Russia, China, and September 11th
[Letter dated 15 September 2001, intended recipient(s) unknown]
Russia and China benefit from everything that distracts us from countering their ambitions, embitters our relations with other parts of the world, or compels us to commit our military capabilities against other targets. Although I see no reason to believe that either country was involved in the recent terrorist attacks, I doubt, if they had known in advance, that they would have forewarned us. From hereon, they will try to take advantage of whatever we do, either by giving us token support to gain our gratitude, or by impeding our efforts so as to win influence among our enemies, or some of both.
In short, Russia and China require continued careful watching.
Khrushchev once said something like America is digging its own grave.... I wrote about that many times over the years, and I repeat my warning today, because I am afraid that the recent terrorist attack on American soil is only the first visible evidence of a war that started a long time ago. I completely agree with our President that we are at war and all American citizens have to be prepared for whatever future actions take place!
Waclaw Bakierowski.