61. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Marks) to the Staff of the United States Information Agency1
As of today, I am combining the Agency’s Motion Picture Service and Television Service into one audio-visual media service.
I am convinced that the Agency will provide a greater service to its objectives, with significant economies and efficiencies, through a merger of its audio-visual resources.
This new combined service will be under the direction of Mr. George Stevens, former director of the Motion Picture Service. Mr. Alan Carter, former head of the Television Service and a career foreign service officer of the Agency, is needed in a new position which will be announced in the near future.
There are certain precepts of management and organization that must accompany this merger, and I stress them here for the guidance of all concerned:
First,the merger of these two activities must take advantage of the similarities in objectives and facilities that the two services possess. I expect from this combined organization a significant reduction in costs and positions.
Second,the merger of these two activities must recognize the differences and the unique capabilities of the two media to meet the Agency’s objectives. I expect nothing in this combined organization to hamper the effectiveness of either outlet.
Third,the merger of the two activities must respond to the basic requirements of the Agency world-wide, the Area in general, and the individual post in particular. I expect from this combined organization a responsive service in every meaning of the word.
I am establishing an ad hoc Committee to recommend to me and to Mr. Stevens within thirty days the details of how most effectively to set up the new organization.
To this Committee, I designate the following:
Mr. Howard L. Chernoff, Executive Assistant (Chairman)
Mr. Burnett Anderson, Deputy Director (Policy and Plans)
Mr. Ben Posner, Assistant Director (Administration)
Mr. William Miller, Assistant Director (Near East and South Asia)
Mr. George Stevens, Jr., Director, Motion Picture Service
[Page 176]Mr. Alan Carter, Director, Television Service
Mr. Lionel Mosley, Director of Personnel
To prepare the procedures and alternatives for consideration by the Committee, I am establishing a Special Task Force. It will be the duty of this group under the guidance of the Committee to work out all the details of the consolidation—including the definition of functions and sub-functions, the detailing of organizational relationships, the developing of position patterns and staffing, and the presentation of budget procedures and financing. Members of this task force will be:
Mr. John S. Barker, Planning Officer, IOA/B (Chairman)
Mr. Richard Ballard, Chief, Media Branch, IOA/B
Mr. Walter Jones, Media Services Analyst, IOA/M
Mr. Robert Pitcher, Media Personnel Officer, IPT
Mr. John Wheeler, Executive Officer, IMS
Mr. Russell Cox, Executive Officer, ITV
Pending final recommendations of the Committee, which I expect within thirty days, the Motion Picture Service and the Television Service will continue to operate as at present. I appreciate that this step will involve some disruptions during the transition period. I will make every effort to assure a smooth transition in operations and staffing, with full consideration of the people involved. I know that all concerned will cooperate fully to maintain and improve the quality and effectiveness of this vital aspect of our work.2
- Source: National Archives, RG 306, USIA Historical Collection, Office of the Director, Biographic Files Relating to USIA Directors and Other Senior Officials, 1953–2000, Entry A1–1069, Box 11, Leonard H. Marks, Directives, 1964–1966. No classification marking.↩
- On September 29, the United States Information Agency issued a press release announcing the merger of its motion picture and television services. According to the release, Marks “was convinced the merger would create significant economies, increase efficiency and improve output.” (National Archives, RG 306, USIA Historical Collection, Subject Files: 1953–2000, Entry A1–1066, Box 153, Motion Pictures 1965)↩