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

8. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon ¹

Washington, February 20, 1969

SUBJECT

• East/West Center on the Common Problems of Advanced Societies

In December 1966, President Johnson asked McGeorge Bundy ² to explore the possibilities of a Center in which representatives of advanced nations on both sides of the curtain might work together on some common problems of industrialized societies. Bundy held extensive discussions with business and academic leaders here and abroad, and came up with a proposal for an East/West Center, manned by academicians, scientists, etc., from both East and West. The general purposes of the Center would be to:

—study common problems of organization and management in fields such as communications, urban organization, economic and industrial development, higher education, and resource use;

—apply analytic techniques to these problems.

The U.S. share of annual expenses for the Center should not exceed $2.5 million. The over-all cost of the Center, including a core staff and provision for special subjects, might be as high as $5 million, but U.S. participation would not exceed 50% at a maximum, and ought to be kept at 40% if possible. (Consultation with Congressional leaders has indicated that they would be willing to go along with this level of expense.)

If the project is to stay alive, there needs to be some indication that you are favorably disposed to studying it further, and all you would need to do is mention to Wilson that you are still considering it.

My own feeling is that this is a project worth continuing. The cost is small and the possible benefits fairly large.

Recommendation:

That you authorize me to indicate to the British your interest in the project, and your willingness to discuss it very briefly, and informally, while in London.³ (If you agree to this course, I will see that your briefing book gives you the necessary background.)⁴

If you decide to go ahead, we will need to find a U.S. coordinator for the project.

Approve

Disapprove

Give me a list of candidates⁵

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 321, Subject Files, East/West Center [Feb 1969–Sept 1972]. No classification marking. Sent for action. A handwritten notation in an unknown hand at the top of the memorandum reads: “Return to Ed Roberts for file.” The memorandum is Tab A to an April 11 memorandum from Kissinger to the President, printed as Document 15.
2. According to a transcript of a February 7 telephone conversation between Bundy and Kissinger, which occurred at 10:45 a.m., Bundy “brought up the matter of the East-West Center (for the study of common problems of an advanced society). If the project is to stay alive, there needs to be some indication that the new Administration takes at least some interest in it. If the President doesn’t mention it in Europe [reference is to the President’s upcoming trip; see footnote 3, below], it will probably die—if he does, it will become part of his Administration.” (Ibid., Kissinger Telephone Conversations, Chronological File, Box 1, February 1–11, 1969)
3. The President, as part of a larger trip to Europe, visited the United Kingdom, February 24–26, and met with Wilson on February 24. For additional information, see Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. XLI, Western Europe; NATO, 1969–1972, Documents 310 and 311. Additional documentation, including background papers, is in the National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Boxes 442–448, President’s Trip Files. In his memoirs, the President wrote: “I wanted this trip, my first abroad as President, to establish the principle that we would consult with our allies before negotiating with our potential adversaries. I also wanted to show the world that the new American President was not completely obsessed with Vietnam, and to dramatize for Americans at home that, despite opposition to the war, their President could still be received abroad with respect and even enthusiasm.” ( RN: The Memoirs of Richard Nixon , p. 370)
4. The President initialed his approval and wrote below it: “But—just indicate agreement—It is not worth discussion—since we agree.”
5. The President did not approve or disapprove this recommendation.