227. Memorandum From the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (McPherson) to the Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President (Deaver)1
SUBJECT
- Suggested Events Related to Africa Famine
The disaster in Africa caused by famine has generated widespread concern throughout the United States and the Western World. The U.S. government response to the crisis has been prompt and to date, $200 million in food assistance has been provided to the people of Africa.
The United States is also providing emergency food assistance for other drought-stricken African nations which are facing severe food shortages. New amounts of emergency food assistance have been announced for Mozambique ($5.9 million), Mauritania ($8.5 million) and Chad ($5.6 million).
Participation by the First Lady or President in an event or series of public announcements would emphasize the importance of assistance, both from the public and private sectors, to the drought-stricken areas.
We suggest the following events for participation by the President, First Lady or White House officials:
1. A Public Service Announcement (PSA) by the First Lady. I recommend a one-minute announcement thanking the American people for [Page 616] their generous support and explaining the extent of the United States Government’s assistance to Ethiopia and other Sub-Saharan countries.2 It could also include a plea for private cash donations to INTERACTION or other voluntary organizations working in Africa. This is the most effective way for the public to help.
2. Addressing the issue in the President’s Saturday radio announcement. During the holiday season when giving to those less fortunate is a practice followed by many, the tragedy of the famine-struck African people should receive special attention.
3. Sending a message from the President or First Lady to major newspapers across the country with information about the famine and steps that the private sector can take to help.
4. We may also consider a visit by a member of the Vice President’s family to African nations affected by food shortages. Should this be chosen as an option, we will pursue plans and coordinate appropriately.3
- Source: National Archives, RG 286, USAID/O/ADMIN/ExecSec, Box 251, ADM–6 (White House) FY 85. No classification marking. Copies were sent to Ringdahl and Raymond.↩
- In a December 17 memorandum to McPherson, Poindexter wrote: “The NSC supports your suggestions that the President’s December 22 radio broadcast and a one-minute public service announcement by Mrs. Reagan be used to mobilize private efforts to provide assistance to African famine victims.” (Ibid.) Reagan met with Thatcher on December 22; he did not make a radio address, but he issued a statement about African famine relief on January 3, the same day he signed NSDD 156. (Public Papers: Reagan, 1985, Book I, pp. 6–7) See Document 236.↩
- In the December 17 memorandum to McPherson, Poindexter also wrote: “We do not believe it is advisable to send the Vice President or a member of his family to a famine-affected country, at least at this stage.”↩
- McPherson initialed above his typed signature.↩