IN DRAFTING REPLY TO CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP64B00346R000200080004-2
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 3, 2002
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: September 4, 1962
• Content Type: NOTES

Approved For Re WJ9 1,2[1 1A pf? B00346R000200080004-2
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
September 4, 1962
IN DRAFTING REPLY TO CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRIES
Following are a half-dozen common complaints about our letters to Members
of Congress:
-- Not getting to the main point that is disturbing the Member of Congress
or constituent, but instead giving a partial or vague reply.
-- Stilted language, or indications or expertise not shared by'the incoming
letter.
-- Not expressing regret when a reply is long overdue.
-- Failure to acknowledge that a Congressional letter was addressed to the
Secretary.
-- Ascribing views to the Assistant Secretary rather than the Department.
-- No style, color or lasting imprint.
The best way to sum up what is being sought is this statement by Joseph
Pulitzer for the guidance of his newspapers:
111 must see that my readers get the truth; but that is not enough. I must
put it before them briefly so that they will read it, clearly so that they will
understand it, forcibly so that they will appreciate it,? picturesquely so that
they will remember it, and, above all, accurately...."
Thanks very much.
Frederick G. Dutton
Assistant Secretary for
Congressional Relations
State Dept. review completed
Approved For Release 2002/08/21 : CIA-RDP64B00346R000200080004-2