Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Guatemala

42. Memorandum for the Record¹

Washington, August 19, 1953.

SUBJECT

• PBFORTUNE—Meeting with DD/P at 1300 on 19 August

1. Tom Mann called DD/P subsequent to meeting in my apartment on 17 August to say he had seen General Smith and informed him of our meeting. General Smith was favorably inclined to positive and constructive suggestions made for softening up. Since Mann is leaving for Greece today, he recommended a substitute to General Smith—Ray Leddy, in charge of Central American Republics. Leddy was approved by General Smith. Mann said he had briefed Leddy with the General’s approval, including the fact that only General Smith and Leddy will be cut in. No other echelons or personalities of ARA will be informed.

2. DD/P said the Acting Director wanted a quick check with Col. Edwards on Leddy. I called Colonel Edwards, who checked Leddy’s file and at 1520 gave full and unqualified clearance. He said that Leddy’s record was highly favorable, in fact, outstanding. I informed DD/P’s secretary, who in turn called me at 1650 with the following message from DD/P—“Fine. Go ahead.”

J.C. King

CWH

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Job 79–01025A, Box 76, Folder 2. Secret. Prepared on August 20.