29. Memorandum From the Special Assistant to the President (Schlesinger) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (Coombs)1

Before he left for Palm Beach, the President asked2 me to ask you to let us have a report covering the whole field of academic exchanges.

He wants to know what both the government resources and the programs are

1) for the exchange of teachers;

2) for the exchange of students;

3) for university-to-university relations.

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He would like to have this as soon as possible.3

I take it that he does not want a 30-page document; if the essence of the matter could be put in two or three pages it would4 be ideal. You might also indicate what proportion the government programs are of the total exchange effort.

He would also like you to discuss with Justice Douglas his idea of a pool of distinguished Americans available for visits and lectures abroad.

Arthur Schlesinger, jr. 5
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Subject Files, 1961–1962: Lot 63D135, Entry A1–5072, Box 5, White House—1961. No classification marking. A stamped notation indicates that it was received in CU on May 15 at 2:22 p.m. A notation in an unknown hand indicates that it was received in the Office of Educational Exchange (OEE) at 10:20 a.m. on May 17. An attached slip from Warren Roberts (ACE/S) to Cook reads: “For immediate attention.”
  2. An unknown hand underlined “the President asked.”
  3. An unknown hand underlined “this as soon as possible.”
  4. An unknown hand underlined “in two or three pages it would.”
  5. Schlesinger signed “Arthur” above his typed signature. For the final report, see Document 30.