Word: east-west
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Eight years ago, there was "the spirit of Geneva." Four years ago, it was "the spirit of Camp David." Last week, as if some quadrennial cold war cycle were reasserting itself, the air hummed once again with talk of a hopeful new turn in East-West relations. As U.S., British and Soviet negotiators met in Moscow to discuss a limited nuclear test ban, one diplomat observed: "Even the pessimists are optimistic...
Because the conclusion of even a partial nuclear test ban is regarded as the necessary first step toward an East-West detente, the air of confidence prompted statesmen on both sides of the Iron Curtain to begin looking beyond the Moscow talks toward other negotiable issues. In Washington, President Kennedy told his news conference it was "clear that these negotiations, if successful, should lead on to wider discussions among other nations." But the President seemed in no hurry to rush into a top-level meeting with Khrushchev. "There is no evidence," he said, "that a summit is indicated or needed...
...thaw deeper and more durable than its predecessors-largely because Khrushchev now has compelling reasons to work toward a long-term easing of tensions. Foremost among them is his bitter doctrinal struggle with Red China. The gravity of that dispute was dramatically underscored by the contrasting cordiality of the East-West talks and the glum hostility that shrouded the Sino-Soviet parleys in Moscow. Also prodding Khrushchev to produce a test ban treaty is the deep Russian fear of a nuclear-armed West Germany...
...week's end it seemed increasingly likely that a test ban agreement would be reached in Moscow. Even so, in the larger picture of East-West relations-considering the deep, deadly philosophical differences between democracy and Communism-a test ban would be a far from conclusive step. It was still wise to remember Demosthenes' advice about the importance of skepticism...
...short, the East-West talks in Moscow may just possibly prove no more fruitful than the Sino-Soviet talks. But U.S. observers still wonder how long Khrushchev can go on fighting a two-front war, refusing both concessions to Peking and a genuine move toward "peaceful coexistence" with the West...