Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, National Security Affairs, Volume II, Part 2

511.4321/6–1753: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Sydney¹

confidential

Washington, June 17, 1953—2:37 p.m.

239. Verbatim text. UP dispatch datelined Sydney June 16 states director USIS Australia denied Washington reports library books burned there. Evans quoted as follows: “I think we can properly state no USIS library books been burned or otherwise destroyed by, at instruction of, or with knowledge any USIS office in Sydney or Melbourne. I am puzzled by remarks attributed to State Department as quoted in Australian press”.

This complete contradiction your OM April 30² which basis Department spokesman’s remarks to press. Wire full explanation urgently.

Dulles

1. Drafted and approved for transmission by Henry F. Arnold, Director of the Office of European Programs, U.S. International Information Administration; cleared by Albert G. Sims, the Acting Deputy Administrator for Field Programs of IIA, by Donhauser of BNA, and by Phillips of P; repeated to Canberra.
2. The Operations Memorandum by Evans is printed on p. 1709.