December 1960–November 1963
31. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to President Kennedy
Source: Kennedy Library, President’s Office Files, Departments and Agencies Series, Box 91, USIA, 1960–5/61. Top Secret.
32. Address by the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, USIA Historical Collection, Office of the Director, Biographic Files Relating to USIA Directors, 1953–2000, Entry A1–1069, Box 21, Edward R. Murrow, Speeches, 1961. No classification marking. Murrow spoke before the National Press Club. The text of the address is USIA Release No. 24, prepared in the Office of Public Information. Another copy of the address is in the Kennedy Library, President’s Office Files, Departments and Agencies Series, Box 91, USIA 1960–5/61.
33. Memorandum From the Deputy Director of the United States Information Agency (Wilson) to the Special Assistant to the President (Dungan)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 151, Box 289, Director’s Correspondence—1961. No classification marking. Drafted by Wilson on May 25.
34. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to the Assistant Director, Africa (Roberts)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 288, Box 132, IAA 1961. No classification marking. Halsema’s, Brooke’s, and Sorensen’s crossed-out initials are in the upper right of the memorandum.
35. Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Policy and Plans, United States Information Agency (Sorensen) to the Deputy Director (Wilson)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1961, Entry UD WW 142, Box 7, Policy and Plans—General (IOP) 1961 January–June. No classification marking. A copy was sent to Murrow. Wilson initialed the memorandum, indicating that he had seen it.
36. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State (Bowles) to the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) and the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (Coombs)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 288, Box 130, Cultural Affairs—1961. No classification marking. According to another copy of the memorandum, it was drafted by Bradford on June 13 and retyped by Samuel Lewis (U) on June 17. (National Archives, RG 59, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Subject Files, 1961–1962: Lot 63D135, Entry A1–5072, Box 5, U.S. Information Agency—1961) Payne initialed the top right-hand corner of the copy of the memorandum printed here. Attached to the memorandum is an undated note from Murrow, which reads: “T. Sorensen—I, too, am ready!” Murrow’s response is printed as Document 39.
37. Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Policy and Plans, United States Information Agency (Sorensen) to the Assistant Director, Africa (Roberts), the Assistant Director, Europe (Phillips), the Assistant Director, Far East (Neilson), the Assistant Director, Latin America (McKnight), and the Assistant Director, Near East and South Asia (King)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Acc. #65A175, Entry UD WW 288, Area Policy Officers. No classification marking. Drafted by Frederic Bundy.
38. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Multiple African Diplomatic Posts
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 151, Box 289, Director’s Correspondence—1961. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Patrick O’Sheel (AF/P) on July 3, cleared in AFW and S/S and by Olcott Deming (AFE) and William Witman (AFN); approved by Fredericks. Sent to Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Bamako, Bangui, Brazzaville, Conakry, Cotonou, Dakar, Dar-es-Salaam, Elisabethville, Fort Lamy, Freetown, Kampala, Khartoum, Lagos, Leopoldville, Libreville, Lome, Lourenco Marques, Luanda, Mogadiscio, Monrovia, Nairobi, Niamey, Ouagadougou, Rabat, Salisbury, Tananarive, Tripoli, Tunis, Usumbura, and Yaounde. Payne initialed the top of the telegram and wrote: “Now they’re getting into I/R’s field. Bob.” Murrow sent the telegram to Thomas Sorensen under a cover note stamped July 10, in which he wrote: “Pray advise what we should do regarding the attached. I am concerned: (1) about duplication between State and the Agency, and (2) this message brings them dangerously close to a ‘prestige poll.’” (Ibid.)
39. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to the Under Secretary of State (Bowles)
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Subject Files, 1961–1962: Lot 63D135, Entry A1–5072, Box 5, U.S. Information Agency—1961. No classification marking. Another copy is in the National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 511.00/7–1161. In an August 18 memorandum to Murrow, a copy of which was sent to Coombs, Bowles thanked Murrow for his memorandum, adding: “It certainly looks as though you are on the right track, and I just wanted to underscore the fact that you have our wholehearted support and encouragement for everything that you are doing.” (National Archives, RG 59, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Subject Files, 1961–1962: Lot 63D135, Entry A1–5072, Box 5, U.S. Information Agency—1961)
40. Memorandum From Frederic Bundy, Office of Plans, United States Information Agency to the Deputy Director (Wilson)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1961, Entry UD WW 142, Box 7, Policy & Plans—Nuclear Testing 1961. No classification marking. Glenn Smith initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum and wrote “7/12” next to his initials. An unknown hand wrote “SALINGER” on the first page of the memorandum.
41. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to the Special Assistant to the President (Dutton)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 288, Box 131, White House Correspondence 1961. No classification marking. Drafted by Thomas Sorensen and edited by Wilson. Copies were sent to Murrow and Wilson. Thomas Sorensen initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum.
42. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to the Heads of All USIA Elements and All USIS Posts
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 382, Box 117, Master Copies—July–Dec 1961. Official Use Only. Also printed in Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, vol. XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters, Document 129. Although no drafting information appears on the memorandum, the copy of the memorandum printed ibid. indicates that it was drafted by Brooke. The United States Information Agency sent the text of the memorandum to all USIS posts in circular airgram CA–234, July 27. In it, Murrow stated: “We look as well to other elements of the Federal community and of American diplomatic missions to support this major, concerted information effort. Inevitably, however, you and your staff will be serving as its spearhead. Therefore I solicit the most earnest and imaginative application of your persuasive skills to the success of our collective endeavor.” (National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 382, Box 117, Master Copies—July–Dec 1961)
43. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) to Members of the National Security Council Staff
Source: Kennedy Library, White House Central Files, Subject Files, Executive, Box 184, FG 296 U.S. Information Agency 1-20-61–7-31-61. No classification marking. Copies were sent to the White House staff. A stamped notation indicates that it was received at the White House on July 28.
44. Memorandum From Samuel E. Belk of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy) and the President’s Deputy Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Rostow)
Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Subjects Series, Box 296, Cultural and Social Activities, General, 1/61–8/61. Confidential. Bundy wrote in the top right-hand corner of the memorandum: “ask Mr. Belk to speak to me at staff mtg Fri A.M.”
45. Letter From President Kennedy to the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, DIRCTR Sub Files, 1963–69, Bx 6–29 63–69: Acc. #72A5121, Entry UD WW 257, Box 17, Government—White House President Elect 1960. No classification marking. Another copy is in the Kennedy Library, Schlesinger Papers, White House Files, Subject File 1961–1964, Box WH–12, International Exposition and Trade Fairs.
46. Memorandum From the Director of Planning, Office of Plans, United States Information Agency (Anderson) to the Director (Murrow)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 151, Box 289, Director’s Correspondence—1961. No classification marking. Drafted by Mildred Marcy. Printed from an uninitialed copy. There is no indication that Murrow saw the memorandum.
47. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to President Kennedy
Source: Kennedy Library, President’s Office Files, Departments and Agencies Series, Box 91, USIA 7/61–12/61. No classification marking. In another memorandum to the President, August 31, Murrow outlined several considerations regarding a possible U.S. resumption of nuclear testing, stating: “What is now to be tested is not so much nuclear devices as the will of free men to remain free.” Murrow’s memorandum is printed in Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, vol. VII, Arms Control and Disarmament, Document 59 and ibid., vol. XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters, Document 130.
48. Memorandum From Abraham Sirkin, Office of Plans, United States Information Agency to the Director for Policy and Plans (Sorensen)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 382, Box 118, IOP—Planning Officer 1962 & Prior. No classification marking. Drafted by Sirkin. Anderson initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum.
49. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant Special Counsel (Goodwin) to President Kennedy
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 288, Box 131, White House Correspondence 1961. No classification marking. Harris initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum and wrote “9/7” next to his initials. Goodwin sent the memorandum to Murrow under a September 6 typewritten note. Murrow wrote “To Tom Sorensen—For Comment” on the note. (Ibid.) Another copy of the memorandum is in the Kennedy Library, Schlesinger Papers, White House Files, Subject File, 1961–1964, Box WH–16, Political Warfare.
50. Paper Prepared by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (Isenbergh)
Source: Kennedy Library, Schlesinger Papers, White House Files, Subject File 1961–1964, Box WH–16, National Cultural Policy 10/5/61–1/7/64 General. No classification marking. Drafted by Isenbergh on September 11. An unknown hand wrote “[9/15/61]” in the top right-hand corner of the paper. Schlesinger sent the paper to McMurrin under a September 15 covering memorandum, indicating that the paper would serve as “a basis for our discussion” on September 20. (Ibid.)
51. Memorandum From the President’s Military Representative (Taylor) to President Kennedy
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 511.00/9–2861. Confidential. The copy of the memorandum printed here is attached to a September 28 memorandum from U. Alexis Johnson to Bowles, in which Johnson noted Bowles’ September 28 meeting with Cater regarding the proposed position of Special Assistant to the Secretary for Special Projects.
52. Memorandum of Conversation
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1961, Entry UD WW 142, Box 6, General Counsel (IGC) 1961 (Legal Matters Only). Official Use Only. Drafted by Bradford on October 2. Murrow, Wilson, Harris, and Smith all initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum. Harris wrote “10/14” and Smith wrote “10/26” next to their initials. Copies were sent to Murrow, Thomas Sorensen, Coombs, Isenbergh, and Teal. In a September 25 memorandum to Murrow, Coombs recommended that he and Murrow meet to discuss “arrangements for operation under the new statute.” After outlining topics for discussion, Coombs concluded the memorandum by stating: “If this heavy agenda permits it—and if not, as soon as we can arrange some other time—we should like also to put before you some ideas on increasing the effectiveness of the programs within State’s sphere of responsibilities and extending our collaboration with USIA both in the field and here.” (Ibid.)
53. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to President Kennedy
Source: Kennedy Library, President’s Office Files, Departments and Agencies Series, Box 91, USIA 7/61–12/61. No classification marking. A stamped notation on the first page of the memorandum indicates that it was received in the White House on October 3 at 8:02 p.m.
54. Memorandum From the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Gilpatric) to the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1961, Entry UD WW 142, Box 7, Miscellaneous # 2—Various Subjects. Secret.
55. Memorandum From the Acting Director of the United States Information Agency (Wilson) to President Kennedy
Source: Kennedy Library, President’s Office Files, Departments and Agencies Series, Box 91, USIA 7/61–12/61. No classification marking. A stamped notation indicates that it was received in the White House on October 20 at 12:46 p.m.
56. Memorandum From the Director of Media Content, Office of Plans, United States Information Agency (Brooke) to the Director, Broadcasting Service (Loomis), the Director, Motion Picture Service (Shelton), the Director, Information Center Service (Boerner), the Director, Press and Publications Service (Mackland), and the Director, Television Service (Wheeler)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Acc. #67A222, Entry UD WW 379, Themes—Modernization (Special Program Emphasis). No classification marking. Copies were sent to Roberts, Cody, Neilson, McKnight, and King.
57. Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the President (Schlesinger) to the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow)
Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 151, Box 289, Director’s Correspondence—1961. Secret. Another copy is in the Kennedy Library, Schlesinger Papers, White House Subject Files, Classified Subject Files, Box WH–48, United States Information Agency 5/61–8/63.
58. Memorandum From the President’s Military Aide (Clifton) to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)
Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Subjects Series, Box 306, Radio Free Europe. Secret. A notation on the memorandum in an unknown hand reads: “(Taken from Pres’ week-end reading book 11/12/61).”
59. Memorandum From Douglass Cater to Secretary of State Rusk
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 511.00/11–961. Confidential. Cater sent the memorandum to Rusk under a November 8 note on Wesleyan University letterhead, in which he wrote: “I have perhaps overstretched your invitation to think freshly about the problems of propaganda-political warfare. But here is the result. While I have been negative about the job as specified, I hope that my other suggestions are more positive.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 511.00/11–861) Cater also sent a copy of the memorandum to Battle under a November 9 note. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 511.00/11–961) Battle sent copies of Cater’s memorandum to Murrow, U. Alexis Johnson, Bohlen, McGhee, and Tubby under a November 14 note, indicating that Rusk “would like to have you read this” and meet. (National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1961, Entry UD WW 142, Box 7, Government Agencies—State Department of, 1961 Aug.–Dec.)
60. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to President Kennedy
Source: Kennedy Library, President’s Office Files, Departments and Agencies Series, Box 91, USIA 7/61–12/61. No classification marking. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates that it was received in the White House on November 14 at 1:29 p.m.