Khrushchev lays out recommendations for a response to a letter sent by John Foster Dulles, rebutting criticisms of Soviet policy and ideology and discussing the Soviet Union's position on free elections, the Declaration of the Twelve Communist and Workers Parties, the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, and the prevention of nuclear war.

Khrushchev explains the Soviet Union's decision to resume nuclear testing, attributing it to ongoing threats from Western powers and the lack of genuine progress on disarmament. He criticizes the US, Britain, and France for continuing nuclear tests and accuses them of using peaceful testing as a cover to improve their weapons. Emphasizing that true security can only come through complete disarmament, Khrushchev defends Soviet actions as necessary for national defense while reaffirming the USSR's broader commitment to global peace and disarmament.

Nikita Khrushchev outlines a proposal to the CPSU CC Presidium for a significant reduction in the USSR's armed forces by 1 to 1.5 million personnel, even without reciprocal actions from other countries. He argues that the Soviet Union's advancements in missile technology and nuclear capabilities ensure its defense without the need for a large standing army, thereby enhancing economic efficiency and bolstering international prestige. Khrushchev emphasizes that such unilateral disarmament would reduce Cold War tensions, undermine militaristic factions globally, and improve the Soviet Union’s image as a proponent of peace. He suggests transitioning to a mixed system of professional and territorial (militia) forces to maintain readiness while lowering costs. The proposal aims to strengthen both domestic and international support for the USSR while showcasing the superiority of the socialist system.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

In this letter, Shevardnadze, Yazov, and Kamentsev discuss the Soviet Union's obligations to provide military assistance to their treaty partners, and the differences between treaties.

MAE DAP memo on resumption of negotiations on INF. Observations on Allied negotiating position regarding an intermediate solution. Discussion of the Soviet position (press conference by Foreign Minister Gromyko, statements by Secretary-General PCUS Andropov): The paper also discusses the issue of French and British national nuclear deterrents, deployment of Euro-missiles and Soviet SS-20, comments Allied countries and perspectives on the negotiations.

A report on the discussions which occurred at a meeting of the Atlantic Council, during which the relative military powers of the Soviet Block and Western Block were compared. The different positions and threats posed to various NATO nations were also discussed. Finally, the report laid out plans for nuclear, submarine, and aerial weapons development to ensure that the Soviet Block’s military power never exceeds that of the Western block.

Evaluation of vulnerability to Soviet aggression due to Italy’s geographic location (the middle of the Mediterranean Ocean) and political position (mostly communist). Reporting on the decision to increase nuclear weapons as well as bolster the air force in order to protect Italy and surrounding Mediterranean countries, which becomes essential considering the Soviet Union has made open threats directed at Europe and NATO.

This rather technical document compares the strategic capabilities (conventional and nuclear) of Warsaw Pact and NATO. The document notes that Warsaw Pact has considerably increased its capabilities catching up with the West, and raises the question about Soviet intentions, and whether continuing armament is in line with peaceful coexistence.

Roberto Ducci analyzes recent developments in US and Soviet foreign policies vis-à-vis Europe. He discusses the risk of US abandonment in Europe, and fragmentation of Western Europe in light of the ongoing MBFR negotiations, stating that USSR foreign policy is proving to be more capable than expected.

An introductory note to the CPSU Central Committee Resolution on military cooperation with non-Socialist countries.