These are all transient things, but if indeed war should break out, then it would not be in our power to contain or stop it, for such is the logic of war. We must not succumb to intoxication and petty passions, regardless of whether elections are impending in this or that country, or not impending. And that must be clear to us, people invested with authority, trust, and responsibility. But you well know that the very least which you would receive in reply would be that you would experience the same consequences as those which you sent us. What would a war give you? You are threatening us with war. President, that you too are not devoid of a sense of anxiety for the fate of the world (2) understanding, and of what war entails.
I can, in any case, firmly say this for the peoples of the socialist countries, as well as for all progressive people who want peace, happiness, and friendship among peoples. It is thus that we, Soviet people, and, together with US, other peoples as well, understand the questions of war and peace. War is our enemy and a calamity for all the peoples. Our goals are clear, and the means to attain them is labor. We have always regarded war as a calamity, and not as a game nor as a means for the attainment of definite goals, nor, all the more, as a goal in itself. We, Communists, are against all wars between states in general and have been defending the cause of peace since we came into the world.
Everyone needs peace: both capitalists, if they have not lost their reason, and, still more, Communists, people who know how to value not only their own lives but, more than anything, the lives of the peoples. I think you will understand me correctly if you are really concerned about the welfare of the world. Consequently, I would think that, apparently, a continuation of an exchange of opinions at such a distance, even in the form of secret letters, will hardly add anything to that which one side has already said to the other. Now we have already publicly exchanged our evaluations of the events around Cuba and each of us has set forth his explanation and his understanding of these events. (1) From your letter, I got the feeling that you have some understanding of the situation which has developed and a sense of responsibility.
I have received your letter of October 25. Moscow time October 26, under cover of letter from Gromyko to me. Embassy translation follows of letter from Khrushchev to President delivered to Embassy by messenger 4:43 p.m.
0 kommentar(er)
