S/P–NSC files, lot 61 D 167, “Review of Basic Natl Sec Policy, Sept–Nov, 1954”
Memorandum by the Director of the United States Information Agency (Streibert) to the Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (Cutler)1
In response to your invitation to submit suggested changes in the Summary of Existing Basic National Security Policy of October 21, 1954,2 USIA submits the following:
Add to item D–4, “Uncommitted and Underdeveloped Areas”, page 5, 4th paragraph, the clause underlined as follows:3
“The U.S. should seek to secure the cooperation of uncommitted states on a basis of mutual self-respect, without attempting to make active allies of those not so inclined. Recognizing that economic development would not in itself necessarily create an atmosphere more favorable to cooperation with the free world alliance, the U.S. should take such actions as are calculated to produce a favorable psychological effect in the area, and should refrain, so far as feasible, from opposing anti-colonialism and legitimate nationalism.”
Because economic crisis or collapse can be used effectively by the Communists, there is a widespread opinion that economic improvement and development will make it more difficult for communism to penetrate and will promote free world cohesion. This, in our opinion, is not necessarily so. In fact, it can be demonstrated that in many cases Communist penetration is more effective with economic improvement.
Perhaps the suggestion does not cover adequately this basic policy, but it seemed to us to fit into the Summary best at this point.
- A covering memorandum of transmittal from Lay to the National Security Council, dated Nov. 22, notes that the enclosed views of the Director of the USIA were being circulated to members of the NSC in anticipation of consideration by the Council of a review of basic national security policy at the meeting of Nov. 24. This memorandum also states that the views of the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers were included, but no such paper has been found. This memorandum was addressed to Cutler in his capacity as Chairman of the NSC Planning Board.↩
- Reference is to a later revision by Cutler, not printed, of the Oct. 11 basic statement on existing national security policy, p. 738.↩
- Printed here as italics.↩