Editor's Note: Shortly after Khruschev resigned power in the Soviet Union, the 'Prince' interviewed George F. Kennan, who was then at the Institute for Advanced Study.
George F. Kennan '25, former ambassador to the Soviet Union, said yesterday that Khrushchev's downfall marks the end of "decisive Russian influence" on the Communist parties in Eastern and Western Europe. The shift in power, however, should have little effect on Soviet relations with the Western world, according to Mr. Kennan, now a professor of history and public affairs.
Widening differences between the Soviet Union and Communist China caused the change of command, Professor Kennan stated in a Princetonian interview, the first he has granted the press since the Russian shakeup. He said, however, that the new Russian leadership will be able to do little to prevent the breach from widening.
Although the new leaders should be able to keep the split from worsening, normal conflicts in national interests will prevent the countries from ever ending the split, he said. "These differences would exist whether the nations were Communistic or not."
Mr. Kennan said lack of information about the new Soviet leaders makes it unpleasant to speculate about who will be the next leader in Russia. He added that he cannot understand why everyone assumes there will be one leader. "After all, why should we demand dictatorship for any people?"
"Suslov might be the man to watch, though. He has a strong position in the party, he's been around a long time, and he played a prominent part in the removal of Krushchev."
Mr. Kennan said that even if the posts of party and government chiefs remained separate, it should not harm relations with the West.
The former ambassador said he felt whoever the leaders in Russia become, they will not want war and particularly nuclear war with the U.S. and the Western nations.
The Russians, he said, have a semi-religious ideology and would like to see it prevail in the world. " But there's a vast difference between that and intending to make it prevail at all costs."
Turning to the Presidential campaign, Mr. Kennan said a Goldwater election would have a "ghastly" effect on U.S. –Soviet relations.
"As I understand the Republican nominee, he believes the Soviets can be contained by overt intimidation. I believe the Soviets would react to such a policy in a manner which would greatly enhance the danger of he international situation."
Mr. Kennan went on to say that when employing "brinkmanship," both sides must give the other a chance to back down without losing self-respect.
Mr. Kennan also attacked Goldwater for not denouncing extremists, including the John Birch Society, from whom the candidate is gaining support.
"After living in Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany, I cannot vote for any man who will accept support from semi-Fascists."
© 1964 The Daily Princetonian Publishing Co., Inc.
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