The continued existence of Unesco is
threatened by the United States' decision to
withdraw at the end of 1984, and the British
threat to follow suit at the end of 1985, because
of alleged mismanagement and politicization.
The possible effects on Unesco's information
programme are unclear at present. The com
munication programme has aroused particular
controversy. Britain and the United States can
only influence Unesco if they remain as mem
bers. Unesco's Medium-Term Plan, 1984—89,
includes major programmes in communication
and information. It is difficult for Unesco to
establish an information programme with a
clear identity because the field is constantly
expanding, but it is important to try to do so in
order to obtain the support of the information
professions. General statements of support for
Unesco in the present crisis are reproduced.
