95. Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the Deputy Director of the United States Information Agency (Carter) to the Deputy Director (Wilson)1

SUBJECT

  • VOA and IPS handling of Mississippi case

In general, VOA and IPS have been following the same pattern in covering the Meredith case in Mississippi.2 Both have played it as straight news giving special emphasis to actions taken by the Federal courts and the Department of Justice with a liberal sprinkling of quotes by the Attorney General when appropriate.

VOA has been carrying this story on all of its newscasts. To protect their flanks against any criticism from southern Congressmen or Senators they have occasionally quoted Barnett and yesterday quoted Sena[Page 250]tor Stennis.3 In all cases these quotes were legitimate news items. And in all cases emphasis has been on Federal action.

In addition, VOA, which is currently carrying a documentary on the Negro in America over World-Wide English, has updated the documentary to give additional emphasis to the efforts of the Justice Department on the Barnett case.

IPS has supplemented its news coverage with backgrounders putting the rear guard action of Mississippi into the context of over-all developments toward integration in the south. They have pointed out that all but three of the states have accepted integration and that 90% of their universities have Negroes enrolled. The key theme in these backgrounders has been the Federal Government versus the obstructionists.

Getting back briefly to VOA, their lead yesterday on the stories was Rev. King’s statement complimenting President Kennedy on his position and actions.

Both VOA and IPS have carried editorial roundups citing the more responsible newspapers.

IRS did a specific check on FBIS reports in Western Europe, Japan and Peking. Absolutely nothing has been filed to date. The only FBIS report we have is one quoting Moscow domestic radio in Russian which I have attached and which in fact does not appear to be too unfair.

I have attached four IPS takes and the one FBIS report.4

Alan Carter5
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1962–1963, Entry UD WW 173, Box 11, Public Information—Special Events 1962 Mississippi. No classification marking. Drafted by Carter. A copy was sent to Thomas Sorensen.
  2. In early 1961, following his completion of coursework at Jackson State University, Air Force veteran James Meredith sought admission to the then-segregated University of Mississippi. In June 1962, he won an order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit directing the University to admit him for the 1962 fall semester. After one of the judges on the Fifth Circuit continued to issue stays, the Justice Department asked for Supreme Court intervention. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black set aside the stays, permitting Meredith to enroll. Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett, in a September 13 address, broadcast on Mississippi radio and television networks, indicated that all public institutions in the state would be administered under state officials and recognize only laws issued by the state, thus effectively denying Meredith entry. (“Barnett Defies Federal Court on Mississippi U. Integration,” The New York Times, September 14, 1962, p. 1) On September 20, Barnett denied Meredith admission to the University; Federal officials then served injunctions against Barnett and University officials. (Claude Sitton, “Negro Rejected at Mississippi U.; U.S. Seeks Writs: 3 Educators Face Contempt Action After Gov. Barnett Turns Away Applicant,” The New York Times, September 21, 1962, pp. 1, 13) Although the University of Mississippi Board of Trustees agreed on September 24 to admit Meredith, the next day, despite a restraining order, Barnett physically blocked Meredith from entering the University Trustees’ office. (Hedrick Smith, “Court is Obeyed: College Trustees Heed 8 Judges’ Demand, Made at Hearing,” September 25, 1962, pp. 1, 26; Claude Sitton, “Meredith Rebuffed Again Despite Restraining Order,” September 26, 1962, pp. 1, 22, both The New York Times) On September 30, in a radio and television report to the nation, the President stated that Meredith “is now in residence” at the University of Mississippi campus preceding his formal enrollment on October 1. The President, referencing the fact that the administration had federalized the Mississippi National Guard “to preserve law and order,” while U.S. marshals “carried out the orders of the court,” stated, “I deeply regret the fact that any action by the executive branch was necessary in this case, but all other avenues and alternatives, including persuasion and conciliation, had been tried and exhausted.” (Public Papers: Kennedy, 1962, pp. 726–727)
  3. On September 26, as The New York Times reported: “Mississippi’s two Democratic Senators—James O. Eastland and John Stennis—both made strong statements denouncing the Federal Government’s moves. Senator Stennis is generally believed to be facing a challenge from Governor Barnett for his seat in 1964. “‘The people of Mississippi and the Governor are not on the defense,’ Senator Stennis said. ‘They are the ones who are defending the Constitution.’” (Anthony Lewis, “Robert Kennedy Vows to Back Court With Troops If Necessary: Voices Determination to Execute Orders in Clash With Mississippi Governor—Showdown Expected Tomorrow,” September 27, 1962, p. 29)
  4. Not attached and not further identified.
  5. Carter signed “Al” above his typed signature.