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

109. Memorandum From the Director of Central Intelligence (Souers) to President Truman⁰

Washington, April 17, 1946.

It has come to my attention that a three million dollar item in the Federal Bureau of Investigation appropriation for the coming year has been eliminated because the Congressional Committee believed that it did not meet with your desire that the Federal Bureau of Investigation [not?] engage in activities beyond the continental limits.

It is of the utmost urgency that the Federal Bureau of Investigation be permitted to continue its security functions whose ramifications extend into foreign areas. At the present time the Federal Bureau of Investigation has representatives in the countries of the Western Hemisphere, in London, Paris, Rome, Manila, Tokyo, and in the American Zone in Germany.

The security mission which it performs may be illustrated by the Canadian investigation in Ottawa which reaches into the United States as well as England. They are engaged in other investigations which reach from South American countries into Europe. It is difficult for them to begin these matters at the continental borders but essential that they should initiate their investigations at the sources from which the activities emanate.

Approval is requested for the continuance of this function.

Respectfully submitted,

Sidney W. Souers ¹

0. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Historical Files, HS/CSG–2227, Job 83–00739R, Box 2, Folder 3. No classification marking.
1. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.