02-25-2003, 12:11 AM
And were told to piss off. About 1946 or 47, if I recall.
This from one of my profs back in the mid 90's. I guess the reason that the Russians could not overtly accept the Marshall Plan assistance was that it either would make them look weak, i.e. look like welfare recipients, or that ideologically, to accept them in form of loans was to cave in to capitalist methods and not be able to extricate themselves, as the Czars sort of had to do with the French and British and IIRC German banks for the century leading up to the Russian Revolution.
How odd, and fanciful for speculation, that had Stalin accepted Marshall Plan assistance, perhaps the Cold War might not have turned into an arms race. Pure speculation on my part, but the cold bucket of water on my face was learning that we had offered it as well.
This from one of my profs back in the mid 90's. I guess the reason that the Russians could not overtly accept the Marshall Plan assistance was that it either would make them look weak, i.e. look like welfare recipients, or that ideologically, to accept them in form of loans was to cave in to capitalist methods and not be able to extricate themselves, as the Czars sort of had to do with the French and British and IIRC German banks for the century leading up to the Russian Revolution.
How odd, and fanciful for speculation, that had Stalin accepted Marshall Plan assistance, perhaps the Cold War might not have turned into an arms race. Pure speculation on my part, but the cold bucket of water on my face was learning that we had offered it as well.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete