Mutual Security Agency (MSA)

File — Box: 91

Identifier: VIII

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Mutual Security Agency was established under the Mutual Security Act of 1951. It was set up to succeed the Economic Cooperation Administration December 30, 1957. W. Averill Harriman was appointed by President Harry S. Truman to serve as director to supervise the Mutual Security program. The same Advisory Board of Economic Cooperation Administration, with Hinckley still a member, continued to act in an advisory capacity to Harriman on policy matters relating to the Mutual Security program. The director was responsible for supervising the program so that it would be "effectively integrated both at home and abroad, and administered so as to assure that the defensive strength of the free nations of the world shall be built as quickly as possible on the basis of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid."

The program included contributions to help strengthen Europe, the Near East and Africa, the Far East, and Latin America. By far the greatest portion of the funds went to help build up the defenses of Europe.

The materials covering this period of Hinckley's government service, 1951-1953, on the Advisory Board of the Mutual Security Agency include correspondence, organization charts, congressional bills and acts, agenda, reports, and press releases.

Dates

1891-1997

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.