Office of the Historian

159. Letter From the Secretary of State’s Special Assistant for Intelligence and Research (Armstrong) to the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence (Cabell)1

Washington, September 9, 1953.

Dear General Cabell:

The 1954 budget of the Foreign Service has been substantially reduced. This reduction comes at a time when there are demands, requirements, many of particular concern to CIA, for an increase in intelligence collection activities. Moreover, this reduction will no doubt continue in effect in subsequent years, and will thus have a long-term effect on the functions of the Foreign Service, including the collection of intelligence information from overt sources. Such collection has included: (a) collection of foreign publications; (b) collection of maps and cartographic data; (c) peripheral reporting; (d) collection of scientific information; (e) foreign press monitoring services.

The Department recognizes that these overt collection activities are responsibilities of the Foreign Service and are important to the national security. They are hence of concern to the Director of Central Intelligence in view of his duty to advise the National Security Council in such matters.

In an effort to satisfy these demands of intelligence and to continue to carry out the Department’s responsibilities for the direction [Page 459] and management of the Foreign Service of the United States, the Department proposes in the attached document2 a framework within which, on the basis of national security needs, it would be possible for the Director to meet his responsibilities. Under this proposal, CIA could provide financial support for collection activities beyond a stated minimum which the Department can provide under its budget.

The Department believes that, if this framework is acceptable, it would probably be desirable to consult or at least inform IAC on this proposal and, if appropriate, advise the NSC. Furthermore, the Department believes that, when and as appropriate, there should be consultation with the Bureau of the Budget and with the proper committees of Congress.

Sincerely yours,

W. Park Armstrong, Jr.
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  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, History Staff, Job 84–00161R, HS/HC–195, Box 3. Confidential. This copy is “Tab A to IAC–D–73.”↩
  2. Not found.↩
  3. Printed from a copy that indicates Armstrong signed the original.↩