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

416. Letter From Director of Central Intelligence Hillenkoetter to Secretary of Defense Johnson⁰

Washington, February 17, 1950.

Dear Mr. Secretary: The Intelligence Advisory Committee at its meeting on 17 February 1950 has asked me to inform you of its view concerning the importance of the Service Attaché to the national intelligence structure. It is the opinion of the Committee that our Service Attachés are the backbone of the military intelligence collection effort. Their presence is particularly valuable in the countries behind the Iron Curtain where intelligence collection means are difficult to apply.

The military information obtained from the Service Attachés in the Satellite countries, while not so complete as desired, is a major contribution to the accomplishment of the intelligence mission assigned by the National Security Council to the agencies represented on the Intelligence Advisory Committee.

Very sincerely yours,

R.H. Hillenkoetter ¹

Rear Admiral, USN

0. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Historical Files, HS/HC–208, Item 23. Secret. Copies were sent to the members of the Intelligence Advisory Committee.
1. Printed from a copy that indicates Hillenkoetter signed the original.