Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VIII, Public Diplomacy, 1969–1972

107. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France¹

Washington, September 12, 1970, 2213Z

149886. REF: Paris 11771.² Subj: U.S. Bicentennial Exposition. For Davit/Kirby.³

1. President Nixon in message to Congress on September 11, 1970⁴ instructs Secretary of State to proceed officially with appropriate registration procedures with Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) for an International exposition in Philadelphia in 1976 as part of Bicentennial.

2. This information should be promptly conveyed to BIE in confirmation site and timing of U.S. international exposition for which BIE has formally reserved 1976.

3. Pertinent documents referred to in reference will be forwarded under airgram next week.⁵ They will consist of (a) Latest draft Philadelphia 1976 Exposition Corporation General Regulations, which have been given provisional U.S. Government review, in English with French and Russian translations; and (b) Presidential statement.

4. Embassy, after coordination with William Phillips, Philadelphia Paris representative, should forward documents to BIE Classifications Committee and attempt arrange joint Philadelphia Corporation/U.S. Government presentation to Committee first week November in support Philadelphia application for formal BIE registration action at semi-annual November 17 meeting.

5. As general regulations make clear, US wishes avoid costly national pavilion type exposition. Plans for more socially-dynamic exposition at Philadelphia in 1976 focus on category two exposition under 1928 Convention,⁶ as amended. In terms language of new draft Protocol to replace 1928 convention, Philadelphia plan would fit universal rather than specialized category. This should be made clear to BIE in order compress registration process to meet November 17 deadline.

6. FYI: Secretary of Commerce and Director of Office of Management and Budget have yet to complete study requiring report to President that Philadelphia 1976 Exposition meets all provisions of PL–91–269.⁷ END OF MESSAGE

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, CUL 8. Unclassified. Drafted by Hurd; cleared by telephone by Teal, Nelson, and E. Skora (ABRC); approved by Blair. Hurd initialed for the clearing officials and for Blair.
2. In telegram 11771 from Paris, September 1, the Embassy reported that Chalon “emphasized importance being officially informed soonest re site and type of exposition for 1976 if BIE approval to be sought at November 17 General Assembly.” (Ibid.)
3. Alexander Davit, counselor for commercial affairs, and Richard Kirby, economic and commercial officer.
4. See Public Papers: Nixon, 1970, pp. 739–741. Nixon’s message to Congress transmitted the ARBC report, which is printed as America’s 200th Anniversary, Report of the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commission, 91st Cong., 2nd sess., Document 91–76, Washington: Government Printing Office, 1970. It is also printed in United States of America, 1776–1976, Official Documents of the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, Washington.: American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, 1973.
5. In airgrams A–264 and A–266 to Paris, September 25 and 30, respectively. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, CUL 8)
6. Reference is to the Convention Relating to International Exhibitions, signed in Paris, on November 22, 1928. The Convention regulated the frequency of international exhibitions, outlined the responsibilities of organizers and participants, and established the BIE.
7. Approved on May 27, 1970, P.L. 91–269 provided for federal government recognition and participation in international exhibitions proposed to take place in the United States. On January 11, 1971, the BIE sanctioned Philadelphia as the location for the exposition. Ultimately, on May 16, 1972, the ARBC rejected a proposal put forth by the Philadelphia 1976 Bicentennial Corporation. It then informed Nixon of this decision. As a result, the United States did not host an international exposition as part of the 1976 Bicentennial commemoration. For additional information regarding this decision, see The Bicentennial of the United States of America: A Final Report to the People, American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, vol. I, Washington: Government Printing Office, 1977, p. 225.