Description

Project Truth: Countering Soviet Propaganda, 1981-1985

Timeline of Main Events

1981: The Reagan Administration expresses a desire to counter Soviet propaganda.
1981: The United States International Communication Agency (USCIA) initiates “Project Truth” in response to this desire.
1981: Charles Z. Wick, the director of the USCIA, is tasked with overseeing Project Truth.
1981 onwards: The USCIA collaborates with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the State Department, and the Defense Department to gather “evidence” for Project Truth.
Circa 1981: Press guidance describes Project Truth as a “fast-reply service” for overseas posts to counter untrue rumors or news reports about American activity.
October 15, 1981 – November 15, 1985: The USCIA’s research office publishes “Soviet Propaganda Alerts” monthly. A total of 17 reports are issued during this period.
During the Project Truth era: The USCIA produces materials under titles such as “Countering Soviet Mis-statements,” “Soviet Distortions and Fabrications,” and “Dateline America” as part of the initiative.
USCIA’s Assessment: The USCIA describes the “Soviet Propaganda Alert” service as a “valuable background document” that highlights Soviet propaganda techniques and principles and considers it a “successful Project Truth initiative.”

Cast of Characters

Charles Z. Wick: Director of the United States International Communication Agency (USCIA) in 1981. He was responsible for overseeing the implementation of “Project Truth,” working in conjunction with the CIA, State Department, and Defense Department.
Reagan Administration: The presidential administration in power in 1981 that initiated the desire to counter Soviet propaganda, leading to the creation of Project Truth. While no specific individual is named beyond the administration itself, the initiative stemmed from the executive branch under President Ronald Reagan.

USCIA Soviet Propaganda Alerts & Project Truth Documents CIA Files

880 pages of material related to USCIA’s Soviet Propaganda Alerts & Project Truth.

The United States International Communication Agency in response to a Reagan Administration desire to counter Soviet propaganda, in 1981 began a new effort of its own called ”Project Truth.” Charles Z. Wick, the USCIA’s director, was tasked with overseeing his agency working with the Central Intelligence Agency and the State and Defense Departments to gather ”evidence” for the project.

Press guidance at the time said that ”Project Truth” ws designed to provide a fast-reply service to posts abroad when rumors or news reports about American activity thought to be untrue begin to circulate.

Soviet Propaganda Alert

245 Pages of Soviet Propaganda Alerts, 17 reports dating between October 15, 1981 and November 15, 1985.

Published monthly by ICA’s research office, this service was a summary and analysis of the Soviet propaganda provided to government officials, Voice of America, and 200 overseas posts. It was described by the USCIA as, “a valuable background document calling attention to Soviet propaganda principles and techniques and is a respected example of a successful Project Truth initiative.”

Project Truth Administrative Documents and Sample Products

615 pages of Project Truth Administrative Documents and Sample Products. Products including “Countering Soviet Mis-statements,” “Soviet Distortions and Fabrications” and “Dateline America.”