TOP SECRET PROBABLE SOVIET STRATEGY IN THE EVENT OF GENERAL WAR 1953-1956 This paper estimates the probable Soviet operational intentions in the event of general war during the period 1953/56. 2. The report does NOT examine the likelihood of war during the period, and nothing in it should be interpreted as implying that war is likely. 3. While the strategy set out in the report is the one which we think the Soviet leaders would plan to follow in the event of war, the actual course of operations and the degree of success they achieved would depend on circumstances at the time, including the effect of Allied counter-action, which it is impossible to foresee.