71. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter 1
Attached are the outlines of Secretary Vance’s proposed reorganization plan for USIA (Tab A).2 He recommends that State should be allowed to begin briefing the Congress on the outlines of their recommendations to you. Warren Christopher goes before the Fascell Subcommittee today, June 21.3
Bert Lance observes that more work is necessary before Administration positions are presented to the Congress. Therefore, he recommends any departmental testimony should simply discuss alternatives and issues and not indicate preferences at this time.
I agree with Bert’s recommendation (Tab B).4 You should be aware there are differences within the government and among your advisors on the degree of independence which is desirable for USIA, the relationship of USIA and Voice of America, and the relative autonomy of cultural exchange programs. Cy’s proposals deserve the most careful study for they will have a major impact on the US cultural programs and information efforts throughout the rest of your Administration.
RECOMMENDATION:
That guidance be given to State to focus on issues and alternatives in their testimony before Congress and that OMB work with State on refining their proposals for your decision.5
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Agency File, Box 17, State: 6/77. Confidential.↩
- Not attached. See Document 64.↩
- See Document 72.↩
- Not attached. See footnotes 3 and 5, Document 70.↩
- Carter checked the approve option. Below it, he wrote: “Do not outline any organizational structure until I can study it & decide.”↩