Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XXX, Public Diplomacy

186. Memorandum From the Director of the International Communication Agency (Reinhardt) to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)¹

Washington, October 19, 1979

SUBJECT

• Follow-up on Presidential Directive on Cuba/NSC PD 52²

The International Communication Agency has two major cultural projects well under way. One is a visit of the Alvin Ailey dance troupe; the other is a showing in Cuba of an American art exhibit. While there has been a general policy against cultural exchanges with Cuba, members of our Agency in consultation with the NSC staff have agreed that these two projects are desirable exceptions.

According to the manager of the Ailey dance troupe, the Cuban Government has agreed to finance in-country housing and to take care of transportation—including material—to and from Cuba. The offer is being confirmed with the Cubans. USICA will pay performance fees unless private financing, such as foundation support, can be arranged. The company cannot make an April 1980 date proposed by the Cubans and is awaiting a Cuban reply to a counterproposal for the first week in September.

On October 26, a National Endowment for the Arts panel will identify existing art shows that respond to our criteria for an exhibit in Cuba. USICA funds have been earmarked. The Cubans have expressed an interest in having such an exhibit. The outlook for the project is good.

Should further opportunities to reach the Cuban people with U.S. cultural activities present themselves, we will discuss these with your staff.

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, North/South Pastor Files, Country Files, Box 40, Cuba: 9/1–12/79. Secret. A notation in an unknown hand at the top of the memorandum reads: “Staff—Pastor.” Pastor sent a copy of the memorandum to Brzezinski under a November 1 covering memorandum, commenting “I understand from ICA it is partially OBE’ed. With regard to the Alvin Ailey tour, ICA is still trying to determine whether the Cubans will accept our conditions. The Cubans had initially wanted to control the tour and use it for propaganda purposes, but we vetoed that. With regard to the art exhibit, we have agreement in principle with the Cubans.” (Ibid.)
2. PD/NSC–52, “U.S. Policy to Cuba,” issued on October 4, 1979, is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. XXIII, Mexico, Cuba, and the Caribbean.