NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION DIRECTIVE NUMBER 19

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87T00623R000100050004-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 14, 2011
• Sequence Number: 4
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/14: CIA-RDP87T00623R000100050004-8
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/14: CIA-RDP87T00623R000100050004-8
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/14: CIA-RDP87T00623R000100050004-8
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY-
THE WHITE HOUSE
NATIONAL SECURITY VECISTON
DIRECTIVE NUMBER 19
Protection of Classified National Security Council
~;. _ '.i ? and Intelligence information
Unauthorized disclosure'of classified information under the
of- the .National Security 'Council and . of classified
jur21sdiction
.
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 I 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 inform-at-ion with iinpunii-.
'::!t this is precisely the si tiiation - we have. It must onAt be--.
allowed to continue.
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..
To'this end, I hereby establish and direct implementation o
the following policies.
Contacts with the Media
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.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
- . Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/14: CIA-RDP87T00623R000100050004-8
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/14: CIA-RDP87T00623R000100050004-8
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
The to the President for National Security Affairs
is-directed'to establish the detailed procedures to implement
policies..
system, including.the Executive Office'of the President..
agencies participating in the National Security Council
?'. and".shall apply to all employees of, and elements wihin,
,. V1 e ' provisions of-this directive shall be' effective immediately.
:Applicability and Implementation-
have had access to that information will be subject to
investigation, to'include the use of all legal methods.
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
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/14: CIA-RDP87T00623R000100050004-8