7. Memorandum From President Nixon to the Chairman of the United States Advisory Commission on Information (Stanton)1

Dear Frank:

Thank you for your letter of February 32 regarding the procedures of the National Security Council.

I have carefully considered the question of attendance at the National Security Council meetings and have concluded that if I am to be able to use this forum effectively, I must limit the regular attendance to the statutory members of the Council. Frank Shakespeare will be invited to all meetings in which matters of particular concern to USIA are under discussion.

[Page 18]

I appreciate your interest in the role of USIA and can assure you that I am fully aware of the importance of having USIA contribute to forming, as well as implementing, our policy.

Sincerely,

RN
  1. Source: Nixon Library, White House Central Files, Subject Files, FG 230, Box 1, EX FG 230. No classification marking.
  2. See Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, vol. II, Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969–1972, Document 14. At the January 21 NSC meeting, the President indicated that the Secretary of the Treasury “is the only non-statutory Cabinet Member who will participate on a regular basis.” (Ibid.) For the meeting minutes, see ibid., Document 15.