REPORT OF THE RADIO STUDY GROUP (RSG) ON THE FUTURE OF RADIO FREE EUROPE (RFE)

Created: 9/12/1967

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY^ LIBRARY

eriew

Office Of THE DIMCTOX

Document f.

7

MEMORANDUM FOR: oiwiitttfo

r"

of tho Radio Study Group (RSG)

on tho Future of Radio Freo Europo (RFE) and Radio Liberty (RL)

have reviewed the report of the Radio Studyon the future of Radio Free Europe (RFE)ndust aake ono or two points that

I think doserve your consideration and discussion whonto review the

The report is exceedingly well dono,ndorso both its analysis and, with one exception, the recooncndatloros it sets forth. As the reporterceive no realistic basis upon which the Agency might continue funding the two radios without some admission of government support for their operations. enial or "no comment" stance in response to queries about government support would indeed undermine the credibility of the Katzenbach Report.

I an concerned, however, with the tactical aspects of the method proposed for handling the press. Specifically,

I refer to the wording of tho scenario to bo followed in the expocted press conference. To contend that, since government support is being openly acknowledged, no exception to the Xatzcnbach policy is involved, would in my opinion be construed as an evasion of the issue. It would invite questions as to source and specific amounts. Tho failure to answer would provoke editorial criticismontinuing attempt to get at the wholo truth.

4. All thingselievo that our best course is to face the situation directly by making an exception under tho terms of the Katzenbach report, and by admitting that it has in fact been made. ould therefore recommend that tho wording of tho scenario bo revised to conform with this approach to our problem.

' lStflr.e'J)

. Richard Helms Director

Original document.

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