Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VII, Public Diplomacy, 1964–1968

5. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Murrow) to United States Information Agency Heads of Elements and Public Affairs Officers¹

Washington, December 20, 1963

It is essential that we help maintain a high level of foreign confidence in the continuity of American Government and policy under President Johnson and in our nation as the leader of the Free World. The President already has done much to assure the world. He has reaffirmed in several ways and in the most specific manner possible his commitment to the continuation of President Kennedy’s foreign policy—a policy which he helped shape and carry out.

For some time I have been considering the priorities for Agency output, first issued July 24, 1961.² They have not changed substantially, which reflects in still one more way the continuity of U.S. policy. There have been enough shifts in emphasis, however, to warrant a restatement of these priorities.

There has been and is some confusion as to what these priorities represent and what proportion of our output should be devoted to them. The Agency’s function, stated by the President in a directive of January 25, 1963,³ is to “help achieve United States foreign policy objectives.” There are, of course, differences among these objectives: some are world-wide in scope, others limited in geographic applicability; some are capable of achievement in a limited time, others will be with us for the foreseeable future. These goals are spelled out specifically in our Country Plans, which continue to be the basis of our operations in the field and support activities in Washington.

The diversity of our objectives around the world requires a wide variety of approaches, techniques, and activities. It also requires that we define our priorities, and co-ordinate our activities in support of them.

The attached priority subjects are those which I consider most urgent at the present time and which should be given full and persuasive treatment in all Media before other subjects are tackled.

The relative efforts in behalf of any of the five priorities will, as in the past, vary with the unfolding of events, the nature of the medium, and the situation in individual countries.

The responsibility for co-ordinating Media output on the priority and other subjects will continue to rest with the Assistant Deputy Director (Media Content).

Edward R. Murrow

Attachment

Paper Prepared in the United States Information Agency⁴

Washington, undated

While providing a broad range of materials required to support a diversity of objectives in Country Plans, until further notice Agency media will focus attention on, and give priority to:

THE PURSUIT OF PEACE

The United States has no more urgent task than the pursuit of peace. In the words of President Johnson, “We will be unceasing in the search for peace; resourceful in our pursuit of areas of agreement even with those with whom we differ.” We believe this search for an attainable and honorable peace should be based on a gradual evolution in human institutions and on a series of concrete actions and effective agreements (such as the limited nuclear test ban) leading to general and complete disarmament. The United States will continue to encourage the settlement of international issues by peaceful means rather than force.

STRENGTH AND RELIABILITY

The United States, matured and tested under the responsibilities of free world leadership, will maintain its strength in all fields to protect its own freedom and to aid in the defense of other free nations against threats to their independence and institutions. The United States can and will keep its commitments to its allies and to other countries.

FREE CHOICE

The United States believes in a peaceful world community of free and independent states, free to choose their own future, free to build and change their own systems so long as they do not threaten the freedom of others. We believe in the dignity of the individual, and will continue to help other nations in their efforts to modernize their societies, to resist coercion, and to construct and maintain free institutions.

RULE OF LAW

The fundamental commitment of the United States is to freedom of the individual, of the community, and of the nation under law. This commitment is the hallmark which distinguishes societies of free men from societies where rule is based on privilege and force. Historically, the rule of law was a commitment of the people of the United States to themselves; today it is the cornerstone of both our domestic and international policies. We will continue to work toward perfecting the rule of law at home and encourage its extension to and among all nations.

UNITED NATIONS

The United States will continue its full support of the United Nations, seeking in concert with other countries to strengthen the UN’s peacekeeping machinery. It will also continue to support UN functions which assist all free nations, large and small, to maintain their independence and to move toward political, economic, and social justice.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, DIRCTR Subj Files, 1963–69, Bx 6–29 63–69: Acc: #72A5121, Entry UD WW 257, Box 11, Policy and Plans (IOP)—General 1963. Limited Official Use. Also printed in Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, vol. XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters, Document 159. In the same file is a December 20 memorandum from Sorensen to all USIA media and area assistant directors, under which he sent talking points supporting the Agency priorities listed in Murrow’s memorandum. The talking points are listed under the following priority categories: “The Pursuit of Peace;” “Strength and Reliability;” “Free Choice;” “The Rule of Law;” and “United Nations.” (National Archives, RG 306, DIRCTR Subj Files, 1963–69, Bx 6–29 63–69; Acc: #72A5121, Entry UD WW 257, Box 11, Policy and Plans (IOP)—General 1963) See the attachment.
2. Reference is to NSAM 63; see Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, vol. XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters, Document 128.
3. Reference is to a January 25 memorandum from President Kennedy to Murrow in which Kennedy stated the USIA’s mission and outlined guidelines for carrying it out. See ibid.; Document 144.
4. No classification marking. No drafting information appears on the paper.