The Future of American Secret Intelligence

Presumed first and only edition no statements).Quite scarce. Hardcover in navy blue cloth with spine lettered in gilt. ix+ 120 pp. with index.Generally fine in dust jacket still bright but with wear and rubbing about the edges and folds. Written just after World War II, when the American intelligence system was transitioning from being the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) that operated during the war into what would become the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The CIA would officially be created the National Securuty Act of 1947 and signed into being by President Truman. In this book, the author insists that the creation of a more sophisticated, well organized, well informed intelligence service was vital in America's preparedness in dealings with the world. In his words, ".Intelligence work is no job for amateurs. We must have trained personnel integrated into an effective organization.". At the time of Pettee's work, the OSS had been disbanded and there were increasing tensions in the Cold War and ever growing fear of Soviet expansion. George Sawyer Pettee worked on important priorities for strategic materials during WWII and on the United States stockpile program. Later during the war he worked on war propaganda and public opinion. As Chief of the European Enemy Division, FEA, he was in charge of economic intelligence concerning the European area. Pettee's book is considered an important link between the OSS and the creation of the CIA.…