Below is the transcript and a scan of the original letter CIA Director, Walter Bedell Smith sent to John Steinbeck.

ER 2-5603

6 February 1952

Mr. John Steinbeck

206 East 72nd Street

New York 21, New York

Dear Mr. Steinbeck:

I greatly appreciate the offer of assistance made in your note of January 28th.

You can, indeed, be of help to us by keeping your eyes and ears open on any political developments in the areas through which you travel, and, in addition, on any other matters which seem to you of significance, particularly those which might be overlooked in routine reports.

It would be helpful, too, if you could come down to Washington for a talk with us before you leave. We might then discuss any special matters on which you may feel that you can assist us.

Since I am certain that you will have some very interesting things to say, I trust, also, that you will be able to reserve some time for us on your return.

Sincerely,

Walter B. Smith

Director

O/DCI:REL:leb

Rewritten: LEBecker:mlk

Distribution:

Orig – Addressee

2 – DCI (Reading Official) [“w/Basic” has been handwritten beside this line and scratched out]

1 – DD/P [a check mark and w/Basic handwritten in]

1 – Admin [This has been scratched out] handwritten is “w/Basic”