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

129. Letter From the Director of Central Intelligence (Vandenberg) to the Assistant Secretary of State for American Republic Affairs (Braden)⁰

Washington, October 9, 1946.

Dear Mr. Braden: The excellent dispatch from Ambassador Flack, in which he sets forth his views concerning essential intelligence services in Bolivia,¹ has been read by me with interest and appreciation.

On the one hand, facts so forcibly brought out in this communication are gratifying to me because they confirm the very real need for effective CIG service in Latin America and manifest an appreciation of that need by an ambassador whose support and cooperation are essential to the success of our activities. On the other hand, conclusions are depressing for I must agree with Ambassador Flack in his conviction that continuous and effective coverage is imperative and that no new organization, regardless of its potentialities, can equal an established service until the novice has gained an equal experience and established comparable contacts. I concur in Ambassador Flack’s implication that it would be most desirable to retain in Bolivia, and elsewhere in Latin America, as much of the present functioning FBI organization as it is possible to transfer to CIG. Such a transfer was hoped for when first the Latin American assignment was given to CIG and a proper request for such an arrangement was duly made to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Director, FBI, disapproved the transfer to CIG of any FBI personnel stationed in Latin America for the reason that these experienced agents were badly needed in domestic work. I understand Mr. Hoover’s desire to retain in his organization experienced personnel trained by the Bureau and of continued usefulness on the home front and I propose to do nothing in violation of his decision. However, I seriously doubt that the withdrawal from Latin America of all FBI representatives, many of whom would cheerfully elect to remain at their posts, is in the interest of the United States.

I appreciate the continued cooperation and support of the Department of State.

With kindest regards,

Sincerely,²

0. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Historical Files, HS/CSG–2461, Job 83–00764R, Box 4, Folder 7. Secret. The date is handwritten on the source text. No drafting information appears on the source text but the tone of the letter suggests that it was written by Vandenberg.
1. Not found.
2. Printed from an unsigned copy.