Foreign Relations of the United States, 1945–1950, Emergence of the Intelligence Establishment

119. Draft Letter From President Truman to Attorney General Clark⁰

Washington, August 7, 1946.

Dear Mr. Attorney General: Under date of August 8, 1946, the members of the National Intelligence Authority communicated to you a request that the Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel presently charged with intelligence coverage in Latin America be retained at their posts until the representatives of the Central Intelligence Group can take over in an orderly and efficient manner.¹

It is my desire that in the national interest this request be granted.

Sincerely,

Harry S. Truman ²

0. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Records, Job 83–00764R, Box 1, Folder 5. No classification marking. According to Document 122, the letter was drafted by Secretary to the National Intelligence Authority Lay and approved by all members on the understanding that it would be sent if necessary. It appears that the draft was never used.
1. Document 120.
2. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.