"The precise role of the Soviet Union in the outbreak of war in Korea in June 1950 has always been a puzzle to scholars. Although to most Western observers it seemed probable that Russia knew of and approved the North Korean attack,, evidence to support that view was sparse for many years. Indeed, expressions of uncertainty were not difficult to find among historians. Even today there remains room for debate. Although to Adam Ulam it is "inconceivable" that the North Koreans "moved on their own," it seems both conceivable and likely to others. The traditional view of deep Kremlin involvement in planning the offensive frequently is part of a larger conception of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin as an expansive power which generally exerted tight control over foreign Communist governments."