The Master of the Game

National Security Archive Update, October 27, 2004

"The Master of the Game" -- Paul H. Nitze and U.S. Cold War Strategy from Truman to Reagan
-- by William Burr and Robert Wampler

For more information contact
William Burr or Robert Wampler
202/994-7000
http://www.nsarchive.org

Washington D.C.: The late Paul Nitze provided the intellectual and policy basis for the rise of America as a global superpower after World War II, a status that was founded primarily upon America's nuclear might, which created nightmarish dilemmas for the country's leaders and its people. Only one of Nitze's key documents -- NSC 68 -- is easily available online. In order to provide an inside look at Nitze's career and the range of events and issues with which he was engaged, the National Security Archive is posting on the Web a selection of other declassified documents dating from his time as head of the Policy Planning Staff under Truman to his work for Reagan on arms control matters. As the documents detail, Nitze's involvement in nuclear weapons policies included:

* Delicate questions of U.S. obligations to consult with allies before the use of nuclear weapons

* His role in drafting the Gaither Report that criticized Eisenhower's military policies and made the case for an emerging "missile gap" with the Soviet Union

* His discussions with NATO allies on military planning to defend West Berlin against a Soviet attack

* His participation in the SALT I negotiations

* His central role in spearheading criticism of the arms control policies of Ford and Carter

* His position as negotiator, presidential advisor and "minence grise" on arms control issues during the Reagan administration.

http://www.nsarchive.org
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THE NATIONAL SECURITY ARCHIVE is an independent non-governmental research institute and library located at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The Archive collects and publishes declassified documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A tax-exempt public charity, the Archive receives no U.S. government funding; its budget is supported by publication royalties and donations from foundations and individuals.
End of NSARCHIVE Digest - 25 Oct 2004 to 27 Oct 2004 (#2004-49)
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