Washington: Truman establishes National Intelligence Authority
On January 22, 1946, President Truman created the National Intelligence Authority and Central Intelligence Group to coordinate foreign intelligence activities post-WWII. Rear Adm. Sidney Souers was appointed as the first Director of Central Intelligence.
Background
Background
President Harry S. Truman issued a directive on January 22, 1946 establishing the National Intelligence Authority (NIA). It consisted of the Secretaries of State, War, and the Navy, the Chief of Staff, and a presidential representative. The NIA oversaw the newly created Central Intelligence Group (CIG) for operational tasks.
Key Figures
Rear Adm. Sidney W. Souers headed the CIG as the first Director of Central Intelligence. Fleet Adm. William D. Leahy was appointed as the presidential representative. The structure aimed at better coordination of existing services, without taking on internal security duties.
Significance
This body was the forerunner of the CIA, which was created in 1947 by the National Security Act. It responded to post-war needs for unified intelligence after Pearl Harbor. The CIG operated for 20 months until it was replaced by the NSC and the CIA. There are no witness accounts or physical evidence, as this was an administrative measure. Relevance to the UAP context: an early intelligence structure for UAP observation.