83. Message From the United States Information Agency to All Principal USIS Posts1
- INFOGUIDE: Sino-Soviet Dispute. Joint State-USIA Message.
I. General Approach
1. The basic policy to be followed in the public handling of the Sino-Soviet dispute is to treat it as a major international development which is worthy of important emphasis and close attention, and about which the American and other peoples should be fully informed.
2. Constant care is to be taken, however, to avoid exaggerating either the nature or implications of the dispute. In particular, statements [Page 212] and interpretations are to be avoided that suggest that: (a) the dispute has resulted in, or is likely to result in, a change in basic Communist objectives toward the US and the Free World, (b) the dispute has affected the capability of either the USSR or Communist China to endanger the security of the US, (c) the dispute has eliminated or reduced pressures that the Communist powers are bringing to bear on US interests in various critical areas of the world, (d) the dispute has mitigated the urgency of the need for proceeding with the strengthening of the free world community.
3. Strictest regard to accuracy shall be observed in the dissemination of attributable information about the dispute.
4. Any suggestion that the US is taking sides in the dispute is to be avoided. Similarly, there should be no suggestion that the US intends, or is willing, to manipulate its policies in the interest of furthering the dispute.
II. Psychological Exploitation of the Dispute
1. The US Information Agency will report prominently and fully and via all media pertinent developments in the dispute, including relevant statements of Communist leaders and pertinent articles that appear in the Communist press throughout the world. Reportage will be on a factual news basis except that carefully prepared commentary will be utilized to cut through Communist double talk and to make clear to the unsophisticated the real issues and targets dealt with in such statements and articles.
2. USIS posts conducting book translation and publishing programs are urged to support where appropriate the translation into foreign languages and foreign dissemination of scholarly books and articles dealing with the dispute that have appeared in this country and the United Kingdom.
- Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Plans, General Subject Files, 1949–1970, Entry UD WW 382, Box 117, S Sino-Soviet Bloc. Secret. Drafted by Thomas Sorensen on June 15; cleared by Roberts, Cody, Neilson, Ryan, King, Jorden, Rowan, and in substance by Rusk and McGhee; approved by Sorensen. Sent via pouch. A notation in an unknown hand on the first page of the message reads: “June 20, 1962.”↩