22. Chronology Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency1

CHRONOLOGY OF MEETINGS LEADING TO APPROVAL OF PROJECT A

1. 10 July 1952

A meeting was held in the office of Assistant Secretary of State Miller to discuss Project A. Those present: Mr. Miller, Mr. Mann, Mr. Joyce, Mr. Spalding, Mr. Dulles, Mr. Hedden, Mr. [name not declassified] and [name not declassified]. Project was approved by inference. Details of the meeting are covered in memorandum of Mr. [name not declassified]’s dated 8 October.2 Original paper is believed to be in Mr. Dulles’ files.

2. 11 July 1952

A meeting was held in the Director’s office. Those present: the Director, Mr. Dulles, Mr. Hedden, Mr. [name not declassified]. A report was made of the previous day’s meeting with State. The Director was dissatisfied with the inconclusive position taken by Mr. Miller and Mr. Mann. He telephoned to make an appointment to discuss Project A with Under Secretary of State Bruce.

3. 12 August 1952

A meeting was held in Mr. Hedden’s office. Those present: Mr. Hedden, Mr. [name not declassified] and [name not declassified]. Mr. Hedden stated that authority to furnish matériel was given.

4. 13–14 August 1952

A meeting was held in Mr. Dulles’ office. Those present: Mr. Dulles, Mr. Hedden, and Mr. [name not declassified]. Conversation seemed to be carried on on the assumption that action was being taken. Mr. [name not declassified] specifically asked Mr. Dulles whether we had the “green light” and Mr. Dulles replied affirmatively, stating that [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] had been told that they could have the matériel if and when they would indicate where they wished to pick it up. (At this or at a previous conference, Mr. Dulles mentioned that the Director had had conversations with Under Secretary of State Bruce.)

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5. 18 August 1952

A meeting was held in the Director’s office. Those present: The Director, Admiral Sauer, Mr. Dulles and [name not declassified]. The Director called [name not declassified] and instructed him to make recommendations as to future action. He requested that a memorandum be prepared and presented to him. On 19 August the memorandum was prepared for the signature of Colonel King, was discussed with Mr. Dulles by Colonel King, and forwarded to the Director. It was approved by the Director on 9 September.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–01025A, Box 69, Folder 2. Secret; Eyes Only.
  2. Document 21.