CONVERSATION WITH MR. WILLIAM DARDEN, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01731R000200010035-5
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 13, 2003
• Sequence Number: 35
• Publication Date: December 11, 1958
• Content Type: MFR

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11 December 1958
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Conversation with Mr. William Darden, Senate Armed
Services Committee
1. In discussing with Mr. Darden the Agency proposal for a
briefing on CIA activities, Mr. Darden indicated his view that this
was very desirable and he thought the Chairman would readily agree
to it. He also responded to the suggestion that this might be combined
with the CIA Senate Appropriations Subcommittee in view of the fact
that only two additional Senators would potentially be involved.
2. Mr. Darden was advised that the Director proposed to
address a letter to Senator Russell on this subject. Mr. Darden also
suggested that such a briefing should be accomplished very early in
the session. In connection with the possibility of the Director meeting
with Senator Russell, Mr. Darden suggested the week after Christmas
as a desirable time and if not then, the week of 1 January prior to
Congress convening.
3. Mr. Darden indicated that lack of official noting of Sub-
committee meetings was a precedent established over the years and
he saw no reason why the fact of meeting could not be recorded in the
normal manner of other Subcommittees if the Agency desired it. He
further indicated that Armed Services Subcommittees normally did not
report to the full Committee except on specific bills.
s/ John S. Warner
JOHN S. WARNER
Legislative Counsel
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ems to be Discussed with Senator Richard B. Russell
For assistance in your discussion with Senator Russell, I have
attempted to list in summary form the various points which should be
discussed. These are not necessarily listed in the order of priority.
1. The request by Mr. Cannon that the Appropriations Sub-
committee be briefed on a continuing basis as a specific example of
the briefing problem generally. Y=: u will recall that Mr.
has not been answered and various methods have been consiCaon'
dered s It wuas st
generally agreed that it would probably be undesirable to circulate the
weekly bulletin or other types of intelligence reports. However, it was
suggested that you could make an initial presentation at the early part of
the session concerning world affairs and offer to provide periodic briefings
at the pleasure of the Subcommittee. It was also suggested that Mr. Cannon
designate someone on the staff who could be briefed periodically as the
agency saw fit or as otherwise determined to be appropriate.
Z. Discussions with other Senate leaders. You will also wish to
discuss with Senator Russell the desirability of a joint meeting to include
Senators Russell, Johnson, Bridges, Hayden, Saltonstall and possibly
Dirkseu,to discuss the forthcoming session and the requests of the various
committees for briefings. You may also wish to raise the possibility of
measures being introduced in the Senate for a "Watch Dog" Committee.
3. The matter of a substantive briefing of the Senate CIA Sub-
committee of Armed Services which was the subject of a letter to Senator
Russell including the possibility of a joint meeting for this purpose with
the Subcommittees of Armed Services and Appropriations. It is believed
appropriate that you might mention to Senator Russell that you are desirous
of briefing the Subcommittee on Agency operations, activities and
accomplishments and that in this connection we would propose that the
Subcommittee allow us sufficient time shortly after the beginning of
Congress to put on our prepared presentation on this subject. Somewhat
related to the above is the question of what actions should be taken by
the Armed Services Subcommittee. The first point would be the question
of a formal announcement of the appointment of the CIA Subcommittees.
Secondly, I believe it appropriate to ask Senator Russell to consider the
question of official noting by the Subco ittee of the fact of appearances
by CIA.
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- - - - - - _ .. .., . , . THE DIRECTOR
Attached is a proposed letter for your
signature to Senator Russell proposing a
briefing on Agency activities before the CIA
Subcommittee of Senate Armed Services. The
matter has been discussed with Mr. Darden
and the memo of conversation is also attached.
Senator Russell will be in town the week
preceding the convening of Congress and if
you are able to see him then, there is attached
a list of items for your discussion with him.
S/ John S. War 6or
JOHN S. WARNER
Legislative Counsel
FORM NO. 101 REPLACES FORM 10.101
1 AUG
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