PROFESSIONAL ARCHIVE
Remarks to 1989 PACOM Security Assistance Conference

Apr 11, 1989

Honolulu Hawaii

“Public opinion is funny.  For many years, our presidents have been supported with adequate funding and freedom of action to pursue a broad array of security goals throughout the Third World — some geopolitical, some regional, and others very local in nature.  Why?  Because the American people saw a global threat to their interests emanating from the Soviet Union.  Now, the tables have turned.  At a time when our economic, social and physical welfare may be more closely interconnected with the Third World than ever, and the competition for influence in the Third World — from emerging new powers as well as from the Soviets — is more challenging than ever, our resources and policy flexibility are evaporating.  Why?  Because the public’s fear of Soviet aggression is evaporating.”

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