(UNTITLED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP75-00149R000100570001-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 11, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 12, 1999
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 20, 1955
• Content Type: MF

-1& 291
Sanitized - Approved For Release : C
FOIAb3b
There have been calls, beginning with one from Ernest Lindley last
Friday and Saturday, on the Burgess-McLean case. I informed General Cabell
of the Lindley call and I told Ernest how sorry we were but we had no
comment; that the thin; was something that no one here could get into
except you and you would not be available before tomorrow. I told him also
that I thought he should try the British Embassy for information.
Richard N. Brett-Smith of the LONDON TELEGRAPH AND POST called and
asked two questions: (1) Would CIA comment on the Foreign Office statement
that McLean and Burgess had been under surveillance as Communists? (2)
Did the CIA know that McLean and Burgess were Communists and did we do any-
thing regarding such information. We told him, "No comment."
John Scali of the AP called today and wanted to know whether we were
aware of the activities of Burgess and McLean and he thought we should have
been. I told him that we had no comment; that you were not here and I had
not discussed the thing with anybody; and if there were any guidance it
would have to result from instructions from you. I told John that I would
try to let him know by tomorrow if there was anything to be said without
attribution.
Don Gonzales also called and wanted to know for the UP if CIA knew of
McLean's being suspected when he had a desk at the AEC. Don said that at
that time there were many rumors regarding the man and he wondered if we
had any information at that time. I told him that we would have no comment
but that I had not discussed this matter with you and you were expected
tonight and if there is any guidance, I will let him know tomorrow.
It would appear that CIA should not give any guidance nor get into the
Burgess-McLean case in any public fashion because no matter what is said
an allied nation will be involved; the FBI will be involved; and there is
the strong possibility at this time of giving a political angle to any state-
ment made in explanation regarding their activities while in the United States.
RECOMMENDATION: That I tell Scali and Gonzales tomorrow that I discussed
their requests with you and you regretted that we could say nothing but
"no comment."
FOIAb6
Sanitized - App oy,d For Release : CIA-RDP75-00149R000100570001-1