Office of the Historian

131. Memorandum From the Director of the International Communication Agency (Reinhardt) to Secretary of State Vance1

Washington, June 5, 1978

SUBJECT

  • Relations between ICA and the Department of State

Ben Read has suggested that it might be helpful if I provided you with a review and assessment of relations between ICA and the Department over the past two months. Attached for your information is a summary review.2

Since our two organizations are in touch frequently, at multiple levels and on an hourly basis, this is hardly a comprehensive rundown of all contacts. It should, however, give you an accurate feel for the range and quality of the relationship.

While irritants and disagreements inevitably arise from time to time, I know of no current overriding problem hindering a mutually productive relationship between ICA and the Department. To my knowledge, this relationship has, on the whole, been remarkably smooth through a difficult transition period.

  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780125–0505. No classification marking. Read sent a copy of the memorandum to Vance under a June 14 action memorandum, to which he also attached a copy of a “brief note” for Vance’s signature, thanking Reinhardt for his report. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780125–0510) In the signed version of the note to Reinhardt, June 22, Vance characterized the report as “useful,” suggested that he would find it “useful” to receive “such reports regularly,” and concluded, “I agree with your assessment that State-ICA relationships have gotten off to a good start. If there is anything the Department can do further in this regard, please do not hesitate to let me know.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P780125–0504)↩
  2. Attached but not printed is an undated paper entitled “Summary Review of State-ICA Contacts, April–May 1978.”↩