Reviewed and Released under E.O. 14176. 2025 UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY WASHINGTON DIRECTOR June 10, 1968 MEMORANDUM FOR: The Honorable Nicholas deB. Katzenbach Under Secretary of State You asked me about the worldwide press reaction on the assassination of Robert Kennedy. The attached report contains details but I want to call your attention to the following themes: West Europe: Grief and dismay; warm tributes to Kennedy: demolition of growing violence in America and elsewhere. Arab Countries: Claims that Sirhan was not a true Arab, having been influenced by his American environment; charges that if he were guilty, he was probably a tool of the Zionist or CIA. Israel: Sirhan influenced by Arab leaders who were therefore responsible. Other Areas: Growing violence is a menace to the U.S. and may spread to other areas; suspicion of comppiracy, compassion for the American people and hope for the future. HepaH. H. Marks 2025 RELEASE UNDER E. O. 14178

Summary  
This document is a report by the U.S. Information Agency detailing global media reactions to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968. It outlines themes of grief, condemnation of violence, and speculation about conspiracy theories across various regions. Media in West Europe emphasized mourning and criticism of societal violence. Arab countries questioned Sirhan Sirhan’s Arab identity and blamed Zionist or CIA influence. Israel attributed the act to Arab leaders. Other areas highlighted concerns over spreading violence and political conspiracies. Communist nations criticized U.S. imperialism, while Britain and Germany discussed gun control and societal failures. France and Italy focused on symbolic meanings of the assassination, linking it to Palestinian nationalism and broader violence. Arab media speculated on Sirhan’s motives, with some suggesting Zionist or CIA involvement. Israel and other Middle Eastern outlets blamed Arab leaders for inciting the crime. Indian and Japanese media commented on U.S. social unrest and democratic resilience. African nations linked the assassination to systemic issues like racial inequality and political violence. The document does not provide investigative details about the assassination itself but focuses on international media analysis and public sentiment.  

Key People  
- Robert F. Kennedy (assassinated Senator)  
- Sirhan Sirhan (accused assassin, referenced in media speculation)  
- Arab leaders (blamed for influencing Sirhan)  
- Zionist groups (suggested as potential conspirators)  
- CIA (implied in conspiracy theories)  

Key Locations  
- West Europe (France, Germany, Italy, etc.)  
- Arab Countries (Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria)  
- Israel  
- United States  
- India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, etc.)  

Key Events  
- Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968  
- Global media coverage and analysis of the event  
- Speculation about Sirhan Sirhan’s motives and potential conspiracies  
- Discussions on U.S. societal issues like gun violence and racial inequality  

Key Organizations  
- U.S. Information Agency (prepared the report)  
- Media outlets (e.g., Le Monde, Frankfurter Neue Presse, Yediot A'Haronot)  
- Government agencies (e.g., CIA, Zionist groups referenced in speculation)

RFK Declassified Files

60496291_records_of_under_secretary_of_state_nicholas_katzenbach_box_6_kennedy_senator_robert_f.pdf

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