S. J. RES. 96

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP58-00597A000200020042-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 23, 2001
• Sequence Number: 42
• Publication Date: July 27, 1953
• Content Type: MEMO

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2 7 July 19 5 3
Memorandum for: The Director of Central Intelligence
Subject: S. J. Res. 96
1. On 3 July Senator Wiley wrote the Director request-
ing CIA comments on S. J. Res. 96, a Joint Resolution to strengthen
the foreign relations of the United States by establishing a
Commission on International Telecommunications. This Resolu-
tion was reported out of Committee by Senator Hickenlooper on
18 July. (Copy attached at Tab A). The Resolution establishes
a Commission, which is to be composed of 5 members appointed
by the President, 2 members by the President of the Senate, and
2 members by the Speaker of the House. The Commission is
directed to study the subject of international telecommunications
and recommend measures which will encourage the effective use
of this medium in fostering cooperation and mutual understanding
among the free nations of the world. Senate Report 602, which
accompanies the Resolution, is attached at Tab B.
2. While the general field of telecommunications is to be
covered by the Commission, particular emphasis is to be laid on
television. The report points out that the USSR "has already estab-
lished uniform telecasting standards among the countries of the
Soviet bloc and is reported to be planning the installation of trans-
mitters capable of delivering television signals to many free
nations. "
3. When S. J. Res. 96 was debated on the Floor, objec-
tion was raised by Senator Johnson (D. , Colo.) on the basis that
many of the matters which the Commission was to study come
within the jurisdiction of the Senate Interstate and Foreign Com-
merce Committee which is charged with jurisdiction over communi-
cations matters. He therefore offered a series of amendments
which would limit the Resolution to those matters which come
within the jurisdiction of the Foreign Relations Committee. As a
result, Section 9 of S. J. Res. 96 has been revised to read as
follows:
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"The Commission is directed to examine, study,
and report on the objectives, operations, and effec-
tiveness of our information programs with respect
to the prompt development of techniques, methods,
and programs for greatly expanded and far more
effective operations in this vital area of foreign policy
through the use of foreign telecommunications. "
4. The title of the Commission has been watered down to
read: "Commission on Governmental Use of International Tele-
communications".
5. In this limited form the Resolution passed the Senate
on 23 July. It is of interest to note that experts and consultants
employed by the Commission may be paid at a rate not to exceed
$ 75. 00 per diem, plus travel, subsistence and other necessary
expenses incurred. I believe this is the highest per diem rate that
has yet been allowed.
6. The proposal for this Commission grows out of recom-
mendations contained in Senate Report 406 on Overseas Information
Programs of the United States. There are also some recommenda-
tions concerning the use of this media in the report of the Jackson
Committee. This Resolution has been considered by several offices
in CIA, and a proposed reply for the DCI's signature (attached at
Tab C) was prepared by AD/OSI and was concurred in by AD/Commo
and Chief/PP. This proposed reply cites a report of March 1951
by the President's Communications Policy Board, and studies and
progress being made at the present time in this field under the
direction of the NSC. The proposed reply then points out that the
creation of another commission to deal with a specific portion of
the total telecommunications problem would impinge upon the res-
ponsibilities of certain Government agencies and might retard,
rather than accelerate, the exploitation of new techniques of inter-
national telecommunications.
7. It is felt that this proposed reply should not be sent to
Senator Wiley, in view of the fact that it refers to certain highly
classified reports and studies of the Executive Branch, of which
the Committee may not be presently aware and which should not be
brought to their attention by CIA. Furthermore, in view of the fact
that the Resolution has now passed the Senate, a more generalized
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reply should be sent to Senator Wiley. It is therefore recom-
mended that the attached letter at Tab D be dispatched by the
Director.
8. In view of the fact that senior CIA officials feel that
the Commission proposed in S. J. Res. 96 will tend to confuse
the issue rather than aid in present activities, it is recommended
that the Director or his designees make these views known to
General Cutler and Mr. C. D. Jackson, of the White House staff,
and that the Legislative Counsel be authorized to bring these views
informally to the attention of Mr. Bryce Harlow, who handles
matters pertaining to the House on General Persons' staff at the
White House. In this manner the White House can be apprised
of our views and may also take the necessary steps to sidetrack
this Resolution in the House without reference to CIA opposition.
STATINTL
STATINTL
STATINTL
Walter L. Pforzheimer
Legislative Counsel
Z
puty Director Intel 'g nce
Deputy Director Plans
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Regarding the'" Resolution, it has
been coordina a th DD/I and DD/P.
Recommend signature of Tab D letter.
STATINTL
i 4M 1w: rig"
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4 August 1953
SUBJECT: S. J. Res. 96
This matter was discussed at the Deputies' Meeting on Tuesday,
4 August 1953, and in view of the fact that the legislation con-
cerned has already been passed, it was agreed that no reply would
be made to Senator Wiley's letter of 3 July 1953.
STATINTL
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