BR's letter is in reply to Davie's of 1960/10/04, record 23021.

"I agree with you in what you say about Kruschev's desire to avoid a war, but I think he is impulsive and things like the U-2 incident may make him lose his balance. As regards the economic consequences of disarmament, I find that big business in America does not take the gloomy view that is often taken and to which you incline. Nation's Business, the organ of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, published an article in October 1959, called 'What Peace Would Do to You.' This article was surprisingly optimistic, but gave what seemed to be good reasons for its views. Another article appeared in Think for January, 1960, by Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, called 'After Disarmament What?'. This took the same optimistic view. I think one must conclude that the leaders of big business in America do not consider the present level of armaments production essential to American prosperity. I hope they are right. In any case, on this point their voice is authoritative. They argue that conversion of plant to peace-time uses will not be very difficult."

[Khrushchev.]