36. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (McPherson) to Secretary of State Rusk1
Two weeks ago I mentioned to the President that the Russians and Chinese had been quite successful in moving into African news media.2 They had in some countries provided free wire service by Tass and Czech news agencies. The situation as described to me by a USIA man is an increasingly serious one, having reached the point where even news about the U.S. is relayed to many African readers via Communist wire services.3
The President was extremely disturbed by this and said that I should inform you of whatever I could learn about the matter. I asked Don Wilson for a summary of the situation.4 This he has provided and I enclose it herewith.5
One thing not mentioned here is that the American wire services have apparently shown some resistance to the idea of a U.S. subsidy [Page 103] for their operations in Africa,6 being concerned about the possible control of news by government.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Files, Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Subject Files, 1965–66, Lot 69D260, Entry UD UP 175, Box 19, 1965 United States Information Agency. Confidential. Sent through S/S. An unknown hand wrote “S saw” on the first page of the memorandum. Rusk initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum. A typewritten note in the file from “LL” to McPherson reads: “Mr. Hadsel of AF wishes to see you along with Mr. Welborn of Research & Intelligence—re the attached. Says there are several points on this subject they think you should know about fairly quickly. Needs to see you on Wed. inasmuch as [“Wellborn” is crossed out and an unknown hand wrote “he”] is out of town after that. Set for 4:15 for 15 min.” At the top of the note is typed: “Appt Wed. Jan. 13 at 4:15.” At the bottom of the note an unknown hand wrote: “12:15 apt.” (Ibid.)↩
- An unknown hand underlined this sentence.↩
- An unknown hand underlined the words “situation” and “increasingly serious.”↩
- An unknown hand underlined “President was extremely disturbed” and “I asked Don Wilson for a summary of the situation.” Attached but not printed is a December 18, 1964, memorandum from Wilson to McPherson, in which Wilson detailed the “Communist penetration of African media.” According to Wilson: “As you requested, here is a rundown on the current Communist campaign to influence and control news media in Africa. I have divided it into three parts: (1) a summary of present Communist activities in this field, (2) a summary of U.S. government programs for strengthening American influence in African media and (3) USIA recommendations for further actions to strengthen our influence.”↩
- An unknown hand underlined this sentence.↩
- An unknown hand underlined this sentence.↩
- McPherson wrote “Harry McPherson” above this typed signature.↩