PROTECTION OF CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL AND INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87B01034R000600030004-3
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 28, 2005
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: January 12, 1982
• Content Type: OPEN

Approved For Release 2N f0 -Q, 1f1 P87B01034R000G000 04-3
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release January 12, 1982
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Protection of Classified National Security Council
and Intelli_9enceInformation
Unauthorized disclosure of. classified information under the
jurisdiction of the National Security Council and of classified
intelligence reports is a problem of major proportions
within the U.S. Government. The Constitution of the'United
States provides for the protection of individual rights and
liberties, including freedom of speech and freedom of the
press, but it also requires that government functions be
discharged efficiently and effectively, especially where the
national security is involved.. As President of the United
States, I am responsible for honoring both Constitutional
requirements, and .1 intend to do so in a balanced and careful
manner. I do not believe, however, that the Constitution
.entitles government employees, entrusted with confidential
information critical to the functioning and effectiveness of
the Government, to disclose such information with impunity.
Yet this is precisely the situation we have. It must not be
allowed to continue.
.To this end, I hereby establish and direct implementation. of
the following policies.
Contacts with the Media
All contacts with any element of the news media in which
classified National Security Council matters or classified
intelligence information-are discussed will require the
advance approval of a senior official. An administrative
memorandum will be prepared as soon as possible after the
contact, recording the subjects discussed and all information
provided to the media representatives.
Access
The unauthorized disclosure of classified National Security
Council information, documents, and deliberations requires
further control to limit access and to ensure an accurate
record of those who have had access. The number of officials
with access to documents relating to NSC matters will be
kept to the minimum essential to the orderly conduct of the
government's business.
Investigations
The government's lack of success in identifying the sources
of unauthorized disclosure of classified National Security
Council information and documents of classified intelligence
information must be remedied and appropriate disciplinary
measures taken. Henceforth, in the event of unauthorized
disclosure of such information, government employees who
have had access to that information will be subject: to
investigation, to include the use of all legal methods.
Applicability and Implementation
The provisions of this directive shall be effective immediately
and shall apply to all employees of, and elements within
agencies participating in the National Security Council
system, including the Executive Office of the President.
The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
is directed to establish the detailed procedures to implement
policies.
If #r n
.Approved For Release 2005/08/02 : CIA-RDP87B01034R000600030004-3