245. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council (Souers) to Secretary of Defense Forrestal0
The attached memorandum1 from Secretary Harriman is a very persuasive and accurate appraisal of the need for psychological warfare operations to counter Soviet-inspired Communist propaganda, particularly in France and Italy.
Secretary Harriman, however, leaves the question of appropriate organization somewhat indefinite. It seems to me that this problem could be solved fairly simply along the following lines:
- (a)
- Continue and support the strengthening of the overt activities of the Information Division of the Department of State.
- (b)
- Assign the conduct of covert activities to the Central Intelligence Agency, since it already has contacts and communications with appropriate organizations and agents in foreign countries.
- (c)
- Establish policies for both of the above activities and coordinate their operations by means of a full-time interdepartmental board under the chairmanship and supervision of the Department of State, with representatives from the National Military Establishment and CIA.
It is my understanding that sufficient unvouchered funds to initiate these activities might be obtained from CIA or the Military Establishment. Also, I understand the Department of State already has a qualified psychological warfare expert serving as chairman of a subcommittee of SANACC which deals with this subject.
SANACC, incidentally, has formed a special group to prepare a recommendation for the President that the United States initiate this type of operation, which I understand will be transmitted through the National Security Council.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 353, Records of Interdepartmental and Intradepartmental Committees—State Department, Records of the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee, Box 55, File 304, 381, Psychological Warfare Pt. 1. Secret.↩
- Not found.↩
- Printed from a copy that indicates Souers signed the original.↩