In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the historical origins of American intelligence services, particularly the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) established during World War II. The meeting highlighted how the OSS, which was created to combat the Axis powers, was infiltrated by communist party members and Soviet agents, raising concerns about the integrity of U.S. intelligence from its inception.

The narrative began with the establishment of the OSS under Bill Donovan, who was tasked with gathering intelligence to support the war effort. However, it was revealed that in the rush to recruit personnel, many individuals with ties to the Soviet Union were brought into the fold, including those escaping the Axis powers. This raised alarms about their true loyalties and the potential for subversion within American intelligence.

Key figures discussed included Dickie Ellis, a British intelligence officer who was a double agent for Stalin, and Lee, Donovan's right-hand man, who was also identified as a Soviet double agent. The meeting underscored the pervasive influence of communist ideology within the OSS, which was described as being \"riddled\" with such elements.

J. Edgar Hoover's warnings about the infiltration of foreign radicals into U.S. institutions were also a focal point. Hoover, who began his career identifying and deporting subversives, was noted for his reluctance to share intelligence regarding Soviet infiltration with Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, citing a lack of trust in their inner circles.

The discussion concluded with a reflection on the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) post-World War II, suggesting that while some Soviet agents were excluded from the CIA, the legacy of infiltration and ideological influence from the OSS era continued to pose challenges for American intelligence operations. The meeting emphasized the need for vigilance in safeguarding national security against foreign influence, a theme that resonates in contemporary discussions about intelligence and counterintelligence.