Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VI, Public Diplomacy, 1961–1963

57. Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the President (Schlesinger) to the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow)¹

Washington, October 27, 1961.

Is there any way by which USIA might offer supplies of uncontaminated powdered milk for distribution in fall-out areas? (See attached clipping from the London Daily Telegraph.)² This would obviously involve some cooperation with the Food for Peace Program and possibly with AID.

This kind of problem raises one aspect of political warfare coordination which has concerned me. Most meddlers in this field seem preoccupied with improving coordination among USIA, CIA, and State. Actually coordination among these three agencies has not been too bad. The more troubling area, so far as I can see, lies in the relationship between the aid agencies (AID, Food for Peace, Peace Corps) and the political warfare agencies. Some of our economic programs have vast political implications; but I am not sure³ the political dimension of the aid effort is always effectively tied in with our general political strategy. This is one place where better coordination is surely required.

It would be excellent if AID’s new Director of Public Information could be a man with an interest in and an instinct for the political warfare aspects of his job. I know that Fowler Hamilton would welcome any suggestions you might have for the post.⁴

I am sending a copy of the clipping and memorandum to George McGovern.

Arthur Schlesinger, jr.⁵

1. 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.
2. Attached but not printed. The October 25 clipping features an article entitled “Babies Will Get Safe Milk.” The article notes that the British Minister of Defense had stated in the House of Commons on October 24 that the British Government would provide uncontaminated powdered milk to babies up to a year old if the Soviet bomb tests increased the amount of radioactive iodine 131 in milk to dangerous levels.
3. Schlesinger crossed out “of” following the word “sure.”
4. In an October 31 memorandum to Murrow, Anderson wrote: “One question which Arthur Schlesinger raises in his memo has not been touched on in the proposed reply: that is the matter of making suggestions for the post of AID’s new Director of Public Information. Naturally, it would be helpful if we could recommend somebody from our ranks. However, I know of nobody qualified for the spot who is available at present.” (National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 151, Box 289, Director’s Correspondence—1961)
5. Schlesinger signed “Arthur” above his typed signature. In his October 31 response to Schlesinger, a copy of which he sent to McGovern, Murrow stated: “According to our information, it might be somewhat premature for USIA to offer uncontaminated powdered milk to countries in heavy fallout areas.” He acknowledged: “Nevertheless the question you raise is one that ought to be kept in mind, particularly in the event of additional Soviet testing.” Murrow concluded: “I agree with you about coordination—it seems to me that it has been improving among State, CIA, and USIA, but we do need good lines among the Peace Corps, Food for Peace, AID and the other organizations.” (Kennedy Library, Schlesinger Papers, White House Subject Files, Classified Subject Files, Box WH–48, United States Information Agency 5/61–8/63)