LETTER TO(SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00765A000100010057-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 6, 2009
• Sequence Number: 57
• Publication Date: May 20, 1952
• Content Type: LETTER

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FOREIGN BROADCAST INFORMATION SERVICE
AMERICAN EMBASSY
LONDON, W. 1.
F. B. I. S.
2130 E Street, N.W.
Washington 25, D.C.
A few days ago, Malcolm introduced me to Mr. Richard
DIA. Marriott, who becomes Head of the Monitoring Service
on 1 June. We had a short and pleasant talk which was con-
fined to a few generalities. My first impression of the man
was distinctly favorable. He is slender, of medium height,
about 38, with an extremely alert-looking face, sharp gaze
and direct but friendly manner which inspires confidence.
Here are a few details of his career, which you may already
know:
Joined BBC in 1936 and became a Home Service announcer;
Because of language proficiency (mainly French and German)
became BBC Liaison Officer in 1939 and assisted in setting
up army programs in European languages;
Became Head of the Monitoring Service in 1940 and was in
charge at Evesham but resigned to join the RAF at the
time of the move to Caversham;
Was a night fighter observer in Mosquitoes and Beaufighters
and received decorations;
Had a post with UNESCO but later rejoined the BBC as
Special Assistant to General Jacob on Foreign Affairs;
0
Has been Head of the Transcription Service for the last
year.
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1Er14 TIAI
Approved For Release 2009/07/06 : CIA-RDP80-00765A000100010057-1
 ? I # IV .. ITIAL ?
Marriott takes over at a particularly difficult time of
financial and organizational problems in the Monitoring Service.
It will be several weeks, I feel, before he will acquire suf-
ficient knowledge to decide on plans and policies of particular
concern to us, such as coverage, communications and the Baltic
project. These are, as you are aware, now largely a matter of
funds.
Malcolm suggested you might like to take a short trip here
to talk things over with Marriott. Although I am sure you are
looking forward to a meeting with him at an early date, he would
I should think want a few weeks in which to study over all our
arrangements before discussing them with you. Inasmuch as the
Coordination Co mdttee meets this year in Washington it is possi-
ble your meeting might be deferred until then. I shall be glad
to make any suggestions to Marriott you may desire or see fit,
and will in the meanwhile keep you posted of any developments of
interest.
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