"Role of USIA...", 9/1996.

This collection of papers from Earl J. Wilson consists of his files, maintained during his years with the U.S. Information Service, dealing with the development of democracy in U.S. foreign policy. Material includes the manuscript of an unpublished book by Mr. Wilson on the subject, entitled,'Fumbling with Democracy: Our Failure to Promote It Abroad.' There is also a quantity of information in the form of published and unpublished reports and correspondence concerning USIA's Citizenship Education Program. CEP was originally the idea of William Russell, deputy director for education, International Cooperation Agency, and dean of Columbia University Teachers College. His aim was to improve the education of youth in the concepts of American democracy. In 1956 , laboratory practices were set up and ICA staff successfully promoted CEP theories and practices to U.S. schools. A pilot project was also established in Guatemala. However, ICA was not interested in an international approach, and after Russell's death, Mr. Wilson adopted the project to promote to USIA. The program did not receive enthusiastic support from USIA; however, under Hank Arnold, the new public affairs officer for USIA in Korea (1956), the program was implemented as part of the new country plan. In 1957, while at his fifth post in Mexico City , Mr. Wilson also found support for CEP. It was written into the country plan. In addition, the post had a magazine entitled 'Saber' ('To Know') edited by Luz Zea, which specialized in articles on the American educational system. Together, Ms. Zea and Mr.Wilson collaborated on CEP's first pamphlet, 'Senderos de Libertad' ('Pathsof Liberty'). By the end of 1958, CEP and related projects had been phased out by USIA. Other material in this collection includes a file on the Democracy Program,a non-governmental effort to promote democracy abroad begun in 1982 under the auspices of Democratic and Republican parties, and the bipartisan American Political Foundation. Another file contains a copy of lectures given by USIA to officers of the Thai Armed Forces, as part of the National security Indoctrination Program (1954). Also included in the collection are newsclippings collected by Mr. Wilson on U.S. foreign policy.

Span dates: 1957 - 1990 Bulk dates: 1960 - 1970 Extent: 1 linear foot; 2 boxes