Foreign Relations of the United States, 1945–1950, Emergence of the Intelligence Establishment

392. Letter From Secretary of State Acheson to Director of Central Intelligence Hillenkoetter ⁰

Washington, August 1, 1949.

My Dear Admiral Hillenkoetter : Following conferences among consultants of the National Military Establishment, the National Security Resources Board and the Department of State, looking to the implementation of NSC–43, I have proposed to the Secretary of Defense that the planning and coordination work, and the full-time staffs, provided for under NSC–4 and NSC–43 can be combined.¹

I have suggested that the combined staffs consist of representatives of the Departments of State, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Central Intelligence Agency, this having proved an effective composition under NSC–4. In addition, I have requested that a full-time representative of the Office of the Secretary of Defense be detailed to the staff.

NSC–43 provides only for “liaison representatives” of the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Resources Board on the NSC–43 staff. Inasmuch as the Central Intelligence Agency representative on the NSC–4 staff is, however, assigned on a full-time basis, it would be appreciated if your Agency could continue to provide full-time representation on the combined staff. Experience will show whether further CIA personnel is required beyond the one representative presently serving.

Sincerely yours,

Dean Acheson ²

0. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Decimal File 1945–49, 101.61/8-149. Secret. Drafted by F.C. Oechsner and W.T. Stone. An attached note indicates that a similar letter was being sent to the Secretary of Defense but no copy has been found. See the draft memorandum from Stone to Acheson, July 22, in the Supplement attached to an August 11 letter from Acheson to Hillenkoetter. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Decimal File 1945–49, 101.61/8–149)
1. NSC 4, December 9, 1947, entitled “Coordination of Foreign Information Measures,” and NSC 43, March 9, 1949, entitled “Planning for Wartime Conduct of Overt Psychological Warfare.” (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Records of the Executive Secretariat, NSC Files: Lot 63 D 351)
2. Printed from a copy that indicates Acheson signed the original.