George Kennan : Long Telegram 1946

Question 1

How was the Long Telegram requested?

Answer 1

The Treasury of State requested that the State Department explain recent Soviet behaviour. Kennan responded by sending a telegram from Moscow to James Byrnes, Secretary of State.

Question 2

Why did he argue that Russia was a threat?

Answer 2

• Communism threatened the traditional Western way of life, heightening tensions as this highlighted the threat to American citizens.
• They could never agree to live together with America, (modus vivendi), creating the constant threat of rising conflict.
• The Russians were secretive and were continually expanding through military industrialisation, increasing military and police power, and exerting influence in other countries, reinforcing their intentions to rid the world of capitalist evil and encircle it with a world revolution. This created anti-Communist hysteria.

Question 3

What was the insecurity argument?

Answer 3

The Russians are insecure that the world will look at the evils in Russia, and fear foreign contact. He argued that because of this, Russia wanted to destroy rival power and Western leaders, with the USSR advancing in the world, creating a threat to Americans as Russians viewed them as the enemy.

Question 4

What was Russia’s policy it would follow?

Answer 4

A policy of…

• Military industrialisation to build up the country’s defence, threatening a hot war.
• Expanding the military and police power to control and oppress citizens.
• Developing armed forces.
• Having great displays to frighten outsiders and remind them of Russia’s power.
• Keep opponents in the dark. A lack of communication.