THE ATLANTIC PACT
Si,—The Atlantic Pact seems likely to be based on the Rio and Brussels treaties; the purpose of this letter Is to suggest that it should draw also on another source—the resolution to which the twenty-one American States agreed at Bogota in April, 1948. The two treaties provide for mutual aid in shooting war; within a certain area the aid is automatic (subject to the reservation in Rio Article 20 that a State cannot be required to use armed force without its own consent), elsewhere it is to be a matter for consultation. The resoltgion deals with the not less vital question of cold war. In it the Republics agreed to prevent and eliminate activities directed, assisted or instigated by foreign Governments, organi- sations and individuals tending to subvert American democracy. Some
such addendum to an Atlantic Pact will also be needed. The most elaborate organisation of military defence is of little worth if the home front is unsound. There can be no Plevna to hold the Russians on the Rhine if the men behind refuse to pass the ammunition. Russia's aim is to make a world safe for Marxism by means of ideological invasion, which, if not sufficing in itself, will prepare the ground for the war that may eventually be necessary by sapping the morale of the countries marked down for reduction to satellite status. Timely provision for co-ordina- tion of defensive precautions against cold war may prevent this aim from
being accomplished.—Yours faithfully, J. M. SPAIGHT. Inglemere, 29 Smitham Downs Road, Purley.
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