TLS, two pages, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, October 10, 1950. Letter to Craig Campbell. In part: “I have some difficulty in trying to understand your feelings that you are at a crossroad…I do not see—unless there has arisen in you some definite and inescapable dissatisfaction with your present job—why this great question mark should arise in your own mind…I can see no possible reason for going back to it [the military] unless one of the things should be true: (a) that you would like to make the army your career; (b) that you are convinced we are very soon to be in a global war which will compel your re-entry into the army and you feel that you should get some refresher training and preparation for active service…With respect to the second possibility, I should say that your guess is probably as good as anybody’s. My own feeling, however, is that our Communist opponents do not wish to force a global war at this time; if one should come, I think it will be the result of an accident or miscalculation and not as a result of deliberate intent. This conclusion could change as the months go by but, as of this moment, I believe that most students of war would agree with this estimate. Consequently, I will not belabor the point further.” In fine condition, with mild overall toning to first page, and a bit of trivial foxing to second page.
Ike’s theory that “our Communist opponents do not wish to force a global war at this time” would be put to the test two weeks later as 300,000 Chinese soldiers invaded Korea. The action, which occurred during the early months of the Korean War, came as a complete surprise to both the US and the United Nations. This letter supports that idea, as certainly, neither Eisenhower nor NATO would turn a blind eye to the events. Although Eisenhower’s belief here was that no one wanted to start World War III, about half of all Americans at the time disagreed, assuming (incorrectly as it turned out) that a global conflict was imminent. Unique insight from the Supreme Commander of NATO. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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