157. Telegram From the Department of State to all Diplomatic Posts1
278318. For Chief of Mission. Subject: VOA Commentaries on the News.
1. The Voice of America has initiated in the last ten days a series of regular commentaries on current events. These commentaries are in principle to reflect USG policy closely and there will be monitoring of the commentaries within ICA. The new program has been called to the attention of all PAOs by ICA Director John Reinhardt.
2. As you know, VOA has been given wide-ranging autonomy and independence by Congress in carrying out its mission and this should be fully respected. Nevertheless, the policy content of VOA commentaries is of high importance to the Department and we believe it should be followed closely. Chiefs of Mission are requested, therefore, to call to the Department’s attention promptly any commentaries relating to US policies affecting your area which you believe do not accurately [Page 457] reflect US policy. As we will be working closely with ICA in order to ensure that US policy is fully reflected in the commentaries which will be written by the VOA your comments will be of assistance to us.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780451–0939. Confidential; Stadis. Drafted by Kreisberg; cleared by Trattner; approved by Christopher.↩