Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950–1955, The Intelligence Community, 1950–1955

84. Memorandum for President Truman of Discussion at the 100th Meeting of the National Security Council¹

Washington, August 22, 1951.

[Omitted here is discussion of agenda items 1: The Situation in the Far East, 2: The Kaesong Negotiations, 3: Probable Soviet Actions at the San Francisco Conference on the Japanese Peace Treaty, 4: The Situation in Iran, and 5: Relations between India and Pakistan.]

6. NSC 26/2 (Progress Report, dated July 26, 1951, by the Department of State on NSC²

In response to The President’s request for comments on this Progress Report, General Smith outlined briefly the activities of representatives of CIA in the areas in question. [2 lines not declassified]. In conclusion, General Smith stated to the Council the need which he felt for clearer authorization from the Secretary of State or from the Council in order to permit CIA to carry out its responsibilities under this policy.

Mr. Lay pointed out that all that was necessary was a formalization by the Secretary of State of CIA’s responsibility to carry out policies set forth in NSC 26/2.

The National Security Council:

Discussed the reference Progress Report and noted that the Secretary of State would issue a directive to the Director of Central Intelligence formalizing the responsibilities of the Central Intelligence Agency in implementing the policies set forth in NSC 26/2.

[Omitted here is discussion of agenda items 7: Security of Strategically Important Industrial Operations in Foreign Countries, 8: The Position of the United States With Respect to the Philippines, and 9: NSC Status of Projects.]

1. Source: Truman Library, Memo for the President, Meeting Discussions, 1951. Top Secret. Drafted on August 23, but no drafter is indicated.
2. NSC 26/2 is in National Archives, RG 59, S/S–NSC Files: Lot 63 D 351, Box 51. The July 26 progress report has not been found, but for the fourth progress report, April 7, 1952, see Document 105.