53. Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Smith to President Truman1
Your copy of the initial issue of the daily Current Intelligence Bulletin, which is based upon information from all sources, is enclosed.2 The former summary, which was based solely upon cables from diplomatic representatives, has been discontinued.3
It is hoped that the broad representative current intelligence presented in the new Bulletin, with immediate comments of analysts, will be of more comprehensive value to you. It should be emphasized that the comments do not necessarily represent the mature appreciation of the Central Intelligence Agency and have not been coordinated with the other agencies represented on the Intelligence Advisory Committee. They are actually the first impressions of CIA on “spot” information, and are subject to later revision. The next and following copies will contain selected items received directly from CIA sources.
- Source: Truman Library, Papers of Harry S. Truman, President’s Secretary’s Files. Top Secret.↩
- Not found. A description of the enclosure at the end of the memorandum identifies it as the Current Intelligence Bulletin of February 28, 1951. A copy is in Central Intelligence Agency, Directorate of Intelligence, Job 97–T00975A, Box 1.↩
- The former summary, called the Daily Summary, was based on collateral sources, primarily news media and Department of State telegrams from U.S. Embassies abroad. It was designed for the use of the President and the National Security Council. The Current Intelligence Bulletin drew on all-source material, including COMINT-derived information. Distribution outside of CIA was to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense. See also Documents 48 and 51.↩