Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VIII, Public Diplomacy, 1969-1972

77. Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Policy and Plans, United States Information Agency (Weathersby) to the Director (Shakespeare)¹

Washington, March 19, 1970

SUBJECT

• Implementation of Your Book Policy

Following our conversation I set up a small Working Group—chaired by Paul Morris, a senior foreign service officer—to examine how the Agency is implementing your new book policy.² I also had several meetings with Henry Dunlap and his staff.

The vast majority of books ordered by PAO’s are being sent automatically. In the case of a small number of titles about which ICS has questions, it sends an appraisal instead. If the PAO then resubmits the order he receives the book. No justification is required.

I suggest the following two alternatives for your consideration:

(1) Send all books ordered. This procedure has the advantage of speed and simplicity. It also has, however, certain marked disadvantages. Even following your letter of December 10,³ ICS continues to receive orders for books which PAO’s might not request if they had full information. In the case of these “discretionary use” books, I believe the PAO would welcome additional information before deciding to place the order. “Discretionary use” books include titles:

—that emphasize negative aspects of American life or policies (in which case the appraisal points out other titles the post should order to balance them). . . .

—that are out of date (where a more recent work would better serve the post’s purpose). . . .

—of inferior quality (including those that might be considered pornographic or in poor taste). . . .

—of questionable program value (mystery stories, light fiction of poor literary quality). . . .

—by foreign authors, of little if any relevance to the USIA program. . . .

—By III–C authors (those who have taken the Fifth Amendment, called for overthrow of U.S. government, etc.); since 1954 it has been Agency policy to use works by such authors only when they serve a clear program purpose.

These facts are often not known to the PAO when he orders the book. If the book is automatically supplied, USIA funds are wasted for purchase and shipping, and in some cases embarrassment to the Agency might result.

(2) Send ICS appraisals of “discretionary use” titles, followed by the book if the PAO resubmits the order. This alternative still leaves the ultimate judgment to the PAO, but gives him the benefit of the Agency’s knowledge which he cannot be expected to have.

Books by eminent Americans, persons of recognized stature in their fields, would not be considered in the “discretionary use” category; orders for them would be filled upon receipt. They would include American works that have won major literary awards (e.g. Pulitzer, Nobel, National Book Award). If the content of these titles suggests certain cautions as to their use, ICS would simultaneously send the appraisals for the personal attention of the PAO.

I recommend Alternative 2. I believe this carries out the intent of the policy, while still protecting both the Agency and the PAO himself. In our discussions Henry Dunlap and I have agreed on certain steps (such as updating of appraisals) to ensure that ICS procedures are responsive to your policy.

If you agree, I will also carry out a further review with ICS in July. Six months’ experience should give us a good indication of how the new procedures are working.

For your information I am enclosing a summary which was prepared by ICS as of March 13.⁴

Henry Dunlap concurs in this recommendation. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss it further with you.⁵

William H. Weathersby⁶

1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, Office of Policy and Plans, IOP/C Cultural Subject Files, 1955–1971, Entry UD–90, Box 1, BKS 1 Task Force on Book Policy. No classification marking. A stamped notation indicates it was received on April 2. Loomis and O’Brien initialed the top right-hand corner of the memorandum; Loomis also wrote: “JOB Let’s be sure this [is] looked at again in June. HL 4/2.” O’Brien sent a copy of the memorandum to White under an April 2 handwritten note, stating: Barbara—Pls note Henry’s comment. Leave it to you whether this should come to the ExCom. JOB.” (Ibid.)
2. Reference is to Circular Airgram 2, January 2, which contained the revised guidelines for PAOs to follow in administering the book program; see footnote 2, Document 59. Morris sent Weathersby the report of the Working Group on Agency Book Policy under a February 26 covering memorandum. The report consisted of two parts: recommendations for strengthening the book selection policy and the present procedures for book selection. (Ibid.)
3. See Document 59.
4. Attached but not printed is an undated summary enclosure entitled “Analysis of Book Orders.”
5. In a July 1 memorandum to Bunce, White, in reference to Weathersby’s memorandum, noted that IOP “is committed to taking another look this month at how the new book policy is working. The Director accepted our recommendation for Alternative 2, but with the understanding that we would have another look at the question in six months.” She continued: “Could you please take this on?” (National Archives, RG 306, Office of Policy and Plans, IOP/C Cultural Subject Files, 1955–1971, Entry UD–90, Box 1, BKS 1 Task Force on Book Policy)
6. Weathersby initialed “WHW” above this typed signature.