Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXXIV, Energy Diplomacy and Global Issues

97. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts¹

Washington, August 14, 1967.

20678. Subject: Presidential Message on Satellite Communications.

1. White House issued today Presidential message to Congress outlining basic USG views as to future of international communications, particularly communications by satellite.² Message stresses role of modern communications in promotion of understanding among peoples, and reaffirms US commitment to a global system designed to make these available to all nations.

2. Highlights as follows:

a) US supports continuation of INTELSAT organization as owner and operator of satellites, and hopes other nations, particularly Sov Union and East European countries, will join 58 present members.

b) We recognize particular importance of INTELSAT system for LDCs to assure them of direct, economical telecommunications links now largely unavailable. USG would be prepared to consider financial assistance to build needed ground facilities in LDCs, and where appropriate, to help plan for joint facilities to serve needs of entire geographic areas.

3. US does not seek domination of INTELSAT and welcomes increased participation by other nations. In particular, we will

a) Consider ceiling on voting power of any single nation, including US;

b) Support creation of formal assembly of all INTELSAT members so that all may share in consideration of policy;

c) Consider arrangements for enlarging opportunity for representatives of other nations to join with Comsat in carrying out management responsibilities;

d) Promote wider distribution of procurement contracts, and continue sharing of technical information and technological advances.

4. US believes the possible desire by some countries to establish domestic systems should be accommodated. Such systems, however, should be technically coordinated and compatible with INTELSAT system. Message does not propose any “regional system”, separately owned, but says if international traffic is carried over any “regional satellite” adequate provision must be made to assure that any international traffic diverted will not jeopardize the economic efficiency of the INTELSAT system or limit its extension to developing countries. INTELSAT members should adhere to INTELSAT supervision in any use of domestic or regional satellites.

5. President has appointed a task force, headed by Under Secretary Eugene Rostow, to recommend a US national communications policy.³

6. Message being pouched.

7. Addressee posts should call message to attention of host governments. This can be done either by drawing on foregoing highlights, or by waiting until message arrives and then delivering it, or a combination of both. Choice left to discretion of posts, as is the level of host officials contacted.

8. Posts may point out that message contains some basic ingredients of USG proposal for INTELSAT definitive arrangements, which USG representative to INTELSAT is expected to advance at an early meeting of INTELSAT interim committee. FYI. Probably at next meeting, September 27. End FYI. All governments belonging to INTELSAT will receive copy of this proposal shortly after meeting, through INTELSAT channels; a copy will also be pouched to all addressee posts for information.

9. If asked about further steps in developing definitive arrangements, you may say that the 1964 agreements establishing INTELSAT contemplate that initial consideration will be undertaken in INTELSAT interim committee. This does not rule out bilateral intergovernmental discussions, but we are anxious not to undermine the INTELSAT discussions.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Central Files, 1967–69, TEL 6. Limited Official Use. Drafted by Gotzlinger (E) and cleared by Robert Grey (M) and Loy (E). Sent to U.S. Missions in all 58 INTELSAT member countries.
2. In his message, the President emphasized the future potential of the satellites: “Who can measure the impact of this live, direct contact between nations and their people? Who can assess the value of our newfound ability to witness the history-making events of this age? This much we know: because communications satellites exist, we are already much closer to each other than we have ever been before.” (Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1967, Book II, pp. 763–771)
3. Further information is in telegram 25533 to certain U.S. posts, August 23. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Central Files, 1967–69, TEL 1 US)