p The world socialist system is tremendously influencing the key problem of our day—the problem of war and peace. The struggle for peace stems from the very nature of socialist society, where private ownership—the economic foundation of war—has been abolished and no social forces desiring war or the enslavement or plunder of other nations exist. Socialism stands for constructive, creative work, but it is impossible to construct and create without fighting for peace, against the forces of destruction. That is why the socialist countries are resolutely working for peace and peaceful coexistence. Soviet foreign policy is aimed at ensuring favourable external conditions for the building of communism, facilitating the development of the world socialist system, the national liberation and working-class movements and the struggle and ultimate victory of the revolutionary forces over imperialism, and upholding world peace.

p World War II ended long ago but due to the intrigues of the imperialists, hotbeds of so-called local wars, each of which harbours the threat of a global conflagration, spring up in various parts of the world. For that reason 75 the socialist countries endeavour to quench these danger spots at the embryonic stage and take steps to settle outstanding issues by negotiation. At the same time, they render the peoples every possible assistance in order to repel aggressive attacks by the imperialists. A clear illustration of this is the comprehensive support and assistance being rendered to the people of Vietnam who have been made the victims of a piratical attack by the U.S. imperialists.

p The socialist countries are pressing for general and complete disarmament, regarding it as the key to lasting peace and relaxation of world tension.

p Soviet initiative has been instrumental in reaching agreement on the banning of nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water, and on outlawing the orbiting of vehicles with weapons of mass annihilation. These agreements have been enthusiastically welcomed and supported by the peace-loving nations.

p A mighty bastion of peace and security and, therefore, the centre of attraction of all the peace-loving forces on our planet, the world socialist system mobilises and unites the forces of peace and progress against the forces of reaction and war, and is an effective obstacle to the aggressive plans of the imperialists. The emergence of socialism has given mankind its first-ever material force helping it to settle crucial, outstanding international issues peacefully.

Present world development thus convincingly demonstrates that the socialist system rallies not only all socialist but also all other progressive forces on our planet. A beacon showing all mankind the road to progress and exerting tremendous revolutionising influence on world development, it is, at the same time, a mighty material force embodying the immortal teaching of MarxismLeninism, a force that bears the brunt of the struggle against imperialism and a large portion of the responsibility for the destiny of the world.