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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-022
Sound recording of a statement by Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow on the offer by Prime Minister Fidel Castro of Cuba to exchange prisoners for tractors. Director Murrow reports on reactions to the offer in the United States and around the world. Accession MR-1972-096-022.
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-014
Sound recording of statements by the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow to the Asian Broadcasters Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Director Murrow speaks of communications technology and potential programming possibilities. He wishes success for the broadcasters in their discussions at the conference and pledges the interest and cooperation of the USIA. Accession MR-1972-096-014.
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-012
Sound recording of statements by the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow concerning the resumption of U.S. nuclear testing. The recording begins with an unidentified speaker commenting on the effect of Voice of America (VOA) radio broadcasts. In three cuts, Director Murrow talks about the Soviet Union’s responsibility for breaking a moratorium on nuclear testing, the reluctance of the United States to resume testing, worldwide reaction, and the commitment of the U.S. government to achieve a complete ban on nuclear testing. Accession MR-1972-096-012.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-011
Sound recording of Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow delivering an address at Bucknell University to inaugurate the Anna Putterman memorial lectures. He discusses Bucknell University's educational ties to Burma and Burma's recent decision to curtail funding for educational exchange programs with the United States. He also calls for a greater focus from American universities on international studies and the education of foreign students. An unidentified speaker thanks Director Murrow. Accession MR-1972-096-011.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-010
Sound recording of Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow speaking at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Luncheon. An unidentified speaker notes that Director Murrow is the recipient of the NAB's Distinguished Service Award and introduces Director Murrow. Director Murrow speaks primarily about the Soviet Union and Communism's challenge to free people. He describes the USIA's mission, approach, and challenges in competing with the Soviet Union abroad in the arena of information. Accession MR-1972-096-010.
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-008
Sound recording of an address before the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia delivered at the Willard Hotel, Washington, D.C., on February 10, 1962, by Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow. Director Murrow pays tribute to former President Abraham Lincoln and describes the examples he set. He notes that it is the year marking the hundredth anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and discusses civil rights in the United States, the legacy of slavery and the Civil War, and continuing challenges to equality for African Americans. He discusses emerging nations in Africa. He briefly mentions a recent announcement by President John F. Kennedy of his intention to appoint the first African American to sit in the President's Cabinet. Accession MR-1972-096-008.
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-004
Sound recording of the June 13, 1961, commencement address at Johns Hopkins University delivered by the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow. The recording begins with an introduction by the President of Johns Hopkins University, Milton S. Eisenhower. The Reverend Vernon B. Richardson offers the invocation. University President Eisenhower greets attendees and presents the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Awards for Distinguished Teaching to two faculty members. Professor Malcolm C. Moos and University President Eisenhower confer an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws on Director Murrow. In his commencement address Director Murrow pays tribute to Johns Hopkins University and discusses what graduates will face in a changing world. He discusses the role of the United States in the world and contrasts its system of governance as a democratic republic with a Communist system. He also discusses public service. Following Director Murrow's address, degrees are conferred on candidates for graduation; while names are announced during these ceremonies, the recording stops and starts several times. University President Eisenhower speaks again and a Benediction follows. Accession MR-1972-096-004.
Sound recording
United States Information Agency Audio Recordings Collection
USIAAU-003
Sound recording of a news conference held by the Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow on May 29, 1961. Director Murrow begins the press conference by making a statement about an offer made by Prime Minister of Cuba Fidel Castro to exchange Cuban prisoners for tractors. Director Murrow calls it a major blunder by Prime Minister Castro and summarizes reactions to the offer as surveyed by the USIA, particularly negative press reactions in Latin America. Director Murrow then answers questions from news reporters relating to the prisoners-for-tractors offer, including some concerning the response of the United States and the role of the USIA. Accession MR-1972-096-003.
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. White House Staff Files of Pierre Salinger
JFKWHSFPS-163-005
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. National Security Files
JFKNSF-330-011
This folder contains a copy of National Security Action Memoranda number 61 (NSAM 61) titled, “An Effective Countertheme to ‘Peaceful Coexistence’,” to Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) Edward R. Murrow from McGeorge Bundy, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Also included in this folder are memoranda by Secretary Rusk, Director Murrow, and Special Assistant to the President Arthur Schlesinger, discussing the Soviet Union propaganda phrase “peaceful coexistence,” and offering proposed alternatives.
Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-041-038
This folder contains a press copy of President John F. Kennedy's remarks to a group of radio station representatives in the White House Rose Garden. In his speech the President expresses thanks to the radio representatives who made their stations available for special broadcasts during the conflict with the former Soviet Union concerning missile bases in Cuba. The press copy includes remarks from journalist Edward R. Murrow.
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.