386. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Souers) to President Truman0

The National Security Council, as agreed at its 43rd meeting on July 7, 1949, wishes to inform you of its views with respect to the post of Director of Central Intelligence, that continuity of service is essential for the post of Director; that the most qualified person available should be selected for the post; and that, in order to insure continuity and independence of action, the Director should be either a civilian, or, if a service man or a foreign service officer, he should be retired or one whose service as Director will be his final tour of active duty.

Sidney W. Souers
  1. Source: Truman Library, Papers of Harry S. Truman, President’s Secretary’s Files. Top Secret.