DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
Date: April 26, 1950 5.00 p.m.
SUBJECT: Film Projects for ECA and the Cold War
PARTICIPANTS: The Secretary Mr. Paul Hoffman, Administrator of ECA Mr. Eric Johnston, President of the Motion Picture Association of America Mr. Edward W. Barret
COPIES TO: S OII:IMP
Mr. Hoffman reported that he had had talks with Barry Bingham and Eric Johnston regarding two projects: \(l\) enlisting professional help to make short documentary-type films on ECA, utilizing counterpart funds in foreign countries; and \(2\) mobilizing the motion picture industry in this cold war much as was done in the last war.
On this point \(1\) above, they had worked out all that was needed. On point \(2\), he said Eric Johnston had been most cooperative, but indicated that help would be needed. This help would consist of:
\(a\) Being sure that our Embassies abroad would not blocks the distribution of effective anti-Communist films made in this country. Eric Johnston pointed out that they had had trouble along these lines in previous cases. He cited the case of "The Iron Curtain", whose distribution was blocked by our Embassies in France, Norway and other points because our people felt that it would stir up too much hostility toward the U.S. On this, the Secretary indicated that he thought we should wire each of our Embassies at the appropriate time telling them we wanted cooperation on the distribution of such films. \(I am undertaking to ascertain the exact history of "The Iron Curtain" and the difficulties in France and elsewhere.
\(b\) Eric Johnston indicated that in order to get the necessary creative talent behind a re-mobilization he would need some help in dramatizing to the top stars and top creators exactly what the problem is that we face and what is needed to solve that problem. He very much wanted the Secretary and Paul Hoffman to make a trip to California after the Secretary returns from Europe. The Secretary said he would "try to arrange it" and that he would "like very much to do so". He suggested he might make a quick trip to Southern California at the time he goes to Dallas.
Erick Johnston also added a plea for Lew Douglas to put in an appearance as he did two years ago at the negotiations between American film companies and Messrs. Cripps and Wilson on the subject of currency restrictions. He said that, with Douglas\' help, a very useful agreement was worked out two years ago, but that it was now expiring and a new agreement was needed beginning May 15. He indicated it would be extremely useful if Ambassador Douglas could attend some of the meetings around the 17th, 18th, and 19th. The Secretary indicated he would as Mr. Douglas to do so.
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