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Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-023
Sound recording of an AWRT (American Women in Radio and Television) reception in honor of the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow on August 18, 1962. A man identified as “Mike” introduces [Jean Rainey?], President of the AWRT, who makes remarks paying tribute to Director Murrow, plays an excerpt from Director Murrow's first message to his fellow workers (USIA staff), and introduces Director Murrow. In his remarks Director Murrow reflects on his time in the USIA and the privilege of working for his country. Accession MR-1972-096-023.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-020
Sound recording of a speech called "Education in the World Today" delivered by Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow, possibly on May 17, 1962 (the date is uncertain). An unidentified speaker summarizes Director Murrow's experience in the field of education and then introduces Director Murrow. Director Murrow describes the USIA's involvement in education abroad, mentioning resources available at USIA libraries, "bi-national centers" established to promote ties between host countries and the United States, English language lessons, and the distribution of books and other educational resources. Director Murrow also mentions ideological resources distributed abroad by the communist Soviet Union and the nature of cold war challenges. Accession MR-1972-096-020.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-017
Sound recording of Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow speaking at the Seventh Annual Honor Awards Ceremony of the USIA. The recording begins with music and an unidentified speaker delivers opening remarks. Director Murrow speaks about the USIA's mission and operations, its budgetary challenges in light of congressional appropriations, and the competition of ideas in opposition to Communism. Director Murrow reads a letter from President John F. Kennedy. An unidentified speaker announces the recipients of the following awards: Meritorious Service Awards, Unit Meritorious Service Awards, Superior Service Awards, Unit Superior Service Awards, and the Distinguished Service Award. The recording ends with "The Star-Spangled Banner" (national anthem of the United States). Accession MR-1972-096-017.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-016-r02
Sound recording of a United States Information Agency (USIA) symposium on August 20, 1963, called “The Problems of Communication,” with participants from United States Information Service (USIS) stations in Finland, Iran, India, Argentina, England, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Japan, and Thailand. The recording continues from reel 1 with participants discussing obstacles that the USIA faces when trying to “establish lines of communication between the American people and other peoples." Director of the USIA Edward R. Murrow continues to participate in discussion. A portion of the recording is background conversation (little is discernible). This is reel 2 of 4 audio tape reels. The recording continues on reel 3. Accession MR-1972-096-016-r02.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-016-r01
Sound recording of a United States Information Agency (USIA) symposium on August 20, 1963, called “The Problems of Communication,” with participants from United States Information Service (USIS) stations in Finland, Iran, India, Argentina, England, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Japan, and Thailand. An unidentified speaker makes opening remarks and asks each participant to discuss obstacles that the USIA faces when trying to “establish lines of communication between the American people and other peoples.” Director of the USIA Edward R. Murrow joins the group with the conference in progress. He makes brief remarks and participates during part of the conference. This is reel 1 of 4 audio tape reels. The recording continues on reel 2. Accession MR-1972-096-016-r01.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-015
Sound recording of Harry W. Flannery's interview with Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow. The interview covers the USIA’s mission, operations, and needs. Flannery and Director Murrow also cover international focuses, including the USIA's major emphasis on Africa and Latin America and programs relating to the Soviet Union. Flannery announces that the broadcast was from Director Murrow's office in the USIA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Accession MR-1972-096-015.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-013
Sound recording of David Schoenbrun's interview with Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow. They discuss the introduction of communication satellite technology, the potential impact on broadcasting, and potential use for the USIA/Voice of America (VOA). They also discuss how the image of the United States is determined and presented. The recording includes multiple takes. Accession MR-1972-096-013.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-009
Sound recording of ceremonies celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Voice of America (VOA). Following music and introductory remarks about the VOA's role in describing policies of the United States government and in presenting a balanced reflection of American thought, VOA announcers speak briefly in Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow then speaks about the VOA's operations and messaging. Director Murrow states that the American “way of diversity is the way of free choice,” drawing a parallel to emerging nations that seek their own form. Secretary of State Dean Rusk speaks next and describes the beginnings of the VOA, the VOA's role in foreign affairs, and the determination to assist developing nations and people seeking freedom. The recording ends with an extended musical performance. During a brief pause, an unidentified speaker announces that the President will arrive soon. This recording does not include remarks from President Kennedy. The tape box identifies a speaker as "Loomis." Accession MR-1972-096-009.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-007
Sound recording of a taped program with United States Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Adlai Stevenson, Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow, and Arnold Michaelis. John MacVane of ABC (American Broadcasting Company) introduces the program. Ambasador Stevenson describes the program as an effort to inform people of what's being done "in diplomacy, in our foreign policy, and especially at the United Nations," and announces that the subject of this episode is communication. They discuss the USIA's efforts and challenges with print and broadcast communication abroad and in relation to the Soviet Union and China. They also discuss the challenges of diplomacy due to language differences. Other topics include accusations from Cuba that the United States interfered with the internal affairs of the Dominican Republic, the wide ranging involvement of the United States in international affairs, and issues in Latin American affairs. Accession MR-1972-096-007.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-005-r02
Sound recording of Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow addressing middle level diplomats from the Far East on June 15, 1961. The recording continues from reel 1. Director Murrow continues to answer questions from the diplomats. During the event, topics covered include the USIA's operations, arrangement within the federal government's organizational structure, and funding; also covered are the media, including films, television, Voice of America (VOA) radio, teletype, and magazine publishing, used by the USIA to explain policies of the U.S. government and to deliver news. This is reel 2 of 2 audio tape reels. Accession MR-1972-096-005-r02.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-005-r01
Sound recording of Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow addressing middle level diplomats from the Far East on June 15, 1961. Director Murrow describes the USIA's operations, arrangement within the federal government's organizational structure, and funding. He discusses the media, including films, television, Voice of America (VOA) radio, teletype, and magazine publishing, used by the USIA to explain policies of the U.S. government and to deliver news. Director Murrow then answers questions from the diplomats. This is reel 1 of 2 audio tape reels. The recording continues on reel 2. Accession MR-1972-096-005-r01.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-002
Sound recording of a luncheon at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C., in honor of Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow. An unidentified speaker introduces Director Murrow. Director Murrow delivers remarks, describing the USIA’s role as the “informational arm of U.S. policy,” its operations, budget, and challenges. He discusses racial issues in the United States. He also discusses international affairs involving Cuba, Latin America, the Soviet Union, and Southeast Asia. Following his remarks, Director Murrow answers questions. The recording ends abruptly. Accession MR-1972-096-002.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-001
Sound recording of a question and answer session with Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow and USIA staff members on March 24, 1961. Director Murrow, Deputy Director of the USIA Donald M. Wilson, and Deputy Director for Policy and Plans Thomas C. Sorensen make opening remarks. In extended remarks, Director Murrow discusses his assessment of the USIA, its role, and his hopes and expectations for its future. He pledges to try to meet staff personally at the earliest possible moment. He answers questions about the Persian and Pakistan Services of the Voice of America (VOA). Accession MR-1972-096-001.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-091-008
This folder contains material collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). Topics include survey results of public opinion in Italy, reactions to speeches made by the President, and an issue of work space at the USIA headquarters. Also included in this folder is a memorandum to Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs McGeorge Bundy from USIA Director Edward R. Murrow regarding a CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) plan to use balloons to drop leaflets into Havana, Cuba during May Day celebrations.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-091-001
This folder contains material collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). Materials include a study on, "The Image of American Youth and American Women in Western Europe;" a report on, "Reactions to President Kennedy's Address on Latin America," by the USIA Office of Research and Analysis; a memorandum to President-elect Kennedy from Senator George A. Smathers titled, "Need for New Type of Leadership and Renovation for the U.S. Information Agency;" and copies of speeches by USIA Director Edward R. Murrow. Of note is a letter from Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson to Acting Director of USIA Abbott Washburn concerning an education program proposal by Washburn.