UNCLASSIFIED
part their perception of the evil of Soviet totalitarianism and
oe
the need to resist its growth.
But we deny their assumption that
military power is the essential, "realistic" means of dealing
with this problem.
We deny their assumption that the massive
engine of modern war can be applied rationally,
achieve democratic ends.
or controlled to
We believe that war strenghtens
totalitarianism everywhere.
We believe an end to the spread
of totalitarianism and the defense of our nation depends
primarily on a constructive program for peace.
And we have seen
that a constructive program for peace cannot be carried on
simultaneously with a program for military preparedness.
We believe that all which is most valuable in our heritage would
be better protected if the effort,
sacrifice,
resources,
and
intelligence devoted to preparation for war were used to develop
a program of non-violent national defense, and the constructive
programs American leaders talk of but do not undertake.
Those
interested in our reasoning and the elements of our program for
peace are referred to publications like the American Friends
Service Committee's studies, "Speak Truth to Power", and "Steps
to Peace", and to
recent speeches by General Omar Bradley and
Cyrus Eaton.
But our aétion here focuses on the bomb tests themselves.
We
believe many who do not yet fully reject reliance on military
power do see wisdom in America's stopping these tests,
first step in a major effort to reverse the arms race.
risk is involved.
No inspection is necessary.
has said it is willing to stop tests.
not respond to America's action,
as the
No vital
The Soviet Union
If the Soviet Union did
the Soviet Union,
not the United
States, would be regarded by mankind as the nation that refused
to end the radiation danger and help move the world toward peace,
~8-