THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN NEW YORK CITY USICA FOREIGN PRESS CENTER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83M00914R002100110048-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 24, 2008
• Sequence Number: 48
• Publication Date: January 6, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

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State Dept. review completed.
January 15, 1982 690b(9A
4
Mr. Robinson asked me to send
to you the attached minutes
from USICA's January 6 public
relations meeting in New York.
secretary tothe-
Deputy Director
International Communication Agency United. States of America
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The Public Relations Committee
Minutes of the Meeting Held in New York City
USICA Foreign Press Center
18 East 50th. Street
Wednesday, January 6, 1982, 3 p.m.
Presiding: Charles Z. Wick, Director, USICA
Participants
Chester Burger - Burger and Company
Weyman B. Jones - Grumman Corporation
Stephen Stamus - Exxon
Walter Hasty - Procter and Gamble
James Bowling - Phillip Morris
George Flynn - United Technologies
R. T. Kingman - General Motors
Robert Woodrum - Honeywell
Dick Lowe - Young and Rubicam
Tom Clark - BBD&O
Len Matthews - Chairman, Advertising Committee of 4A's
Henry Rogers - Rogers and Cowan
Elias Buchwald - Burson-Marsteller
Meyer Resnick - Hill & Knowlton
Paul Haric -- The Hannaford Company, NY representative
Margita White - ITT
R.E. Buchanan - J. Walter Thompson
Jim Keogh - Executive Director, Business Rountable
Richard Holwill - Heritage Foundation
Langhorne Washburn - Vice President, Walt Disney World
.Mr. Wick opened the meeting by explaining the role and
responsibilities of USICA in the area of public-diplomacy. He
then proceeded to explain his concept of a worldwide satellite
rally for Poland, and he mentioned a possible interest on the
part of the American television networks. He indicated that the
chief weapon of .the free world was the mobilization of world
opinion and this. particular satellite transmission could be one
of the biggest shows ever put on. It would be a two-hour
satellite show beamed to the world on January 31 and would be
called "Light a Candle for Poland -- A Day of Solidarity for
Poland.." Mr. Wick said that the rapid erosion of support for the
NATO Alliance had created a severe problem and that this effort
would not be a propaganda effort, but would be highlighted by the
State Dept. review completed.
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pluralism of the coalition that. would be the sponsors, including
the AFL-CIO, the Vatican, the National Council of Churches, etc.
The various rallies that would be held around the world would be
planned for January 30 and would be taped in advance to be
combined into a satellite telecast during prime time on January
31. The producer would be Martin Pasetta.
Mr. Wick informed the Committee .that the entire idea had received
prior clearance from the President and Secretary Haig.
Use would be made of motion picture stars and entertaining
celebrities, but the program would be done in a very tasteful and
dignified manner. The President would probably open with a brief
message of support to the Polish people, and the American portion
of the satellite transmission would also include messages from
Tip O'Neill and Howard Baker, etc. Then, Mr. Wick envisions a
switch to a large Polish rally in the city of Chicago and then
another switch to Frank Sinatra in California, and then possibly
to a Rolling Stones appearance in front of a group of young
people. Then, there would be a cut to a London rally with
Margaret Thatcher delivering her brief message, with the same
being done with President Mitterand in Paris. Each of the world
leaders would have 1 1/2 to 2 minutes each to deliver their
messages.
ACTION: Mr. Wick asked the members of the PR Committee how they
felt we could additionally capitalize on the enormous
opportunities offered by this satellite transmission.
Mr. Hasty of Procter and Gamble said that he would like to see
the President lighting a candle in the White House or simply a
photograph of the lit candle in the window of the White House, as
well as the Pope lighting a candle in the Vatican. He also
indicated that it might be visually effective to have the people
at the rallies around the world carrying lit candles. Mr. Jones
suggested that the President point out the irony that this
particular satellite program is being seen everywhere in the
world except in Poland, behind the Iron Curtain and, of course,
in the Soviet Union. Mr. Wick interjected by saying that the VOA
and BBC would be broadcasting the audio portion of the program,
and that there was also a possibility that Deutsche Welle would
also broadcast the audio portion.
James Keogh queried as to whether we had the necessary clearance
for domestic use of the program.
ACTION: Mr. Lowe, Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Clark were asked to
suggest recommen ations regarding the domestic use of this
program without commercials. Mr. Lowe of Young & Rubicam
suggested that there be a listing at the end of the program of
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Thisdseemedetoabe
all contributors andadrwithout commercialslthis
of presenting the program
the preferred way.
Mr. Clark questioned whether or not we had already cleared air
time with the networks a~hatapasetta wasknow
inhtouchewithwCBStaABCng
to. Mr. wick responded
and PBS and that the ideaal
programming contributions. There
would be paid for by corporate c
seemed to be considerable
and Mr. Wickorethe ferredhthecmemberseof
financing of the program,
the committee to Mr.
of
Foundation, one
Holwill informed the Committee that a 501C3 organization called
"The National Center for Public Policy," was already. set up
within the Heritage Foundation and could be used to funnel the
funds for the satellite program. The Heritage Foundation
apparently had thought of using this particular Center for Public
Policy to organize protests against the use of "Yellow'Rain" in
Afghanistan and Southeast Asia. They considered this to be a
similar type mission.
Wick
Henry Rogers asked who would present the program. Mr.
responded that -it would be presented by a broad coalition
including the White House, the AFL-CIO, the Catholic church, the
Jewish community, participating foundations, the representatives
of the Hispanic community, the Black community and the Islamic
community.
Chester Burger suggested that the name be changed to "Light a
Candle for the Polish People -- A Day of Solidarity with the
Polish People." Everybody seemed to think that was an excellent
suggestion.
Mr. Hasty suggested that the defected Polish ambassador should be
involved.
Caspar Weinberger, Jr., raised the possibility of presenting a
description and example of the jamming that was occurring in
Poland.
Mr. Flynn said that we should have a map of the world as graphic
background with Poland blacked out.
Len Matthews wanted to know what kind of participation and
cooperation we would be getting in Western Europe.
Mr. Haric from the Hannaford Company said that perhaps we could
start a trend that would keep the candles burning similar to the
symbolism suggested by the yellow ribbon for our hostages in
Iran.
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9)
There was also a suggestion that we use foreign entertainers in
the program in addition to American entertainers and
personalities.
Mr. Wick said that we would overcome the foreign time
differential by taping the rallies and various related events on o n
the 30th in the U?S? and Euroe an broadcastingshowing ish2 PsmemUlsd time so
the 31st. The tentative
that Europe will have it in prime time between 7 and 9 p.m.
Mr. Stamus suggested that we should have a sponsoring
organization with an international committee sotthathit wasmnot
just an American venture, and he further sugge
want to include the international labor union organizations. Mr.
Jones agreed.
Mr. Hasty wanted to know if the context of the program would
include laying the blame on the Soviet Union. The response by
Mr. Wick was affirmative.
Cap Weinberger, Jr., raised the possibility that the Russians
might lift martial law several days prior touthebsatel ite an
broadcast and wondered what our game plan
eventuality. Mr. Wick responded that we would change our rally
to a celebration and perhaps call it "From Solidarity to
Celebration."
ACTION:' Mr. Robinson noted that the PR Committee members have
contacts with world business leaders, and he asked that they
submit names of
Hthese olwillobyaMondayatJacoul nuarybllhelpful to us
overseas to Mr.
Wick continued. by mentioning the positive foreign media
reaction to the President's withoChancellorsSchmidts against
Poland and to the luncheon Ms. White said that the show should have indications of large
scale grassroot support to'demonstrate to Western Europe, in
addition to the Polish-people, that in fact our program has
broad-based support.
ACTION: Mr. Rogers wanted to know what the PR Committee could
do.
Mr. Hasty warned that we should not get out in front too soon,
although he admitted that prepublicity was necessary.
ACTION: There was a suggestion made that each company alert
their overseas subsidiaries about the event and perhaps they
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-5-
could be involved in some of the overseas rallies that would be
taking place.
Mar ita White made the observation that t o our Americanhaedia a il
g be skeptical about the entire P
probably lld
be prepared for this.
Mr. Flynn did not feel that we .should useegroups s ikeathebRolling
Stones because that would imply a lower ls t M.
population of Western Europe is
Wick responded that 50% of the punder 30 years old and that this is the rationale for the use of
a group such as the Rolling Stone
a
Caspar Weinberger, Jr., suggested that we sharpen the focus even
more and use "Messages from the ehold audthe Holish
People." He felt that this would
also proposed that perhaps we~~anddthenlhavelthemnread onrthes
countries to write the messages
show.
ACTION: Mr. Wick questioned whether we should appeal for food to
be donated to the Polish people on the show, and it was suggested
that perhaps this request could pass thru the United Nations.
Mr. Wick wanted to be very careful thisarega~dan
uprising and that great caution
'd be the to who pr. Rogers natthegfactlthatsthe Heritage Foundation is
presenter and questioned
involved. He feared that it would be seen as a vehicle for the
Conservative movement.
ACTION: Then there was brief discussion about the possible
change of the name of the sponsoring group from "The National
Center for Public Policy," which as stated earlier is the r Heritage Foundation's ornPeotn" tTho be
Solidarity with the Polish Ple press release.
launched by a press conference and a pre
ACTION: Mr. Bowling of Phillip Morris offered the suggestion
cles
that the Christophers might be one of.-the sponsoring veofhi hiclr
because of.their use of lighted candles as a sy
work. lie eft the room and called Faatheer Catoir, who isMt the _ head.
of the Christophers, and had him stop by the meetinq.j H 1 of the Heritage Foundation is to contact nathersa to-lrtto
discuss his group's participation in solidarity l
show.
One of the members oe the Committee raised the question as to
whether or not we should use the word "solidarity," but there was
little discussion about this and no specific conclusion was
reached. ?
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ACTION: James Keogh again raised his concern about possible
questions that could come from the press as to who the coalition
is, and who will be the spokesperson. One member suggested that
perhaps the former U.S. Ambassador to Poland, or Lane Kirkland,
or possibly Ed Muskie could be the spokesperson. The use of Ed
Muskie, it was pointed out, might give it a bipartisan character
that would be helpful in gaining credibility.
We should also be prepared for a question from the media as to
how many U.S. tax dollars are being spent on this program. Mr.
Wick said that our response to such a question would be that it
is an event that is being done as a private initiative and that
USICA is covering it.
Mr. Stamus stressed the fact that there should be broad-based
financing involving not only corporate contributions, but should
include religious organizations and labor unions. Mr. Rogers
also asked how we were going to get the money for this; who is
raising the money for this program? These and all similar
questions were referred to Mr. Hoiwill who indicated'that he
would be working out the financing plan for the program.
ACTION: The issue was brought up that there was need for avisible Black civil rights leader to participate, perhaps
Benjamin Hooks or Harry Belafonte.
Mr. Kingman added that the program should be an expression of
freedom, i.e., "we have freedom, and this is what it is like."
Margita White questioned who would determine editorial policy of
the show. Mr. Wick answered that it would be Mr. Pasetta, but
that he is very astute and will have the proper advice.
The question was raised as to what the ICA involvement would be,
and Mr. Wick responded that ICA is part of the task force and
would only be using its facilities to cover the event.
? ACTION: Mr. Kingman -volunteered his assistance to organize a
speaking campaign by religious leaders across the country.
ACTION: Committee members were requested to put in writing by
Monday, January 11, a list of responsibilities they would accept
in conjunction with this program.
ACTION: Mr. Bowling suggested that mini-rallies be organized
across the country in various cities which would provide local
media pegs. _
ACTION: Jim Keogh indicated that ICA could legally produce
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overseas press releases on the program through our PAO's. Mr.
wick asked for help abroad from Public Relations Committee an`n
indicated that their representatives overseas work with OUTs
ram. CA will send word to every embassy, and
posse y in certain countries, the American ambassador might
invite local opinion leaders in to view the film.
However, ICA will not get involved in any of the rallies and will
leave that to the AFL-CIO, the religious organizations, and all
the members of the sponsoring coalition.
A Committee member proposed that special services in churches
around the country be held to coincide with the program on that
particular Sunday, January, 31.
Mr. Burger discussed the Hendrick Arctowski Scientific Base at
the Polish Academy of Sciences in the Antarctic. He believes
that it is on Coronation Island. He was just there last week and
the Polish flag was being flown at half mast. He suggested that
a-shot of that be included in the show.
One of the Committee members questioned why the 31st was chosen
as the date, and Mr. Wick said that it was because Mr. Pasetta
indicated that he could meet that deadline.
?-ACT I ON: There was a suggestion also that all overseas
participants announce their involvement with the program to their
local media so that we could be getting press coverage all over
the-world prior to the transmission.
In regard to domestic production, it was thought that perhaps the
networks would only charge for their out-of-pocket expenses and
would not seek to make a profit on this program.
Bob Dylan and Abba were named as possible entertainers that would
be credible.
A Committee member suggested that there be some reference to the
Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, so that it would
not appear that we were forgetting Afghanistan.
Mr. Wick was asked what the potential audience would be for the
show, and he said that it could be the biggest show and the
largest. audience in history.
Another suggestion was that Muhammad All might be a good
participant.
ACTION: A suggestion was also made that Members of the Committee
send out notices to the editors of various papers around the
country to let them know about this program and the details of
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the sponsoring coalition. This would give the_.program added
advance publicity. Mr. Flynn offered to help with the Washington
press corps.
ACTION: Mr. Robinson announced that any ideas regarding the
international aspects of the program should be transmitted to
USICA and that any ideas regarding the domestic aspects should be
sent to Mr. Richard N. Holwill at the Heritage Foundation.
ACTION: Some members felt that this venture should not be
referred to as a "program," but a "presentation" and cautioned
that the entertainers that are. used should not have editorial
freedom.
Mr. Rogers wanted to know who would be conducting the public
relations for this program in the U.S. because, he indicated, it
had now become "show business."
ACTION: Mr. Flynn suggested that public relations support be
provided for the domestic rallies and that the Foreign Legion and
the VFW chapters could be used for this purpose.
An important aspect of this program is to be-sure that we reach
all the communities in our country and that we have, again,
something referred to earlier, "grassroots" support for the
concept.
In general, the concept was well received by the group.
END OF MINUTES
Mr. Wick closed the meeting at 4:35 p.m., but many of the members
stayed on to chat and discuss things for at least another 20
minutes.
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