Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

145. Memorandum From the Director of the U.S. Information Agency (Murrow) to Secretary of State Rusk¹

Washington, February 5, 1963.

Until such time as the Administration shall have formulated new policies in regard to the problems created by de Gaulle’s current actions and attitudes toward the Common Market and the Atlantic Alliance, USIA plans to operate from the following position as suggested by Ambassador Bohlen’s telegram 3098 of February 3,² namely:

a) To move steadily ahead with the promoting of the Atlantic Alliance, the establishment of a NATO nuclear force, and the reduction of trade barriers, without attempting to push France into any of these projects, but also without closing the door to her participation in whatever degree she desires;

b) To exploit French fears of being isolated by offering our friends knowledge of programs which they will find more in their long-term interest than French proposals;

c) To support the efforts of European countries to consolidate their strength through the Common Market; and

d) To refrain from harsh or discourteous attitudes toward France and maintain toward her a position of persuasive dignity. The French though sometimes volatile in the extreme are basically a people to whom logic has great appeal.

Edward R. Murrow³

1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 306, USIA Files: FRC 72 A 5121, Field-Europe/63. Confidential.
2. Not printed. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, POL FR-US)
3. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.