TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, Office of the Vice President letterhead, May 14, 1957. Nixon responds to a pamphlet sent to him entitled How To Handle Russia.' In part, 'There is no question but that there is a great yearning throughout the world for peace, and I am sure that all of the peoples of the world would rather turn their energies to constructive effort than to acquiring armaments. Probably there are no people on earth more disposed to peace than we Americans, and this Administration would be more than pleased if it were possible to make a substantial cut in the defense budget. Even though I am in complete sympathy with your ideals and objectives, I feel that we must be coldly realistic with the Russians and their announced intention of world domination from which they have no signs of deviating. Nevertheless, this Administration has made constant efforts to promote peace - one of the more concrete examples of which was President Eisenhower's disarmament proposals in July 1955. Had the Russians entered into the subsequent disarmament discussions in a sincere spirit of cooperation, one of the basic links in building a lasting peace could have been forged. At the present time, the Russian Government is once more launching propaganda of disarmament on their terms which are a far cry from President Eisenhower's proposals. Significantly, the Russian Government now appears to be having extensive economic difficulties. This is reflected in reports of the drop in the value of the ruble as well as in the extensive efforts to reorganize the whole Soviet industrial system. The difficulties in the satellite nations have been fairly well-publicized. The Administration will continue to explore means of reducing arms and is willing to consider plans as long as the security of this nation will not be threatened or undermined.' In fine condition, with a couple stray marks and expected mailing folds. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
