Gen. Mark Clark
Charleston, SC, July 12, 1979
Gen. Mark Clark Writes of the Soviets During SALT II Talks: "…honesty is not part of their national policy…"
TLS

A fine content typed letter signed of General Mark W. Clark on Citadel letterhead, commenting on the SALT II treaty, 1p. Charleston, South Carolina, July 12, 1979, to Dennis Cooper. Clark thanks his correspondent for his letter, then adds: "…I have had a long experience in trying to get along with the Communists and it's a most difficult job. I have found first hand that signing a solemn pledge means little to them, for honesty is not part of their national policy. They have broken many an agreement, when it suits their purpose to do so. I hope the Senate examined SALT II very carefully, to make sure that the United States will not be placed in the subordinate role to the Soviet Union militarily, and make sure that in this case we have adequate guarantees that we will know that the Communists are keeping their solemn pledge…".

This letter bears minor toning to the edges; otherwise it is nicely signed in blue ink and in very good condition.

The terms of the Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty (SALT II), signed by President Jimmy Carter and Leonid Brezhnev on June 17, 1979, a limit on strategic nuclear delivery vehicles (ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers) to 2,400 for each side; a 1,320 limit on MIRV systems; a ban on new land-based ICBM launchers; and limits on deployment of new types of strategic offensive arms.
That Clark would be opposed to such terms comes as no surprise, for he stated: "Perhaps Communists had wormed their way so deeply into our government on both the working and planning levels that they were able to exercise an inordinate degree of power in shaping the course of America in the dangerous postwar era. I could not help wondering and worrying whether we were faced with open enemies across the conference table and hidden enemies who sat with us in our most secret councils."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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