Identity Statement

Reference Code

HU OSA 422-1-1

Title

Records of the International Association for Cultural Freedom

Date(s)

1953 - 1979

Description Level

Series

Extent and medium (processed)

10 Archival boxes, 1.25 linear meters

Content and Structure

Scope and Content (Abstract)

The series documents the split between Fondation pour une entraide intellectuelle européenne (Foundation for the Support of European Intellectuals, FEIE) and the International Association for Cultural Freedom (IACF), applications regarding new funding schemes, changes in the composition of administrative personnel, and questions regarding the new orientation of FEIE. The latter was a constant issue in the history of the Foundation and is best reflected in this part of the collection: the dilemma was whether to belong to the `rejectionist front` against Soviet domination and thus to support dissidents or to act as a non-polemical organization mediating cultural freedom and contact.

International correspondence between the members of the Board as well as between the Board and other institutions proves, however, how close the Foundation was to the dissident cause (Charter 77 in Czechoslovakia, the Polish Workers` Movements, Paul Goma`s case in Romania) and to forbidden literature (one finds plans for publishing in Paris works that were censored in Eastern Europe), but also the tactical alliance with intellectuals favored by regimes. Thus the series highlights the strategic functioning of FEIE and the part played by the personal networks of the Board of FEIE in implementing the Foundation`s ambivalent goals. The change of charters which can be found in other parts of the collection is documented here in more detail, as it includes the special requests of the founding bodies. Of special interest might be the support for Spanish, Portuguese, and even Chilean militants (Eva Sastre and her companions, Francisco Aedo, etc.) and the related collaboration with the Spanish and Portuguese Committees (funded by the International Association for Cultural Freedom).

This series contains records related to the Foundation for the Support of European Intellectuals; administrative files and correspondence of Pierre Emmanuel (1916-1984, general director from 1970 and president of the IACF from 1974) and Constantin Jelenski (1922-1987, founder of CCF and later FEIE) are also included.

Documents of the Fund for Intellectuals also can be found in the series. The Fund was a financial resource used by the IACF to support individuals (journalists, researchers, writers) and organizations (such as magazines, artist groups) worldwide, maintained by the background of the Ford Foundation. This part of the series contains correspondence between the IACF and grantees from between 1974 and 1978.

At the end of the series files documenting Interventions on Behalf of Oppositionists and documents of the Portuguese and Spanish Committees are placed.

Administrative files of the IACF have been transferred to the Library of the University of Chicago. The documentation of the transport is also included in the series.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

During the processing no destruction has taken place.

Accruals

Not Expected

System of arrangement

The series is arranged alphabetically.

Conditions of Access and Use

Conditions governing access

Upon the request of the donor the series is restricted until December 18, 2026.

Conditions governing reproduction

Due to the restriction no reproduction is allowed.

Languages

English, French

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

The series contains copies on tenuous onion skin paper.

Description Control

Archivist's note

Processed by Ioana Macrea-Toma and Örs Lehel Tari, January 3, 2017.