45. Letter From President Kennedy to the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow)1
A vigorous, imaginative and carefully planned program of major overseas exhibits in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives is in the national interest. The exhibit is a medium of information which is gaining importance as a major form of international communication. As such it can be used to support all aspects of national policy. We can use it as a means of expressing our hopes, desires and potential for further progress, in partnership with others and in the interest of peace and improved well-being for all mankind. We should employ this means effectively for our affirmative purpose of projecting our fundamental attitudes, values and accomplishments.
[Page 129]Effective coordination of the plans and programs of the increasing number of our government agencies engaged directly or indirectly in the overseas exhibits field is essential if we are to reap maximum benefits from our efforts. Accordingly, I request you, as the Director of the United States Information Agency, to assume the leadership in bringing about the needed coordination. You are authorized to establish an Interagency Exhibits Committee, which will be chaired by USIA, to assist in this effort. Membership of this Committee shall include such agencies as you deem appropriate.
As Director of USIA, with the help of the Committee, you will be responsible for reviewing the proposed overseas exhibit activities of the member agencies and for initiating and developing a comprehensive annual program to assure the maximum psychological effectiveness of United States exhibit efforts overseas. In carrying out this task, you will give due consideration to the selection of sites, the scope and general subject of each exhibit, and time schedules to avoid unnecessary duplication or overlapping. As Chairman you may establish ad hoc planning groups selected from appropriate member agencies for each exhibit.
I am also requesting the member agencies, in developing their exhibits programs, to seek your advice with respect to the overseas informational policy and objectives of the U.S.
Sincerely,
- 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.↩