LETTER TO MR. BURT EATON FROM ALLEN W. DULLES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R003800050019-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 4, 2002
• Sequence Number: 19
• Publication Date: June 22, 1958
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2002/02/27 : CIA-RDP80BO1676R003800050019-8
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Approved For Release 2002/02/27 : CIA-RDP80BO1676R003800050019-8
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Approved For Release 2002/02/27 : CIA-RDP80B01676R003800050019- Executive Ftegzstc
Hon. Allen W. Dulles,
Director, Central Intelligence Agency,
Washington, D.C.
I am writing to you as a student of the most
fascinating of all subjects, the American political scene. I
recently succumbed to one of the minor vices of our time, that
of compiling a "collection". Not of old glass or buttons, fire-
arms or picture postcards, but of political personalities. I
acquired a handsome album and set about recording a kind of
history of our era and of the men who are creating that history.
Party affiliation has played no part in my choice
of personalities. There have been, and are now, great men in
both parties. I am compelled to salute the man and his deeds and
his ideals rather than the party label. Nor can I haphazardly
compile a collection of men merely because they happen to hold
political office.
My collection consists of biographies put together
from pertinent newspaper and magazine clippings and the like.
But, in its inception, it lacked a touch which would change it
from a mere scrapbook of clippings into a prized personal poss-
ession. In order to achieve this status for my undertaking I must
turn to the men I most admire.
At this point I have been greatly heartened by
the generous response of those to whom I have written. This has
given me the courage to write to you. Oddly, I find that the
more I respect and admire a person, the more hesitant I am to
presume upon his time and his indulgence to me, a stranger.
I have prepared a page in my album devoted to
your public career, highlighted by your genuinely outstanding
service as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Yours
has been one of the truly distinguished records of accomplishment
in recent history of public service. I am addressing this letter
to you because of my sincere admiration for you as a man and a
leader. It would be pointless to try to enumerate the many
reasons I have for wishing to include you in my album. Abler
writers than I have already acknowledged your stature in our
great society.
Customarily, I have requested an autograph on the
enclosed card, but in this instance, and at the risk of seeming
entirely presumptuous, I am going to ask for a personally signed
photograph. I would consider it a great honor if you would share
in my collection.
With my warm personal regards, I am
June 13, 1958.
Very truly yours,
L.. lrL 1
Approved For Release 2002/02/27 : CIA-RDP80B01676R003800050019-8