Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXXVIII, Part 2, Organization and Management of Foreign Policy; Public Diplomacy, 1973–1976

88. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹

Washington, June 19, 1973.

SUBJECT

• Private International Exchange Council

In 1971, the NSC Under-Secretaries Committee (USC) recommended that a private council be established to serve as a catalyst between the government and the private sector in the field of international exchanges. You approved the proposed council but requested a more detailed program on it for your consideration.²

After further analysis, the USC has written you recommending against the formation of a new private council primarily because (1) mechanisms already exist for stimulating and coordinating private sector exchanges, and (2) the private sector does not feel any need for a new “umbrella” organization without substantial grant-making resources (Tab B).³

Recognizing the importance of private sector exchanges, however, the USC proposes to continue strengthening and expanding other mechanisms to engage the private sector more effectively in international exchanges. (For example, State has increased its assistance to private sector exchange programs by more than 150 percent since 1969 and, in 1971, established an Office of Private Cooperation to stimulate private exchanges.)

I see no reason to pursue further the establishment of a new private exchange council at this time. We should, however, continue efforts to strengthen and expand other mechanisms to enhance the interest, involvement, effectiveness, and coordination of private sector international exchanges.

Recommendation:

If you approve, I will inform State that a new private council should not be pursued at this time but that efforts should continue to increase and improve private sector exchanges (proposed NSDM at Tab A).⁴

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–241, Policy Papers (1969–1974), NSDM 223. Confidential. Sent for action. Although no drafting information appears on the memorandum, Michael A. Guhin and David D. Elliott of the NSC Staff sent it to Kissinger under a June 15 memorandum, with the recommendation that he forward it to Nixon for approval. (Ibid.) A stamped notation at the top of the page reads: “The President Has Seen.”
2. The USC made its recommendation in an August 13, 1971, report to Nixon on international exchanges. NSDM 143, December 17, 1971, directed the establishment of a private International Exchange Council, charged the USC with oversight and reporting responsibilities, and directed the Secretary of State to develop “a central information system on exchanges.” The USC’s report and NSDM 143 are ibid., Box H–229, Policy Papers (1969–1974), NSDM 143.
3. Tab B, the USC’s report, sent to Nixon by Rush on June 5, is attached but not printed.
4. Nixon initialed his approval. NSDM 223 is Document 89.