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

422. National Security Council Intelligence Directive No. 4⁰

Washington, December 12, 1947.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 102(d)(5) of the National Security Act of 1947 and for the purpose of providing intelligence support for the preparation of studies required by the National Security Council in the fulfillment of its duties, it is directed that:

1. The Director of Central Intelligence, in collaboration with the other agencies concerned, shall prepare a comprehensive outline of national intelligence objectives applicable to foreign countries and areas to serve as a guide for the coordinated collection and production of National Intelligence.

2. The Director of Central Intelligence, in collaboration with the other agencies concerned, and under the guidance of the NSC Staff¹ shall select from time to time and on a current basis sections and items of such outline which have a priority interest. These selections will be issued by the Director of Central Intelligence to supply the desired priority guidance for the production of National Intelligence by the Central Intelligence Agency and for the contributions to such production by other agencies concerned.

0. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Records of the Executive Secretariat, NSC Files: Lot 66 D 148, Dulles–Jackson–Correa Report, Annex 10. Confidential.
1. For this purpose, the NSC Staff shall consist of the Executive Secretary and the Departmental representatives designated by Council members to advise and assist the Executive Secretary. Any cases of disagreement within this group will be referred to the National Security Council for decision. [Footnote in the source text.]