupied areas in Germany, and that a cold official shoulder may be turned to principle of general economic collaboration among nations. (g) With respect to cultural collaboration, lip service will likewise be rendered to desirability of deepening cultural contacts between peoples, but this will not in practice be interpreted in any way which could weaken security position of Soviet peoples. Actual manifestations of Soviet policy in this respect will be restricted to arid channels of closely shepherded official visits and functions, with superabundance of vodka and speeches and dearth of permanent effects. (h) Beyond this, Soviet official relations will take what might be called "correct" course with individual foreign governments, with great stress being laid on prestige of Soviet Union and its representatives and with punctilious attention to protocol as distinct from good manners. Part Four: Following May Be Said as to What We May Expect by Way of Implementation of Basic Soviet Policies on Unofficial, or Subterranean Plane, i.e. on Plane for Which Soviet Government Accepts no Responsibility Agencies utilized for promulgation of policies on this plane are following: One. Inner central core of Communist Parties in other countries. While many of persons who compose this category may also appear and act in unrelated public capacities, they are in reality working closely together as an underground operating directorate of world communism, a concealed Comintern tightly coordinated and directed by Moscow. It is important to remember that this inner core is actually working on underground lines, despite legality of parties with which it is associated. Two. Rank and file of Communist Parties. Note distinction is drawn between those and persons defined in paragraph 1. This distinction has become much sharper in recent years. Whereas formerly foreign Communist Parties represented a curious (and from Moscow's standpoint often inconvenient) mixture of conspiracy and legitimate activity, now the conspiratorial element has been neatly concentrated in inner circle and ordered underground, while rank and file-- no longer even taken into confidence about realities of movement--are thrust forward as bona fide internal partisans of certain political tendencies within their respective countries, genuinely innocent of conspiratorial connection with foreign states. Only in certain countries where communists are numerically strong do they now regularly appear and act as a body. As a rule they are used to penetrate, and to influence or dominate, as case may be, other organizations less likely to be suspected of being tools of Soviet Government, with a view to accomplishing their purposes through [apparent omission] organizations, rather than by direct action as a separate political party. Three. A wide variety of national associations or bodies which can be dominated or influenced by such penetration. These include: labor unions, youth leagues, women's organizations, racial societies, religious societies, social organizations, cultural groups, liberal magazines, publishing houses, etc. Four. International organizations which can be similarly penetrated through influence over various national components. Labor, youth and women's organizations are prominent among them. Particular, almost vital importance is attached in this connection to international labor movement. In this, Moscow sees possibility of sidetracking western governments in world affairs and building up international lobby capable of compelling governments to take actions favorable to Soviet interests in various countries and of paralyzing actions disagreeable to USSR Five. Russian Orthodox Church, with its foreign branches, and through it the Eastern Orthodox Church in general. Six. Pan-Slav movement and other movements (Azerbaijan, Armenian, Turcoman, etc.) based on racial groups within Soviet Union. Seven. Governments or governing groups willing to lend themselves to Soviet purposes in one degree or another, such as present Bulgarian and Yugoslav Governments, North Persian regime, Chinese Communists, etc. Not only propaganda machines but actual policies of these regimes can be placed extensively at disposal of USSR It may be expected that component parts of this far-flung apparatus will be utilized in accordance with their individual suitability, as follows: (a) To undermine general political and strategic potential of major western powers. Efforts will be made in such countries to disrupt national self confidence, to hamstring measures of national defense, to increase social and industrial unrest, to stimulate all forms of disunity. All persons with grievances, whether economic or racial, will be urged to spelt redress not in mediation and compromise, but in defiant violent struggle for destruction of other elements of society. Here poor will be set against rich, black against white, young against old, newcomers against established residents, etc. (b) On unofficial plane particularly violent efforts will be made to weaken power and influence of Western Powers of [on] colonial backward, or dependent peoples. On this level, no holds will be barred. Mistakes and weaknesses of western colonial administration will be mercilessly exposed and exploited. Liberal opinion in Western countries will be mobilized to weaken colonial policies. Resentment among dependent peoples will be stimulated. And while latter are being encouraged to seek independence of Western Powers, Soviet dominated puppet political machines will be undergoing preparation to take over domestic power in respective colonial areas when independence is achieved. (c) Where individual governments stand in path of Soviet purposes pressure will be brought for their removal from office. This can happen where governments directly oppose Soviet foreign policy aims (Turkey, Iran), where they seal their territories off against Communist penetration (Switzerland, Portugal), or where they compete too strongly, like Labor Government in England, for moral domination among elements which it is important for Communists to dominate. (Sometimes, two of these elements are present in a single case. Then Communist opposition becomes particularly shrill and savage. [)] (d) In foreign countries Communists will, as a rule, work toward destruction of all forms of personal independence, economic, political or moral. Their system can handle only individuals who have been brought into complete dependence on higher power. Thus, persons who are financially independent--such as individual businessmen, estate owners, successful farmers, artisans and all those who exercise local leadership or have local prestige, such as popular local clergymen or political figures, are anathema. It is not by chance that even in USSR local officials are kept constantly on move from one job to another, to prevent their taking root. (e) Everything possible will be done to set major Western Powers against each other. AntiBritish talk will be plugged among Americans, anti-American talk among British. Continentals, including Germans, will be taught to abhor both Anglo-Saxon powers. Where suspicions exist, they will be fanned; where not, ignited. No effort will be spared to discredit and combat all efforts which threaten to lead to any sort of unity or cohesion among other [apparent omission] from which Russia might be excluded. Thus, all forms of international organization not amenable to Communist penetration and control, whether it be the Catholic [apparent omission] international economic concerns, or the international fraternity of royalty and aristocracy, must expect to find themselves under fire from many, and often [apparent omission]. (f) In general, all Soviet efforts on unofficial international plane will be negative and destructive in character, designed to tear down sources of strength beyond reach of Soviet control. This is only in line with basic Soviet instinct that there can be no compromise with rival power and that constructive work can start only when Communist power is doming But behind all this will be applied insistent, unceasing pressure for penetration and command of key positions in administration and especially in police apparatus of foreign countries. The Soviet regime is a police regime par excellence, reared in the dim half world of Tsarist police intrigue, accustomed to think primarily in terms of police power. This should never be lost sight of in ganging Soviet motives. Part 5: [Practical Deductions From Standpoint of US Policy] In summary, we have here a political force committed fanatically to the belief that with US there can be no permanent modus vivendi that it is desirable and necessary that the internal harmony of our society be disrupted, our traditional way of life be destroyed, the international authority of our state be broken, if Soviet power is to be secure. This political force has complete power of disposition over energies of one of world's greatest peoples and resources of world's richest national territory, and is borne along by deep and powerful currents of Russian nationalism. In addition, it has an elaborate and far flung apparatus for exertion of its influence in other countries, an apparatus of amazing flexibility and versatility, managed by people whose experience and skill in underground methods are presumably without parallel in history. Finally, it is seemingly inaccessible to considerations of reality in its basic reactions. For it, the vast fund of objective fact about human society is not, as with us, the measure against which outlook is constantly being tested and re-formed, but a grab bag from which individual items are selected arbitrarily and tendenciously to bolster an outlook already preconceived. This is admittedly not a pleasant picture. Problem of how to cope with this force in [is] undoubtedly greatest task our diplomacy has ever faced and probably greatest it will ever have to face. It should be point of departure from which our political general staff work at present juncture should proceed. It should be approached with same thoroughness and care as solution of major strategic problem in war, and if necessary, with no smaller outlay in planning effort. I cannot attempt to suggest all answers here. But I would like to record my conviction that problem is within our power to solve--and that without recourse to any general military conflict.. And in support of this conviction there are certain observations of a more encouraging nature I should like to make: (One) Soviet power, unlike that of Hitlerite Germany, is neither schematic nor adventunstic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. Impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason it can easily withdraw--and usually does when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns. (Two) Gauged against Western World as a whole, Soviets are still by far the weaker force. Thus, their success will really depend on degree of cohesion, firmness and vigor which Western World can muster. And this is factor which it is within our power to influence. (Three) Success of Soviet system, as form of internal power, is not yet finally proven. It has yet to be demonstrated that it can survive supreme test of successive transfer of power from one individual or group to another. Lenin's death was first such transfer, and its effects wracked Soviet state for 15 years. After Stalin's death or retirement will be second. But even this will not be final test. Soviet internal system will now be subjected, by virtue of recent territorial expansions, to series of additional strains which once proved severe tax on Tsardom. We here are convinced that never since termination of civil war have mass of Russian people been emotionally farther removed from doctrines of Communist Party than they are today. In Russia, party has now become a great and--for the moment--highly successful apparatus of dictatorial administration, but it has ceased to be a source of emotional inspiration. Thus, internal soundness and permanence of movement need not yet be regarded as assured. (Four) All Soviet propaganda beyond Soviet security sphere is basically negative and destructive. It should therefore be relatively easy to combat it by any intelligent and really constructive program. For those reasons I think we may approach calmly and with good heart problem of how to deal with Russia. As to how this approach should be made, I only wish to advance, by way of conclusion, following comments: (One) Our first step must be to apprehend, and recognize for what it is, the nature of the movement with which we are dealing. We must study it with same courage, detachment, objectivity, and same determination not to be emotionally provoked or unseated by it, with which doctor studies unruly and unreasonable individual. (Two) We must see that our public is educated to realities of Russian situation. I cannot over-emphasize importance of this. Press cannot do this alone. It must be done mainly by Government, which is necessarily more experienced and better informed on practical problems involved. In this we need not be deterred by [ugliness?] of picture. I am convinced that there would be far less hysterical anti-Sovietism in our country today if realities of this situation were better understood by our people. There is nothing as dangerous or as terrifying as the unknown. It may also be argued that to reveal more information on our difficulties with Russia would reflect unfavorably on Russian-American relations. I feel that if there is any real risk here involved, it is one which we should have courage to face, and sooner the better. But I cannot see what we would be risking. Our stake in this country, even coming on heels of tremendous demonstrations of our friendship for Russian people, is remarkably small. We have here no investments to guard, no actual trade to lose, virtually no citizens to protect, few cultural contacts to preserve. Our only stake lies in what we hope rather than what we have; and I am convinced we have better chance of realizing those hopes if our public is enlightened and if our dealings with Russians are placed entirely on realistic and matter-of-fact basis. (Three) Much depends on health and vigor of our own society. World communism is like malignant parasite which feeds only on diseased tissue. This is point at which domestic and foreign policies meets Every courageous and incisive measure to solve internal problems of our own society, to improve self-confidence, discipline, morale and community spirit of our own people, is a diplomatic victory over Moscow worth a thousand diplomatic notes and joint communiqués. If we cannot abandon fatalism and indifference in face of deficiencies of our own society, Moscow will profit--Moscow cannot help profiting by them in its foreign policies. (Four) We must formulate and put forward for other nations a much more positive and constructive picture of sort of world we would like to see than we have put forward in past. It is not enough to urge people to develop political processes similar to our own. Many foreign peoples, in Europe at least, are tired and frightened by experiences of past, and are less interested in abstract freedom than in security. They are seeking guidance rather than responsibilities. We should be better able than Russians to give them this. And unless we do, Russians certainly will. (Five) Finally we must have courage and self-confidence to cling to our own methods and conceptions of human society. After Al, the greatest danger that can befall us in coping with this problem of Soviet communism, is that we shall allow ourselves to become like those with whom we are coping. KENNAN ..,. I " I ' .. ACTION:EUR IlfFO: s u 0 A-B A-0. A-D SA SPA UlfO � P!M-X-M .... .11 DEPART)lENT OF ST� INCOMING TELEGRAM 896� Jlo paraphrase neceasar1. INFORMATION COPY ACTION MUST BE ENDORSED ON ACTION COPY Moscov v1a War Seereta.rJ ot State, Washington. . 511. Februar,. 22, 9 p . m. Datetl Febru&rJ 22, 1946 p.m. . . ��­\}). Anaver to Dept• s 284, Feb 3 1nvolv.,3 questions 80 intricate, so delicate, so strango t•J our tol"m o( thought, and so important to o.n&lJsis or our international environment that I cannot comp-i10ss ansveJ."8 into single br�er message vlthout Jleldjng to vhat I feel vould b"e d&ngol"ous degree or over ..:J1mp11t1cation. I hope,. therefore 11, Dept v111 bear with me. 1r I submit 1n answer to 'this question tive parts11 su·.>jt>ots or which vill be rOU$hlJ as follows: (one) �sic· reaturos or post-var Soviet outlook. (Tvo) Background or this outlook. (Three) Its projection in practical policv on ott1c1al level. (Four) Its projoct1on on unotticial level. (Five) Prar.t1oal,dedt;ict.1ons troa etcs.ndpo1nt ot US policy. I apologize in advance tor this burdoning o" telegraphic channel; but questions involved aro a� such Ul'gent importance, pa.rtjcularly 1n viev ot recen� events, that our ansYero to th��, if thsy deaerv' attention at &11, seem to me to deserve it at once. �\!ERE POLL0\15 PART ONE: BASIC f'F..ATURES OF POST WAR 50\jET OUTL·)OK, AS PU'l FORWARD BY OFFICIAL PROPAGANDA MA1)!1IlfE, ARE AS FOLLOWS: (A) USSR still lives in o.ntagonistic 11cap11.�11at encirclement" v1th vhich in the long rWl there ci.\1 bo no permanent peacetul coex13tence. As stated by Stalin 1n 1927 to a delegation or .Amorican \tol"ke1·;. � IUI IH:lrll:I MOl&t nrm 111:\.u.MlrlU &O. 11 IU. Sec. Jal -.d: 5(IJJ • l'Q Dept. Qf &late ..... A119- 10. 1m - ... "In couroo -2- U5.u... F�hrum•J 22,, 9 p.m. from Nuooov via War "In oourae or rurthor <.tovnlo).Wlent: or 1nterno.t1onal rovolutj.on th9r1� vlll emnrge two r.111Jnter" of" vorld . algn.1f1canee: a so,.,lo.li�t r.�c.te1•, dro.ving to itself the count.-leo \IJ1:leh teml t;own.remoorat10 ...progree11lva" elements abroad are to be utilized to 1l18lt1mum to brlng pressure to bear on oap1te.11et governiaenta along 11nea &gr'eeable to Soviet 1ntereeta. (Dl Relentleea battle mu.at be vaged against sooialiat and aocial-d.aaaocrat1o leaders abroad. PART 'lVO &HSMI BFIRM'" -Ji- #511, Pebru&l'J' 22, 9 p.11. from Moeoov Yi& Val" P.AltT TW01 BAC!:OROUID OP OUTLOOK Bet'ore examining ram1t1cn.t1ona ot th1e p&J'ty line 1n praot1oe there are certain aapeote or it to vhieh I v1eh to drav attention. F1rat., 1t doee not repi-eeent natural outlook of . Ru11s1an people. Latter are, by and large, friendly to oute1de vorld., eager tor exper1enoe or it, eager to 11eaeure against it ta.lente thoy are oonacioua ot poaaea111Dg, eager above all to live 1D peaoe and enjoy truite of their ovn labor. Po.rt� 11.De onl7 represents thesis vb1ch ott!oial propaganda machine puta forward vitb great llk.111 and peraiatenoe to a public often remarkably reeiatant in the stronghold ot 1te innermost thougbta. But partJ' line 1a b1Dd1Dg tor outlook and oonduct or people vbo make up apparatus ot pover--­ pa.rty, eeoret Pol1oe and govermaent---and it la ezolua1vel.7 v1th these that ve have to deal. Seoon4, pleaee note that prem.ieea on vhich th1e pa:rey line 111 baee4 are to't' moat part a1.mpl7 not true. Experience haa ahovn that peacetul and mutually profitable coexistence ot oap1tal.1at and aoo1al1at atatea ia entirely poaa1bla. Baalo 1ntei-nal oonn1ota 1n advanced countries &r$ no longer pr1mal'117 those ar1a1Dg out or capitalist ovn.erahip ot aeane of Pl'OclUotlon, but are ones arising f'rom advanoed urbaniam and 1n4uatr1al1am aa suoh, Vh1ch Ruaaia haa thuo tar been ep&:red not b:y aoo1al1am but only b7 her ovn baokvardnesa. Internal r1val.r1ea or oap1tal11111 do not alva:ys generate vars; and not all vara are attributable to tbia oauae. To speak or poee1b111� ot intervention againat USSR tod&J', after e11m1M.tlon of OoJ"IB&D:J and Japan and arter example ot recent VB.I', le llheereat noneenae. If not �o•oked b7 foroee ot 1ntoleronoe and aubvere1on capitalist" vorl4 ot tod&'J' is quite capable ot living at peaoe vith iteelt and vlth Rueela. Plna117, no sane person ha11 reaaoa to doubt e1noer1tJ or moderate eoc1&11at leaders 1n veetern oowitrlea. nor ls 1t tair to deDJ euoceea or their ettorta to :llllprove oond.1t1one tor vork1ng Population llhenever� aa 1n Soaud1nav1a, they t-·1 , ....,.£, -- -• • . . &OlGll ..... • :• • ··c.c.. � a:nd £0. Uv--·· � 10 1'171 ·�··· ,.'>l1• • I ..,, �Q .... • .. _... t:r�I. ' -" •f(�--- :-•,,/&.:. LT #C... f.. - ·• have been =·· ...s- 1511, Februar1 22, 9 p.a. from lloaoow via War ban been g1Ten chance to shaw wbat they could do. hl.aene11 ot theae preld.aea, eve17 one ot whiob. pre-datea recent nr, wu aapl.J demcmatrated b7 that conruct 1taelt. Anglo-A.mrican ditference1 did not turn out to be •Jor dltterencea ot .. at.ern world. Capitalist countriea, ottM!lr than those ot Az:la, 11bowed no di11po11ition to aoln their dittennoe11 b7 jolnlq S..U cruaade aaainst. mSR. Instead ot imperiallst nr t\lJ"Jl!.q into ciril nra and. revolution, USSR t'ound it•l.t obllpd. to tigbt aide b7 aide with capitalist po911r1 for an a1'owd oomunit1 or ai•. NeTerthelea1, all theu the1ea, hManr baael111 and dieprann, are being boldl.7 put ronrard ap.1D toda7. Wbat doea th11 indicate? It 1rd1catea that Smet part.7 line 111 not baaed on aey objective anal.1'8111 ot situation be7ond Ruaaia1a borders; that it has, 1Dlleed, little to do with conclitions outside or Ruasi&J that it ar1ees minl.7 tro• basic inner-Ruaa1an necea!litiea which existed betore recent nr and exist tcda7. At bottom or ltrelllin1 a neurotic rlew ot world attairs is traditional and 1nrt1net1Ye Russian sense or insecurity. Originally, this was in.HC'UJ"ity ot a peacetul agricultural people t?"11ng to live on vast erpoaed plain in neighborhood. ot fierce nomdic people a. To thia na added, as Ruaaia c.._ into eontaat with econollica.lly advance6 west, tear ot 110H co.tent mare powrtul, more highly organized l!llocieties in that area. But thia latter t)119 ot ineecur1t7 was one which atnlotttd rather Russian rulera than Ru11s1an people J tor Ruaian rulertl havo invarimly sensed that their rule was relatively archaic in tor•, tragtle and artificial in its ps7chologioal tmmdation, unable to stand compariaon or contact with political ayst.e• ot western countrie1. For this reaaon the7 have aln,.. teared tare1gn penetration, teared dJ.reat contuct bet... n wet.ern world and their on, teared what would happen ll' Ruaaiane learned truth about world without or lt toreignera learned truth about world within. And they have learned ... IRUSSIAU l..Q. 1 IU2. S.C.. >.Tl cmd 5(D) CS CID Po?t. d Slow .......,, AUQ. LO. Lm ,., Z ICAU DoM/J •II ·J]-lr. a. • ---· to aeek ..6.. 1511, PebrUDl'y 22, 9 p.m. :from Moacov via War to seek •eeurity on17 in patient but deadly stt-ugsle tor total destruction of rival pover, never 1n OOIUP&cts o.nd o ompl'omiee a v1th 1t . It vas no coincidence that Ne.r:tiom,, which had smouldered ineffectively for half a century in Wostern Europe, caught hold and blnzed for ti.rat time in Russia. OnlJ in thio land vh1ch had never knotm a friendly neighbor or indeed any tolorant equJ.librium ot sopo.rate paveru, either inta:rnnl or international, could a doctrine thrive vhicb vieved economic con.tlicts or soc1e1;J' aa insoluble by peecetul. means. Arter establiabmftnt ot Bolshevist regJmo, MnJtxist doEPJ!&, reuderod even more t�ucul.ent and 1ntole�&nt bJ L&n.1n1a inte�pretat1on, became a portect vob1cle tor sen�o or inaecurity v1th vhlch Bolehev1.k31 even core than previouo Rusaian rulera, vere oftlictad. In th.ta dogmc., vith its baaic alt:ru1mn or purpose, they found just1t1oat1on ror their 1.nst1nct1ve rear of outside vor�d. for the d1otatorab1p v1thout vhich they did not knov hov to i'lll.e, tor erueltiea they did not dare not to infliot. for eaor1t1cea they felt bound to dAma.nd. In tho name of M&Mtiem theJ' aacr1f1cod evory sinele ethical value in tbeil' methods and tactics. Today they cannot d1spenee vlth it. It ia fia leaf of their moral and 1ntelleotual raspoctab111ty. Without it they llould stand betoro hiatol'J', at beat,, ns only the last of that long nucceosion or cruel ond wnstatul Rusa1on :rulers vho have relentlessly !"orcod countrJ' on to ever nev heights of nallitary pov&r in order to guarantee oxternal aec�1qr ot their 1nte::.1nn.llJ· veak regimes. 'lh13 is vhJ' 5ov1et purposes muot nlvayn be solemnly clothed in trappiDSe ot Mm-.xlsm,, JU1d vhy no one should underrate 1.mportanoe of dogD".a in Soviet 4ffa1rs. Th11u Soviet leaders are d.J'ivan necass1t1os of their ovn past ond present poa1t1on to put tcr11ard a dog:na vh1ch (•) outside vorld aa evil, hoetile and menacing, but ne bearing v1th1n 1teelf germs or croep1ng disease nnd destined to be vracked v1th srov1ng 1nterne.1 convulaiono until it 1s given tine.1 coup de grace by rioing pover or aoolallam and yields to nov and hotter vo:rld. Thia WU! IECUalnD ·--- E.O. 115.52. Sic. XD md 5(DI C11 CIQ D9pt. al SlaN ........ Ai.19- 10. 117'1 Ir .t,r:__ , MAU �..a ·II.,").- thesis ·- SBSR&I -7- #511, February 22, 9 p.m. from Moecov via War thes1o provide• Just1f1cat1on ror that increase or m111tarJ' and police po�er or Russian etate. tor tbat isolation or Russian population from. outside vorld. and tor that fluid and constant pressure to extend 11111te or Ruaeian police pover vhich are together the natul"al and 1nst1nct1ve urges or Russian rulers. Baa1call.J' th!a la onl.7 the atea(ly advance or uneaa1 Jtuaa1an nationalism. a centuries old movement 1n vhich conceptionn or ottenae and defense are 1D8%tr1cably oontuaed. But in nev guloe or international Jlarxiam. vitb its hone�ed promlaen t.o a deeperate and var tol'D out•ide vorld, It la more dangerous and 1ne1d1oua than ever betor0. It ahould not be thought Crom above that Soviet partJ' line la aecesu&-rllJ' d.111ingenuou11 and 1na1Dcere OD part of all thoae llho put it forward lll8DJ' Of them are too ignorant or outside vorld and mentallJ' too dependent to queation (•) self-b.J1>not1em, and vbo h&n no d1ff1oult,. making themselves believe vbat theJ" ft.n4 it oomtortlng And convnnient to believe. Pin.ally ve baYe tho unsolved lllJ'Stery as to vho, tr &IQ"One, 1D thie great lond aotually rE!ceivea accurate and unbiased 1nt'ormat1on about out111de vorld� In atmosphere or oriental aecretlv�ne1s aud conap1racy vh.t.oh pervad.ea this gov�rnment, poaslbilltiea ror diato�tlng or Poisoning eourceo and currente or information are 1rd'1n1te. The very d1oreapeo t or Rueaiane tor objective trutb---!ndeed, their d1abel1et 1o its exietenoe--­ leada them to V149V All stated rn.cta aa 1Detrumente tor turtherance or one ult;orior purpose or another. Dlere la good reason to auapnct that th1a govermaent 1• actually a oonapiracy v1th1n a conap1.rao7; �d_IJQr OM . ,!.II reluo��- to_belle.ve ..�t .�.tal.1n h1maelt cea.e.1.na �t"J4� _l�&ll-?bJe!=��Y.!....P.1ct�JL.O.f put11de var14. llere there i• ample acope tor the 't7Jfe or eubtle 1.ntripe at vhioh Ruasiane ai•e ps8t masters. InabilitJ" or f'oreJ.gn governments to place t.beir aase aqua.rel)" before Rueei&n Policy makera---extont to vhich th•T are delivered up 1n their relationa vith Russia to good graoes ot ob•oure and unknOVD advlaero vbom tb.e7 never aee &Dd cannot 1.n1"1.uence---th1a to 1lI1' mind ls most d1equ1et1ng teature or d1plomao:r 1D Hoacov, and one vhioh western atate...n vou1d do vell to keop in m.1nd 1r they would underataD4 nature or d1tt1cult1eu encountered here. DECUSSlfIED PART DR.EB: p, =; i:--:' ': . • : . t '. ! t . &SIU! -8- 1511. Feb�J' 22, 9 p.111. trom J.toocov Via War PART mmms PROJBCTIOH Oi.' SOVIET OUfLOQE Ill PRACTICAL POLICY OB OF'Ji'ICIAL n� Ve have nov aeon nat\ll'e .Cl'.d background ot Soviet program. Wh.o.t ma:r vo expect b: vay of !ta praotlcal 1.mplementatlon? Soviet Policy, as Departrnnt implies 1n its quer1 under reference, la conducted JD tvo planes: (one) ottlaial plane ropresented by cctionn undertaken otticl&.lly in name ot Soviet OoverDJDent; .\nd (tvo) aubterJtenean plane of actions undertaken by cgenc1ea tor \lh1ch Soviet Government does not admit respon11b1lltJ'. Polle,- prcnulgated on both :>laneo ¥111 be caloulated to serve baelc policies (A) to (D) outlined in part one . Act1ona taken on dJft'erent planes v1ll dltte� conelderabl7, but v111 401ota.1l into each other in JJUl'Po&e, t1JD1ng ond effect. on ottlcial plane ve must lcok fL� tollovlng: (A) Internal policy dovoted to �nci.:aeing in evory vo.� atrerurth and prestigo of Sov1ot !lt&t<\1 intensive 11.!litar,--lndustrilllizotion; maxmLDD devol•l)ment ot armd roroas: great dioploys to im:nprnsa ol·.tsidore; continued aecretivenons about internal mnttora, designed to conceal weolcneesea and to k�ep ·lpponents in dark. (B) Wharevor 1t ls considered timely n d prom1a,.ng, efforts v1ll be made to advance official 11�lts of Soviet power. For tho l!lomont, these e:rtort; a.re restricted to certo1n neighboring points coL�o1ved of" here ao being ot 1Deed1ate ntrateg1o necessity, such as llorthern Iran, Tl.trkoy, posalbJ.7 Bornholm. novover, other Pointe may a.t ony ti.ae come into quau\·Lon, it and ae ooncealed soviet political po�er is '�tended to nev areae. Thus a "f'riendly" Persian Oove1tnant might be asked to grant Rusala a port on Persian (•ult. Should Spain tall under oommuniet cont1•ol, question ot Soviet 8118•1 &.&IUD ·� 11111. ... :Im .. ICDt Ir • """' .. .. ..... ..... .. "" ..4f1J..r__.._. a ncov aees 1n ono not the meohaD.1sm tor a permanent and e1;able vorld aocioty tounded on mutual interest anc' alms or all nations, but an arena 1n vbicb a1ma just. mentioned oan be favorably pursued, Aa long as U!IO 1� considered here to serve thie purpose, Soviets vill rernln with it. ·But it &t GJl1' tir.i� they come to conolue!.o�'l that it is serving to embo:rase or truatrate the!l' c 1.ma tor power expannion and if they _ eee better prcspecto f"or �suit or these al.ms along other lines, t:heJ v111 not hesitate to abandon lJBO, 'l!hie voul4 1rt1'1J', \iovever, that the1 �e1t themaelvea atrons enouza, to :!pl1t unity ot othat• nation.a bJ' their v1thdraval, to ran\o:r 01'0 1nettectlve aa a threat to their a1ms or eeou··ity, and to replace 1t v1th an international veapon mo:"O efteot1ve �om their v1evpo1nt. Thus Soviet att1tUl� tovard UBO vil1 detend la.rg0l7 on lo,-alt, ot other .netlone to it, and on degree or visor, deo1a1veneee and cd1ea1on vi.th vhioh those nations detend in UBO tha )tncetul o.nd hopef'Ul. concept ot international l:J.fef vhtch that orsaniz.atlon represents to our va7 ot t111D � ng. I rel terate, Moaoov has no abetract devotion ¢,> UNO idanl.s. Its attitude to that organ.1i;at1on vil 1 :.·,iroa.1n eeDentlnllJ' pregmatio and tactical. (D) Tova.rd colOa1t1on 1e not yet cl88.1'. Soviet Oova:rnm.ent hae abov11 strange ret1canoe since termJ.nat1on hoet111t1es on subject foreign trade. It la:rse acale long te1tJD credito should be rorthcoming, I believe Soviet Go\rernment may eventu1�11y again do lip eerv1ao, aa it did 1n n1neteen-thirtye �·o deo1rab111ty or building up 1nternnt1onsl econotr11c ex-.·hangeo in general. Othel'Vloe I think it possible �oviet foreign t�ade may be restrlctod largol7 to Sov1eia ovn security sphere• including occupied oren3 in Oe111tnny, and that a cold ott1o1nl sbouldel' may be turned to J)l'1nc1ple ot geneJ'al eoonom1c collnbornt1on omong nations. (0) With respect to cultural collabl\l"tlt1on, lip service will 11kev1ae be l'"&nderod to dos1i•ab111 ty of deepening cultural contnots betveen peopl(':J, but thls vlll not in pra.ot1ce Im lntal"preted in an:1 vay vhl�h '3oul4 veaken security poo1ticn of Soviet peoples. Actual mnn1teetat1ona ot Soviet policy in this respect v111 be reet�1oted to arid chonnels ot closolJ shepherded oft1c1al viaite and tuoct!ona, vith euper-nbundanee ot vodka and speechee and dearth ot perl!!8n.ent ettects. ll:tlSSlrlEI =il!Cltl!JT . E.O. 111u s.c. :icn ODd MD> ar ti) D.pl. cit s.... "'°"'· A� 10. 1172 �" .- ·- -�1wu· ,.,__. .,,,.... ,_.,._.__ I (H) Beyo� 1 'ti . f. ... � . : ·. :. .. . • , BZRZT -11- #511, Pebrual"J' 22.. 9 p.m. from Moecov via War (B) Be7ond this, tl?viet ott1c1Bl relations v111 take vbat m!gbt be cal:l'Jd "correct" course V1th 1n41v1dual foreign govo·.�nmenta, with great stress being laid on prestige of Soviet Un!o.n and its representatives and v1th punct111oua attention to protocol, ae d1et1nct l�om good manners • . PAR1' POURa POLLO\fl\CJ MAY BE 5AID AS TO llBAT WE MAY BXPBCT BY VAY OF Dll '..EMEN�TIOJI OP BASIC SOVIET POLICIBS 011 UllOFPICIAL_. l'i1 SUB'l'B.RRARKAft PI.Alm, 1.e. on PLAD POR wmcn SOVIE'l.' OOVBRnMBRT ACCEPTS 110 RBSPOltSIBILITr Agencies utilized for ·proraule;htion or policies on thla plane are. tollovlne: One, Inner centra.1 core ot oonmn.m1st parties in other oountriea. Vhile mo.DJ nt persons vho oompoae th1a oatesottJ' may also appo&.. and act in unrelated public capao1t1es, they are ill reality working olosel7 together aa an undergrotmd ope�·atlng direotornte ot vorld communism, a conceBJ.ed C1.c1intern t1ghtl7 co.. ordinated and directed by Moeoc.i·. It is 1.mporttlnt to remember that this innor core 1& actually working on und.ergl'ound lines, deopite legc llty or parties uith vhich it ia aeeooiotod • . 'J!vo, .ftank'&nd f1le ot' conn•·u1at parties. Hote d1et1nction la dl'a\m betueen theft and persons det!ned in paragraph one. This distincti·m hoe become much ah&.J'per in recent 7enra. \lherese ."'orinerl7 foreign com:aunlet parties represented a cu�tous (and tram Moecov•e stand.paint often inconver.::.�nt) mixture or . conspiracy and lcgit!ma.� oct1v11�y, nou the cocep1rator1al element haa been neatly C(•nc-r1ntrated in inner circle and orderod Wldel'ground. i.'hile rank and file--.. no longer even taken into confidlncu about realities or movement---al"e thrust forward as booa. fide internal part1ean.a of certain political tendencles v1th1n their nepective oountrlea, genu1nelJ luaooeut or conspiratol"i&l IRWSlflU SBCidM6 a.o. nw. s.c. 311!) cat 5(D9 • 11D Dlipl. .. lllM ...... A-.. JO. lm -.NL-r •.u:a rw. l'.1.•ll ·J;r..... connection -12- 1511, February 22, 9 p.m. hoa lloacov via Var connection.vith foreign states. On17 1n certain oountriea whel'e oommuniats are numerlcall7 strong do the7 nov regularlJ" appear and aot aa a bocf7. Aa a rul.e theJ" are uaed to penetrate, and to lnfiuenoe or dOll!nate,, as oaae ma7 be, other organ1zat1ona leas l1.kel7 to be suspected ot being tools or Soviet Govermantt vith a viev to accompl1eh1.ng their purPoaee through •) organ1zation11, rather than by direct aot1on a11 a aeparate political party. Tbl'ee. A Vida variety or national aaaoo1at1one or bod1ea vh1ch can be dominated or 1.nfiuenoed b7 auch penetration. 1b.ese 1nolude1 labor Wliona, 7outb. leaguea, vomena orsan1zat1ona, rac1al soo1ot1ea, relig!oua aoo1et1ea, 11oc1ol. organizatloD.S, cultural groups,, liberal megazinea, publishing houses, etc. Pour. International organizationa whiob oan be aim.1larl7 penetrated through lntluenoe over various national componente. Labor,, youth and vomena organ1zat1ona a.re prominent among the111. Particular, almost vital,, 1mportanoe la attached ln thla oonneotlon to international labor movement. In th.la, Moaoov aeea poaa1b111ty or e1detrack1ng western governments 1D vorld arr&ira and bulldlng up international lobbJ" capable or ocapelling governments to take aotlone favorable to Soviet 1ntereets in various countries and or paral.J'zlng actions disagreeable to U3SR. Five. Russian Orthodox Cburoh, v1th 1ta foreign branohea, and through it the Zaatern Orthodox Churah 1n general. 51.x. Pan-Slav move�nt and other movement• (Ar.erb61jan, Armenian, Turcoma.n,, eto.) baaed on racial groupe v1th1n 9nvlot Onion. Seven. Oovernments or governing groups vill1Dg to leDd them,elves to Soviet purposes 1n one degree or another, eucb ao present Bu.lga.rlan and yUgoalav governments, lorth Peralan regime, Chinese Conaun!eta, eto. l(tUS$1rlEI MiRRI E.O. 11�::. s.c. XD aad 5(DI s cm . ... � . ... __ .. . ··- '" '--" not on17 ,... . • Dl';lSION OF • CENTRAL SERVICES tn.EGRAPH SECTION ACTIOK:!OR llJl'O: s u c A·B A-C A-D SA SPA Po :1'# ·DKP.All'rHENT 01'� STATK DCG Ko paraphro.ae ncce�:1..,r7. B&R!fr INFORMATION CoPT ACTION MUST BE ENDORSED ON ACTION COPY -13-#511, February 22. 9 p.m. from Moeoov via Var. lot on17 propage.nda Dlflehfnee but actual pol1ctee ot these reg1mee caa be placod eztena1ve17 at dlapoaal ot USSR .. .a.t nmv h#t expector1 tlm.t. componont parts ot thla tar. tlung &PJ'!'..r&tue v• lJ. bo ut� 11 zed, tn �coordanoa v1 th their 'odt vi dual aut tab·J 1 t t7, &'1 rollovs t (A) To und".trm1ne [,�n,,ral poltt1cal and atrategto potent1aJ. Of n1&jor V'30tern povere. Efforts Vill be -de 1n auob countrteo to d1erupt national eelt con1"1dence, to bamstr1ng ••a.sureu or unt1onal detenee, to fncreaee aoc1al and tn�ust�1AJ. unreet, to ot1mu1Qte all tol'llB ot df aunlt7. All persons vith gricvAncan, whether economic or racial, v'll be urged to soelc redMno not. hi mediation and oomprom11e, but t n def1 DI' t v 1 olent atJ"'Ugg].e tor deatruett on · o� other elements or noct�ty. Der� poor v1ll be sot aga1net r'ch, black &g8:1nat whl te. young Agalnat old, oevc0B1ers agafnat eetabl1ohed rectdente, et�., (B) On unoff1efa.1 pllUlG p&rtlcularl7 vtole:nt efforts v111 be made to veA?c�n power and influence ot veatern povers or colon1al, backv�rd, or dependent peoplea. Ou th1s level, no holds v111 b� barred. Mfetakee and veakneaaea ot veatern colonial allin'u•stre.tton v111 be merollesel7 exposed and explo,ted. Libern.l op•n1on in veatern oountrlea v�.11 be mob111ze1 to veaken �nlon'nl pol1c•ea. Resentment onong dependent peoples v111 bo nt1mulated.. And vhtle lat·ter are being encouraged to aook 1ndepcndence of veatern povere, Sovlet domlnn.ted puppet polJ tlcal machlnee vll'.1. be undergofng preparation tn take over domeat1c paver 1u respective colootal a.reo.u vlten 1n mad � m � Depa. cJ Sim. Maei, AUIJ. ID. H71 tr..ILJ_, ..... ._..,u·11·Zc (B) EverJtb!ng II Ill' -14- #511, Febl'Ual'J' 22 , 9 p . m . from Noocov v1t-. ifw(E) Bwl')'thlng poss ible v111 be done to ae t 11Ajor vestern pavera against each other . Ant1-Br1t1ah tallc vill he pl�ed among J\morloane , ant1-.Amer1can talk among Briti sh . Cont1nental.s , 1noludin.g Oerma.ns, vlll be taught to abhor both Anglo-Suon povera . Where suap1o1ona exist, they vill be tanned ; vb.ere not, ignited. lo effort vi� bo spared to discredit and combat all ertorta vhiol! threaten to lead to an1 aort or unltJ' or oobealon at1ong othor (•) f?'OID \lhiob Ruaaia 111.Sgbt be u::oluded . ':thus , all rorma or 1nternat1onal organization not amenable to cooauni s t penetration and control, vhether it be the Ca.tbolio (.. ) lnterno.tional eaonom!o concerns , or the international f'ratern1CJ or roJaltJ' . and arlatocrac7, must expect to find themselves under tire f'rom m&D.1', and often ( • ) (P) In senerol , Bl.1 Soviet etrorta on unott1o1al international plane vlll. be negative Bild destructive 1n cbaracter, . dealgned to tear dovn aouroea ot atrength beyond reach or Soviet control . Dll• 1a onl:J' in 11.De vitb baaic Soviet 1nat1nct that there can be no OOUlprca.1ee vith rival paver and that constructive vu1•k. OJ.D etart onl7 vhen oOlllllUJliat pover is domi nant . But beh1Dd All tbJ.a v111 be applied insistent, unceaa1Dg pressure for penetration and COl!IN'U)d Of ke7 Poait1ona 1D ad•1 n1 stration and eepeoiall7 in police apparatu� ot fore�E;D couu�r1da . 'fhe Soviet reg1.ma 1e a police regime par excellence , reared in the dim halt vorld ot !'aar1at Police intrigue , Mcuatomed to think primarilJ' 111 terms ot polloe pover . Thie ahoul.d never be lost a1gbt or 111 sa:ugiug Soviet motives . f'ARi' PIY.B I In ewnmer7, ve have hore a polit ical toroe ooaattted .ranatioally to the belier thn.t wlth US there can be no permanent modua vivendi . thftt it ie desirable and necoasa17 that the internal ba"t'lnony or our aoc1etJ' be diarupteG, �ur trad1 t1oonl vay or lite be destroyed, the international authorit-,- or. our s tate be broken, it Soviet povor 11 to he secure . Thie pollt1oal force be.e oomplate pcwer or dlepo9 \t1on over energies or one or vorld ' e greotll 11 t po o plt!!l 1·1?.d ros <'uro ea ur ffOJ"ld. 1 s richest national terr! tory, and la borne aloq bJ' deep w.ua.,ro !.O. ' "" ._ •rt _ .. ··- . - and poverrul ACTIOR : EUR IllPO s u A--8 A-C A-D SA SPA UllO :8# CORRECTED PAGE FIPTEKft MB fto paraphrase nece s 3a17 &R8RIK' -15- 1511 . �ebrunr1 22 . 9 p . m . , from Moeoov •la W&r and povortul cu!T'lnts or R us slBn nat1onallm . In addition, l t baa nn el�born.te o.nd fo.r nung apparatus tor exertion of 1 f;e 1.D flnence ln o ther countriea , an apparatus or 811Mlng flexibility and vvreatilit,. !' managed by people whose experience And eld.11 1n und.'9rcrouad methods a.re ·prasumn.bl7 vltbout para.J.le1 1.ll hle to17 . P1.J::aallJ . l t 1 3 aeemin�7 .l.naoeeaaible to cona1deratlona or r:>al lty lo l te be.e1c reactio.aa . .Por 1t , the Yaa t rlllld of' objoctivo Co.c t about bnWlD socJ.'!ltJ 111 not , ae vlth uo ,. tbo me uu..N qniDat vh1ch outlook l a cona tentlJ belug t.ee ted 8J1d re -rormed , but a grail bag . trolll vhich 1nd1v1(luo..l l teras Qf'f) selected arblt:.:•1.\ril:r and. tend.en,,1oure1 v to ho 1. � to r sn "u tlook al.ready preconc slvad . Tll.6. s 111 admltt.Qdly a.ot a J-•J.ea.sum� p1o tuN . rrooJ.em of hv _. to cope 'Vl i°.b th.tr� !' orcf1 ln WJdOUb&e«i.LJ 81"tUl\;Utf\i . taak our dlplomn.cy h�a eve r fl\ced Rl1d probabl7 crest.ea t it vill ev., r have to .race � I t ebouJ.d be pol.nt of 4epartw·e rrom vhlcil ou.r pol! tico.l. general atatr vork at presont junetu"m ah'lttll•. pronf!ed . It should be appl'Oaclled v1th nnnn thorougllll'JsB � ca.re aa aolut:lon or 11ajol' PtrAteglc proble111 1n vo.r , ADCl 1t nece•s&rJ . vith n o e11111ller nul•Jo.7 ln planning at.fort . I canno·t attempt to ouggun t fl.1 1 sn11 vern he ro . But I vould l:llce to reoord JrQ" convlct1on that p�blem la vitbi.D our power to aolve -- &D4 tltnt vi thout 1•acourfte to &DJ' general mJ.lit&r'J' conrl.ict . And ln support or thia conv1ot1on there a.re cer tB.1.n ohnervat.iona of o more encou:raa' nll nature I should l !ke to me.ko : (One ) Zovie t pouer, U)tlike tho.t. or Hitler1ta Oerman7 , 1e neithor •H�belll8t1c nor a.d.von tur13 t1c . It does not; vork by 1"1xed plans . I t dooe not toke wmecoaaar7 ':-l ake . Impervi ous to logic or roa.so.o , and it ia h!gbl.y a·en:iitive to logic of force . For thio reaaou 1 t oan eas117 T..thdrav - - - - o.nd uaWlllJ' doe s -- - -vhen a trong rea1at8.JlCI.• 1a 1ca J;;1m1 - · · · r .,, , , •..,, :.-c.. m ...t: 5(Dtii (El 1 encow1t..ared -15'!!- 1511 , February 22 , 9 p . m . , troa Moacov via War . enc ountered at any point . Thuo , 11" the adyera&rJ has 1 sutf"1cient force and mnlat s clear bi s reacH.p.e 1s to uae 1t , he rarely bas to do s o . Ir el tuatiOJUt are propel'l.7 handl ed there need be no prestige engag1 ng abovd.011118 . (Two ) Oauged nga!.ns t ves tern vorld aa a vhole , Sovie ts are s till b7 far the vealm r rorce . Thus , thetr e uccee e v111 rea.1.ly depend on degree or cobea1on , t1.rmea1 and vigor vhich veetern vorld can mus ter . And thia 1e fal'ltor vbich it ia within our pover to influence . (Three ) Suc ce o a or· Sovie t a7s tem , aa form of" lnternal power , l s not 1et f1nall7 proven . I t baa 79t to be demons trated that 1 t can survive supreme text or aucceaalve transfer of power from· one 1D41v1d.u&l. or group to anothe r . Lenin ' s death vae t1rat auch tr&D11ter , am its effects wracked Soviet state for 15 19ara atter Stalin ' s death or ret!:rement vill be second . But even th1a vill .not bo final te�.. t . Soviet internal aya tem will nov be oubjocted , b7 vir tue or recent . territorial expansions , to series or additonal s trains vhtch on �e proved aevero tax on Tsardom . Ve here are convinced that never since term1 nat1 on or e lvil var bave maa e of Rua aian people been umotional.lJ' rartbar removed t'i'om doctrines of" comuni et J\Ort7 �bo.n t.huy are IUP ... SECIWP. IBUSllf1EI S.O. 11111. &le. � ad S(D) cs cm DilpL ol llale ....... A-. lG. Im ar All.I ua .,.,.,, .,, . J.Y . toda7 . -16- #5111 Pebru&rJ' 221 9 p .m . 1"1'ca Jloaoov via War tod&J'. In Rwle1a. party baa nov become a great 8114--­ tor the """ent---hSgbly auooeestul apparatu.. or d1otator1al adm1 nS atrat1on1 but it. baa oea.eed to be a eouroe ot emotional 1n::1p1.rat1on . Tb.u11 , 1nterD8l. . soundnees and permanenoe or movement need not 7et be regarded aa usured . (Four) All Sovie t propa.genda be7ond Soviet eeovlQ" ephere ia baaioallJ' nesative and destruat1ve . It abould. there1"ore be relatively eae7 to ocmbat 1.t bJ' aJQ" 1.n�ll.1gent 8.nd 1'981 1 7 oonetruo t1ve program. For these reasons l thlDk ve m&J' •PPI'oa.oh oaJ ml y and v1th good heart proulem of' hov to deal vith Rueeia. As to hov th.111 approach ahould be -.de, I onl7 Viab to advance, b7 V&J' or oouoluaion, tollovi.Dg ooaaente 1 (One) our ti.rat etep must be to apprehend, and reoosniee tor vhat it la . the nature ot the movmnent vith vhloh ve are d.M1 1 ng . We IDU8t stud7 it Vith aw oourage1 detaohment, objeot1v1tr, and same dete:rm1 natlon not · to be emotioMl l J' provoked or unseated by 1t, vi.th vhich doctor atwllea 1ua.rul.7 and unreasonable 1nd1v1�. · · (Tvo) Ve mu.a t eee that ov Efbllo is educat•ul to realities 01" Russian oituatlon. oannot ovar-empb••iae illll>ortanoe ot tb.J.a . Presa oai:mot do th1.e &lone . It lllU8t be done •' nl7 bf' government., vhiah ie neoe•e&l'il7 more experienced and better 1.Dtormed on praotloal problems involved . In t.his ve need not be deterred bJ' tallnnee11 of picture . I am conv1Doed t.hat 1ihere voul4 6e tar leas lqeterioal ant1-Sov1et1em 1D our ooUDtrJ" toda7 if realities or th1a e1tuat1on wre better UDderatood b7 our people . Tbere 1• nothlna: aa dangel'0\18 ar aa terr1tJ1.ng aa the wilm.ovn . I t DBJ' alao be argued that to reveal more information on our 41tt1cult1ea v1th Rueaia voul.d reflect W\favorably on RuaaiaD American relat1ona . I reel that it there ia &IQ" real rillk: here involved, it 1• one vhlch ve should have oourage to race., and aooner the better . But I cannot see vbat ve vould be r1•k1 ng . OUr atake 1D thle ooUDtl'J', even ocwJ ng on heele of" tremendous deJ11onatrationa of our tr1en.dah1 p ror If(.(ASSif1£1 l:.O. l l C �2. S...:.. llD and 5roJ ar a) ftu&81&n people 0.,,... °' ::i.,,., w1r.r A 1zs91T •r..N'l.. T . � 10. l r7J ACTI01' a Iftli'O : s u c A-B A-C A-D SA SPA UllO �# BUR AMII · coRRBCTIOR PAOB SBVERTBKll lo i:araphraae neoeaaary ,..... -11- 1511, Pe'bru.ary 22 , 9 p. m. , from Mo acov via War Russian people , l a remarkabl7 a.mall . We bave here no 1nve11taent11 to guard, no aotual trade to lo ae , virtually no o1t1aena to protec t , tev aultural oontaate to preserve . OUr onl7 stake lies in vbat ve hope rather than vbat va have ; and I am oonv1naed ve have be tter ohanoe of realizing tbo ae hopea it our publio 1 e enlightened and it our deal1.Dga vitb Ruaa1ans are placed entirely on real1s t1 o and matter ot taot bae1a . ('lbree ) Muob dopou.de OD health and VigoZ" Of OW" OVD society . World co•nnnt am is like malignant pu-aalte vhich reed.a onl7 on diseased t1 aaue . Th.l a la point at vb.lob 4o•at1 c and foreign poll oiea aee t . Ev•J'J' oourageoua and 1no1a1ve •aaure t.o solve internal problema ot our ovn aocle t7 , ·to improve aelt contldence , d1 eo1plJ.ne , morale and oomuni t7 ap1r1t ot our ovn people, 1• a diplomatic vietol'J' over Moaoov vorth a thousand d1plomat1o notes and Joint 00J111111mique11 . I t ve cannot abandon tatalim and 1nd1f.terenoe in race ot det1o1enc1ea ot OU.I' ovn aooiety, Moeoov v111 prot1 t- · ·Moaoov canno t help protl ting bJ them in 1ta foreign pol1o1e a . (Four ) Ve mua t formulate and put torvard tor o ther nations a muoh ..,re pas1 t1ve and conatruo tive picture ot aort ot vorld ve vould like to aee than ve have put forward in pa.et . I t 1e not enough to urge people to develop pol1 t1· oal prooeaaee e1m1lar to our ovn. ManJ foreign peoples , in Europe at leas t , are tired and f"rlghtened bJ experieaoea or paa t, and are lea s interested 1n abstract treedoa than 1n aeouritJ . Tbe7 are seeiting gu:ldanoe rather than reap:>na1b111t1ea . We ahould be hotter able than Ruaa1ana to give them this . And unleaa ve do , Rusalana certallll.J vill . (Pive ) Finally we muo t have oourage a.nd aelt contidenoe to oltng to our ovn metboda and oonoeptlona ot human aooiet1 . After all , tbe greatest danger tba t can befall ua 1n coping vith thla probl• o t Soviet Commmiam, 1• that ve shall allov oureelvea to become 11.ke those vi t.h whom ve 8.l"e cop1.Jla. ABHnAR ....