The Foreign Service Journal, February 2004

between the ambassadorships to Poland and Yugoslavia. Kennan selected the latter. His service in Belgrade provided him with some satisfaction in a personal sense, but little professional fulfillment. Within seven months of his arrival in Belgrade he wrote home to Robert Oppenheimer that he felt “no very stirring sense of usefulness at this point.” Ultimately, he proved unable merely to represent policy formulat- ed by others, and decided to resign in 1963. Although he possessed long training in the Foreign Service, he could not content himself with a diplomat’s role. His experience from 1947 to 1950 had cast an indelible stamp upon him. He had hoped once again to play an important role as a policy-maker, but as he returned to Princeton after his service in Yugoslavia, he sensed that his chance to participate directly in the making of his nation’s foreign policy had ended. And he was right. Kennan continued to engage in commentary on foreign policy matters from that time right through to the century’s end. Indeed, his public prominence remained high as a stream of additional books and articles flowed from his eloquent pen. His role, how- ever, was limited to that of a sage trying to influence elite and public opinion and thereby to exercise some indirect impact upon policy. In this role he dissented thoughtfully on the painfully divi- sive question of American participation in the Vietnam conflict; he offered constructively critical support to the Nixon-Kissinger policy of détente with its prospects for improved U.S.-Soviet relations; and he passionately opposed the nuclear arms race that characterized the late Carter and early Reagan presidencies. Additionally, Kennan turned his attention to a wide array of other issues: the student movement of the Sixties, civil rights, the envi- ronment, immigration policy, and other threads of the F O C U S F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 4 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 33 The Long Telegram brought Kennan’s “official loneliness” to an end. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 arlington@dcexeclub.com alexandria@dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests! In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or reservations@dcexeclub.com