What is FRUS?
FRUS is an acronym for the Department of State's publication titled, Foreign Relations of the United States.
It is the oldest, most comprehensive publication of its kind providing the official record of United States diplomacy. Volumes include diplomatic communications, memoranda, diplomatic notes and telegrams and other documents tracing foreign-policy decisions.
The set originated in 1861 when Secretary of State Seward decided to publish his diplomatic dispatches.
Totaling over 500 volumes and growing, the volumes are arranged chronologically. Within the annual volumes, they may be further divided into areas by regions, countries or major events, such as the Paris Peace Conference, Cuban Missile Crisis, or Strategic Arms Limitation Talks.
Declassification procedures require at least a 25-year interim before publication.
Learn which volumes have recently been published or are soon-to-be published.
Where are FRUS volumes?
FRUS volumes are located on the fourth floor in the documents stacks in the northwest corner of the floor.
Their call number is S 1.1: [year and volume]
Are FRUS volumes accessible online?
Yes! Milner Library provides full text access through a product called HeinOnline. Look for "Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS)" under the "Browse Collections by Name" area.
Also, selected volumes are available digitally through the State Department and others through the University of Wisconsin.
Do FRUS circulate?
Yes!! With the exception of older volumes that may be in fragile condition, all of the volumes may be checked out!
All volumes were cataloged, for the first time making it possible to view our FRUS holdings from Milner Library's catalog.
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