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

164. Memorandum From the Director of the United States Information Agency (Shakespeare) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹

Washington, March 9, 1972

SUBJECT

• PRC Jamming of VOA

Throughout the President’s visit² Peking jammers continued to block transmissions of VOA Mandarin language broadcasts. Thus, while a dialogue was underway at the highest level, the official USG broadcasting arm was being frustrated in its effort to reach the Chinese people. By way of historic precedent, it is perhaps worth noting that the Soviets reduced jamming of VOA while Khrushchev was visiting the U.S.³

Obviously, the practice of jamming in part negates the meaningful two-way flow of information which the President hopes to achieve. The United States does not jam the English or Chinese language broadcasts emanating from China. Moreover, the views of Chinese leaders are given a full hearing in the American press, particularly now that their representatives are permanently established in New York City.

In equity and fairness, therefore, we believe a case to eliminate jamming should be made to the People’s Republic of China at an appropriate time. At present the overseas broadcasts of Japan, Australia and Great Britain, among others, go unjammed by Peking.

Frank Shakespeare⁴

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 306, Agency Files, Voice of America. No classification marking. Attached as Tab B to a March 31 memorandum from Holdridge to Kissinger, in which Holdridge wrote: “Mr. Shakespeare asks that at an appropriate time we ask the PRC, as a matter of ‘equity and fairness,’ to eliminate the jamming.” Holdridge recommended that Kissinger sign the attached draft reply to Shakespeare, attached as Tab A to the March 31 memorandum. (Ibid.) In the memorandum to Shakespeare, dated April 4, Kissinger responded: “I can assure you that we will bear this problem [jamming] in mind as we proceed with our discussions with PRC representatives, and will, if an appropriate occasion develops, raise the matter with them.” (Ibid.)
2. See footnote 2, Document 162.
3. Presumable reference to Khrushchev’s September 15–27, 1959, visit to the United States. On September 26 and 27, Khrushchev met with President Eisenhower and other U.S. officials at Camp David. For additional information, see Foreign Relations, 1958–1960, vol. X, Part 1, Eastern Europe Region, Soviet Union, Cyprus, Documents 108, 129–135.
4. Shakespeare signed “Frank” above this typed signature.