Shift on Soviet Union Q. Mr. President we can discuss another Communist giant for a while.

There was no rift between the Communist giants; "monolithic unity" wasvery much the order of the day in both capitals.

Neither Communist giant, however, wields direct influence over North Korea, which has steered a independent line since it was founded under Soviet auspices in 1948.

America would like to defend the island democracy against the Communist giant - but we are backed down by hints that Beijing cares enough about this issue to launch nuclear missiles.

Stalin's Air Cover The documents also offer a glimpse at diplomacy between the Communist giants.

But by the late 1950's, the two Communist giants had entered into such a fierce and dogmatic battle for supremacy that they became bitter enemies.

The chill between the Communist giants, which has lasted about 30 years, began to thaw last year with the visit here of President Mikhail S. Gorbachev.

Whatever the reason, the Communist giants seem to prefer doing business with Republicans rather than Democrats.

Of particular interest to me, because I have served as a correspondent in the Soviet Union but not in China, are the resemblances between the two Communist giants.

The other turbid wine at this centrist democratic feast is in sharp contrast to the newly visible passion of discourse within the Communist giants.