Memorandum
From: Matthew Macy
To: President Nixon
Date: 5-21-70
Subject: United States
Foreign Policy & Communist States
In
the years since its implementation, our containment policy has been able to
hold the
spread of communism in
check. However, what is been important to note is that the states under
Soviet-style communism
which have attempted to kick out their communist governments have
seen brutal
repercussions. The Hungarian revolution in 1956 and Prague Spring in 1968
witnessed violent
retribution against those who wanted to replace communism in the Soviet
sphere of influence. The
NSC-68 report, combined with the lack of human rights in the
repression of
anti-communist sentiments in the Warsaw Pact nations of eastern Europe, could
provide a springboard
from which to chip away at the USSR’s power and influence.
The
Soviets aim is to extend their communist influence across the world, and ours
is to
spread democracy. During
the aforementioned popular movements against communist regimes, it
would be in our interest
to extend covert aid to groups which are in opposition to the local
government. Providing
more than just military aid would be preferable, considering that the use
of military force has
shown mixed results in the fight to contain communism. The support of
these revolts against
communist governments in eastern Europe would show the people there that
the United States has
their best interests in mind. During these uprisings, the Soviets have
responded with tanks and
military force to quickly extinguish the rebellion and those involved.
Giving whatever aid these
people may need would be vital to helping overthrow communism. It
could trigger a reverse
domino effect, whereby communism begins to fall across the region as
well.
By
giving aid to the anti-communist groups, we can help prevent the spread of
communism while simultaneously
beginning its demise. If just one of these groups succeeds in
removing the communists
and inserting a new democratic government, we will have a small
foothold in the region
from which to start promoting democracy, capitalism, and universal
freedoms in eastern Europe.
Many of the people in these repressed nations who do not want to
live under communism
cannot freely express their beliefs or desires. Often, they are oppressed
and their human rights
are not fully recognized. Therefore, it is our duty to remove the
chains of communist
oppression and help them achieve the free democracy that they so deserve.
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteI think you made great points in your memo.
I liked how you used points that were not just talked about in class like how you pointed out that in the past the Hungarian revolution of 1956 and the Prague Spring of 1968 had groups that wanted to get rid of communism but it ended badly. I completely agree with you that giving aid would definitely be needed and liked how you pointed out that it could have a reserve domino effect as a result. I also liked how you said that "Providing more than just military aid would be preferable, considering that the use of military force has shown mixed results in the fight to contain communism. " and how you went into more detail about how to give aid, who to, and what type to instead of just saying we should give aid.
Overall this was really well written and I think you made good points.
A very persuasive memo. You used the previous historical uprisings as a reason for greater aid very well. One critique I have is that how would the European people know it was the US and that the US had their interests and freedom at heart if the aid was covert? Including the possibility of non-military action was also a good inclusion which greatly strengthened the argument for international aid but just like Elif said you should have elaborated a bit on what non-military aid would be.
DeleteI think this is a very well thought out and persuasive call for action in the aid of oppressed countries hoping to shake off the influence of the Soviets.
Matt great memo!
ReplyDeleteI think how the US deals with communism is important like you mentioned with repercussions. I think each case is unique and must be handled carefully because if not uprising can occur like the instances you mentioned in your memo.
I agree with a lot of what you said like Elif and how exactly would non-military aid be given. Would it be through building strong institutions to support democracy, economics to promote a global community, or other ways?
I agree with giving aid to anti-communists groups also. The only thing I am skeptic about is if the group becomes corrupted in someway. With this I think it ties back to aiding in other ways with established institutions that would prevent corruption from happening when a new anti-communist group rises to make sure a democracy would stay in place.
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteThis was a very convincing post. I have the same question as Orlando. If the aid is covert how would the people know that the US is working to protect their interests? I really like this idea of non-military action working towards containment and gaining foothold in the region. This was a very persuasive argument for more action. Nice post!