You stated that if Mr. Mollenhoff would put the question in writing—which I understand he has done—it will be answered.
This particular letter and its misuse by a number of Federal departments and agencies has been a great concern to the Special Subcommittee on Government Information. Although the letter, and the accompanying memorandum from the Attorney General, granted authority to one particular agency to refuse information to a specific committee of Congress in a single instance, 19 departments and agencies have cited the letter as authority to refuse information to the public or the Congress.
This occurred in agency answers to the subcommittee’s questionnaire of November 7, 1955, on information practices and policies as well as during subcommittee hearings with executive officials.
Enclosed is an intermediate report, adopted unanimously by the House Government Operations Committee, on the subcommittee’s study of restrictions on information. The problem of misuse of the May 17, 1954, letter is discussed on page 90 and at other points.
When the answer to Mr. Mollenhoff’s question has been prepared and transmitted to him, the subcommittee would appreciate receiving copies of it and any other comments you have on the matter.
Respectfully,
John E. Moss, Chairman
THE WHITE HOUSE,
Washington, October 17, 1956.
Hon. John E. Moss,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Moss: This will acknowledge your October 9 letter to the President asking that you be supplied with copies of the answer to a question submitted by Mr. Clark Mollenhoff of the Des Moines Register and Tribune.