DEFENSE: The Sputnik Syndrome

The Sputnik Syndrome is characterized by whirling satellites before the eyes, by alternating periods of deepest gloom and wildest premonitions of impending doom, and by the steadfast conviction that the U.S., helplessly and hopelessly, is falling behind the U.S.S.R. in military technology. Since last Oct. 4, when Russia's Sputnik I spun into the sky, the syndrome has afflicted many who should know better. Proclaimed Columnist Joseph Alsop three weeks ago: "It is now the Eisenhower Administration's policy to permit the Kremlin to gain an overwhelming superiority of nuclear striking power in the next five years." Wrote retired Army Lieut....

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