Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volumes VII, VIII, IX, Arms Control; National Security Policy; Foreign Economic Policy, Microfiche Supplement

417. Letter from President Kennedy to Hamilton, August 7¹

August 7, 1962

Dear Fowler:

Today I approved the recommendations of the inter-agency committee created under NSAM 146 to study our foreign police assistance program. As I wrote you on February 19, I consider this program an important part of our effort to help the less-developed countries achieve the internal security essential if our major economic development aid is to help create viable free nations.

I regard the committee’s report as an excellent guide to the course we should follow in this field. However, policy on paper will not get us very far unless we get able and enthusiastic people to carry it out. I hope that you and Frank Coffin will give your personal attention to hiring the best professionals you can find to launch this re-invigorated effort and will give them every support in making the program count.

Sincerely,

John Kennedy

1. AID’s role in launching the Police Assistance Program. Secret. 1 p. Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Meetings and Memoranda Series, NSAM 177, Police Assistance Programs, Box 338.