241. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Meyer) to Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Johnson)1 2
SUBJECT:
- Radio Broadcasts to Cuba and Caribbean Areas
CIA proposes in the attached memorandum the continuation of a series of radio broadcasts from outlets in the Caribbean area that are targeted principally at Cuban youth. The tapes from these broadcasts are prepared by a CIA proprietary, but have the appearance of a purely commercial venture. They are carried on [text not declassified] bona fide radio stations [text not declassified] The program content is intended to suggest that political and social progress is taking place in Latin America in ways foreclosed to authoritarian societies such as Cuba. The aim is to develop skepticism and dissent toward their society among Cuban youth, but in a manner that is low key and that will not provoke active opposition and consequent repression. The appeal of the program is broad and not confined to Cuba; mail reaction shows that the youth of other countries (including Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and El Salvador) are listening to and are being attracted by the series.
[text not declassified]
The activity appears to be consistent with authorizations of the 303 and 40 Committees, beginning with that of December 1967, which was framed in light of the then forthcoming shut down of Radio America on Swan Island, and continuing with subsequent ones of December 1968 and March 1970.
ARA and INR believe that this project should be continued at the suggested funding level of [text not declassified] We cannot be sure about the effectiveness of the programs, but it would appear that they are meeting with an increasing response both in Cuba and in surrounding areas.
[Page 2]Recommendation
That you endorse in the 40 Committee continuation of radio broadcasts to Cuba and the Caribbean area as proposed in the CIA memorandum.
- Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Cuba 69–70–71. Secret; Eyes Only. Sent through Wymberley Coerr (INR/DDC). Drafted by Gardner. A handwritten note in the upper right of the first page reads: “Telephonically approved 3 Apr 72.” Attached but not published is the May 24 memorandum for the 40 Committee, titled “Radio Programming Targeted at Cuban Youth and Its Potential for Attracting Selected Youth Audiences Elsewhere in Latin America.”↩
- Assistant Secretary Meyer requested Under Secretary Johnson’s endorsement on a 40 Committee decision to continue radio broadcasts to Cuba.↩