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1974/08/28 S3190 Board for International Broadcasting Appropriations Authorizations
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Board for International Broadcasting. 10/19/1973-9/30/1995
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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "S3190 Board for International
Broadcasting Appropriations Authorizations" of the White House Records Office:
Legislation Case Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Exact duplicates within this folder were not digitized.
Digitized from the White House Records Office Case Legislation Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
RECORDS AND ARCHIVES ADMINISTRATION TVNOLLYN
Gerald R. Ford Library
1000 Beal Avenue Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2114
1985
This file folder is from the following collection:
Presidential Handwriting File
Presidential Paperwork Log
Press Releases , President's Copies
Reading Copies of Presidential Speeched
White House Records Office Legislation Case Files
President's Daily Diary (activities log)
White House Central Files Nrame File
White House Counsel Philip Buchen's Files
A Presidential Library Administered by the National Archives and Records Administration
4/61 82
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
AUG 22 1974
Postel
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
8/28
Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Jo archive
Broadcasting appropriations authorization,
fiscal year 1975
Sponsor - Sen. Sparkman (D) Alabama
8/29
Last Day for Action
August 30, 1974 - Friday
Purpose
Authorizes appropriations of $49,990,000 to support the
activities of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and
for the operating expenses of the Board for International
Broadcasting for fiscal year 1975.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
National Security Council
Approval
Department of State
Approval (Informally)
United States Information Agency
Defers to State
Discussion
The "Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973"
authorized the creation of a seven-member Board for
International Broadcasting to assume from the State
Department the role of administering the annual U. S.
grants to Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and to
monitor and evaluate the radios' activities. The Act
also authorized appropriations for the operations of the
radios and the Board for fiscal year 1974.
LIBRARY
FORD
2
S. 3190, would amend the 1973 Act to authorize appropriations
of $49,990,000 to remain available until expended, for the
operating expenses of the two radios and the Board for
fiscal year 1975. In addition, the bill would authorize to
be appropriated for fiscal year 1975 such additional sums
as may be necessary for increased employee benefits authorized
by law, such as pay raises, and other nondiscretionary costs.
The amount that would be authorized by the enrolled bill is
$150,000 more than the $49,840,000 proposed by the Administration.
The increase reflects the congressionally-added provision in the
bill that not less than $75,000 shall be available solely to
initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and not less than
$75,000 for the initiation of broadcasts in the Latvian
language. The Administration's proposal was to begin broad-
casts in fiscal year 1975 in Lithuanian and subsequently in
the other Baltic languages. The amendment, inserted by the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, mandates that broadcasts be
initiated in all three of the Baltic languages in fiscal year 1975.
nelford Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
LIBRARY
FORD
OF
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
August 20, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR
Wilfred H. Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190
We have reviewed the enrolled bill S. 3190 re authorization of appro-
priations for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the Board for International
Broadcasting Act of 1973 and we concur in this proposal.
Jeanne Staff Secretary ms Davis
LIBRARY
FORD
is
078039
USIA
UNITED STATES
INFORMATION AGENCY
WASHINGTON 20547
August 21, 1974
Mr. Wilfred H. Rommel
Assistant Director
for Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
Executive Office of the President
Dear Mr. Rommel:
In accordance with OMB Circular A-19, I am submitting
this Agency's views on S. 3190, an enrolled bill to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for carry-
ing out the Board for International Broadcasting Act of
1973.
Since the Board for International Broadcasting and the
United States Information Agency are organizations
independent of each other, this bill would have no effect
upon this Agency's operations. Further, given the
independent status of the Board for International Broad-
casting, this Agency defers to the Department of State
insofar as making any specific comments regarding the
proposed language changes to the International Broad-
casting Act of 1973.
Sincerely,
Ethalp
Edward Hidalgo
General Counsel and
Congressional Liaison
LIBRARY
FORD
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
AUG 22 1974
Honorable Roy L. Ash
Director,
Office of Management and Budget
Washington, D. C. 20503
Dear Mr. Ash:
In compliance with the request of August 19, 1974
by Wilfred H. Rommel, Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference, I am forwarding with this
letter the views and recommendation of the Depart-
ment of State on S.3190, an Act to authorize
appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for carrying
out the Board of International Broadcasting Act of
1973.
Linewood Cordially, Assistant Linwood Holton Secretary Holton for
Congressional Relations
Enclosure:
Recommendation on S.3190
LIBRARY
FORD
:
074839
VIEWS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE ON S.3190, AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE
APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1975 FOR CARRYING OUT THE
BOARD OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING ACT OF 1973
The purpose of S.3190 is to authorize continued govern-
ment grants in fiscal year 1975 in support of the broadcasts
of Radio Free Europe (RFE) and Radio Liberty (RL).
S.3190 strikes the fiscal 1974 figure of $50,209,000
and replaces it with a figure of $49,990,000 for fiscal year
1975. S.3190 provides that not less than $75,000 shall be
available to initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and
not less than $75,000 shall be available to initiate broadcasts
in the Latvian language.
The administration's request for fiscal year 1975 was
$49,840,000. The request contained provision for the initia-
tion of Lithuanian language broadcasts. It did not contain
provision for broadcasts to be initiated in the Estonian and
Latvian languages. At the time the original administration
request was submitted, it was anticipated that there would be
great difficulty in finding qualified candidates for staffing
Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian services. Therefore, the
administration's request contained only a request to begin
broadcasts in Lithuanian. It has since been determined that
sufficient qualified staff are available for broadcasting in
all three languages. As a consequence, the Department
FORD
LIBRARY
GRANDO
2
State welcomes the additional $150,000 added by the Congress
to establish Latvian and Estonian services.
The Department of State continues to believe that con-
tinuation of RFE and RL broadcasting is in the national
interest. In writing to David M. Abshire, Chairman of the
Board of International Broadcasting, on August 2, 1974,
Secretary of State Kissinger noted that Dr. Eisenhower and
his Study Commission on International Radio Broadcasting
concluded in 1973 that the broadcasting services provided
by RFE and RL play an important role in the development of
relations between East and West and in the flow of ideas
and information vital to the relaxation of tensions and true
understanding. Secretary Kissinger stated that the adminis-
tration firmly endorses that view.
The Department of State recommends that the President
approve S.3190.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
ENROLLED BILL
SUBJECT: Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for
International Broadcasting appropriations
authorization. fiscal year 1975
Name
Approval
Date
Tod Hullin
Yes
Phil Buchen
Yes
Bill Timmons
Yes
Ken Cole
Comments:
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.: 529
Date: August 23, 1974
Time:
9:30 a.m.
FOR ACTION: Tod Hullin
CC (for information): Warren K. Hendriks
Phil Buchen
Jerry Jones
Bill Timmons
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday, August 26, 1974
Time:
2:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization, fiscal
year 1975
ACTION REQUESTED:
XX
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Kathy Tindle - West Wing
FORD
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
&
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
07VH20
delay in submitting the required material, please
K. R. COLE, JR.
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
For the President
AM
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
AUG 22 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization,
fiscal year 1975
Sponsor - Sen. Sparkman (D) Alabama
Last Day for Action
August 30, 1974 - Friday
Purpose
Authorizes appropriations of $49,990,000 to support the
activities of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and
for the operating expenses of the Board for International
Broadcasting for fiscal year 1975.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
National Security Council
Approval
Department of State
Approval (Informally)
United States Information Agency
Defers to State
Discussion
The "Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973"
authorized the creation of a seven-member Board for
International Broadcasting to assume from the State
Department the role of administering the annual U. S.
grants to Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and to
monitor and evaluate the radios' activities. The Act
also authorized appropriations for the operations of the
radios and the Board for fiscal year 1974.
FORD
LIBRARY
is
074839
2
S. 3190, would amend the 1973 Act to authorize appropriations
of $49,990,000 to remain available until expended, for the
operating expenses of the two radios and the Board for
fiscal year 1975. In addition, the bill would authorize to
be appropriated for fiscal year 1975 such additional sums
as may be necessary for increased employee benefits authorized
by law, such as pay raises, and other nondiscretionary costs.
The amount that would be authorized by the enrolled bill is
$150,000 more than the $49,840,000 proposed by the Administration.
The increase reflects the congressionally-added provision in the
bill that not less than $75,000 shall be available solely to
initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and not less than
$75,000 for the initiation of broadcasts in the Latvian
language. The Administration's proposal was to begin broad-
casts in fiscal year 1975 in Lithuanian and subsequently in
the other Baltic languages. The amendment, inserted by the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, mandates that broadcasts be
initiated in all three of the Baltic languages in fiscal year 1975.
neefred Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 23, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. WARREN HENDRIKS
FROM:
WILLIAM E. TIMMONS PAM. forwer
SUBJECT:
Action Memorandum - Log No. 529
Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Broadcasting Appropriations authorization,
fiscal year 1975
The Office of Legislative Affairs concurs in the attached
proposal and has no additional recommendations.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.: 529
Date:
August 23, 1974
Time:
9:30 a.m.
FOR ACTION: Tod Hullin
CC (for information): Warren K. Hendriks
Phil Buchen
Jerry Jones
Bill Timmons
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Monday, August 26, 1974
Time:
2:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization, fiscal
year 1975
ACTION REQUESTED:
XX
For Necessary Action
For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Kathy Tindle - West Wing
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Warren K. Hendriks
For the President
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
AUG 22 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization,
fiscal year 1975
Sponsor - Sen. Sparkman (D) Alabama
Last Day for Action
August 30, 1974 - Friday
Purpose
Authorizes appropriations of $49,990,000 to support the
activities of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and
for the operating expenses of the Board for International
Broadcasting for fiscal year 1975.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
National Security Council
Approval
Department of State
Approval (Informally)
United States Information Agency
Defers to State
Discussion
The "Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973"
authorized the creation of a seven-member Board for
International Broadcasting to assume from the State
Department the role of administering the annual U. S.
grants to Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and to
monitor and evaluate the radios' activities. The Act
also authorized appropriations for the operations of the
radios and the Board for fiscal year 1974.
FORD
LIBRARY
i
BERALD
2
S. 3190, would amend the 1973 Act to authorize appropriations
of $49,990,000 to remain available until expended, for the
operating expenses of the two radios and the Board for
fiscal year 1975. In addition, the bill would authorize to
be appropriated for fiscal year 1975 such additional sums
as may be necessary for increased employee benefits authorized
by law, such as pay raises, and other nondiscretionary costs.
The amount that would be authorized by the enrolled bill is
$150,000 more than the $49,840,000 proposed by the Administration.
The increase reflects the congressionally-added provision in the
bill that not less than $75,000 shall be available solely to
initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and not less than
$75,000 for the initiation of broadcasts in the Latvian
language. The Administration's proposal was to begin broad-
casts in fiscal year 1975 in Lithuanian and subsequently in
the other Baltic languages. The amendment, inserted by the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, mandates that broadcasts be
initiated in all three of the Baltic languages in fiscal year 1975.
nelford H Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
August 20, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR
Wilfred H. Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190
We have reviewed the enrolled bill S. 3190 re authorization of appro-
priations for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the Board for International
Broadcasting Act of 1973 and we concur in this proposal.
Jeanne Staff Secretary m
Davis
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.: 529
Date: August 23, 1974
Time:
9:30 a.m.
FOR ACTION: VTod Hullin
CC (for information): Warren K. Hendriks
Phil Buchen
Jerry Jones
Bill Timmons
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date: Monday, August 26, 1974
Time:
2:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190 Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization, fiscal
year 1975
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
XX For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
-
REMARKS:
Please return to Kathy Tindle - West Wing
no objection
H
8-23-74
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Warren K. Hendriks
For the President
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
AUG 22 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization,
fiscal year 1975
Sponsor - Sen. Sparkman (D) Alabama
Last Day for Action
August 30, 1974 - Friday
Purpose
Authorizes appropriations of $49,990,000 to support the
activities of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and
for the operating expenses of the Board for International
Broadcasting for fiscal year 1975.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
National Security Council
Approval
Department of State
Approval (Informally)
United States Information Agency
Defers to State
Discussion
The "Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973"
authorized the creation of a seven-member Board for
International Broadcasting to assume from the State
Department the role of administering the annual U. S.
grants to Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and to
monitor and evaluate the radios' activities. The Act
also authorized appropriations for the operations of the
radios and the Board for fiscal year 1974.
FORD
LIBRARY
2
S. 3190, would amend the 1973 Act to authorize appropriations
of $49,990,000 to remain available until expended, for the
operating expenses of the two radios and the Board for
fiscal year 1975. In addition, the bill would authorize to
be appropriated for fiscal year 1975 such additional sums
as may be necessary for increased employee benefits authorized
by law, such as pay raises, and other nondiscretionary costs.
The amount that would be authorized by the enrolled bill is
$150,000 more than the $49,840,000 proposed by the Administration.
The increase reflects the congressionally-added provision in the
bill that not less than $75,000 shall be available solely to
initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and not less than
$75,000 for the initiation of broadcasts in the Latvian
language. The Administration's proposal was to begin broad-
casts in fiscal year 1975 in Lithuanian and subsequently in
the other Baltic languages. The amendment, inserted by the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, mandates that broadcasts be
initiated in all three of the Baltic languages in fiscal year 1975.
Welford H Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
FORD
LIBRARY
is
GERALD
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
August 20, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR
Wilfred H. Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190
We have reviewed the enrolled bill S. 3190 re authorization of appro-
priations for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the Board for International
Broadcasting Act of 1973 and we concur in this proposal.
Jeanne Staff Secretary ms.
Davis
LIBRARY
FORD
USIA
UNITED STATES
INFORMATION AGENCY
WASHINGTON 20547
August 21, 1974
Mr. Wilfred H. Rommel
Assistant Director
for Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
Executive Office of the President
Dear Mr. Rommel:
In accordance with OMB Circular A-19, I am submitting
this Agency's views on S. 3190, an enrolled bill to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for carry-
ing out the Board for International Broadcasting Act of
1973.
Since the Board for International Broadcasting and the
United States Information Agency are organizations
independent of each other, this bill would have no effect
upon this Agency's operations. Further, given the
independent status of the Board for International Broad-
casting, this Agency defers to the Department of State
insofar as making any specific comments regarding the
proposed language changes to the International Broad-
casting Act of 1973.
Sincerely,
Edward Hidalgo
General Counsel and
Congressional Liaison
LIBRARY
FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.: 529
Date:
August 23, 1974
Time:
9:30 a. m.
FOR ACTION: Tod Hullin
CC (for information): Warren K. Hendriks
Phil Buchen
Jerry Jones
Bill Timmons
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE:
Date: Monday, August 26, 1974
Time:
2:00 p.m.
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190 Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization, fiscal
year 1975
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
XX For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
Please return to Kathy Tindle - West Wing
No objection
U.C.
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
delay in submitting the required material, please
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Warren K. Hendriks
For the President
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
AUG 22 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Enrolled Bill S. 3190 - Board for International
Broadcasting appropriations authorization,
fiscal year 1975
Sponsor - Sen. Sparkman (D) Alabama
Last Day for Action
August 30, 1974 - Friday
Purpose
Authorizes appropriations of $49,990,000 to support the
activities of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and
for the operating expenses of the Board for International
Broadcasting for fiscal year 1975.
Agency Recommendations
Office of Management and Budget
Approval
National Security Council
Approval
Department of State
Approval (Informally)
United States Information Agency
Defers to State
Discussion
The "Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973"
authorized the creation of a seven-member Board for
International Broadcasting to assume from the State
Department the role of administering the annual U. S.
grants to Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty and to
monitor and evaluate the radios' activities. The Act
also authorized appropriations for the operations of the
radios and the Board for fiscal year 1974.
LIBRARY
FORD
4833
2
S. 3190, would amend the 1973 Act to authorize appropriations
of $49,990,000 to remain available until expended, for the
operating expenses of the two radios and the Board for
fiscal year 1975. In addition, the bill would authorize to
be appropriated for fiscal year 1975 such additional sums
as may be necessary for increased employee benefits authorized
by law, such as pay raises, and other nondiscretionary costs.
The amount that would be authorized by the enrolled bill is
$150,000 more than the $49,840,000 proposed by the Administration.
The increase reflects the congressionally-added provision in the
bill that not less than $75,000 shall be available solely to
initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and not less than
$75,000 for the initiation of broadcasts in the Latvian
language. The Administration's proposal was to begin broad-
casts in fiscal year 1975 in Lithuanian and subsequently in
the other Baltic languages. The amendment, inserted by the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, mandates that broadcasts be
initiated in all three of the Baltic languages in fiscal year 1975.
Welfred H Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Enclosures
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
August 20, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR
Wilfred H. Rommel
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
SUBJECT:
Enrolled Bill S. 3190
We have reviewed the enrolled bill S. 3190 re authorization of appro-
priations for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the Board for International
Broadcasting Act of 1973 and we concur in this proposal.
Jeanne Staff Secretary ms
Davis
ORD
LIBRARY
USIA
UNITED STATES
INFORMATION AGENCY
WASHINGTON 20547
August 21, 1974
Mr. Wilfred H. Rommel
Assistant Director
for Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
Executive Office of the President
Dear Mr. Rommel:
In accordance with OMB Circular A-19, I am submitting
this Agency's views on S. 3190, an enrolled bill to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for carry-
ing out the Board for International Broadcasting Act of
1973.
Since the Board for International Broadcasting and the
United States Information Agency are organizations
independent of each other, this bill would have no effect
upon this Agency's operations. Further, given the
independent status of the Board for International Broad-
casting, this Agency defers to the Department of State
insofar as making any specific comments regarding the
proposed language changes to the International Broad-
casting Act of 1973.
Sincerely,
Ethalap
Edward Hidalgo
General Counsel and
Congressional Liaison
FORD
LIBRARY
Calendar No. 978
93D CONGRESS
SENATE
REPORT
2d Session
No. 93-1019
RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY
JULY 17, 1974.-Ordered to be printed
Mr. SPARKMAN, from the Committee on Foreign Relations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 3190]
The Committee on Foreign Relations, to which was referred the
bill (S. 3190) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for
carrying out the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973,
having considered the same, reports favorably thereon without
amendment and recommends that the bill do pass.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of S. 3190 is to authorize fiscal year 1975 appropriations
for grants to Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, and for the
operating expenses of the Board for International Broadcasting which
will administer the grants and monitor and evaluate the radios' activ-
ities. The following table shows the fiscal year 1974 appropriation for
these purposes, the administration's fiscal year 1975 request, and the
committee's recommendation:
Fiscal year-
1974
1975
Committee
appropriation
request
recommendation
Radio Free Europe
$30,708,000
$30,685,000
$30,685,000
Radio Liberty
18,792,000
18,865,000
18,865,000
Board for International Broadcasting
125,000
290,000
290,000
Total
49,625,000
49,840,000
49,840,000
BACKGROUND
The Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973, in addition
to authorizing fiscal year 1974 appropriations for Radio Free Europe
38-010
2
and Radio Liberty, authorized the creation of a seven-member Board
for International Broadcasting to assume from the State Department
the role of administering the annual U.S. grants to the radiosand over-
seeing their operations. The Board, officially established on April 30,
1974, comprises five appointees nominated by the President and con-
firmed by the Senate, together with the chief executive of each radio
serving ex-officio. The Board serves on a per diem basis and meets only
periodically, but is supported by a small full-time staff.
Though the Board for International Broadcasting Act authorized
the full $50.2 million request for fiscal year 1974 appropriations for the
two radios and the Board, Congress subsequently allowed only $45
million for these purposes in the regular fiscal year 1974 appropria-
tions bill. This 10-percent cut prompted the radios to begin consolidat-
ing and combining some of their activities. Paradoxically, to finance
the consolidation, the radios requested a supplemental fiscal year 1974
appropriation of nearly $5 million, and this was approved.
The radios' consolidation consists essentially of an effort to eliminate
duplicatory support sources. The radios are planning a single opera-
tions center in Munich and a single management structure in both the
United States and Europe. As an initial step, both radios have made
significant personnel reductions during fiscal year 1974-RFE cutting
14.4 percent (221 people) and RL cutting 8.7 percent (74 people). The
fiscal year 1975 request is intended to finance continued consolidation
activities, as well as normal broadcasting operations.
COMMITTEE ACTION
On March 19, Senator Sparkman introduced S. 3190 by request; and
on May 30, the committee held public hearings on the bill. Testifying
were SIX of the seven members of the Board for International Broad-
casting: David Abshire, chairman; Foy Kohler, member; Thomas
Quinn, member; John Roche, member; Howland Sargeant, ex-officio
member and president of the Radio Liberty Committee; and William
Durkee, ex-officio member and president of Free Europe, Inc.
On July 16, the committee considered the bill in executive session,
and acted first on an amendment offered by Senator Fulbright re-
quiring that, beginning in fiscal year 1976, the United States pay no
more than 50 percent of the radios' expenses. By a margin of 8-6, the
committee voted against this burden-sharing proposal. Opposing the
amendment were Senators Sparkman, Pell, McGee, Humphrey, Case,
Javits, Scott and Percy. In favor were Senators Fulbright, Mansfield,
Church, Symington, Aiken and Pearson. The committee then voted,
by a margin of 10-4, to report the bill favorably without amendment.
Voting in favor were Senators Sparkman, Pell, McGee, Humphrey,
Aiken, Case, Javits, Scott, Pearson and Percy. Opposed were Senators
Fulbright, Mansfield, Church and Symington.
COST ESTIMATE
The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 calls for an estimate of
the costs, over the ensuing 5 years, entailed by any bill being reported
from committee. S. 3190 authorizes appropriations only for fiscal year
S.R.1019
3
1975, and expenditures beyond that period will be dependent upon
further congressional action. If continued U.S. financing of the radios
is assumed, a straight-line projection provides a reasonable estimate
because the costs of the radios, apart from inflation, are generally
stable. Such an estimate indicates a 5-year expenditure, in current dol-
lars, of $250 million.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
In compliance with paragraph 4 of Rule XXIX of the Standing
Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by the bill, as re-
ported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is
enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law
in which no change is proposed is shown in roman) :
BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING ACT OF 1973
(87 Stat. 456)
*
*
*
*
*
FINANCING AND IMPLEMENTATION
SEC. 8. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated, to remain avail-
able until expended [$50,209,000 for fiscal year 1974] $49,840,000 for
fiscal year 1975. There are authorized to be appropriated for [fiscal
year 1974] fiscal year 1975 such additional or supplemental amounts
as may be necessary for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other
employee benefits authorized by law and for other nondiscretionary
costs.
(b) To allow for the orderly implementation of this Act, the Sec-
retary of State is authorized to make grants to Radio Free Europe
and to Radio Liberty under such terms and conditions as he deems
appropriate for their continued operation until a majority of the vot-
ing members of the Board have been appointed and qualified, and
until funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act are available
to the Board.
S.R. 1019
93D CONGRESS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPORT
2d Session
No. 93-1180
AMENDING THE BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL
BROADCASTING ACT OF 1973
JULY 9, 1974.-Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of
the Union and ordered to be printed
Mr. MORGAN, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
submitted the following
REPORT
together with
OPPOSING AND ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 14780]
The Committee on Foreign Affairs, to whom was referred the bill
(H.R. 14780) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for car-
rying out the provisions of the Board for International Broadcasting
Act of 1973, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with
amendment and recommend that the bill do pass.
The amendment is as follows:
On page 1, line 7, strike out "$49,840,000 for fiscal year 1975" and
insert in lieu thereof the following:
$49,990,000 for fiscal year 1975, of which not less than $75,000
-shall be available solely to initiate broadcasts in the Estonian
language and not less than $75,000 shall be available solely to
initiate broadcasts in the Latvian language.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
The purpose of H.R. 14780 is to authorize an appropriation of
$49,840,000 for fiscal year 1975 to support the operations of Radio
Free Europe, Radio Liberty, and the Board for International Broad-
casting.
COMMITTEE ACTION
On February 27, 1974, the Executive forwarded to the Speaker of
the House, Executive Communication 1981, together with a draft bill
"to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the
38-006
2
provisions of the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973",
which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Honor-
able Thomas E. Morgan, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, introduced the draft bill as H.R. 14780 on May 14.
The committee held hearings on this bill on May 14 and 15. It re-
ceived testimony from Dr. David M. Abshire, Chairman, and three
other members of the Board for International Broadcasting in sup-
port of the proposed legislation. Other Board Members are: Mr.
Thomas H. Quinn, General Partner, law firm of O'Connor and
Hannan, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Abbott M. Washburn, Consultant,
Office of Telecommunications Policy, Washington, D.C.; Dr. John P.
Roche, Henry R. Luce Professor of Civilization and Foreign Affairs,
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Medford,
Massachusetts. The fifth voting member of the Board, the Honorable
Foy D. Kohler, Professor of the Center for Advanced International
Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, had. not been
confirmed by the Senate at the time of the hearing and, consequently,
did not appear as a witness. Ex officio (non-voting) Board Members,
representing the two stations, were Mr. William P. Durkee, President,
Free Europe Inc., and Mr. Howland Sargeant, President, Radio
Liberty Committee.
The committee also heard testimony from Professor Herbert S.
Dinerstein, Director of Soviet Studies, School of Advanced Inter-
national Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.; Ms.
Susan Jacoby, writer on Soviet Affairs; Mr. Naum Korzhavin, prom-
inent Russian poet and recent emigre from the Soviet Union; and
Mr. Lev Navrozov, former Soviet translator, recent emigre, and
presently a free-lance writer.
On June 25, 1974, the committee held an open mark-up session and,
by a vote of 23 to 6, ordered favorably reported the bill H.R. 14780
with an amendment described above.
COST ESTIMATES
Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XIII of the House Rules, the committee
has examined the request submitted by the Executive and has deter-
mined that an authorization of $49,990,000 is sufficient to support the
operations of Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, and the Board for
International Broadcasting for fiscal year 1975.
Approximately 80 percent of the radios' operating expenses are
paid in foreign currencies. Hence, forward cost projections are signif-
icantly affected by fluctuations in the value of the dollar vis-a-vis
other currencies, especially the deutsche mark. Moreover, the newly
constituted Board for International Broadcasting has advised the
committee that it will be initiating a number of studies designed to
achieve savings, further consolidation of headquarters space and
equipment, and increased efficiency of operations. The FY 1976 budget,
it is anticipated, will reflect the findings and conclusions of these
studies.
In light of there considerations, the committee does not believe a
realistic cost projection past June 30, 1975, can be made at this time.
3
BACKGROUND
Radio Free Europe (RFE) and Radio Liberty (RL) had their gen-
esis in the years immediately following World War II, when the
Soviets gave every indication of establishing hegemony over Eastern
Europe and threatening Western interests. RFE was incorporated in
New York in 1950 and RL in Delaware in 1951. Operational headquar-
ters for both stations are located in Munich, Germany.
Until June 30, 1971, both radios were supported by funds provided
by the Central Intelligence Agency. In the case of RFE, some funds
were raised from private sources totalling $48,973,289 from 1951
through 1973. After CIA funding of the two radios was terminated by
Congress, they were funded on an annual, temporary basis under sec-
tion 703 of the U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of
1948, as amended. This act (the Smith-Mundt Act) is the basic author-
ity for the activities of the U.S. Information Agency: Under this au-
thority, an authorization of $35 million was provided to the Secretary
of State for fiscal year 1972 and $39.67 million for fiscal year 1973.
Both of these authorizations were stop-gap measures pending the com-
pletion of studies on RFE and RL by the Library of Congress, the
General Accounting Office and, subsequently, the Presidential Study
Commission on International Radio Broadcasting, headed by Dr. Mil-
ton Eisenhower.
In October, 1973, Congress passed and the President signed the
Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973. This Act, based on
the Eisenhower Commission's recommendations, created a five-mem-
ber Board for International Broadcasting which was authorized to
receive congressionally appropriated funds and to allocate them to the
two radios. The Board was also charged with certain specific review
and oversight responsibilities. In addition, the Act authorized an
appropriation of $50,209,000 for fiscal year 1974 to finance the opera-
tions of Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty and the Board for Inter-
national Broadcasting.
THE BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING
The Board consists of five voting members, appointed by the Presi-
dent by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and two ex
officio (nonvoting) members representing the two stations. Voting
members are to be selected from "among Americans distinguished in
the fields of foreign policy or mass communications" who are not regu-
lar full-time employees of the U.S. government. Not more than three
such members may be "of the same political party." Board members
serve without annual salary, althought they may be compensated on a
daily basis at level V of the Executive schedule while attending Board
meetings or engaged in official Board business, and receive travel ex-
penses and per diem.
STAFF
The Board is currently serviced by a small staff, consisting of four
members and two secretaries. The Executive Director is Mr. Thomas
F. Barthelemy, a former Foreign Service Officer and Defense Depart-
ment employee. Staff headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.
4
FUNCTIONS
As noted above, the Board is authorized to receive congressionally-
appropriated funds for allocation to the two radios. In addition, it is
charged with the responsibility of reviewing and evaluating the mis-
sion and operation of the two radios and assessing the "quality, effec-
tiveness and professional integrity" of their broadcasting within the
context of broad U.S. foreign policy objectives. The 1973 Act also
requires the Board to "encourage the most effective utilization of
available resources and undertake such studies as may be necessary to
ensure economic and efficient operations"; to develop financial and
auditing procedures to ensure that grants are being made for the
purposes Congress intended; and to report annually to the President
and Congress on the activities of the Board and the operations of
RFE and RL.
COMMITTEE REVIEW RESPONSIBILITIES
In last year's report (H. Rept. 93-510 of September 13, 1973), the
committee specifically endorsed one of the Eisenhower Commission's
recommendations calling for an intensive examination of the benefits
which might accrue from consolidation of headquarters space and
functions in Munich, as well as in other locations, and urging that all
possibilities for increased economy and efficiency of operations be
fully explored.
The committee also expressed the hope that
*
*
the Board will address itself to another recommenda-
tion of the Eisenhower Commission-"that a comprehensive
study of all United States international radio broadcasting
facilities be undertaken at the earliest possible date"-and
report upon it prior to consideration by Congress of any fur-
ther authorizations.
Although the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 was
signed into law by the President on October 19, 1973, the nominations
of four out of the five Board members were not announced by the
White House until March 18, 1974. The fifth nomination was an-
nounced on April 12. As a result of this delay, the Board was able to
hold only one formal meeting prior to the May 14th hearing.
Despite its disappointment over this late start, the committee was
favorably impressed by the plans outlined by Dr. Abshire for imple-
mentation of the Board's oversight responsibilities and by the fact
that initial savings achieved during fiscal year 1974 have produced a
reduced authorization request for fiscal year 1975.
FISCAL YEAR 1975 BUDGET
This years request for station grants ($49,550,000) 1 is slightly less
than the amount Congress-authorized for fiscal year 1974. It includes
the following budget breakdown:
1 This request figure does not include the $150,000 authorized by the committee and
specifically earmarked for initiation of broadcasting in the Latvian and Estonian languages.
5
BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING
Fiscal year-
Increase or
1974 estimate
1975 estimate
decrease
Regular appropriation:
Radio Free Europe (RFE)
$27,675,000
$30,685,000
+$3,010,000
Radio Liberty (RL)
17,325,000
18,865,000
+1,540,000
Board for International Broadcasting
125,000
290,000
+165,000
Subtotal
45,125,000
49,840,000
+4,715,000
Partial termination and consolidation supplemental:
Radio Free Europe
3,109,000
-3,109,000
Radio Liberty
1,503,000
-1,503,000
Total
49,737,000
49,840,000
+103,000
This appropriation request, totaling $49,840,000, is to provide for
the continued broadcasting of Radio Free Europe ($30,685,000) and
Radio Liberty ($18,865,000), and the continued activities of the Board
for International Broadcasting ($290,000).
BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING
OBLIGATIONS BY OBJECT CLASS
Increase or
1973 actual
1974 estimate
1975 estimate
decrease
Number
Amount Number
Amount Number
Amount Number
Amount
Personnel compensation:
Total permanent, an-
nual rate
6
$113, 000
6
$113,000
Deduct lapses
-4
-73,000
$73,000
Net permanent
2
40,000
6
113,000
4
73,000
Positions other than
permanent
1
10,000
1
33,000
23,000
Total personnel
compensation
3
50,000
7
146,000
4
96,000
Personnel benefits: Per-
manent positions
4,000
9,000
5,000
Total
personnel
compensation and
benefits
54,000
155,000
101,000
Travel and transportation
of persons
17,000
60,000
43,000
Transportation of things
5, 000
-5,000
Rents, communications,
and utilities
20,000
51,000
31,000
Printing and reproduction
2, 000
4, 000
2, 000
Other services
10,000
12,000
2, 000
Supplies and materials
2, 000
000
2,000
Equipment
15,000
4, 000
-11,000
Grants, subsidies, and
contributions
$39,670,000
45,000,000
49,550,000
4,550,000
Total obligations
under regular ap-
propriations
39,670,000
45,125,000
49,840,000
4,715,000
Supplemental for partial
termination and consoli-
dation
24,612,000
-4,612,000
Total obligations
39,670,000
49,737,000
49,840,000
103,000
1 The appropriation for fiscal year 1973 was $39,945,000 which included $39,670,000 for grants to the radios and $275,000
for the operating expenses of a temporary Study Commission. The $275,000 was not used in fiscal year 1973 because the
establishment of this Commission was not approved in the final congressional authorization of appropriations.
2 The $4,612,000 was requested as a supplemental appropriation to cover mandatory costs resulting from partial termi-
nation and consolidation of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.
6
CONSOLIDATED GRANTS TO RFE AND RL-DISTRIBUTION OF COSTS BY TYPE OF EXPENSE
[Dollar amounts in thousands)
Fiscal year 1973
Fiscal year 1974
Fiscal year 1975
Increase or
actual
estimate
estimate
decrease
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
Number
Amount
OPERATING EXPENSES
Personnel compensation costs:
Permanent employees and annual
rate
2,416
$23,325
2, 117
$27,938
2,071
$27,317
-46
-$621
Deduct: Lapse
-48
-467
-43
-559
-43
-546
+13
Annual salaries:
Permanent employees
2,368
22,858
2,074
27,379
2,028
26,771
-46
-608
Temporary and part-time em-
ployees
34
152
33
167
31
175
-2
+8
Total annual salaries
23,010
27,546
26,946
-600
Employee benefits:
Taxes
2,260
2,738
2, 708
-30
Pension program
859
775
1,215
+440
Fringe benefits
5,152
6, 441
6, 553
+112
Total employee benefits
8, 271
9,954
10,476
+522
Severance
538
276
1,060
+784
Miscellaneous fees and profes-
sional services
1,721
,684
1,728
+44
Total personnel compensa-
tion and benefits
2, 402
33,540
2, 107
39,460
2, 059
40,210
-48
+750
Administrative Costs:
Travel
199
237
226
-11
Rents and utilities
1,196
1,381
1,439
+58
Licenses, royalties, copyrights
519
568
572
+4
Technical
2,152
2, , 470
2,685
+215
News and information
395
457
468
+11
Conferences
32
3
4
+1
Entertainment
41
47
44
-3
General and administrative
1,801
2,081
2, 203
+122
Total administrative costs
6,335
7, 244
7,641
+397
Capital-Maintenance
126
99
754
+655
Capital-Construction 1
945
+945
Total operating expenses ex-
cluding fiscal year 1974 ter-
mination supplement
40,001
46,803
49,550
+2,747
Partial termination and consolidation
(supplemental)
4,612
-4,612
Total operating expenses
40,001
51,415
49,550
-1,865
FINANCING
Application of working capital
-331
-1,156
+1,156
Private contributions
2-647
+647
Subtotal
-331
-1,803
+1,803
Appropriation:
Regular
38,520
45,000
49,550
+4,550
Suppiemental
1,150
4, 612
-4,612
Total
39,670
49,612
49,550
-62
1 For consolidation of RFE and RL Munich facilities.
2 Because of stringent budgetary limitation, RFE has been forced to allocate these funds to regular operations for fiscal year
1974. In 1975, allocation of private contributions to a special fund earmarked for technical modernization of outmoded
equipment will be resumed.
PRELIMINARY CONSOLIDATION PLANS, PERSONNEL REDUCTIONS AND
OPERATIONAL CUTBACKS
The fiscal year 1975 budget request includes a provision for the
consolidation of certain facilities of the two radio stations, modifica-
7
tion of the remaining operating centers, and elimination of supporting
functions no longer required. These expenditures are designed to re-
duce overall rentals and lower base cost of administrative and techni-
cal support services.
Personnel Reductions
In fiscal year 1974, permanent personnel reductions totalled 295.
The breakdown is as follows:
Terminations by RFE (14.4 percent)
221
Terminations by RL (8 percent)
74
Total
295
These personnel terminations initially involve increased rather
than reduced expenditures, as salary and separation benefits under
existing contracts enforceable in foreign courts must be paid on a
lump sum basis.
Operational Cutbacks
Radio Liberty has eliminated regular North Caucasian service and
now carries only a special Sunday program. This affects broadcasts in
the following five languages:
Adighe
Avar
Chechen
Karachai
Ossetian
Also, RL has been required to discontinue service to Eastern Siberia
from transmitters in Taiwan. Both radios have made reductions in
substantive original programming and in such areas as foreign news
bureaus and stringers.
BALTIC LANGUAGE BROADCASTS
In its report on last year's authorizing legislation (H. Rept. 93-
510), the committee recommended:
*
* that Baltic language broadcasts should be accorded a
high priority and be included in the fiscal year 1975 budget
presentation to Congress. Planning for this contingency
should begin promptly.
The administration's request for fiscal year 1975 provided only
$75,000 to Radio Liberty for initiation of broadcasting in Lithuanian.
No funds were projected for broadcasting in either Latvian or
Estonian. The desirability of commencing broadcasts in all three
Baltic languages has been acknowledged both by Radio Liberty and
the Department of State.
The committee found those arguments valid and believes that broad-
casting in all three Baltic languages should commence in fiscal year
1975. An additional $150,000 to the Board for International Broad-
casting is proposed for this purpose. The committee amendment
specifically earmarks $75,000 of this additional amount for the initia-
tion of broadcasting in Latvian and $75,000 for initiation of broad-
casting in Estonian.
8
THE RADIOS AND "DÉTENTE"
Critics of the radios have charged that the operations of Radio Free
Europe and Radio Liberty are inconsistent with the official United
States policy of seeking "détente" with the Soviet Union. The com-
mittee has reviewed this issue at some length in its hearings and finds
the argument unpersuasive.
During the past two years, the committee has heard testimony from
administration witnesses, including ranking State Department offi-
cials who have been directly involved in implementation of the détente
policy. It has heard from academic specialists in Soviet and Eastern
European affairs and from journalists with experience in the U.S.S.R.
It is the overwhelming consensus of those knowledgeable in the field
that these radios continue to perform a useful function and, in long-
range terms, contribute toward, rather than inhibit, a lessening of ten-
sions between the United States and the countries of Eastern Europe.
If a meaningful détente is to develop, it must be based on "a freer
flow of people, ideas and information" between East and West. That
has been the consistent position of the United States delegation to the
Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which is presently
in progress at Geneva. A unilateral decision to terminate the radios"
broadcasting operations would, in fact, serve to undermine that
position at a time when this fundamental issue is under intensive
negotiation.
Moreover, the radios permit the voices of moderation within Soviet
and Eastern European societies to be heard-an essential factor in
bringing about détente. Recent studies, based on polls conducted by
the Soviets themselves, as well as by reputable, independent polling
organizations in the West, indicate that Radio Free Europe and Radio
Liberty are listened to not only by the so-called "dissidents" within
the target areas, but also by a substantial number or middle to senior-
level Communist party officials. These individuals receive news about
events taking place in their own countries which is denied to them by
their own strictly-controlled media. The radios are, in fact, the only
source of this type of information and it is for this reason, in particu-
lar, that the committee feels their operations should be continued un-
der present circumstances.
As the Eisenhower Commission noted in its report of last year:
A people uninformed or misinformed is a danger to itself
and a potential danger to its neighbors. Thus, a precondition
for world peace is international freedom of information.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED
In compliance with clause 3 of Rule XIII of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, as re-
ported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is
enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law
in which no change is proposed is shown in roman) :
9
SECTION 8 OF THE BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING Act
OF 1973
FINANCING AND IMPLEMENTATION
SEC. 8. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated, to remain avail-
able until expended, [$50,209,000 for fiscal year 1974] $49,990,000 for
fiscal year 1975, of which not less than $75,000 shall be available solely
to initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and not less than
$75,000 shall be available solely to initiate broadcasts in the Latvian
language. There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
[1974] 1975 such additional or supplemental amounts as may be neces-
sary for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits
authorized by law and for other nondiscretionary costs.
(b) To allow for the orderly implementation of this Act, the Secre-
tary of State is authorized to make grants to Radio Free Europe and
to Radio Liberty under such terms and conditions as he deems appro-
priate for their continued operation until a majority of the voting
members of the Board have been appointed and qualified, and until
funds authorized to be appropriated under this Act are available to
the Board.
H. Rept. 93-1180-2
OPPOSING VIEWS OF HON. BENJAMIN S. ROSENTHAL
Before Members vote another $50 million for these radio stations,
they should ask themselves: Would anyone vote to establish a Radio
Free Europe or a Radio Liberty today? Would anyone agree to under-
take this program while our own government is actively pursuing
trade and security agreements with the Soviet Union and other East-
ern European governments? Would Congress today initiate a pro-
gram run largely by emigres who broadcast back to their countries of
birth?
I think it fair to state that Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty
exist largely as a matter of habit. The question for Congress today is
whether habituation is a sufficient reason to spend $50 million each
year to keep these marginal operations going. It is clear from this
year's testimony that neither private U.S. contribution nor our Euro-
pean allies are going to give any significant funds to sustain these
stations.
Why then should we in Congress stand alone in maintaining what
others (including our own citizens) are obviously not concerned with ?
This money could be much better spent, in my view, by financing an
improved and expanded Voice of America. This new VOA could in-
corporate the work of RFE/RL, eliminate the duplication implicit in
two U.S.-government broadcasts to Eastern European countries, and
use the savings to reach other people in the world who are also de-
prived of news about events in their own countries.
I see only a dismal future for these stations as long as Congress
continues them in their present patterns. The emigres who ran these
stations are growing older, the stations' budgets are eroded by infla-
tion, the technical equipment declines in efficiency. Eventually, they
must disband when these developments overcome inertia.
Before that time, I hope the Congress will seriously examine our
international broadcasting program and allow our policies in this field
to express the best of our society instead of a bad version of govern-
ment radio journalism.
BENJAMIN S. ROSENTHAL.
(11)
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF HONORABLE J. HERBERT
BURKE
With government spending at an all time high, and inflation almost
rampant, it is time to really examine the merits of some of our pro-
grams, particularly those that do not directly benefit the American
taxpayer.
Since the early 1950's we have been routinely spending millions of
dollars annually to support Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.
There is a real question in mind about continuing this spending.
No one really knows how many people listen to Radio Free Europe
or Radio Liberty, and it is difficult, if not impossible to evaluate the
benefit derived from its operation particularly in terms of the U.S.
taxpayer.
At Radio Free Europe, 1,079 out of 1,312 employees are non-
Americans.
At Radio Free Liberty, there are 607 non-American employees and
167 U.S. citizens.
One indication of waning support by our citizens is the rapid de-
cline of private funding. In 1971 Radio Free Europe raised almost
$1.5 million, but in 1973 they raised only $375,000.
The appropriation for Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty in
fiscal year 1974 was $50,209,000, and an appropriation of $49,840,000
is proposed for fiscal year 1975. While the funding is almost half a
million dollars less than last year, I am pleased about that, I never-
theless feel that it is money wasted.
It may be true that citizens of the Soviet Union and the Eastern
European Countries have a "right to know" but why is it the duty of
the American taxpayer alone to transmit the truth to them ? We have
not only the Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty programs, but
Voice of America, and Armed Forces Radio and Television Service
as well-All doing similar or identical work. The total cost of this
effort is unrealistic in view of our economic problems today. The argu-
ment that we need some voice is perhaps proper, but to have three
voices is excessive and it is wasteful.
If Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty are to continue, they
should be financed at least in part by the prosperous nations of West-
ern Europe which stanad to benefit more than anyone else if the pro-
grams are successful in accomplishing their broadcasting objectives.
Until such time as the West European countries reach into their own
pockets to help pay the cost of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty,
I cannot support passage of this legislation.
In summary, I object to the U.S. financing three simultaneous pro-
grams to beam broadcasts into the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe
particularly since our Western European allies who benefit from these
efforts do not share the costs.
J. HERBERT BURKE.
(13)
S. 3190
Ainety-third Congress of the United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the twenty-first day of January,
one thousand nine hundred and seventy-four
An Act
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1975 for carrying out the Board for
International Broadcasting Act of 1973.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That section 8(a)
of the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 (22 U.S.C.
2877 (a) is amended-
(1) by striking out $50,209,000 for fiscal year 1974" in the
first sentence and inserting in lieu thereof "$49,990,000 for fiscal
year 1975, of which not less than $75,000 shall be available solely
to initiate broadcasts in the Estonian language and not less than
$75,000 shall be available solely to initiate broadcasts in the Lat-
vian language"; and
(2) by striking out "fiscal year 1974" in the second sentence and
inserting in lieu thereof "fiscal year 1975".
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.