“I wonder if you have given that authority and if you feel that the GAO should have a full rein to go in and investigate all indications of fraud and extravagance.
“The President. You are obviously talking about some special thing that I would have to study before I could make—give an answer.
“I have stated this time and again: I believe that every investigating committee of the Congress, every auditing office, like the GAO, should always have an opportunity to see official records if the security of our country is not involved.
“Q. (Clark R. Mollenhoff, Des Moines Register). Well, they claim this, Mr. President, under executive privilege.
“The President. No, that’s all I have to say—I told you that is all I had to say for the moment.”
While this question-and-answer exchange did not identify Inspector General reports, and while you did preface your comment by saying this obviously referred to some special thing you would have to study before giving an answer, I would nevertheless like to ask this: Did you mean to imply by your comments that the complete text of Inspector General reports, including recommendations, be made available to Congress and the General Accounting Office?
Respectfully,
Clare E. Hoffman
THE WHITE HOUSE,
Washington, November 12, 1958.
Hon. Clare E. Hoffman,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Hoffman: Thank you for your letter inquiring about comments in my November 5 press conference.