218. Memorandum for the Record0
I talked this morning with Congressman James Wadsworth, (R., N.Y.), regarding our position before the Committee on Expenditures. I told him we were somewhat concerned regarding the feeling of certain members of the Committee and some witnesses appearing before it that we were or might become an incipient Gestapo, or interested in domestic intelligence of any sort. I told him that we were considering addressing a letter to the Chairman, suggesting that a provision be included in the bill substantially in the form that it appears in the Presidential Directive, prohibiting any police or internal security or law enforcement powers. Mr. Wadsworth thought that it would be an excellent idea and endorsed it, although he thought that the feeling was not very general.
I then explained to Mr. Wadsworth our position on enabling legislation; and, while he stated that certain other agencies created by the bill had their functions spelled out, he seemed receptive to withholding any statement of functions and general authorities which we need until the proper time for our enabling act.
I also explained to him the FBIB situation and the unfavorable publicity which we had received in this connection, indicating that I thought Mr. Busbey might raise the problem in executive session, and that we wished to have him in possession of the facts. He was most sympathetic with the problem, stated that he felt we should not be under Civil Service at all, and agreed that the Director should have the right to fire at will.
I subsequently spoke with Mr. Clare Hoffman, Chairman of the Committee, (in the absence of his son, the General Counsel), and Mr. Hoffman stated that he would be pleased to receive any amendment we cared to offer, introduce it, and give it every consideration.
Chief, Legislative Liaison Division
- Source: Central Intelligence Agency Records, Job 90–00610R, Box 1, Folder 2. No classification marking.↩