162. Editorial Note
Ambassador Thompson reported his analysis of Soviet intentions in Vietnam in telegram 2284 from Saigon, February 26, 1962. He stated, among other things, that “we can assume Moscow wishes avoid enlargement of hostilities into international conflict which would heighten risk of major war. In this sense Vietnam not a vital Soviet interest. However, if balance should tip in South Vietnamʼs favor, Soviets might feel obliged to redress balance through greater support of DRV: 1) to meet threat to DRV itself, and 2) to prevent Chinese from coming in in large way.” Thompson concluded that “whatever Soviet longer-range policy on Vietnam question may be I am convinced that for present they would prefer avoid any decisive actions there.” For text, see Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, volume II, pages 174–175.