President Nixon dictated a memorandum to James Keogh regarding the strategic direction and public image of the United States Information Agency (USIA). The President evaluated the agency's credibility and emphasized the necessity of presenting a balanced, positive portrayal of the U.S. in international media. He specifically addressed the balance between transparency regarding national challenges—the "warts and all" approach—and the need for more effective promotional programming.
On December 28, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 12:39 pm and 2:20 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 380-018 of the White House Tapes.
Nixon Library Finding AidConversation No. 380-18
Date: December 28, 1972
Time: Unknown between 12:39 pm and 2:20 pm
Location: Executive Office Building
The President dictated a memorandum to James Keogh.
Information Agency [USIA]
-Keogh’s recent statement
-Timing
-Keogh’s nomination
-USIA programs
-Credibility
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NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
(rev. Dec.-07)
Conversation No. 380-18 (cont’d)
-Picture of US “warts and all”
-Frank J. Shakespeare
The President replayed a portion of the recording.
The President resumed dictation.
USIA
-Credibility
-Role
-Presentation of US positively compared to negatively
-Media relationsThis transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.