Office of the Historian

165. Letter From the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Kyes) to Director of Central Intelligence Dulles1

Washington, December 4, 1953.

Dear Allen:

In the course of my trip through Europe in September, my attention was drawn to a number of areas in which there appear to be serious weaknesses in the furtherance of our over-all intelligence effort. While I do not have personal knowledge of some of the items which I shall mention, General Erskine, at my request, examined the intelligence picture from the field commanders’ point of view and provided [Page 468] me with the benefit of his observations. I realize, of course, that most, if not all these matters are no strangers to you, but perhaps my views will not be amiss as a slightly different slant.

I am fully convinced that the successful prosecution of any military program has its very foundation in the quantity, quality, and proper dissemination of intelligence. I am very aware that deficiencies exist in the Department of Defense intelligence agencies and am taking steps to correct those faults. Correction of the following deficiencies, which lie in the covert field and, therefore, fall within your purview, appears to be of vital importance to the country:

a.
Lateral dissemination of information by CIA field agencies to local commanders appears necessary and logical. For example, it seems that USCINCEUR should receive CIA field reports directly and not be required to wait for distribution of screened material from Washington.
b.
The penetration of the “iron curtain” by covert means falls far short of our requirements. [5½ lines not declassified]
c.
[1 paragraph (7 lines) not declassified]
d.
[1 paragraph (9½ lines) not declassified]

There are other points which should be discussed in detail. I’m sure you will agree that improved coordination between our agencies will improve the efficiency of our respective intelligence operations. I therefore suggest that our appropriate staff officers meet as soon as possible to go over these matters of common interest. General Erskine will represent the Department of Defense if you concur.

With best personal regards,

Yours sincerely,

Roger M. Kyes
2
  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Executive Registry, Job 95–G00278R, Box 1. Top Secret; Security Information.↩
  2. Printed from a copy that indicates Kyes signed the original.↩