164. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Tarnoff) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)1
SUBJECT
- Strengthening the American Image and Countering Soviet Propaganda in Iran
Under Secretary Newsom requested that an interagency State-ICA working group look at the themes and programs we might use in strengthening the US image in Iran over the coming months and in countering Soviet propaganda. The working group’s report, which the Department and ICA endorse, are summarized below.
There is no question that the Soviets have been attempting to exploit the situation in Iran by incorporating heavy doses of anti-US broadcasts into that country.
[Page 484]In order to meet this problem, State and ICA during the past two weeks have taken or decided upon the following actions:
—A Persian-language shortwave service on ICA’s Voice of America (VOA) is scheduled to begin in mid-March.
—UK Foreign Secretary David Owen will review with the BBC our request that it allow VOA to use its transmitter on Masirah Island, off the coast of Oman.
—Over the next few months ICA and State will, within current budgetary limits, prepare to give increased stress to cultural exchange between Iran and the United States once the political environment in Iran permits.
Beyond these specific actions, we believe it would be unwise to launch a vigorous new program of comprehensive public diplomacy until it is clear that the Iranians have sorted themselves out politically. When the time seems appropriate and we are able to resume full-scale operation of our ICA resources in Iran, we plan to focus on the following themes:
—Both Iran and the US have strong spiritual heritages, and the people of both countries believe in the importance of a life that is guided by moral principles.
For example:
—Programs describing the place of religion in American life.
—Emphasis on social work in the US and abroad by humanitarian groups.
—Description of the role of prominent Moslems in American life and activities of Moslem centers in various cities.
—We also share a belief in the right of the Iranian people to express themselves politically through institutions constituted by them. We both believe that it is for the Iranian people to decide how they will govern themselves.
For example:
—Description of process of political change in US history, including specifically the resilency of the US system in its ability to respond to crises like Watergate.
—Reports on the full range of activities of Iranian students in the US, including political activities and freedom to protest peacefully.
—Programs in which US experts on Iran comment on political developments there from their personal perspectives.
—Both of us believe in the development of our national wealth for the betterment of our people. The United States remains willing to cooperate with Iran for the benefit of the people and their country.
For example:
—Description of US achievements in sectors of interest to Iran, e.g., agriculture, housing financial management, medicine and other social services, and urban planning.
[Page 485]—Programs on contributions US has made in the past to Iranian development through both governmental assistance and private groups which have operated in Iran.
—Reports on successful US cooperation with other governments in developing their economies.
—Both Americans and Iranians want to see an Iran that is truly independent.
For example:
—Commentary on damage being done to Iranian political fabric by tendentious broadcasts from the Soviet Union.
—Reminders of historical occasions in the 19th and 20th Century when Russian forces occupied parts of Iran, as well as recollection of US efforts after World War II to promote Iranian independence and territorial integrity.
—Reporting on high-level statements from Administration and the Congress emphasizing importance of free, stable and independent Iran.
We also plan to utilize the following themes, both over VOA and in material distributed by ICA-Tehran, in order to counter more specifically the effects of Soviet propaganda.
—The harmful nature of the inflammatory broadcasts of Soviet-sponsored clandestine broadcasts for the peace and stability of the Iranian people.
—The possibility of civil war on the borders of the Soviet Union resulting from Iranian instability.
Finally, we will be consulting with our allies concerning how best to pursue our mutual interest in stemming the growth of anti-modern and anti-Western sentiment in Iran. These consultations will begin with and will focus on the UK, France, Germany, Turkey and Japan.
Executive Secretary
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P790129–0993. Secret; Treat as Nodis.↩