It is recommended that the National Security Council approve the enclosed
report and authorize its submission to the President, with the
recommendation that he approve the “Conclusions” contained therein and
direct that they be implemented by all appropriate executive departments and
agencies of the U.S. Government under the coordination of the Secretary of
State.
Enclosure3
Washington, December 17, 1947.
National Security Council Memorandum
NSC 4
REPORT BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ON COORDINATION OF
FOREIGN INFORMATION MEASURES
The Problem
1. To determine what steps are required to strengthen and coordinate all
foreign information measures of the U.S. Government in furtherance of
the attainment of US national objectives.
Analysis
2. The USSR is conducting an intensive propaganda campaign directed
primarily against the US and is employing coordinated psychological,
political and economic measures designed to undermine non-Communist
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elements in all countries. The
ultimate objective of this campaign is not merely to undermine the
prestige of the US and the effectiveness of its national policy but to
weaken and divide world opinion to a point where effective opposition to
Soviet designs is no longer attainable by political, economic or
military means. In conducting this campaign, the USSR is utilizing all
measures available to it through satellite regimes, Communist parties,
and organizations susceptible to Communist influence.
3. The US is not now employing strong, coordinated
information measures to counter this propaganda campaign or to further
the attainment of its national objectives. The extension of economic aid
to certain foreign countries, particularly in Europe, is one of the
principal means by which the US has undertaken to defend its vital
interests. The nature and intent of this aid and other US contributions
to world peace is unknown to or misunderstood by large segments of the
world’s population. Inadequate employment of information measures is
impairing the effectiveness of these undertakings.
4. None of the existing departments or agencies of the US Government is
now charged with responsibility for coordinating foreign information
measures in furtherance of the attainment of US national objectives.
Upon the Department of State devolves the principal responsibility,
under the President, for the formulation and execution of American
foreign policy and the conduct of American foreign relations.
5. Facilities now existing in the Departments of State, the Army, the
Navy and the Air Force in the field of foreign information or which can
be utilized in this field are listed in the Appendix4
hereto.
Conclusions
6. The present world situation requires the immediate strengthening and
coordination of all foreign information measures of the US Government
designed to influence attitudes in foreign countries in a direction
favorable to the attainment of its objectives and to counteract effects
of anti-US propaganda.
7. It is considered that the initial steps to
implement paragraph 6 above should be designed to provide closer
coordination of policies, more effective integration of existing
facilities, and intensification of foreign information measures.
8. a. The Secretary of State should be charged with formulating policies
for and coordinating the implementation of all information meas-ures
designed to influence attitudes in foreign countries in a direction
favorable to the attainment of US objectives and to counteract effects
of
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anti-US propaganda. It is
assumed that these functions will be exercised by the Assistant
Secretary of State for Public Affairs, hereinafter referred to as the
Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary should consult with an
informal group composed of representatives of other appropriate
departments and agencies.
b. Appropriate departments and agencies should be directed to insure the
most effective coordination and utilization of their appropriate
facilities for the implementation of approved foreign information
policies.
c. The Assistant Secretary should be assisted by a staff including
qualified full-time personnel detailed from each appropriate department
or agency. This staff should assist the Assistant Secretary in
implementing the policies and plans established by the Secretary of
State by:
- (1)
- Obtaining the most effective utilization and coordination of
all federal foreign information facilities;
- (2)
- Initiating and developing for the approval of the Assistant
Secretary specific plans and programs designed to influence
foreign opinion in a direction favorable to US interests and to
counteract effects of anti-US propaganda.
9. As a matter of priority, the Assistant Secretary should coordinate the
determination of the requirement for funds necessary to insure
performance of the functions assigned in paragraph 8 above.
10. The Assistant Secretary should be furnished by the Central
Intelligence Agency with appropriate coordinated foreign
intelligence.
11. The Assistant Secretary should be furnished by the appropriate
departments with classified information necessary for the fulfillment of
his responsibilities.
12. In carrying out the functions assigned in paragraph 8 above, the
Assistant Secretary should maintain the closest possible liaison with
the State-Army-Navy-Air Force Coordinating Committee.
