Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume I, Foundations of Foreign Policy

108. Memorandum From Paula Dobriansky of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (McFarlane)¹

Washington, July 9, 1982

SUBJECT

• Shultz Briefing

Per your request, below are several points reflective of the President’s foreign policy perspective:

— The President is committed to the pursuit of a consistent and coherent foreign policy which safeguards America’s national security interests and upholds our essential democratic values. This policy is implemented in close coordination and consultation with our Allies.

— East/West: The President approaches our relations with the Soviet Union as a realist. He has no illusions about the fundamental and implacable nature of conflict between the U.S and the USSR. He is firmly convinced that given the inadequacies and inefficiencies endemic to the Soviet system, the non-communist mode of development would eventually prevail. At the same time, the President is convinced that we can and should negotiate with the Soviets in order to limit the risk of nuclear war, reduce the danger of crisis escalation and attempt to build on those limited areas of agreement which exist between our two countries. It is precisely in this spirit that the U.S has embarked on INF and START negotiations.

— Allied Relations: The President attaches great importance to the preservation and strengthening of intra-alliance ties. He is convinced that the U.S. along with the nations of Western Europe and other democratic allies has a special responsibility for the preservation of peace. Our common cultural values and democratic traditions provide a foundation upon which we base our respective foreign policies. The President is cognizant that disagreements on particular issues do exist—in fact, it can hardly be otherwise given the democratic and pluralistic nature of our societies. However, he believes that the existing differences do not detract from the viability of the Western alliance and can be resolved from mutual consultation conducted in a fair and equitable fashion. (C)

1. Source: Reagan Library, European and Soviet Affairs Directorate, NSC Records, Subject File, Shultz, George P., Secretary of State (1 of 5). Confidential. Sent for information.