Dear
Bill: We have been studying the letter you sent to me under date of March ninth, as well as the material contained in its accompanying memorandum.1 I am more than grateful for the trouble you took to get these facts before the interested departments in the government. Certainly they will be most seriously considered.
As you know, I have been living with this matter for some years. The difficulties in the way of solid progress toward real collective security constantly urge us to seek new and cheap solutions. I quite agree with you that new weapons and new methods may--in the long run--bring about some fundamental changes that will tend to outmode what we are now trying to do. But what we are presently trying to do seems to me to be absolutely essential to the meeting of the immediate threat. By that I mean the threat that is lying squarely in the middle of Europe this minute.
I do not know what comments the several governmental departments here will make upon your alternative suggestions and on your analysis of them.2 But I am quite sure that the adoption, at this moment, of a different defense policy could not lessen the need for the very modest number of military units that we are now striving to produce in Western Europe.
We certainly all need a shot in the arm--we need to remind ourselves that if, on the other side of the Iron Curtain, a backward civilization with a second rate production plant can develop the power to frighten us all out of our wits, then we, with our potential power can, through work, intelligence and courage, build any countering force that may be necessary.
With warm personal regard and again my appreciation of your letter. Sincerely
