◆ SpookStack

AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMITTIEE (a} Such wars are generally supported because they are in the interests of the people; : (hb) However, the advent of thermonuclear weapons introduces a new element into the world picture - peaceful coexistence becomes the policy not only for the Socialist countries but for the whole world, In Mr, JOHNSON's words, "Tt 1s a question of coexistence or no existence." Mr. JOHNSON said that the Socialist countries feel that it is necessary to be seientifically honest about problems, This implies taking into account all factors having an influence on the problem in question. Thus, Bince 650 A.D., there have been 1,657 arms races and balances of power (Mr. JOHNSON's figures). Of these, 1,649, or fully 99 per cent, have resulted in war. According to Mr. JOHNSON, the ccy.clusion reached by the Socialist nations from such figures is that arms races and balances of power inevitably "flirt with war." Thermonuclear war, Mr. JORNSON said, “is not a war between soldiers," but rather "a war which spreads to the peoples of the nations involved, a war with you and me," There is continually the possibility of extinction, he said, of the whole human race, Mr. JOHNSON said that there are many things possible within peaceful coexistence. He said that among these were peaceful negotiations betwaen nations and the ultimate ideal and goal of all peace-loving nations, general and complete disarmament. He said that peaceful coexistence is not up to the governments alone, but that the peoples of the nations of the werld must show their willingness to achieve such a goal. Peaceful coexistence, he said, does not eliminate struggle. Rather,-it opens new areas for struggle and encourages such struggles as those for social advarce, liberation, and peaceful competition among the peoples of the world. There is always a struggle for ideas, even within an ideological system, JOHNSON said. . #3= aa