Quote by Omar Bradley
I am under no illusion that our present strategy of using means short of total war to achieve our ends and oppose communism is a guarantee that a world war will not be thrust upon us. But a policy of patience and determination without provoking a world war, while we improve our military power, is one which we believe we must continue to follow. Under present circumstances, we have recommended against enlarging the war from Korea to also include Red China. The course of action often described as a limited war with Red China would increase the risk we are taking by engaging too much of our power in an area that is not the critical strategic prize. Red China is not the powerful nation seeking to dominate the world. Frankly, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this strategy would involve us in the wrong war, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong enemy.
Summary
In this quote, the speaker acknowledges that their current strategy of opposing communism without engaging in total war does not guarantee the prevention of a world war. However, they advocate for a policy of patience and determination to improve military power without provoking such a war. They argue against enlarging the war with Korea to include Red China, as they believe it would increase the risk of engaging too much power in a region that is not strategically critical. They emphasize that Red China is not the dominant global power and express the belief that involving in such a war would be misguided in terms of timing, location, and enemy.
By Omar Bradley
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.
