TLS as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, January 28, 1952. Letter to General E. E. Schwien. In full: “I read yours of the twenty-second with a lot of interest and I wish you could find it convenient to help Beetle Smith even if it is only for a little bit. We have a terrible time getting people in that Department we can trust and even if you can put in only a day a week with him it will be helpful.” In fine condition, with scattered creases. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Following the success of the OSS during World War II, President Truman established the CIA in 1947. In this letter Truman refers to the director of the agency, Walter Bedell ‘Beetle’ Smith, who he had appointed to the position in 1950. He was the fourth director of the organization and largely considered the first successful one, as he redefined and consolidated the CIA’s mission and oversaw its secretive expansive covert action program. During this period McCarthyism reigned supreme, and there were frequent accusations that communists had infiltrated American intelligence services—perhaps acknowledged by Truman’s statement about untrustworthy workers in the department. A highly desirable letter having to do with the early origins and success of the Central Intelligence Agency. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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