Page:Pentagon-Papers-Part-V-B-3d.djvu/185

 22. The United states should continue to make clear its own devotion to the principle of collective security, its belief that regional security arrangements provide maximum protection at minimum cost for all, and its expectation that a country's decision to participate in such arrangements is based on its own calculation of its best interests and does not of itself constitute a claim for increased financial aid. Where countries participate, measures to assure adherence are desirable, normally including preferential treatment in the fields of economic and military assistance es justified by U.S. strategic objectives. Where new opportunities for affiliation develop, they should be encouraged. The United States should, however, accept the right of each nation to choose its own path to the future, and should not exert pressure to make active allies of countries not so inclined. The genuine independence of such countries from Communism serves U.S. interests even though they are not formally aligned with the United States.

23. The sometimes differing requirements of U.S. political and military objectives respecting certain countries create complications. There is a tendency to lump the two objectives together, create a MDAP requirement and Defense Support requirement in the name of national security, where the issues are really political and no real security interest is involved, thus seriously diluting the U.S. military aid program worldwide, without providing for U.S. military security. This situation does not in any way abrogate the requirement for mutually supporting military and political policies. It does suggest, however, that there be a clearer demarcation between political and military programs, so that the reasons for each program are clear, and the programs are more effective. This is important overseas, and is also of grave importance domestically in gaining support in Congress and among the American people. Rh