Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

118. Memorandum From the Director-Designate of the U.S. Information Agency (Murrow) to President Kennedy¹

Washington, February 7, 1961.

We propose to discontinue the use of foreign public opinion polls as such because (1) we do not want to give the impression abroad or at home that U.S. foreign policy is determined on a “popularity” basis, and (2) we question their value in view of the time lag between taking the polls and using them as a basis for action.

USIA’s need is for political intelligence, based primarily on CIA reports and field interviews with political, business, labor, educational and other opinion leaders and only secondarily on public opinion sampling. To protect our sources, and assure their continuing usefulness, these Preoccupation Analyses would be classified and not made public.

Edward R. Murrow²

Approved³

Disapproved

1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 306, USIA Files: FRC 69 A 6135, 1/1, Director’s Staff Meeting Notes/61. No classification marking. Drafted by Thomas C. Sorensen on February 7.
2. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.
3. Although neither option is checked, the Director’s staff meeting notes of February 13 indicate that the memorandum did go to the White House. (Washington National Records Center, RG 306, USIA Files: FRC 69 A 6135, 1/1, Director’s Staff Meeting Notes/61)