Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Eastern Europe, Volume XXV

142. Telegram From the Consulate General at Munich to the Department of State¹

Munich, October 30, 1956—1 p.m.

205. Eyes only Higgs, Operations Coordinator. Peripheral. Entire RadioLib Staff, both Amer and émigré demoralized and bitterly unhappy over AmComLib/NY order of Oct. 24² limiting broadcasts to pure news output and “second hand” press commentary. Lib staff, like those of other stations here, has been working round clock since beginning Polish crises 10 days ago; nevertheless, morale obviously at nadir. Staff unanimously feels station has become a “neutral information bureau” at the very time when Iron Curtain events provide first real opportunity justify its raison d’être.

This raison d’être, Lib staff feels, demands now more than ever before that station 1) interpolate and comment on news, 2) express its moral support and solidarity with Hungs or others openly opposing Commie rule, 3) condemn Sov armed intervention—call on Sov forces desist killing oppressed who have risen, and 4) urge Sov listeners to express their sympathy with satellite peoples in their efforts achieve real freedom.

RadioLib instructions received from AmComLib/NY Oct. 28 did, in fact, belatedly provide framework for broadcast commentary on satellite events. However, all such commentary originated in Munich must be filed to AmComLib/NY and approved there prior to use. In view of fast-moving satellite events, such requirement stultified RadioLib output, in opinion station’s staff, and leaves none of the flexibility so essential in present situation. Furthermore, Lib staff points out, such flexibility is a must if satellite revolt shows signs of spreading. For instance, RadioLib anticipates request from FedRep that it broadcast appeals to Sov troops in GDR not to shoot down Germans there. Station’s hands tied in such an eventuality until AmComLib/NY consulted.

The frustration of RadioLib staff is further exacerbated by knowledge that both RFE and MRC allowed use locally-originated commentary and are generally permitted wide local discretion in dealing with events as they occur.

RadioLib staff feels strongly that continued muzzle will seriously disillusion station’s audience, could do serious harm to best interests of US as well as Commie dominated peoples.

Though RadioLib obviously chafing at the bit, we believe that staff’s frustration confined to ban on broadcasts on lines 4 points enumerated second paragraph above and not thwarted desire air inflammatory broadcasts designed, or capable of interpretation, as provocation open revolution in USSR. Able Amer staff of Lib can certainly keep lid on even if best judgment of émigré staff goes off beam.³

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1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 511.604/10–3056. Secret; Priority. Received at 2:59 p.m.
2. A memorandum from McCardle to Streibert, October 26, which was not sent, called attention to the October 24 Department guidance for USIA which requested that no commentary or interpretive material be originated by U.S. Government sources. (Ibid.,, P/PG Files; Lot 60 D 605, Comments to Berding on IPS Materials—1956)
3. The source text bears the handwritten notation, “Operation Outlook,” and another handwritten notation in a different hand, “11/1/56—reply sent through other channels.”