Truman was gravely concerned further escalation of the war might lead to open conflict with the Soviet Union, which was already supplying weapons and providing warplanes (with Korean markings and Soviet aircrew).
Truman era foarte îngrijorat că o nouă escaladare a conflictului ar putea duce la război deschis cu Uniunea Sovietică, care deja furniza armament și avioane (cu însemne coreene dar cu piloți sovietici).