142. Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the President for Media and Public Affairs (Jagoda) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)1
SUBJECT
- My Proposed Job Description and Time Schedule
This memo elaborates on my proposal2 to provide short-term liaison between the White House and the International Communication Agency, while monitoring the attempt of the Soviet Union (and some Third World governments) to force UNESCO to mandate “state” control of media.
Previously, I had suggested:
1. ICA is struggling to get going with its new mandate.
2. More foreign culture and communication is being aimed at our citizens.
3. Conflict is intensifying among the West, the Marxists, and the LDC’s about the free flow of ideas and information. Apart from the international human rights issues in the daily headlines, UNESCO’s general assembly meeting this fall3 will be a battleground over the issue of “state” control of communication and ideas that are transmitted beyond national borders.
I propose to define areas where guidance for ICA could result in more effective implementation of Presidential foreign policy initiatives. In an effort to move deeply and immediately into the broad area of communication and culture (and to develop a clearer understanding of the bureaucratic dynamics), I would plan to initially focus on the “state control” issue (#3 above). This approach should not conflict with Henry Richardson’s work in overseeing activities of the U.S. in international organizations.
In short, here is my proposed job description for the next eight months: Liaison with John Reinhardt, and NSC staff member pursuing the human rights issues involved in our “first amendment” approach to the free flow of information and culture against our adversaries’ view of state control.
[Page 407]Assuming you agree with the previous paragraph as a rough job description, let me outline a time schedule of work over the next months:
Between now and October 1, when I would go on the NSC payroll, I would become more familiar with ICA and other participants in the international communication/cultural area. I have already accepted an invitation to represent the White House at an Aspen Institute seminar on “International Communications,” during the 3rd week in August.
During September, I would be in Washington participating in the preparation for the UNESCO meetings and developing closer relationships and understanding of ICA.
In early October, I would attend the annual four-day meeting of the International Institute of Communications, where Western and non-aligned (and some Marxist) broadcasters come together. Last year, I gave the welcoming address to this group on behalf of the President when they met in Washington. This organization is extremely concerned about the free flow of information (they see the issue in human rights terms) and appreciates the United States for “listening” to the non-aligned nations, while treating them each in a unique way.
In late October and November, the UNESCO general assembly will meet in Paris. I should attend some of those sessions concerned with the “state control” issue and with other international communications and cultural affairs questions.
During the remainder of this year, I will have been working closely with ICA, State, and the Cultural Endowments, as appropriate, to marshal their forces for the forward movement of our foreign policy. By early 1979, a plan of future action will have been developed.
My assignment, as a short-term staff member (Special Advisor to the NSC on international communications and cultural affairs??) would end April 1, 1979, six months after I have come onto the payroll—which is within the time allowable for these temporary arrangements.
- Source: Carter Library, Donated Historical Material, Barry Jagoda, Box 3, NSC. No classification marking. Sent through Aaron. Printed from an uninitialed copy. There is no indication that either Aaron or Brzezinski saw the memorandum.↩
- See Document 141.↩
- See footnote 6, Document 129.↩