Office of the Historian

129. Memorandum From the Director of the U.S. Information Agency (Murrow) to the Heads of all U.S. Information Agency Elements and All U.S. Information Service Posts1

Washington, July 24, 1961.

SUBJECT

  • Special Program Emphasis

Until further notice, Washington media and field posts will focus attention on, and give special emphasis to, persuading our audiences that:

1.
Despite Soviet intransigeance, the United States is doing everything in its power to obtain a treaty banning nuclear testing, the first, vital step toward general disarmament. (Test Ban)
2.
Soviet efforts to abrogate their agreements and deprive West Berliners of their freedom threaten the security and freedom of people [Page 247] everywhere. Under no circumstances, therefore, will the U.S. abandon Free Berlin. (Berlin)
3.
An effective United Nations which has sufficient authority to act in crisis situations is indispensable to the security of small nations. Knowing this, the Soviets are seeking to paralyze the U.N. Secretariat with an unworkable “troika” arrangement. (United Nations)
4.
The Sino-Soviet Bloc, despite lip-service support to emerging nationalism, is implacably opposed to independent nationalist movements and genuine neutrality. Man’s best hope is in “a world of free choice” such as sought by the U.S., not a “world of coercion” as favored by the Communists. (Free Choice)
5.
Modernization of newly-developing nations can best be achieved through democratic, pragmatic political and economic development consistent with the traditions, character and aspirations of a people. (Modernization)

These areas of emphasis are not intended to supplant all other Agency output. We simply are seeking to focus adequate media and field attention for a period of time on subjects currently of overriding importance. I have been specifically charged by the President with the task of undertaking major efforts on items (1) and (2).

The duration of these efforts will vary. There cannot be universal and equal emphasis, either by all media or in all countries. I will expect IOP (in the person of Mr. Brooke, Director of Media Content), working with the Area offices and the media, to develop appropriate emphasis and application of these efforts in the various countries in which we operate, along the lines set forth in my memorandum to the Staff of April 22.2 IOP will provide detailed policy guidances to the media and to the field in support of these efforts.

I ask your full cooperation and support.

  1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 306, USIA Files: FRC 68 A 1415, Office of the Director-Circular Letters/61. Official Use Only. Drafted by Edgar D. Brooke.↩
  2. Document 121.↩