Letter from Central Intelligence Agency Director Allen Dulles to Former President Harry S. Truman

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY COMP WASHINGTON 25, D. C. OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF All 28 August 1958 ARCHIVES AND The Honorable Harry S. Truman s "NATIONAL SERVICE** RECORDS the Independence, Missouri Dear Mr. Truman: I am asking my representative in Kansas City to deliver this letter to you and to let me know your wishes in the matter. I am hoping to get away this week-end for a brief visit to our various European posts, returning in three or four weeks. It is, of course, possible that the situation in the Taiwan Straits which, as you can well appreciate is disturbing, will delay my departure. If you should desire a briefing during my absence, I would appreciate it if you would let Mr. Herman A. Mountain know and General Cabell, my deputy, (recently promoted to four-star rank in recognition of his contribution in the field of intelligence) will be very glad to come to Independence, or, if his work holds him here, to send Mr. Knight McMahon to give a briefing. Upon my return I shall get in touch with you. As mentioned above the Chicoms have been making a serious threat against the Offshore Islands; however, they must now be pondering over statements made here and the very evident American military preparations for the defense of Formosa. I read with great interest your statement and syndicate article on the Middle East situation during the recent General Assembly