398. Memorandum From the Deputy Special Assistant (Howe) to the Secretary of State’s Special Assistant for Research and Intelligence (Armstrong)0

I understand that a very stiff fight is now going on between Schow and Wisner as to who will take over the direction of the reorganized, combined OSOOPC office. Hilly is pushing for Schow, but Mr. Webb has entered the fray, quite firmly telling Hilly that Schow is unacceptable and telling Wisner that he cannot resign as he was selected by the Department and is considered the Department’s choice—at least for OPC. For the moment the problem seems to be in abeyance, since Mr. Webb is tied up with the British talks.

The situation has the real makings of a jumble, because it is obviously impossible to get a man big enough to be over Wisner and small enough to be under Hilly. Furthermore, I do not believe we can hope for a solution of the State Department insisting on Wisner, and Hilly resigning on the issue.

My personal view is that it would probably be an excellent thing for Wisner to take over the new job and if possible retain Schow in OSO and get, as he is capable of it, an able man to replace him in OPC.

Again I am a little disturbed that the Department seems to be taking a position on a CIA matter without informing us—let alone consulting.

FH
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Records of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research: Lot 58 D 776, Office of Policy Coordination. Confidential.