In March 1958 Dr. James Watt, director of the National Heart Institute said, "In view of the fact that it has not been demonstrated in man that lowered levels of [fat in the blood] will alter his susceptibility to atherosclerosis and in view of the many questions that remain unanswered in this year 1957, it seems inadvisable at this time to recommend that the general public eat more or less fat or avoid fat of any particular type."

Source:

U.S. News & World Report (28 March 1958): 59.