80. Message From Secretary of State Rusk to All U.S. Chiefs of Mission1
SUBJECT
- EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE: New Emphasis on Youth
The President and I have recently discussed the importance of youth in world affairs. The recent experience of the Attorney General in discussions with students in Japan and Indonesia,2 developments in Japan, Korea, Turkey and Latin America plus other indications confirm belief that the phenomenon of youth unrest is worldwide and a serious obstacle to achievement of U.S. objectives. Politically-conscious students, particularly in the underdeveloped nations, have a distorted, obsolete, often Marxist-oriented view of the American economic system, our ideals and our institutions.
We feel that a greater and more effective effort in the youth and student field must be made if we are to be successful in our total mission. We are well aware that much is being done within the Government by USIA, by Departmental exchange programs, by the Peace Corps and by others. A good deal is also being done by private groups.
We are also aware that this is a subject of great sensitivity; obvious U.S. Government efforts to manipulate youth abroad or at home would only multiply our problems, not solve them. You, of course, can best determine how to avoid pitfalls in your local situation. But there is much which is feasible and prudent which should be done, and is not now being done. This will require the forceful and resourceful leadership and personal attention of our Chiefs of Mission abroad and our senior colleagues and ourselves in Washington.
We have undertaken an interdepartmental study in Washington to determine what is being done, what should be done, and what additional mechanisms—if any—will be required. We will keep you informed of what develops.
The job in the field is largely one of public relations, and the operating responsibility continues to be chiefly with USIS. But we want you personally to interest yourself in this effort. This message will be [Page 207] followed by others spelling out techniques and activities which have proven successful.
Some activities are obvious, however, and require no further explanation. For example you and other key mission officers (particularly those with a special flair for dealing with youth and a broad understanding of America’s rapid progress in social welfare) might find it profitable to include youth and student leaders in your representational activities. You may wish to hold “open house” at the residence for leaders and teachers, or otherwise stimulate direct confrontation with these young people in order to set right their misconceptions. Lectures on the evils of Communism generally are not useful. More to the point are intelligent, honest, dispassionate explanations of what the United States is today, its goals and how they coincide with those of youth elsewhere, its deep interest in the legitimate aspirations of youth in other lands for a better future, and its desire to help them to realize them in freedom.
In this effort there is no substitute for personal contact on a sustained basis. We ask your personal attention and leadership, without which this effort cannot succeed.
- Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, Subject Files, 1955–1971, Entry UD WW 148, Box 263, Youth Policy. Confidential. Repeated for information to Eastern Europe only. Drafted by Achilles, Guy E. Coriden (CU), and Thomas Sorensen; cleared by Thomas Sorensen, Boerner, Shooshan, Battle, William N. Harben (P/SI), Dungan, McGhee, and Curtis.↩
- See Document 74.↩