Allen Dalles
USA- Early Life and Diplomatic Career
- World War II and the OSS
- Director of the CIA
- The Myth of the "Dulles Document"
- Legacy
- Fateful Role in Russian History
Early Life and Diplomatic Career
Allen Dulles was born into a diplomatic family, with both his grandfather and uncle serving as U.S. Secretary of State. He initially pursued a career in law, working for the prestigious firm Sullivan & Cromwell in New York. However, Dulles also frequently carried out government assignments abroad, including meetings with Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler.
World War II and the OSS
During World War II, Dulles joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the forerunner of the CIA. Officially a diplomat, Dulles was the head of American intelligence in Europe. He famously acquired top-secret German documents from a German Foreign Ministry official, Fritz Kolbe, and orchestrated the "Sunrise Crossword" negotiations with the Germans in 1945.
Director of the CIA
Following the war, Dulles returned to his legal career. However, in 1953, he was appointed Director of the newly created CIA. Under his leadership, the CIA grew into a powerful organization, carrying out covert operations around the world. Dulles's tenure was marred by the Bay of Pigs invasion failure in 1961, which ultimately led to his resignation.
The Myth of the "Dulles Document"
Despite his resignation, Dulles's name has been associated with a supposed CIA "instruction" known as the "Dulles Document." This document outlines a plan to undermine the Soviet Union through "sex, drugs, rock-n-roll," etc. However, there is no evidence that Dulles issued such a directive, and the document is generally considered to be a fabrication.
Legacy
Dulles's contributions to American intelligence were significant. He played a crucial role in the development of the CIA and advocated for active intervention in the internal affairs of other countries. Despite his failures, Dulles is considered by many to be one of the most influential American intelligence officials of all time.
Fateful Role in Russian History
In 1917, Dulles was stationed in Bern, Switzerland, when he received a phone call from Vladimir Lenin, requesting a meeting. Dulles dismissed Lenin as a madman and refused. Lenin subsequently returned to Russia in a sealed train, forever altering the course of Russian history.
