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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW'
(PART 2~-AJPENDJX AND INDEX)
HEARINGS
BEFORE A
SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE
COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENT OPERATiONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
EIGHTY.NJNTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
ON
ILL 5012, ILR. 5013, ILR. 5014, ILR. 5015, ILR. 5016,
ILR. 5017, ILR. 5018, ILR. 5019, ILL 5020, ILL 5021,
ILR. 5237, ILL 5406, II.R. 5520, ILL 5583, ILL 6172,
H.R. 6739, H.R. 7010, II.R. 7161
BILLS TO AMEND SECTION 161 OF THE REVISED STATUTES
WITH RESPECT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FEDERAL OFFICERS
AND AGENCIES TO WITHHOLD INFORMATION AND LIMIT
TEE AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS
Printed for the use of the Committee on Government Operations
0~
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTINQ OFFICE
45~213 WASHINGTON : 1965
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COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
WILLIAM L. DAWSON, Illinois, Chairnvas~
CHET HOLIFIELD, California
JACK BROOKS, Texas
L. H. FOUNTAIN, North Caroitha
PORTER HARDY, Ji~, Virginia
JOHN A. BLATNIK, Minnesota
ROBERT B. JONES, Alabama
EDWARD A. GARMATZ, Maryland
JOHN B. MOSS, Califotnia
DANTE B. FASCELL, Florida
HENRY S. REUSS, Wisconsin
JOHN S. MONAGAN, Connecticut
TORBEET H. MACDONALD, Massachusetts
J. EDWARD ROUSH, Indiana
WILLIAM S. MOORHEAD, Pennsylvania
CORNELIUSE. GALLAGHER, New Jersey
WILLIAM J. RANDALL, MissourI
BENJAMIN S. ROSENTHAL, New York
JIM WRIGHT, Texas
FERNAND J. ST GERMAIN, Rhode Island
DAVID S. KING, Utah
JOHN 0. DOW, New York
HENRY HELSTOSKI, New Jersey
CHRIsTINE RAY DAVIS, Staff Director
JAMES A. LANIOAN, General Counsel
Mxi~sn Q. R0MNEY, Associate General Counsel
J. P. CARLSON, Minority Counsel
RAYMOND T. CoLLINs, Minority Professional Staff
Foi~ui~r~ O~?ERATIONS AND GO~EIINMENT I1~xrollMATxoN SUBCOMMITTEIiI
JOHN B. MO~S, California, tThairni~an
PORTER HARDY, Ji~, Virginia ROBERT P. GRIFFLN, Miehigl~1
JOHN S. MONAGAN, Connecticut OGDEN 1~. REID, Ne~ York
JOHN A. BLATNIK, Minnesota DONALD RUMSFELD, Illinois
TORBERT H. MACDONALD, Massachusetts
CORNELIUS B. GALLAGHER, New Jersey
SAMuEx~ J. ARCHIBALD, CJ~ief, Got'ernnlent 1*/ormation
Bsnuv L. KASS~, Counsel
DAVID GLICK, Chief Counsel
JACK MATTESON, Chief Investigator
GLENNA 0. Do~r, Clerk
CLARENCE J, BROWN, Ohio
FLORENCE~ P. DWYER, New Jersey
ROBERT P GRIFFIN, Michigan
OGDEN R. REID, New York
FRANK J. HORTON, New York
DELBEW$~ L, LATTA, Ohio
DONALD RUMSFEth, Illinois
WILLIAM L. DICKINSON, Alabama
JOHN N. ERLENEORN, Illinois
HOWARD H. CALLAWAY Georgia
EDWARD J. GURNEY, Florida
II
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CONTENTS
Page
Study of 5 U.S.C. 1002 277
Subcommittee questionnaire sent to Federal departments, agencies, boards,
commissions, etc 277
Federal agencies queried 279
Narrative analysis of answers to questionnaire 281
Tabular analysis of operations under 5 U.S.C. 1002 292
REPLY FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES QUERIED
Executive Office of the President 364
Bureau of the Budget 364
Office of Emergency Planning 364
Office of Science and Technology 365
Executive Departments_ 367
Department of Agriculture 367
Department of Commerce 371
Department of Defense - - - - 373
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 376
Department of the Interior 380
Department of Justice 383
Department of Labor 389
Post Office Department , 391
Department of State 392
Peace Corps - 395
Agency for International Development 398
Department of the Treasury: Comptroller of the Currency 403
(Note: See subcommittee files for detailed responses covering 17 of-
fices and bureaus of the Department.)
Independent agencies 407
American Battle Monuments Commission 407
Atomic Energy Commission 408
Canal Zone Government 414
Civil Aeronautics Board 414
Civil Service Commission 420
District of Columbia Government 423
Export-Import Bank of Washington 424
Farm Credit Administration 424
Federal Aviation Agency 426
Federal Coal Mine Safety Board of Review 429
Federal Communications Commission 430
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 435
Federal Home Loan Bank Board -- - - 441
Federal Maritime Commission 444
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service 445
Federal Power Commission 447
Federal Reserve System 448
Federal Trade Commission - 453
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission 456
General Services Administration 458
Housing and Home Finance Agency 460
Indian Claims Commission 464
Interstate Commerce Commission 465
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 471
National Labor Relations Board 474
National Mediation Board 476
National Science Foundation 476
III
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IV CONTENTS
Independent agencies-Continued Page~
Railroad Retirement Board 478
Renegotiation Board 480
Securities and Exchange Commission 482
Selective Service System 4S4
Small Business Administration 486
Tennessee Valley Authority~.~ - 488
U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency 489
U.S. Information Agency- 492
U.S. Tarifr Commission - 49~
Veterans' Administration - 496
Selected Boards,. Committees, and Commissions 499
Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.~ 499
Civil War Centennial Commission~ - 499
Commission on Civil Rights 500
Committee. on Purchases of Blind-Made Products 501
Corregidor-Bataan Memorial Commission 502
Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board 502
District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency~ - - 503
Federal Radiation Council 505
Foreign-Trade Zones Board 506
Ind~axi Ar~ts and Crafts Board 508
Interagency Committee on Oceanography 509
Interdepartmental Savings Bond Committee 510
Migratory Bird Conservation Commission 510
President's Missile Sites Labor Commission 511
National Agricultural Advisory Commission 513
National Capital Housing Authority 513
National Capital TransportatiGtL Agency 515
National Park Trust Fund Board 515
President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped - 516
President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity 517
President's Committee on Equal Opportunity in Housing 517
President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Criine-~. 518
President's Committee for Traffic Safety~ - - 518
President's Council on Aging 519
President's Council on Physical Fitness 519
President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board 520
Resources Advisory Board (Atlanta, Ga.) 520
Veterans' Day National Committee 521.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commissi~n~ - 522
LATE COMMENTS FROM DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
ON FEDERAL RECORDS LAW LF~GISLATION
Executive Department, reply from Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare 523
Independent Agency, reply from Federal Trade Commission * 525
Index 527
Part 1-Hearings 1-276
Ps~tt 2-Appendix and index (analysis of agency operations under 5 U.S.C.
1002) 217-528
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APPENDIX TO HEARINGS ON H.R. 5012 ET SEQ.
HELD BY FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND GOV~
ERNMENT INFORMATION SUBCOMMITTEE
MARCH 30, 31, APRIL 1, 2, AND 5, 1965
STUDY OF 5 U.S.C. 1002
Studies of information practices of Federal departments and agen-
cies over the past 10 years have indicated that section 3 of the Adminis-
trative Procedure Act (5 TJ.S.C. 1002), though labeled a "public in-
formation" section, is so burdened with broad exceptions that it has
become the major statutory authority on which the executive branch
relies to withhold information. In order to evaluate properly the ef-
fect of the "public information" section, the subcommittee, on February
12, 1965, asked about 105 Federal departments, agencies, boards, com-
missions, etc., 15 specific questions covering their operations under the
section. The questionnaire followed a pattern established by a task
force of the Hoover Commission: the Legal Services and Procedures
Task Force of the Commission on Organization of the Executive
Branch of the Government. The task force report, completed in De-
cember 1954, was not published.
SUBCOMMITTEE QUESTIONNAIRE SENT TO FEDERAL
DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS,
ETC.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SuBCOMMITTEE,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS,
Washington, D.C., Februa~ry 12,1965.
DEAR Mn.
The Foreign Operations and Government Information Subcommittee has been
studying the availability of information from Federal departments and agencies
for nearly 10 years. The studies have indicated that section 3 of the Administra-
tive Procedure Act of 194G (5 U S C 1002) though labeled a public information
section," iS so burdened with exceptions that, In reality, it has become one of the
major authorities on which the executive branch relies to control information.
In order to evaluate properly the effect of the public information section since
Its enactment 18 years ago, the subcommittee needs anSwers to the following
questions Inquiries concerning the questions may be addressed to the Foreign
Operations and Government Information Subcommittee staff, code 180, extension
3741 It would be appreciated if you will inform the subcommittee of the name
and telephone number of the official of your agency with whom liaison can be
maintained to help develop comprehensive answers to the questions.
1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002 apply? Are
there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of your agency
to which the section does not apply?
2 In what official or unofficial publication and at what Intervals does your
Egency publish:
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see sec. 3(a) (1)
of the Administrative Procedure Act);
277
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278 ~FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions
are channeled and determined (see sec 3(a) (2) of statute),
(c) Substantive iules adopted as authorized by law (see sec 3(a) (3) of
~statute);
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and
adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statut6) ; and
(e) Rules addressed t~ and served upon named persons in accoidance
with law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute)?
3 Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes or in accord
ance with published rule makes available to public inspection all final and
interim opinions or orders in the ad~uthcation of cases puisuant to section 3(b)
of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authoilty
4 In what types of cases does your agency iefraln from publishing interim
and final opinions or orders wheie in the opinion of your agency good cause
requires they be held confidential pursuant to section 3(b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited or used as
precedents in other proceedings.?
6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public the records
and files interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
7 What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and files to the
general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency required
in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in the Fed-
eral Register ~ (See sec 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act)
9 In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy in the
public interest pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure Act or
other authority?
10 In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency manage
ment pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
authority?
11. What is your ageney'~ definition of "official record" as used in section 3(c)
of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Please provide two copies of every regulation, directive, order, or other docu-
ment issued by your agency to implement 5 U S C 1002 It is requested that your
answers be submitted to the subcommittee no later than March 15, 1965.
Sincerely,
JoHN B. Moss, Cha4rma,n.
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FEDERAL AGENCIES QUERIED
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF TIlE PEESIDENT
Bureau of the Budget
Office of Emergency Planning
Office of Science and Techr~ology
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Post Office Department
Department of State
Peace Corps
Agency for International Development
Department of Treasury: Comptroller of the Currency
(Note: See subcommittee files for detailed responses covering 17 offices and
bureaus of the Department.)
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments Commission
Atomic Energy Commission
Canal Zone Government
Civil Aeronautics Board
Civil Service Commission
District of Columbia Government
Export-Import Bank of Washington
Farm Credit Administration
Federal Aviation Agency
Federal Coal Mine Safety Board of Review
Federal Communications Commission
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Home Loan Bank Board
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Federal Power Commission
Federal Reserve System
Federal Trade Commission
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the tJnited States
General Services Administration
Housing and Home Finance Agency
Indian Claim Commission
Interstate Commerce Commission
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Labor Relations Board
National Mediation Board
National Science Foundation
Railroad Retirement Board
Renegotiation Board
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
Securities and Exchange Commission
Selective Service System
279
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280 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Small Business Administration
Smithsonian Institution
Subversive Activities Cotitrol Board
Tariff Commission
Tennessee Valley Authority
U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
U.S. Information Agency
Veterans' Administration
SELECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND CoMMIsSIONs
Administrative Committee of the Federal Register.
Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.
Board on Geographic Names.
Civil War Centennial Commission.
Commission on Civil Rights.
Comtuission on International Rules and Judicial Procedure.
Commission on Purchases of Blind-Made Products.
Commnnity Relations Service.
Corregidor-Bataan Memorial Commission.
Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board.
District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency.
Federal Council for Science and Technology.
Federal Fire CounciL
Federal Radiation Council.
Federal Records Council.
Foreign Trade Zones Board.
Indian Arts and Crafts Board.
Interagency Committee on Oceanography.
Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee.
Interdepartmental Savings Bond Committee.
Marine Corps Memorial Commission.
Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.
Missile Sites Labor Commission.
National Agricultural Advisory Commission.
National Archives Trust Fund Board.
National Capital Housing Authority.
National Capital Planning Commission.
National Capital Transportation Agency.
National Forest Reservation Commission.
National Historical Publications Commission.
National Monument Commission.
National Park Trust Fund Board.
Office of Economic Opportunity.
President's Advisory Committee on Labor-Management Policy.
President's Commission on the Status of Women.
President's Committee on Em~do'yment of the Handicapped.
President s Committee on Equal Employment Opportuiuty
President's Committee on Equal Opportunity in Housing.
President s Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime
President's Committee on Migratory Labor.
President's Committee for Traffic Safety.
President's Council on Aging.
President's Council on Physical Fitness.
President's Foreign Intel'igence Advisory Board.
President's Science Advisory Committee.
13.5. Advisory Commission on International Educational and Cultural Affairs.
13.5. Advisory Commission on Information.
U.S. Study Commission on the Savannah, Altam.aha, St. Marys, Apalachicola-
Chattahoochee, and Perido-Escambia River Basins and Intervening Area.
U.S. Territorial Expansion Memorial Commission.
Veterans Day National Committee.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission.
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 281
NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF ANSWERS TO
QUESTIONNAIRE
The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed by Lester S. Mittle-
man, General Accounting Office attorney, who also prepared tables
setting forth operations under 5 U.S.C. 1002. Following is the analy-
sis of the pertinent questions:
QUESTION 1
The applicability of 5 U.S.C. 1002 to the departments and agencies was one of
the most important questions. Ceiltral to the protection of the rights of citizens
is the provision on public information. The Attorney General's manual de-
scribed it as follows:
"The purpose of section 3 is to assist the public in dealing with administrative
agencies by requiring agencies to make their administrative materials available
in precise and current form. Section 3 should be construed broadly in the light
of this purpose so as to make such material most useful to the public. * * *
This section is applicable to all agencies of the United States, excluding Congress,
the courts, and the governments of the territories, possessions and the District of
Columbia. Every agency, whether or not it has rulemaking or adjudicating func-
tions must comply with this section" (p. 17) [emphasis supplied].
Considering the broad emphasis that the Attorney General gives to section 3
and the importance to the public of the applicability of this section, it is to be
specifically noted that the following agencies assent that section 8 of 5 U.S.C.
1002 is not applicable to them:
1. Department of Commerce-Bureau of Public Roads.
2. Department of Commerce--Office of General Counsel.
3. Department of the Treasury-U.S. Coast Guard (generally applicable
except: war plans branch, divisions of intelligence, operational readiness,
etc.)
4. Department of the Interior (applicable except: 30 U.S.C. 483-making
of an order of withdrawal pursuant to title II of the Federal Coal Mine
Safety Act).
5. Indian Claims Commission.
6. U.S. Civil Service Commission-Applies to two areas only-in the
adjudication of cases and rulemaking to carry out the provisions of the
Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1959.
7. Farm Credit Administration-Extremely limited..
The following are boards, committees, and commissions which state that sec-
tion 3, 5 U.S.C. 1002, is not applicable to them:
1. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.
2. Civil War Centennial Commission.
3. Commission on International Rules and Judicial Procedure.
4. Committee on Purchases of Blind-Made Products.
5. Distinguished Civilian Service Awards Board.
6. District of Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency.
7. Federal Radiation Council-Applicable only to those reports whIch
have been approved by the President.
.8. Indian Arts and Craft Board.
9. Interdepartmental Savings Bond Committee.
10. Migratory Bird Conservation Commission-Applicable in one area
only; matters of official record.
11. National Agriculture Advisory Commission.
12. National Capital Transportation Agency.
13. National Forest Reservation Commission.
14. National Park Trust Fund Board.
15 President s Commission on the Status of Women
16 Presidents Committee on Employment of the Handicapped
17. President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.
18. President's Committee on Equal Opportunity in Housing.
19. President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime.
20. President's Committee for Traffic Safety.
21. President's Council on Aging.
22. President's Council on Physical Fitness.
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282 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORT~S LAW
23. President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.
24. U.S. Advisory Commission on International Educational and Cul-
tural Affairs.
25. Veterans Day National Committee~
26. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission.
27. Corregidor-Bataan Memorial Commission.
28. National Capital Housing Authority-Asserts that its functions fall
within second exception to 5 U.S.C. 1002.
In contr~idiction of the Attorney General's statement that every agency
whether or not it has rulemaking or adjudicating functions, must comply with
the act, these selected boards, committees, and commissions exempt themselves
on the basis that they are not a rulemaking, ratemaking, license-issuing agency
within the objectives of the Administrative Procedure Act.
In the Executive Office of the President the Bureau of the Budget states that
5 U.S.C. 1002 is not applicable because they are covered by exception No. 2
of the act, The Office of Emergency Planning states that the act applies to
them with the exception of section 3(b). Furthermore, the Office of Science
and Technology stated that the act applies where applicable (except published
reports of advisory studies and congressional communication).
QUESTION 4
In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing in-
terim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency,
good cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b)
of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority?
The agencies and departments which described limitations pursuant to ~ues~
tion 4 fall into a basic pattern of three areas:
Inimical to the public interest: The disclosure of information may cause
prejudice, undue hardship, injurious to applicant or enrollee, discredit or injure
innocent people, internal advisory opinions, protecting individual privacy.
Required by statute or involving national security: Negotiations with foreign
countries, involving any function of the United States requiring secrecy in the
public interest or relating solely to internal management.
Confidential treatment: Pending matters, security of department's functions,
information of a commercially confidential. nature publication of which gives
undue advantage of a private business nature.
QUESTION 5
In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents in other proceedings?
Of those agencies and departments which stated that the act applies to
them, all but the following, answered question 5 as "none~"
A. Department of Commerce:
1. Patent Offtce.-35 V.5.0. 122, requIres pending patent cases to be
exempted from publication and Inspection.
B. Department of Defense.-Opinions and orders that are unpublished and
are not available for public inspection are not cited or used as precedents In other
proceedings.
C. Department of the Interior.-In opinions or orders In adjudication of
cases, there may be cited as precedents unpublished opinions or orders; however,
they are made available for inspection.
P. Department of Labor.-Guidance in responding to requests for Informa-
tion and interpretations.
E, Department of ~tate.-Applicab1e only to the issuance of U.S. passports.
1. Peace Corps.-The Office of General Counsel does from time to time
cite its prior opinions. All opinions are unpublished and almost all unclassi-
fied and hence available to persons properly and directly coneerned. Most of
these opinions relate to internal management.
F. Department of the Treasury:
1. 0/flee of Foreign As~et$ Contro~.-As policy precedents in the proc-
ess of determining the disposition of related or simlliar applications; are
not disclosed to persons other than the particular applicants.
2. Bureau of Cu~toms.-Generajly none; however, may serve as precedents
in arriving at a decision In a matter before it; may be aided by results
of its previous consideration of similiar matters.
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FEDE:RAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 283
3. Bureau of the Public Debt.-NOne ; however, in some instances eases
that have been decided by courts of record or authoritative bodies (except
Comptroller General of the United States, Attorney General, Internal Rev-
enue Service).
G. Post Office Department-None; other than those made available for in-
spection in accordance with published rule.
H. General Services Administration-May be given consideration in other
proceedings involving internal management affairs (except personnel actions).
I. U.S. Civil Service Uommission.-State and local employees being removed
under section 12 ~f the Hatch Act and hearing examiners being removed under
section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act; in cases not subject to Admin-
istrative Procedure Act grievances and appeals from employees.
j. Small Business Administration,-Did not answer question.
QIJESTION 6
What is the procedure for making available to the general public tJ~e
records and files, interpretations, and legal opinions of your agency?
The agencies and departments state that their legal opinions are published
in bound volumes. Records and files are usually furnished upon request, except
In some cases only to persons properly and directly interested or concerned.
In all other cases records and files are available for inspection only after permis-
sion has been granted by some top official. In still other cases, application
must be made by written request for inspection of records and files.
In a few instances legal opinions are furnished only ob a need-to-know basis.
Some agencies and departments claim they have no formal procedure for furnish-
ing Information.
Quasriox 7
What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and files
to the general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
This question points up the exceptions the departments and agencies set forth
for denying access to the general public of records and files. The agencies and
departments have included almost everything in their files under some statute,
rule, or practice, Executive or administrative order to withhold information.
Even when in doubt the custom or rule seems to be to classify the information
as not available,
The authorities for withholding most often cited are 18 U.S.C. 1905 (28 agezi-
den) and Executive Order No, 10501 (19 agencies). In addition, almost every
agency cites its own rules and regulations of procedure (usually published in the
Federal Register and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations) as authority
to withhold information.
DnPAEPMItNTS
Department of Agriculture.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 5b U.S.C. app. 2155(e). 12 U.S.C.
1141 J(d) ; Internal Rules and Regulations.
Department of. Commerce (summary) .-18 U.S.C. 1905; Executive Order No.
10501; Administrative Orders Nos. 201-13, 203-1, and 202-22.
Bureaus of Department of Commerce:
Area Redevelopment Administration-iS U.S.C. 1905; records and
files on loan applications-includes confidential business information.
Business and Defense Services Administration.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 5
U.S.C. 176(a) and 705(e); Executive Order No. 10501; Operating In-
struction No. 17.
Office of Business Economics.-.'-18 U.S.C. 1905; 22 U.S.C. 286 F, Bret-
ton-Woods Agreement.
Bureau of the Censns.-18 U.S.C. 1905; Executive Order No. 10501; 13
U.S.C. 9, 302; Decennial census-Presidential Proclamation No. 3337.
Coast and Geodetic Survey.-No citations.
Community Relations Serviee.-Section 1003(b) of the Civil Rights Act.
Bureau of International Commerce.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 15 U.S.C. 176(a);
Export Control Act of 1949, as amenfled, section 6(c) ; paragraph 382.14
of comprehensive export schedule; Administrative Order Nos. 202-20 and
203-1.
Office of Management and Organization-Great I~akes Pilotage Adminie-
tration.-Department of Commerce Order No. 64.
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284 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Maritinie AdmiinSstration.-5 U.S.C. 1002 3(b); 18 U.S.C. 1005; Attorney
General s Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act pages 24 25 Rules
of Practice and Procedure section 2014 Administrators Order Nos 153
and 202-22 section 201 151, Rules of Practice and Procedure 29 F R 14475
Office of Mana~rement and Organization. New York World's Fa'tr.-No
citations.
Patent Offioe.-5 U.S.C. 122; Rule 2 and Rule 14 of Practice and Proce-
dure-Relates to pending patent applications and cases.
Bureau of Public Roads.-No citations.
St. Lawrence Seaway Derelopment Corporation.-Department of Com-
merce Order No. 04.
Office of the General Uounaei.-No established procedure.
National Bureau of Standard$.-18 U.S.C. 1905; Executive Order No.
10096; Public Law 776,81st Congress.
Weather Bureau.-Department of Commerce Administrative Order No.
207-0.
Office of Management and Organization -18 U SO 1905 section 313
of Federal li~egister.
Department of Defense-5 U S C 1002 section 3 (1) and (2) 18 U S C 1905,
Executive Order No 10501 Public Law 86-36 Atomic Energy Act of 1954
section 2011-2281 DOD Directive 52001 Army Regulation 380-5 Navy Regu
lation 551018 Air Force Regulation 2051, DOD Directive 52000 Army Regu
lation 345-15 Navy Regulation 5570 2A Air Force Regulation 11-30
Department of Health, JJJdvcation and Welfare.-Sectiou 1106 of Social Secu-
rity Act; section 301(g) of Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; section 4(h)
of Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act; section 408(f) of Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act; 18 U.S.C. 1905; section 121.51 (f) and (h) of Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Department of the Intertor.-30 U.S.C. 483; Executive Order No. 10501; 18
U.S.C. 1905; 30 U.S.C. 641-646; 16 U.S.C. 742(c).
Depairtment of Justice -Executive Order No 10501 Department Order 279-02
40 O.P.S. A.G. 45 (1941); 340 U.S. 462; 18 U.S.C. 1905; 26 U.S.C. 7213(a); 26
U S C 7237(e) Executive Order No 10450 28 CFR 16 (1963) 27 FR 11002
11003 157 F Supp 939 (1958) 5 U S C 139(b) 829 U 5 495, 8 U S C 1304(b),
section 264(b) of Immigration and Nationality Act 8 U S C 1226(a) 83d Con
gress 1st session Ser 2 pt 2 2433 (1953) Civil Litigation 80th Congress 2d
session, reprint March 1960.
Department of Labor.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 5 U.S.C. 139(b); 27 P.R. 1505; 29
CFR 24 26 29 56, 20 CFR 121 122, 5018 880 F 2d 610 820 F 2d 561 312
F. 2d 14.
Post Office Department.-Executive Order No. 10925; Post Office Rules and
Regulations 1235 1145 17333 records of postal inspection service money or
der records; postal saving records; mail matter records; names of post office
box holders; postal inspection service record.
Department of State.-Executive Order No. 10501 or when publication would
be prejudicial to national interest.
Agency for international Devetopment.-Executive Order No. 10501; 18
U.S.C. 1905; Attorney General's Manual of the AdminIstrative Procedure
Act (1947), page 25.
Peace Corps.-Executive Order No. 10501; Foreign Affairs Manual Cir-
cular No. 117, section 3, of April 9,1963.
Department of the Treasury:
Office of the Secretary.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 5 U.S.C. 139(b); 20 U.S.C. 6103,
6104, 6106, 7213; 20 U.S.C. 7237(e); 12 U.S.C. 77; 18 U.S.C. 1906; Execu-
tive Order No. 10501; 1 U.S.C. 1904; 46 U.S.C. 643(f); 46 U.S.C. 284;
46 U.S.C. 784; Export Control Act 1949, 50 U.S.C. App. 2020(c); Outlined
in 31 CFR 1.2(e); 18 U.S.C. `793, 794, 798; miscellaneous information.
Office of the Assistant Sec'retai-y for International Affairs.-Sam,e as that
listed for Office of the Secretary.
Office of fiscal Assistant Secretary.-Same as that listed for Office of the
Secretary and outlined in 31 OFR 1.2(e).
Office of Domentic Gold and Silver Operations.-31 CJ3'R 1.2(a) (i) ; 81 OFE
93.16(a).
Office of Foreign Assets Control.-31 OFR 1.2 (e).
Office of Law Enforcement Ooordination.-81 OFR 1.2(e); see Office
of the Secretary.
PAGENO="0013"
FE~DE~RAL PUBLIC RECORI~S LAW 285
Office ~f the Direotor of Praotice.-S1 CFR 10, sections 10.90, 10.91.
Bureau of Custoins.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 19 OFR 20.
Bureau of JJMgraving and Prln~tin9.-31 OFR 1.2(e); (see Office of th~
Secretary).
Bureau of Aocounts.-31 CER 270.2; relates to personnel financial trans~
actions of Individuals and corporations.
Office of the Treasurer of the United States.-31 C1~R 351.2, personnel
financial transactions of individuals and corporations.
Bureau of the Public I?ebt.-31 CFR 323.2.
Internal Revenue $ervice.-Internal Revenue Code (1954) sections 6013,
6014, 6016, 7213; 18 U.S.C. 1905; 26 CFR part 301, 6103, 0104, 6106; 26
U.S.C. 7213(b).
Bureau of the Mint.-31 CFR Cum. Supp. 92.23.
Bureau of Na'rcotic8.-31 CFR 1.2(e) (1) and (6) and 21 CFR 301.11;
section 3(1) of Administrative Procedure Act; section 3(c) of Admin-
istrative Procedure Act; Executive Order No. 10501; 31 CFR subpart A; 26
U.S.C. 72~7(e); 26 U.S.C. 4773; 26 OFR 150.10, 151.377, 151.479; 152.104;
21 CFR 307.83(c) ; 21 U.S.C. 198 (2) and (4) ; 21 OFR 301.8; 21 CFR 301.11.
U.S. Coast Guard.-5 U.S.C. 1002, 3 (1) and (2); 40 U.S.C. 234; 46 U,S.O
643(f); Executive Order No. 10501; 18 U.S.C. 1905; 5 U.S.C. 22.
U.S. Secret Ser'vice.-Only those limitations enumerated in the Athnln-
istrative Procedure Act itself.
Comptroller of the Currency.-12 CFR 4.13, 4.14; 18 U.S.C. 1906.
INI)EPENDENT AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments Commission.-No cita dons.
Atomic Energy Commission.-Rules o1~ Practice, section 2.790(b); 18 U.S.C.
1905; Executlye Order No. 10501; 10 CFR 2.790(b); Inter- and intra-agency
communications.
Civil Aeronautics Board.-Executive Order No. 10501; 204(a) of Federal Avia-
tion Act; 14 013'R 302.39(b) ; 14 CFR 302.314; 14 CFR 311.
E~vport-Import Bank of Washington.-12 CFR 401-402.
Farm Credit Administration.-0 CFR 4.2; 6 CFR 4.4, 4.5, 4.8 (a) to (e).
Federal Aviation Agency.-49 U.S.C. 1504; 49 U.S.C. 1472(f); 14 CFR 185.
15.
Federal Communications Convmission.-47 U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 213(f);
47 U.S.C. 412; 47 U.S.C. 605; 47 U.S.C. 606; 5 U.S.C. 100~; 18 U.S.C. 1905;
5 U.S.C. 631.
Federal Coal Mine Safety Board of Review.-No citations.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Rules and Regulations, section 809.1
(a) (b).
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, sec. 7 (a) (1) and (2).
Federal Home I~oan Bank Board.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 12 OF]i 505.12.
Federal Maritime Commission.-Eule~ of Practice and rrocedure 502.~.
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Servvice.-29 CFR 12, pt. 1q01.
Federal Power Commission.-Federal Power Act, section 301(b); Natural Gas
Act section 8(b) ; 18 CFR 1.36(c) ; 18 CFR 1.86(d).
Federal Reserve System.-12 O.F.R. 261.2; Banking Act of 1933, sectIon 30;
12 U.S.C. 248(1); 18 U.S.C. 1905; applicable sections of Administrative Pro-
cedure Act.
Federal Trade Commission.-18 U.S.C. 1905; 15 US.C.A. 4~3F; sectIon 6 af
Federal Trade Commission Act; also see section 10 of act.
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States.-No citations.
General Services Administration.-41 CFR 101-12. 101.3; 41 OFB 101-7, 101-8,
101-7, 101-4; 41 CFR 101-9, 103; 41 CFR 101-10. 101-2, 101-10. 202-4, 101-10,
042-2; 41 CFR5-60.209(c).
Housing and Home Finance Agenoy.-18 11.5.0. 1905; 12 U.S.C. 1701(d)-3(d);
5 U.S.C. 139(b) Executive Orders Nos. 10450, 10501, and 10561.
Interstate Commerce Commission.-Interstate Commerce Commission Act, sec-
tion 20(7) (f), 222(d); 317(e), 421(e), 218(a), 15(11); 49 U.S.C. 320(a); 344
U.S. 298, 220 F. 2d 501; 49 CFR 206.7; 45 11.5.0. 88, 40, 41;, 49 OFE 125.9; 49
CFR 194.1; 49 CFR 195; 49 U.S.C. 1002.
National Aeronautics and Space Admlnistration.-Executive Order No. 10501;
18 U.S.C. 1905.
PAGENO="0014"
286 F&OERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
2~Tatio~a~Z ~T~abor Relations Board.-Records and information, sectious 102.117,
102.118.
Nationa~l Mediation Board.-Part 120215 of Board's ruie~,
National Science Foundation.-18 U.S.C. 1905.
Railroad Retirement Board.-45 U,S.C. 362 (d) and (n) ; 5 U.S.C. 139b(a),
Renegotiation Board.-18 U.S.C. 1905; Rules and Regulations, part 1480.
Securities and Ea'change Commission.-No citations~
Selective Service System.-32 CFR 1606.31; 32 CER 1606.32 (1), (2), (3),
(4), (b), (c), (d).
Tennessee Valley Autl~ority.-18 CFR 301.1.
U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.-18 U.S.C. 37; 42 U.S.C. 2247,
2277; 22 U.S.C. 2551.
U.S. Civil Service Commission,-5 U.S.C. 632; 5 U.S,C. 2251; 5 U.S.C. 851.
U.S. Information, Agency.-Executive Order No. 10501; Foreign Services Act,
section 612.
U.S. Tariff Commission.~-18 U.S.C. 1905.
Veterans' Administration.-38 U.S.C. 3301.
Small Business Administration,.-Executive Order No. 10501; section 1700 of
S~nall Business Administration rules and regulations.
SELECTED BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS
Federal Radiation Council.-No citations.
Federal Trade Zones Board.-Section 400.605 of Board's regulations; section
3(c) of 5 U.S.C. 1002.
Interagency Committee on Oceanography.-No citations.
Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.-No citations.
Missile Sites Labor Commission.-No citations.
National Forest Reservation Commission,-No citations.
President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.-Must be in fur-
therance of E.O. 1114.
President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board,-Executive Order No. 1050i~
National Capital Housing Ant hority.-No citations.
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.-45 CFR 704.2 of chapter VII section 102.1
of Commission's statute.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF T~E PRESIDENT
Office of Emergency Planning-S U.S.C. 1002; 18 U.S.C. 1905; Executive Order
No. 10501; Executive Order No. 10480; 50 U.S.C. App. 2155(2).
QUEsTION 8
In what circur~istances are private parties dealing with your agency
* required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not pub~
lished in the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the Administrative
Procedure Act)?
The answers to this question were about 100 percent In agreement with each
other; namely, nohe. There were, however, a number of exceptions, which are
as follows:
A. Department of Agriculture.-Insofar as there has not been time to modify
the pablic organizational description or statement of functions and procedures
to conform with changes made In the organization and procedure.
B. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.-Applic~nts for certain
types of grants may have to refer to manuals or kits published specifically for
their guidance and which contain more detailed instructions on the grant applica-
tion procedures.
0. Department of Tred~sury:
1, Bureau of Accounts.-None, except rules addressed to and served upon
named persons in accordance with law.
2, Internal Revenue Service.-Revenue procedures of limited application;
however, they are published in Internal Revenue Service bulletins and in the
technical information releases.
D. Nq~tional Science Foundation~.~.-None except all of the material in the Fed-
eral Register has gone out of date.
B. Tennessee Valley Authority.-TVA and contractor may resolve any con-
troversy through successive appeals to the contracting officer and the TVA Gen-
PAGENO="0015"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 287
~ral Manager; entire procedure is stated in "disputes" provisiou included in each
~ontract.
F. ~7.S. Civil Service Commission.-In c~ircum~tances nOt subject to Adminis-
trative Procedure Act-appealing a rating assigned in a Civil Service Examina-
tion and where an annuity should follow in a so-called. Hiss Act case under 5
u.S.C. 2281.
0. U.S. Information Agency.-Procedure for applicants for employment in the
lVoreign Service Of the Agency, or for service in a binational center abroad.
H. Small Business Administration.-Did not answer.
I. National Capital Housing Authority.-Private parties are given appropriate
Information at the time of business contact.
QiJESTION 9
In what types of cases has your Agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring
secrecy in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Adminis-
trative J?rocedure Act or other authority?
Once again the great majority answered "None." However, there were a
great number of exceptions where the Agency refrained from publishing rules
pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority.
They are as follows:
A. Department of Commerce:
1. Maritime Administration.-The administration and the Maritime Sub-
sidy Board would refrain from publishing any rules concerning security
investigation or involving classified information.
B. Department of Defense.-Rules which are classified in accordance with
Executive Order No. 10501, DOD Directive 5200.1 and implementing regulations
of the military departments, because they involve functions of the United States
requiring secrecy in the public interest; they are, however, frequently pub-
lished in classified form and made available to persons who are determined to
have a "need to know."
C. Department of Justice.-Emergency chain of authority in case of civil do-
fense or other emergency which prevents the operation of the Department at the
seat of government.
D. Post Office Department-Only in the case of certain national emergency
planning.
E. Department of the Treasury:
1. Office of the Secretary.-Where rules involve infoi~mation classified
pursuant to Executive Order No. 10501.
2. Internal Revenue Service.-Emergency relocation planning; this is not
subject to disclosure under Executive Order No. 10501.
3. Bureau of Narcoticr.-Information deemed classified under Executive
Order No. 10501; information related to security investigations under
Executive Order No. 10450; security-type information; informatioa related
to narcotic law enforcement.
4. U.S. Coast Guard.-Military readiness and war planning; port and
harbor security regulations; law enforcement activities, quarantine, customs
and neutrality; ocean stations relating to research and national defense;
shipping laws when related to national defense.
5. Comptroller of the Uurrency.-Where it would conflict with public in-
terest in proper administration of responsibilities as Supervisor of National
Banks, 12 CFR 4.13(b) (1) and 4.13(b) (2).
F. Atomic Energy Csinmission.-Certain restricted data and defense informa-
tion are not available to the public except in accordance with access per~mits.
0. Federal Home Loan Bank Board.-Emerge~cy preparednesis regulations for
~continuity of government.
H. Federal Reserve System.-Discount rates, reserve requirements, and margin
requirements.
I. Interstate Commerce Commission.-Transportation of explosives for the
Armed Forces by Railway Express Agency, Iuc., en passenger trains in time of
war or a national emergency proclaimed by the President.
J. National Aeronautics and Space Ad.ministra4ion.-National defense and
security.
K. Renegotiation Board.-Contractor or subcontractor, renegotiation of which
would jeopardize secrecy required in the public interest.
PAGENO="0016"
288 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
L. Small Business Aclministration.-Dld not answer; however, one circum-
stance woud be official Information and records classified under Ihecutive Order
No. 10501.
M. National Forest Reservation Commission.-If information is released pre-
maturely on purchase and exchange proposals (purchase units), land values and
prices might become inflated, with consequent added cost to the Government.
N. President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board.-Board's reports to the
President deal with highly sensitive matters involving the national defense and
security and accordingly, are classified pursuant to Executive Order No. 10501.
The pattern appears to cover official information and records classified under
Executive Order No. 10501 and emergency chain of authority in case of civil
defense or other emergency which prevents the operation of the Department
at the seat of government~. The other areas concern themselves principally with
investigative matters kept secret in the Government's and the public's interest.
Quzsr~o~ 10
In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal
agency management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
This question was answered in four distinct patterns. Some agencies answered
the question by stating "All"; others answered "None"; some answered "Not
applicable"; and still others gave definite circumstances.
The following is a categorized list of the answers:
"All"
A. Department of Agriculture.
B. Department of Commerce.-Departmental summary.
1. Business and Defense Services Administration.
2. Office of Management, Great Lakes Pilotage Administration.
3. Maritime Administration.
C. Department of State.
1. Peace Corps.
D. Department of the Treasury.
1. OffIce of Law Enforcement Coordination.
2. Bureau of the Public Debt.
3. Comptroller of the Currency.
4. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
E. Civil Aeronautics Board,
F. Federal Ho~ne Loan Bank Board.
G. Federal Power Commission.
II. Federal Reserve system.
I. Federal Trade Commission.
J. Interstate Commerce Commission.
K. Railroad Retirement Board.
L. Securities and Ewehange Commission.
K Selective Service 5ystein.
N. Tennessee Valley Authority.
0. U.S. Civil Service Commission.
P. Small Business Administration.
Q. Farm Credit Administration.
R. Bureau of the Budget.
S. Post Ojfloe Department.
T. Federal Aviation Agency.
U. Office of Emergency Planning.
"None"
A. Department of Commerce.
1. Area Redevelopment Administration.
2. Bureau of International Commerce.
3. Patent 0/flee.
4. Office of Management and OrOanization.
PAGENO="0017"
FBDERAL PUBLIC RECOItDS LAW 289
B. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.-The Department's in-
ternal operating procedures are not published; however, these do not constitute
rules in the sense intended by 5 U.S.C. 1002.
0. Agency for International Development.
D. Department of the Treasury:
1. Office of Director of Practice.
2. U.S. Secret Service.
E. American Battle Monuments Commission.
F. Atomic Energy Commission.
G. Federal Maritime Commission.
H. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
I. Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States.
J. Housing and Home Finance Agency.
K. NationalLabor Labor Relations Board.
L. National Mediation Board.
M. National Science Foundation.
N. U.S. Information Agency.
0. U.S. Tariff Commission.
P. Committee on Purchases of Blind Make Products.
Q. Federal Counsel for Science and Technology.
R. Federal Radiation Council.
S. Federal Trade Zones Board.
T. President's Committee on Equal ~mployment Opportunity.
U. President's Science Advisory Committee.
V. U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
W. Office of Science and Technology.
"Not applicable"
A. Department of Commerce:
1. Office of Business Economics.
2. Community Relations Service.
3. Office of Management and Organization.-New York World's Fair.
4. Bureau of Public Roads.
5. Office of General Counsel.
6. National Burean of Standards.
7. Weather Bureau.
B~ Ecoport-Import Bank of Washington.
0. Interagency Committee on Oceanography.
D. Migratory Bird ConservatiOn Commission.
131 Missile Sites Labor Commission.
F. National Forest Reservation Commission.
G. National Park Trust Fund Board (National Park Service).
H. Corregidor-Bataan Memorial Commission.
QUEsTION 11
What Is your agency's definition of "official record" aS used In sec-
tion 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
An analysis of the answers to this question indicateS that there l~ no clear
definition of the term "official record" in spite of the fact that a ~clear under-
standing of the types of material covered by restrictions on public access Is
basic to the operation of the statute. The majority of the agencies stated they
have no definition of the term or that they use as a guide the text on page 24
of the Attorney General's Manual (1947) or they follow 44 U.S.C. 366. Neither
of these sources defines "official record." The statute defines only the word
"records," and the definition is by example. The Attorney General's Manual
also lists some examples and states that "each agency must examlue Its func-
tions and the substantive statutes under which It operates to determine which
of its materials are to be treated as matters of official record."
Agencies which do not rely on these two weak definitions referred only to a
Code of Federal Regulations citation. Some of the answers were so general that
45-213-65--Pt. 2--2
PAGENO="0018"
290 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
the definition would encompass every document handled by the agency. Follow-
Ing are the major categories of the answers to question U:
I. No. Definition
A. Department of Commerce:
1. Area Redevelopment Administration.
2. Business and Defense Services Administration.
3. Office of Business Economics.
4. Bureau of International Commerce.
5. Office of Management and Organization, Great Lakes Pilotage Admin-
istration.
6. Office of Management and Organization, New York World's Fair.
7. Bureau of Public Roads.-Not applicable.
B. Federal ifome Loan Bank Board.
C. Small Business Administration.-Did not answer.
D. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.
B. Committee on Purchases of Blind-Made Products.
F. Federal Council for Science and Technology.-Not applicable.
G. National Parks Trust Fund Board (National Park Service).
H. President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped.
I. President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.
J. President's Sci~nce Advisory Uommittee.-.Not applicable.
K. Uorregidor-Bataan Memork&l Commission.
L. National Capital Housing Authority.
M. Bureau of theBudget.
N. Office of Emergency Planning.
0. Office of Science and Technology.-..Not applicable.
II. No Definition, but the Attorney General's Manual (1947), Page 24, on the
APA Is Used as a Guide
A. Department of Agriculture.
B. Department of Commerce.
1. Maritime Administration.
0. Department of Defense.
D. Department of the Interior.
B. Department of Justice.
F. Department of Labor.
41 Department of State.
1. Agency for InternationalDevelopment.
2. Peace Corps.
11. Department of the Treasury.
1. Office of the Sebretary.
2. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Internationaj Affairs.
3. Office of Fiscal Assistant Secretary.
4. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
5. Bureau of CustQms.
6. Bureau of Narcotics.
7. U.S. Coast Guard.
1. Housing and Home Finance Agency.
J. U.S. Ar,ne Control and Disarmament Agency.
PAGENO="0019"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 291
III. No Definition, but 44 U.S.C. 866 Is Used as a Guide
A. Department of Commerce (departmental summary):
1. Bureau of the Census.
B. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
C. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
D. National Science Foundation.
"Citations to the Code of Federal Regulations."
A. Department of the Treasury:
1. Office of Domestic Gold and Silver Operations.-31 OFE 93,15 which
includes: Application for gold licenses; gold licenses; applications or end
use certificates; reports by gold licensees and depositors of silver; audit re
ports of silver refining companies; affidavits and statements accompanying
deposits of gold and silver; transcripts of hearings and other supporting
documents; correspondence relating to each of the above; Investigative
reports.
2. Office of Law Enforcement Coordination.-31 CFR 1.2(d), records re~
lating to administration of Treasury Department laws.
3. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.-31 CER 1.2(d), records relating
to administration of Treasury Department laws.
4. Bureau of Accounts.-~--31 CFR 270.2 which includes appropriation ac-
eounting records; collection and disbursing accounting records; records re~
lating to investment accounts.
5. 0/flee of the Treasurer of the United States.-31 CFR 531.2 which in~
eludes paid checks and records; records relating to coin, bullion, and cur-
rency, etc.
6. Internal Revenue Scrvice.-26 CFR 601.701 which includes final opin-
ions in tax matters such as records of assessment, credit, refund, offers in
compromise, levies, etc.; documents submitted by public (except tax returns,
information returns, claim for credit, refund, etc.).
7. Bureau of the Mint.-31 CFE Corn. Supp. 92.22.
8. Comptroller of the Currency.-No definition but, see 12 CFR 4.13.
B. Atom'k~ Energy Com'mission.-No definition but, generally follows 10 CFR
9.3 subject to exceptions in section 9.4.
C. Federal Power Commission.-No definition but, see 18 CFR 1.36(c).
D. General Services Administration.-41 CFR 101-11.101~-3, 101-12.101-1,
which includes books, papers, maps, photographs, etc., made or received by any
agency of the U.S. Government in connection with the transaction of public
businesses preserved as evidence of the agencies functions, policies, decisions,
procedures, etc.
B. Securities and Ecehange Commission.-See 17 CFR 201.25; 17 CFR 200.80.
F. Tennessee Valley Authority.-18 CFR 301.1(a) which includes maps, plans,
and diagrams, bids and awards, easements and rights-of-way, etc.
G. Farm Credit Administration.-6 CFR 4.1 to 4.10, which includes documents,
~etc.; this section includes practically everything handled by the agency.
H. U.S. Commission on Civil Riglvts.-45 CFR 704.2 of chapter VII.
PAGENO="0020"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002
Executive Office of the
President
(1)
Applicability of
~5 U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) (2)(b) (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
Organization,
sec. 3(a)(l)
Statement of tune-
tions, sec. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
sec. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rules served on named
persons in accordance
with law, see. 3(a)(3)
Bureau of the Budget
No; covered by ex-
ception No. 2 in
sec. 3.
U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
None.
None.
None.
Office of Emergency Planning~.
Yes; except sec. 3(b).
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Not applicable.
Office of Science and Technology.
Where applicable, yes.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
ManuaL
2. Federal Register.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
PAGENO="0021"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Executive Office of the
President
(3)
Publications-Availabifity of final
and interim opinions or orders,
sec. 3(b)
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, ifies, and legal opin-
ions
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
Bureau of the Budget
None.
None.
None.
None.
Office of Emergency Planning~~~~
.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
In those programs having a public
concern the procedures for mak-
ing available connected materials
are contained in the published
regulations applicable to such
programs. This includes the
grounds of legitimate interest on
the part oftheindividualrequest-
Ing the material and the limita-
tions contained in sec. 3 of the
AdministrativeProcedure Act.
Office of Science and Techno1ogy~
~
1. Published reports of advisory
studies.
2. Congressional communication:
a. Testimony presents an cx-
tensive supplementary record
of the ways in which the Ex-
ecutive Office science struc~
ture fulfills its advisory and
staff functions.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Same as answer 3.
PAGENO="0022"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATION S UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1OO2~Coutinued
Executive Office of the
President
(7)
.
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private partiesresorting
to unpublished orga-
nlzation or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy in
public interest, sec.
3(1)
(10)
Refrained from publish-.
ing rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
agency management,
sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Bureau of the Budget
None.
None.
None.
All.
None.
Office of Emergency Plan-
ning.
1. 5 U.S.C. 1002.
2. 18 U.S.C. 1905.
3. 50 U.S.C. app. 2155(e).
4. Executive Order No. 10480.
5. Executive Order No. 10501.
None.
.
None.
All-Examples:
1. Personnel rules.
2. Budget rules.
3. Travel regulations.
None.
~
Office of Science and Tech-
nology
Not applicable.
~
Not applicable.
None.
None.
Not applicable.
PAGENO="0023"
0
00
Not usually published
in Federal Register
but, rest for their
legal effect on actual
notice. (See
sec. 3(a)(3) of Ad-
ministrative Pro-
cedure Act).
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Department
(1)
Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) (2)(b) (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
Organization,
sec. 3(a)(l)
Statement of func-
tions, sec. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
see. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rules served on named
persons in accordance
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
Department of Agriculture
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register.
2. Pamphlets.
3. Trade journals.
4. Press releases.
1. Federal Register.
2. Pamphlets.
3. Trade journals.
4. Press releases.
1. Agricultural dcci-
sions.
2. Federal Register.
Department of Commerce
(departmental summary).
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register..
Federal Register.
None.
Area Redevelopment
Administration.
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
None.
Business and Def~nse
Services Administration.
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Office of Business Eco-
nomics.
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
PAGENO="0024"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Department
(1)
Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) j (2)(b) J (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
Organization,
sec. 3(a) (1)
Statement of func-
tions, sec. 3(a) (2)
Substantive rules,
sec. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a) (3)
Bureau of the Census
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Same as (2)(c).
Not applicable.
Coast and Geødetlc Survey
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Community Relations Serv-
ice.
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Bureau of luternational
Commerce.
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
1. Federal Register.
2. Comprehensive
Export Schedule
and supple-
merited by cur-
rant export
bulletins,
1. Federal Register.
2. Comprehensive
Export Schedule
(annual).
3. Summary of U.S.
export control
regulations,
4. Quarterly report
on export con-
trol (to the
President and
Congress).
5. International
commerce.
6. Current export
bulletins.
1. Federal Register.
2. Comprehensive
Export Schedule
3. Quarterly report
on export~control.
4. Current export
bulletins.
5. By letter to parties
involved.
See par. 382.14 of
Comprehensive
Export Schedule.
Rules servedon named
persons In accordance
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
t~i
Q
C)
0
CI)
Office of Management and
Organization (Great
Lakes Pilotage Adminis.
tration).
Yes.
Federal Register in
1960; 1962, amend-
ment in Federal
Register.
Federal Register and
codified in the
Code of Federal
Regulations.
Federal Register and
codified in the
Code of Federal
Not required to any
significant degree;
no such publication
Have not been Issued
to date.
PAGENO="0025"
Maritime Adm1nistration~..
Yes.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Exception: Pro-
grams of subsidy
and mortgage In-
surance (J)ublished
in Federal Register
or through circular
letter to interested
parties.
Not commonly Is-
sued; however,
when Issued pub-
lished in Federal
Register.
Not normally pub-
lished; however,
as a matter of
policy made avail-
able to public
through agency's
Offices of Public
information
Office of Management and
Organization (New York,
World's Pair).
Yes.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Patent Office
~
~
Yes.
.
.
Not applicable. Only
adjectival rules and
regulations are
published in Fed-
eral Register and~
Official Gazette of
U.S. Patent Office
and incorporated
in title 37 of Code
of Federal Regula-
tions.
Official Gazette of
U.S. Patent Office.
Not applicable.
Bureau of Public Roads
No; Public Roads
does not deal di-
reetly with public.
Internal issuances
(administrative
memorandums)
(relate solely to
internal manage-
ment.)
.
Same as (2)(a).
Policy and procedure
memorandums to
implement title 23,
U.S.C. These go
to Bureau field
offices and to sev-
eral State highway
organizations which
may make them
available to public,
Sec. (3)(a)(3) of
Administrative
Procedure Act
(term "person" In-
cludes State high-
way organizations.
Not applicable.
Same as (2)(c).
PAGENO="0026"
TABULAR ANALYSIS 01? OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Department
(1)
Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) (2)(b) f (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
Organization,
sec. 3(a)(1)
.
Statement of func-
tions, sec. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
sec. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rules served on named
persons in accordance
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
St. Lawrence Seaway De~
velopment Corporation.
Yes.
1. Government Or-
ganization Man.
ual (annually).
2. Originally in the
Federal Register.
Government Organi.
zation Manual
(annually).
1. Federal Register.
2. Press Releases.
3. Mailing lists.
4. Communication
with those af.
fected by therules.
Corporation manual
(internal use only).
None.
Office of General CounseL..~..
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
National Bureau of Stand-
ards.
.
~
Questionable.
.
1. Federal Register.
2. National Bureau of
Standards Hand.
book 44.
1. Federal Register.
2. Technical High-
lights of the
National Bureau
of Standards.
3. Technical News
Bulletin.
4. Other National
Bureau of Stand.
ants publications.
Not applicable.
Weather Bureau
Yes.
Governed by Department of Commerce Order No. 138 and by 28 U.S.C.
1783 (legal status of certified copies of Weather Bureau records).
Office of Management and
Organization.
Questionable, but
would appear to be
yes.
Federal Register,
Dec. 35, 1964, for
the handling of con-
tract appeals.
None.
See. 3.13, of Federal
Register of Dec. 30,
1964 (referred to as
decisions).
PAGENO="0027"
Department of Defhnse Yes; except the Na- 1. 13.5. Government 1. U.S. Goc'ernment 1. U.S. Govetnment 1. U.S. Government These rules are not
tional Security Organization Organization Organization Organization published in ac
Agency which is Manual. ManuaL Manual. Manual: cordance with sec.
exempted by the 2. Code of Federal 2. Code of Federal 2. Code of Federal 2. Code of Federal 3(a)(3) of the Ad-
provisions of Public Regulations Regulations Regulations Regulations ministrative Pro-
Law 86-36. (title 32). (title 32). (title 32). (title 32). cedure Act.
3. Federal Register. 3. Federal Register. 3. Federal Register. 3. Federal Register.
4. Available to public 4. Available to public 4. Available to public 4. Available to public
upon.request or upon request or upon request or upon request or
inquiry. inquiry, inquiry, inquiry.
Department of Health, Educa-
tion, and Welfare.
~
~
`
Yes.
~
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
3. Congressional
Directory.
4. Various publica-
tions of the oper-
ating agencies of
the Department.
.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Various publica-
tions of the oper.
ating agencies of
theDepartment.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Various publica.
tions of the oper-
ating agencies of
the Department.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Various publica-
tions of the oper-
ating agencies of
the Department.
4. Handbooks and
manuals.
5. Announcements,
application kits,
brochures, peri-
odicals.
1. Federal Register.
.
Department of the Interior
Yes. Exception: See
30 U.S.C. 483: Mak-
jug of an order of
withdrawal pur-
suant to title 11 of
the Federal Coal
Mine Safety Act.
I. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. Titlesl8, 25, 30,32, 32A, 36,41,43,49, and 50 of the Code of Federal Reg-
ulations.
2. Representatives of the States have been furnished a copy of the Fed-
eral Aid Manual.
None.
Department of lustice
.
Yes.
Federal Register
(daily edition).
Amendments, Code
of Federal Regula-
tions.
Annually in Govern-
ment Organization
Manual.
Federal Register
(daily edition).
Revisions, annually
in Code of Federal
Regulations.
Government Organi-
zation Manual (op.
erations of units).
Federal Register.
Code of Federal
Regulations.
Federal Register.
Code of Federal
Regulations.
Not applicable.
PAGENO="0028"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Department
(1)
Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) J (2)(b) (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
Orgunization,
sec. 3(a)(1)
Statement of func-
tions, see. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
sec. 3(a)(3)
.
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rules served on named
persons in accordance
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
Department of Labor
Yes.
~
~
Government Organi-
zation Manual cdi-
tion of Federal
Register (annually).
~
.
Federal Register and
as amendments
occur to Code of
Federal Regulations.
.
Code of Federal Reg-
ulatlons. Printed
copies available
upon request when
substantial public
interest Is Involved.
~
Same as (2)(c).
1. Copies of Wage De.
terminations for
Laborers and Me.
chanles served
upon agency let.
ting or adminis-
taring construe.
tion contracts.
2. Copies of Wage De.
terminations re-
viewed by De-
Tpartment of
Labor's Wage
Appeals Board
are published in
29CFR,pt.7;
public inspection
and distributed
widely to inter-
ested groups.
Post Offica Department
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
3. Oh. 8, Postal
Manual.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Postal Manual.
.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Postal Manual.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Postal Manual.
~
1. Postal Bulletin.
Department of State Yes.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manuak
1. Federal Register.
2. Department's man-
uals of regula-
1. Federal Register. Not applicable.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
PAGENO="0029"
2. Federal Register. 2. Department'S regu- tions.
lations.
Agency for International Yes. 1. U.S. Government 1. Federal Register. 1. Federal Register. 1. AID small business 1. Generally none.
Development. Organization 2. Code of Federal 2. AID manual or- memos. 2. If done, then pub-
Manual. Regulations. ders. 2. BulletIns. llshed in AID
2. Federal Register. 3. AID smallbusiness 3. Federal Register. small business
3. Code of Federal memos. memos.
Regulations.
4. Co'nmerèe Busi-
ness Daily.
Peace Corps Yes. 1. U.S. Government 1. Peace Corps Re- 1. Peace Corps Re- 1. Peace Corps Re- None.
Organizational presentatives' presentatives' presentatives'
Manual. Manual. Manual. Manual.
2. Federal Register. 2. Peace Corps Hand- 2. Peace Corps Hand- 2. Peace Corps Hand-
book. book. (State it book.
is not clear that 3. Peace Corps yearly
they adopt sub- congressional
stantive rules presentation.
withinthe mean- 4. Peace Corps annual
ing of Adminis- report to Con-
trative Procedure gress by the
Act, sec. 3(a)(3)). PresIdent.
5. Peace Corps Facts
Book.
II. Peace Corps pro-
gram descrip-
tions.
7. Peace Corps infor-
mational bro-
chures.
Department of the Treasury:
Office of the Secretary Yes. 1. Federal Register. Same as 2(a). 1. Federal Register 1. Federal Register None.
2. U.S. Government and codified in and codified in
Organization the Code of Fed- the Code of Fed-
Manual, 1 CFR eral Regulations. eral Regulations.
31.1. 2. Annual reports of
3. Annual reports of Secretary of the
the Secretary of Treasury.
the Treasury.
4. Treasury orders.
PAGENO="0030"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Department
(1)
Applicability of
(2)(a) (2)1b) (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficialpublication
Organization, Statement of func.
sec. 3(a)(l) tions, see. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
see. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rules served on named
persons in accordance
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Interna-
tional Affairs.
Yes.
i. Federal Register.
2. Annual Report of the Secretary of the Treasury (3. U.S. Government
Organization Manual).
None.
None.
Office of Fiscal Assistant
Secretary.
Yes.
i. U.S. Government Organization Manual
(annually), in that portion relating to the
Secretary of the Treasury.
bureau of the Public Debt~
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual
3. Departmental cir-
culars.
1. Department Circu-
lar No. 300 (31
CFR 306).
2. Federal Register.
3. Other departmen-
tal circulars,
None.
None.
Internal Revenue Service
Yes.
i. Federal Register,
vol 26, p. 6372,
July 15, 1951.
2. Internal Revenue
Bulletins.
3. Organization and
functions of the
Internal Rev-
enueliervice.
4. Tax reporters.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations,
2. Federal Register.
3. Internal Revenue
Bulletin.
4. Tobacco Tax.
Guide.
5. Tax reporters.
I. Federal Register,
as "Treasury
Decisions."
2. Internal Revenue
Bulletin.
3. Technical informa-
tion releases.
4. Tax reporters.
1. Internal Revenue
Bulletin.
(taxpayer rul-
ings).
2. Technical Informa-
tion releases.
3. Farmers Tax
Guide.
4. In some cases Fed-
eralRegister.
None.
Bureau of the Mint Yes.
U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations,
None.
PAGENO="0031"
2.31 CFR cum.
supp. 92.
C)
C)
0
f/I
None; only open to
inspection. (See
12 CFR 4.13 (a)(2)
and (b).
Bureau of Narcotics
Yes.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Narcotic Regula.
tion No. 5.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Traffic in opium
and other
dangerous drugs.
Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Traffic in opium
and other
dangerous drugs.
2. Pamphlet N~o. 56,
"Prescribing and
Dispensing of
Narcotics Under
Harrison
Narcotic Law."
None.
U.S. Coast Guard
1. Generally, yes.
Exceptions: War
Plans Branch,
Divisions of In.
telligence, Opera-
tional Readiness,
etc.
~
1. U.S. Goyernment
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
3. Various pamphlets.
4. 33 and 46 CFR.
~
~
~
1. U.S. Goyernment
Organization
Manual.
2. 33 CF R and 46
CFR.
3. Federal Register.
~
1. 31 CFR, pt. 3,
33 CFR, ch. 1,
41 CFR, ch. 31,
46 CFR, ch. 1.
2. Handouts, notices,
pamphlets, cir-
culars.
3. Federal Register.
1. 33 CFR, ch. 1,
46 CFR, ch. 1.
2. Federal Register.
3. 33 CFR, pts. 2, 85,
86, 91, and 96.
4. Notices, pamphlets,
etc.
1. When necessary,
these rules are
published in the
Federal Register
(to have uniform.
ity in the stand-
ards of inspection
and administra-
tion).
U.S. Secret Service
Yes.
.
1. Sept. 11, 1946, issue
of Federal Regis-
tar.
2. U.S. Government
Organization.
Manual.
None.
.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
~
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
Other than these,
none.
None.
Comptroller of the Cur-
rency.
Yes.
1. Federal Register
and in letters to
national banks.
2. U.S. Government
~Organization
Manual.
3. Annual Report of
the Comptroller
of Currency.
4. Code of Federal
Regulations,
5. Commercial publi-
cations.
1.Procedures and
fiduciary powers
of national banks
and collective
funds.
2. Manual for Repre.
sentatives in
Trust.
3. Comptroller policy
guidelines for
national bank
directors.
4. Etc.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Letters to national
banks.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. National Banking
Review.
4. Letters to national
banks.
5. Manual for na-
tional banks.
PAGENO="0032"
TABULAR ANALYSIS
OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. lO02-Continued
Department
-~-
(1)
Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
..* -- .~_._. ._ .~. ..~__ --- -~ ..~ .__. .__*. ... .*~._ .*_ -- --C ~ *. .~. ~.
(2)(a) {2)(b) (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Of~lcial or unofficial
Organization,
see. 3(a)(1)
Statement of func-
tions, sec. 3(a)(2)
publication
Substantive rules,
sec. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, see. 3(a)(3)
Rulesserved on named
persons in accordance
Bureau of Customs
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Oustom regula-
tions (19 OFR,
pt. 1).
1. Federal Register.
2. Codified in 19
Code Federal
Regulations, ch.
1.
3. Treasury De-
cisions (weekly
pamphlet).
1. Federal Register.
2. Treasury De-
cisions.
3. Customs regula-
tlons.
4. Notices or rulings.
Same as 2(c).
~
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
None.
Bureau of Engraving and
k~rinting.
~
Bureau of Accounts
Yes.
Yes.
u.s. Government Organization Manual.
None.
None.
None.
Such rules are not
published.
u.s. Government
Organization
Manual.
1. U.$. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Refister.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
PAGENO="0033"
5-pt. 2-8
PAGENO="0034"
Area Redevelopment
Administration.
Business and Defense Serv-
ices Administration.
ci
C)
C)
0
w
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-.--Continued
.
Department
(3)
Pubilcations-Availabilityof final
and interim opinions or oTders,
sec. 3(b)
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
Department of Agriculture
~
1. Agricultural decisions.
2. Matters of public record avail,
able for examination.
3. Public inspection.
4. Interested person entitled to
copy of the record.
None.
None.
~
1. Published and located in legal
branch of Department's ii.
brary. General policy state-
ments.
2. Legal opinions. Request made
to librarian of legal branch
and to hearing clerk.
3. Inspection. (See 7 CFR, pt. 1,
subpt. (a), as amended.)
4. Internal memorandums avail.
able at proper showing of in.
terest.
Department of Commerce
(Departmental summary).
No formal procedure. Persons
making requests are furnished
all available information as war~
ranted.
Final dispositions of applications
for financial assistance, 42
U.S.C. 2517. Those approved
are available for public. inspec-
tion.
Final disposition of applications
for financial assistance which
are disapproved.
None.
See answer 3.
Available to public on request.
Press releases issued each
month.
I. Foreign excess property cases.
Made available to public by
inspection but'not published.
2. Requiredby~statute~or in-
volves national security.
None.
Federal Register, governed by
Business and Defense Services
Administration. Register No.
7 (17 F.R. 3648) Business and
Defense Services Administra-
tion doesn't'issue legal opin-
ions. Available by inspection
to public.
PAGENO="0035"
Office of Business Econornies.
Not applicable.
~
~
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable. Economic data
and analysis is published in
Survey of Current Business and
the Surveys family of weekly
and periodic major supplements.
Bureau of the Census
Not applicable.
Not a~pp1icaile.
Not applicable.
Federal Register.
Coast and Geodetic Survey~
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
~
Not applicable.
No express procedure; however,
unless Information is confidential
jn nature it is available to public.
Community Relations Serv-
ice.
~
Not applicable.
.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Office of Media Relations to extent
possible under confidential re-
triction. Does release to media
and inquiring parties information
regarding organization, mission,
and general activities.
Bureau of International
Commerce.
I. Federal Register.
2. A listing of licenses issued is
published daily, and is
available for inspection in
Office of Export Control,
Department Field Offices,
and may be subscribed to at
an annual fee.
3. Mobile Trade Fair Act con-
tract awards published in
International Commerce and
press releases.
4. China Trade Act certificates
are available fo public
inspection.
Material other than described In
2(e) and 3 is not available.
Where publication would re-
suit in disclosure of informa.
tion entitled to confidential
treatment by operation of law;
18 U.S.C. 1905 or sec. 6(c) of
Export Control Act of 1949, as
amended.
Not applicable.
1. Federal Register.
2. Comprehensive Export Sched.
isle.
3. Summary of U.S. Export Con.
trol Regulations.
4. Quarterly Report on Export
Control (to President and
Congress).
5. International Commerce.
6. Current export bulletins.
7. Press releases.
.
~
PAGENO="0036"
Available for public inspection,
rule 2.27 of the Trademark
Rules of Practice of the Patent
Office, 37 CFR 2.27. Also rule
2.81, issued patents, open to
public ~37 CFR Lii).
35 U.S.C. 122, requires pending
patent cases to be exempted
from publication and inspec-
tion.
Not applicable. See sec. 707.06
of Manual of Patent Examining
Procedure, 3d edition, Nov.
1961, U.S. Department of Com-
merce.
1. Official Gazette of U.S. Patent
Office.
2. U.S. Patent Quarterly.
3. Bulletin of American Patent
Law Association.
4. Trademark Reporter.
5. Trademark Rules of Practice
of Patent Office, 37 CFR
2.27.
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-.Continued
Department
~
(3)
Publications-Availability of final
and interim opinions or orders,
see. 3(b)
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, dies, and legal opinions
Office of Management and
Organization (Great Lakes
Pilotage Administration).
Available as public records pur-
suant to Department of Com-
merce Order 64. Parties to the
matters are addressed and
served personally.
None.
None.
All records, files, and interpreta-
tations are available to the public
pursuant to Department of
Coiiinierce Order No. 64.
Maritime Aclmlnjstratlon
1. Rules of Practice and Pro-
cedure, 29 F.R. 14475, eec.~
201.4(c), inspection at
Washington office of the
Administration.
2. Other matters: Secretary
makes available to public
through Office of Public
Information all final orders,
etc., of Maritime Acimini-
stration and Board.
None.
None.
~
Department of Commerce Order
No. 64; DeDartment Admin-
trative Orders Nos. 202-22,
and 202.19 sec. 6.08 (revised),
Maritime Administrators
Order No. 153; and Rules of
Practice and Procedure, 29 P.R.
14475, sec. 201.4
Office of Management and
Organization (New York
World's Pair).
Not applicable.
No applicable.
Not applicable.
N~otMng published and Record
available upon request.
Patent Office
PAGENO="0037"
PAGENO="0038"
(3)
Publications-Availability of final
and Interim opinions or orders,
sec. 3(b)
Department
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C.
(5)
Department of Defense
`(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
Unpublished
cited or'
1. Does not publish opinions and
orders which are made
ble pursuant to
rule.
If they I
the
Opinionsandorderspublishedin-
1. Court martial reports.
2. Digest of opinions.
3. Contract appeals decisions.
4. Public inspection. (See title 32
of Code. of Federal Regula-
5. Q I. ~
e
~~.catIon of
s submitted
defense i~
6.
PAGENO="0039"
rective 6040.2 which prescribes
the condition under which
personar medical records are
made available to persons
properly and directly con-
cerned.
1. See question 3.
2. Persons properly and directly
concerned may inspect perti-
nent official files and records, ~
and interpretations and legal ~j
opinions of this Department ~
upon written application to ~
the Secretary:
a. For pertinent procedure ~
* see2OCFR4Ol;21 t'
CFR 4; 42 CFR 1; 42
CFR 300; 45 CFR 5; 45 `~
CFR 211.14, 212.9.
a
a
0
Department of Health, Educa-
tion, and Welfare.
1. Social Security Rulings; also
a quarterly bulletin,
2. Notices of judgment under the
Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act,
a. Publishes notices of proposed
rulemaking.
b. Also available for public inspec-
tion.
c. Transcripts of public hearings
available.
3. Final orders and opinions of
Secretary under Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act are available for public
inspection.
4. Other records are available for
inspection.
Social Security Administration
refrains from publishing only
those opinions and orders which
lack precedent value or which
would, from the peculiar facts
involved, identify the individ-
usals concerned.
None.
~
Department of the Interior
1. Decisions of the Department of
theinterior.
2. Subscription serviceis offered.
3. Quarterly Index Digest (pub-
lished and unpublished deci-
sions).
4. File of all final decisions are
open toinspection.
5. See sec~ 2.5 of title 43 of Code of
Federal Regulations.
1. Denials of applications for ex-
ploration project contracts, 30
U.S.C. 641-646.
2. Disapproval of equipment sub-
mitted for investigation and
tests for permissibility by the
Bureau of Mines.
3. Denial of applications for loans
for financing and refinancing
of operations, maintenance, re-
placement, repair, and equip-
ment of fishing gear and ves-
sels.
SealS U.S.C. 742(e).
In opinions or orders in adjudica-
tion of cases, these may be cited
as precedents unpublished opin-
ions or orders. However, they
are made available for inspec-
tion.
Upon request to the Department
or to the bureau or office having
custody, records and files are
made available subject to limi-
tations set forth in question 7.
**
PAGENO="0040"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Department
(3)
Publications-Availability of final
and Interim opinions or orders,
sec. 3(b)
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
Department of Justice
1. Administrative decisions on
the immigration and nation-
ality laws of the United
States, inspection in all field
offices (interim decisions).
2. Interim and final decisions of
Board of Parole available on
request.
3. Interim and final decisions of
Office of Alien Property avail-
able for public inspection.
Orders of Board of Parole in pa-
role and revocation cases are
not published; not In public
interest. (Exception: Party in
interest, 28 CFR 2.48.)
`
None.
.
Opinions of the Attorney General.
Recent opinions available upon
request.
Official records available only in
accordance with published rules.
Department of Labor
.
Available during business hours
upon written request (29 CFR
2.7). Some orders published
by private labor law reporting
services.
None.
~
Guidance in responding to re-
quests for information and
interpretations,
1. Code of Federal Regulations.
2. Letters to members of public
and by answers to oral in-
quiries.
3. Trade associations, employee
organizations, Government
agencies, and interested per-
sons. Also, commercialreport-
ing services.
4. Written request to Department
(unless it is confidential).
5. Copies of accounts, letters, rec-
ords, etc., furnished only by
solicitors permission, 29 OFR
1.15, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, and 2.9; and
20 CFR 501.8.
6. Office of Labor Management,
welfare-pension reports; copies
of reports may be obtained at
25 cents per page.
C)
0
PAGENO="0041"
1. Orders issued by the Depart-
ment in administrative fraud,
lottery, and obscenity pro-
ceedings, and in proceedings
relating to the issuance and
revocation of 2d-class snail-
lug permits are available for
public inspection in the Dc-
partrnent's law library.
2. Public inspections.
1. Letters to members of the public
frequently contain interpreta-
tions and legal opinions.
2. Bound volumes of the Depart-
ment's chief legal offIcer up to
11151.
3. Postal publications may be pur-
chased from the Superintend-
ent of Documents, U.S. Gov-
ernment Printing Office.
4. Formal records of a proceeding
in which a hearing has been
held or offered may be in-
spected by persons have a
proper interest in them.
5. All other records may be in-
spected by persons if per-
snitted to do so by the head
of a bureau or office in the
Post Office Department. In
such circumstances a number
of items are taken into con
sideration.
Post Office Department
None.
None-other than those made
available for inspection in ac
cordance with published rules.
Department of State
All passport regulations having as
their basic opinions, orders, and
precedents are published in the
Federal Register.
~
Interpretations and legal opinions
generally are for use of the Secre-
tary and other officials.
Applicable only to the issuance of
U.S. passports.
Historical records:
1. Transmitted to National
Archives.
2. Foreign relations of the
United States.
3. American Foreign Policy.
4. U.S. treaties and other inter-
national agreements.
Interpretations and opinions:
1. Inquiries fronipublic treated
on ad hoc basis.
2. Information available de-
pending on nature of in-
quiry.
Agency for International De-
velopment.
.
L Public inspection.
2. Code of Federal Regulations
3. The Government contractor.
4. Federal Register.
5. LIst of ineligible supplies.
None.
None.
1. Information staff office.
2. Businessmen's information ecu-
ter.
3. Documents available for inspec-
tioii.
4. Inquiries.
PAGENO="0042"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
1. Information submitted in con-
fidence to Treasurer.
2. Information relating to a finan-
cial matter between Govern-
ment and an individual or
corporation disclosure of
which would cause prejudice.
3. Security of Department's
functions.
4. Negotiations with foreign
countries.
5. Information made confidential
bylaw.
6. Information which would be
ininilcalto thepublicinterest.
(See 31 CPR 1.2(e).)
1. Requests from members of the
public to see Peace Corps ~
records and files should be ~
addressed to the Director of ~
the Division of Public Infor- ~
mation, Office of Public
Affairs.
2 Requests to see legal opinions t~
should be addressed to Gen-
eral Counsel of the Peace
Corps.
3. Sec. IV(4) of the "Standards of W
Conduct for Peace Corps Em-
ployees," issued Oct. 19, 1961. Q
0
ri~
Outlined in detail in 31 CFR 1.2
(f) to (h):
(f) 1. Application for Informa-
tion by request.
(g) 1. Determination of
whether request is
available for disclo-
sure made by the ad-
ministrative assistant
to the Secretary (or
the Secretary of the
Treasury, the Under
Secretary and Assistant
Secretary, the Fiscal
Secretary, or the Gen-
eral Counsel).
(h) Copy of said official rec-
ords will be rurnished the
party requesting the
same.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Department
Publications-Availability of final
and interim opinions or orders,
sec. 3(b)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
~
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
Peace Corps
Not applicable.
None and not applicable.
1. See answers 3 and 4.
2. However~ the Office of General
Counsel does from time to
time cite its prior opinions.
All opinions are unpublished
and almost all unclassified
.
and hence available to per-
sons properly and directly
concerned. Most of these
opinions relate to internal
management.
Department of the Treasury:
Office of the Secretary
Published rule 31 CFR 1.2 (a)
and (b), final orders only are
available for inspection on re-
quest in Washington, and copies
of documents may be furnished
on request.
None.
PAGENO="0043"
1. Personal Inspection at place
where document Is normally
kept.
2. Reasonable fee may be charged
for same.
L~
0
1. See 26 CFR 601, 702(a). 0
2. Generally, records not treated as 0
confidential, pursuant to stat. ~
utory prohibitions, are made ~
available for inspection at ~
offices of district directors.
Matters of official record in
which procedure for inspec-
tion is not set out should be
submitted to Commissioner of
Internal Revenue, Washing-
~oD~C~26 CFR6OI.702(d).
Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Interns-
tional Affairs.
None.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Outlined in detail In 31 CFR 1.2
(f) to (h). (Same as that listed
for Office of the Secretary.)
Office of Fiscal Assistant
Secretary
See 31 CFR 1.2 (1) to (h). (Same
as that listed for Office of the
Secretary.)
Bureau of the Public Debt~.
None.
None.
None. Only cases that have
been decided by courts of rec-
ord, authoritative bodies, cx-
cept Comptroller General, At-
torney General, Internal Rev-
enue Servjce.
1. Submit applications In any case
to Bureau of Public Debt,
Washington, D.C.
2. Depending on the subject mat-
tar, submit applications to
different branches listed in
31 CFR 323.
Internal Revenue Service..~....
1. See 26 CFR 601, 702(b).
2. Federal Register.
3. Examination of the Public In-
formation Division of the na-
tional office.
1. Sec. 7213 of Internal Revenue
Code (information obtained
from public). (See also 18
U.S.C. 1905.)
2. Other confidential matters such
None.
702(b)
(See 26 CFR 601,
(5).)
*
4. Inspection at the Office of As-
as referred to in 26 CFR
sistant Regional Commis-
sioner (alcohol and tobacco
~tax~.
601.701 and 601.702.
3.
Bureau of theMint
None.
None.
None.
Matter falling within the jurisdic-
tion of the Office of General
Counsel.
I.
PAGENO="0044"
PAGENO="0045"
1. Does not Issue interpretations or
legal opinions.
2. Procedures used for making ~j
records and files available. ~
See3l CFR 1.2 (c), (f), (g), (h). ~
1. Matter which falls within the
jurisdiction of the Office of ~
General Counsel.
2. See 31 CFR 270.2
a. Request for Information.
b. Copy furnished to party re-
-questing same.
c. Partymust have proper Interest. ~
L~J
C)
0
See 31 CFR 351. Matter falls ~
within jurisdiction ot the Office ~
of General Counsel.
a. Requests for information.
b. Copy furnished to party re-
questing same.
c. Partymust have proper interest.
Bureau of Customs.,,...
1. Pt. 26 of the customs regula-
tions (19 CFR, pt. 26),
particularly sec. 26.1(a).
2. Interim opinions of orders are
not usually issued.
1. ConfIdential treatment of
custom records and docu.
ments. See sec. 26.4 of
custom regulations (19 CFR
26.4).
1. Generally none.
2. However, may serve as pre.
cedents in arriving at a de-
cision in a matter before it;
may be aided by results of
Its previous consideration
of similar matters.
See sees. 26.1 to 26.7 of the ens-
tome regulations (19 CFR
26.1 to 26.7.
Bureau of Engraving and
Printing.
None.
None.
None.
Bureau of Accounts
1. Certificates of authority issued
to certain corporations are
publisbedin Federal Register.
a. Also published as a Treasury
Department Circular.
b. Furnished to Federal bond-
approving officers and other
ersonsupon~equcst,~
Issues no final or interim orders or
opinions. None.
- - -
None.
.
Office of Treasurer of the
United States.
Office of Domestic- Gold -
and Silver Operations,
None.
k. ~pecifie requestand-a showing
of legitimate interest therein,
2. Rulings and opinions of general
applicabifity are available to
public upon written request
to Director.
3. Neither final or interim
opinions are published. - -
None.
1. Final and interim opinions are
not published.
2. Matters involving gold licenses
are subject to the require-
merits of 31 CFR 93.16(b).
.
-- -
None.
None.----
1. By requeatingtheDireetorof-
Office of Domestic Gold and
Silver Operations.
a. Applicant must have an In.
terest in subject matter.
2. If Director in hts discretion
permits, documents may be
- - sent toapplicant~ for a - -
reasonable fee.
.
~
.
- -
1'
PAGENO="0046"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER~ VSC:~ 1OO2~.Conthiued
I.
Department
(3)
Publications-Avallabilityof final
and Interim opinions or orders,
sec 3(b)
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential sec 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(~) :~:
Procedqre for making available
records;flle;nnd~1eglil opinions
Office of Foreign Assets Con.
trol.
See answer to question 4.
Interim and final actions on mdi-
vidual license applications are
nut published on the ground
that they are required for good
cause to be held confidential
pursuant to exemption in 3(b)
of Administrative Procedure
Act and rule of Office of Secre-
tary of Treasury 31 CFR pt. 1.
Aspolicy precedents in the process
of deteriillhiitlië~dik~iOllltItib
of related or similar applications
are not disclosed to persons
other than the particular appli-
cants.
Office of Law Enforcement
Coordination.
None.
..
None.
None.
1. Does notissue interpretations or
legal opinions.
2. Procedures for making records
and ifies available to public set
out in 31 CFR 1.2(c), (0, (g),
and (h).
Office of Director of Practice..
1. 31 CFR pt. 10, sec. 10.90.
2. Internal Revenue Bulletin,
notices of suspensions and
disbarments of enrolled at~.
torneys and agents (these
are published),
1. 31 CFR pt. 10, sec. 10.90.
2. Where reprimand is imposed
by a hearing examiner or by
Director of Practice or for
denial of application for
enrollment.
3. Record of proceedings to sus-
pend or disbar.
4. No announcement is made of
final orders as it will be in-
jurious to enrollees and
applicants.
None.
~
2.
1. Governed by 31 CFR pt. 1 of
OOTlitretsi'.y uf TreaSury.
2. 29 P.R. 3443, public may in
general secure any information :~
or make submittals, requests,
or petitions by correspondence
or telephone or by coming in
person or sending a representa-
tive, either to central office in
Washington or Federal Re-
serve Bank of New York. s~
Cli
1. Available for public inspection
at thO Office of Director of ~
Practice.
Public may secure information
from, or make inquiries in
writing to Director of Prac.~
tice.
a. Should state information
desired, interest of appli-
cant in subject matter,
and purpose; 31 CFR
subtitle A, pt. 10, sec.
10.90(a).
3. Roster of persons enrolled
to practice.
4. Roster of persons disbarred or
suspended from practice.
PAGENO="0047"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
L~i
None; however, deflnl-
tion as used in 44
U.S.C. 366 is followed. ~
Department
(7)
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private parties resorting
to unpublished organ-
ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy in
public interest, sec.
3(1)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Matters re-
latitig to internal
agency management,
sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "ofilcial
record"
Department of Agriculture
1. 12 U.S.C. 11411(d) prediction with re-
spect to cotton prices,
2. 78 Stat. 703 (Food Stamp Act).
3. 50 U.S.C. app. 2155(e)~ Defense Produc-
ISon Act, 1950-National defense.
4. 18 U.S.C. 1905; trade secrets, processes,
operations, etc.
5. Instructions implementing regulations to
availability of records and files to the
public,
6. Internal memoranda.
7. Mattersreferred to Department of Justice
for prosecution.
Insofar as there hasn't
been time to modify
the public organiza-
tional description or
statement of func-
tions and procedures
to conform with
changes made In the
organization and
procedures.
None.
Generally ali.
~
None; however, uses At-
torney General's Man-
ual on the Adminis-
trative Procedure Act,
p. 24, as a guide.
Department of Commerce
(departmental
summary).
I. National Defense Security, Executive
Order No. 10501.
2. Confidential bylaw, 18 U.S.C. 1905.
3. Precluded by reason of national interest
except investigative reports, pro-
posed or pending legislation; admims-
trative Orders Nos. 201-13 and 203-1.
4. Internal management, Administrative
Order No. 202-22.
None.
~
None.
~
Does not publish any
rules.
~
Area Redevelopment
Administration,
Records and files on loan applications not
available to public. Confidentialbusiness
information, 18 U.S.C. 1905.
None.
~
None,
~
None.
~
PAGENO="0048"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002.-Crntinued
Department
(7)
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private partlesresorting
to unpublished organ-
ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
Ing rules-Secrecy in
public interest, see.
3(l)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
lug rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
agency management,
sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Business and Defense
Services Adrnln-
istration.
18 U.S.C. 1905; 15 U.S.C. 176(a) and 705(e)
of Defense Production Act; disclosure of
business Information obtained in confi-
dence.
2. National security Executive Order No.
iosoi.
3. Business and Defense Services Admin
istration Operating Instruction No. 17;
data received frombusiness or industry.
4. Internal memorandum and work papers
preparatory to final action.
None.
*
None.
~
Internal management
ordinarily not pub.
llshed; however,
these documents are
not classified and are
available for inspec-
tion as needed.
Office of Business
Economics,
Identifiable information obtained on a co-
operative basis from various businesses
or industries, 18 U.S.C. 1905, and certain
items pertaining to investment as detailed
in Bretton Woods agreement, 22 U.S.C.
286F.
Not applicable.
See No, 7.
.
Not applicable.
1. Confidentiality of records under 13
U.S.C. 9, 302 and 18 U.S.C. 1905.
2, Decennial census, Presidential Proclama-
tion No. 3337, before every census to
protect against disclosure of informa-
tion furnished. Published in Federal
Register, Mar. l~, 1960.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Day.to-day internal
operations.
None; however, defini.
tion in 44 U.S.C. 366
is used.
Bureau of the Census.~.
PAGENO="0049"
PAGENO="0050"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Department
(7)
Limitations on availabifity of
records and files
(8)
Private partiesresorting
to unpublished organ-
ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy in
public Interest, sec.
3(1)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
big rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
agency management,
sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Maritime Admiflis-
tratlon.
1. Sec. 3b of Administrative Procedures
Act (good cause).
2. Sec. 201.4 if Rules of Practice and Pro-
cedure (Maritime Subsidy Board and
Maritime Administration, good cause).
3. Administrator's Order No. 153: Informs-
thin not disclosed to anyone not officer
or employee of Maritime Administra-
tionor Maritime Subsidy Board, except
by authorization.
4. 180.8.0, 1905, internal memos and reports
for use within agency.
5. Attorney General's manual on the Ad-
nainistrative Procedure Act (1947, pp.
24,25), lists of priority ships for national
defense purpOses.
6. Sec. 201.151, Rules of Practice and Pro-
cedure, 29 P.R. 14475-Confidential
statistics of evidence taken during a
heaiing.
7. Administrative Order 202-22, personnel
matters.
8. Administrative Order 202.19, claims of
employees compensation for disability
or death.
None.
~
.
None. Exception:
Maritime Adminis-
istration and Marl-
time Subsidy Board
would refrain from
publishing any rules
concerning security
investigation or in-
volving classified
information,
.
~
~
All matters that relate
sOlely to internal
management.
~
~
None; however, At-
torney General's
Manual on the Ad-
ministrative Pro-
cedures Act (1947)
(pp. 23, 24) used for
excluding materials
relating to internal
operation of the
agency.
~
~
Office of Management
and Organization
(New York World's
Pair).
None.
~
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
~
Not applicable.
~
Patent Office 1. 35 U.S.C. 122. No circumstances. No types of cases. No circumstances. Spelled out in relevant
2. Rule 11, decisions by the Patent Office In None, statutes of patent laws
pending patent cases. and practice of the
PAGENO="0051"
1. Documents.
2. Correspondence. Lu
3. Accounting and finan- ~
clal records.
4. Legal.
5. Administrative.
6. Operating.
7. Construction data as 1:1
referred to in De. ~
partment of Corn-
merce Order No. 64. ~
Lu
0
(p
3. Index of pending applications including
name, address of applicant, etc., not
available until after filing.
4. Rule 14, patent applications preserved in
a. All information or papers relating
thereto.
b. Abandoned applications.
Office.
Bureau of Public
Roads
Secrecy in the public interest may be Lu.
volved, or to matters relating solely to
internal management.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
St. Lawrence Seaway
Development Ocr.
poration.
1. Certain personnel records under orders
by the Civil Service Commission or the
Bureau of Employees Compensation,
Department of Labor.
2. Inforinationsubmttted in support of tolls
or other studies by trade or industry
under agreement to hold confidential.
~
None.
None.
Instruction Manual for
employees relating
solely to internalman-
agenient, which a1~
though not published,
is available to all em-
ployees and to others
upon request. (Only
exception to 515.5.0.
1002.)
Office of General
CounseL
There are no limitations.
~
There are no procedures.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Any paper of the U.S.
Government.
National Bureau of
Standards.
~
1. Reports prepared of contracts for other
Government agencies.
2. Internal administrative progress reports
on project activity.
3. Preliminary reports.
4. Non-National Bureau of Standards re-
ports.
5. Reports pertaining to tests and calibra-
tions.
6. Patent records, patent applications,
reports to Commissioner of Patents.
7. Underlying record Involving inventions.
8. Proprietary information.
9. Certain technical and administrative
working papers prior to final form.
10. See title 18, U.S.C. 1905.
None.
~
.
Not applicable.
~
.
Not applicable.
~
1. Books.
2. Papers.
3. Maps.
4. Photographs.
5. Functions.
6. Policies.
7. Procedures.
8. Operations, etc.
~
~
~
PAGENO="0052"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
I. Sec. 3 of Administratiye Procedure Act,
exceptions. 18 U.S.C. 1905; Atomic
EnergyAct of 1954, sees. 2011-2281; Pub-
Law 86-36; Executive Order No. 10501.
IL Classified Information-DOD Directive
5200.1-Executive Order No. 10501:
a. Top secret, secret, or confidential (includ-
ing confidential, modified handling au-
thorized) except combat or combat-re-
lated operations-war, intelligence op-
erations, defense plans, scientific devel-
opment, etc.
A Army-Regulations 380-5.
1. Top secret: Defense information which
couldresult in exceptionally grave dam-
age to the Nation.
2. Secret: Serious damage to the Nation.
a. International relations of the United
States.
b. Effectiveness of a program of vital impor-
tance to the National defense,
1. Records and infor-
mation which per-
tain to individuals
such as personnel
records, medical
records, investiga-
tive reports, etc.
2. Advance information
on proposed plans
to procure, lease, or
otherwise acquire
or dispose of ma-
terials, real estate,
facilitiesoffunctions,
which would pro-
vide undue or dis-
criminatory ad-
vantage to private
or personal in-
terests.
3. Preliminary docu-
L~i
None. Generally, how. ~
ever, all records per- ~
taming to our activities ~
are considered official ~
records, exceptmaterial
related exclusively to ~
internal operations. ~
*0
1. No single, all-inclu-
sive definition of TJ~
the term.
2~ Follows the guidance ~
of the Attorney
General's Manual ~
on the Adminis-
strative Procedure
Act, pp. 24-25.
3. P. 25: Great mass of
material relating to
the internal opera-
tion of ab agency is
not a matter of
"official record."
4. For purposes of re-
lease and authenti-
cation. (See DOD
Directive 5015.1 for
definition of the
term).
Department
(7)
.
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private parties resorting
to unpublished organ-
Ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy In
public interest, see.
3(1)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
lug rules-Matters re-
lating to Internal
agency management,
sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Weather Bureau
.
Classified material and material marked
"For official use only" (Department of
Commerce AO-207-6) Nontechnical
files only limited to extent of normal
administrative practice,
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Approved or authorized
materials, published or
unpublished, which
serve to document the
plans, programs, op-
erations, and outputs
of Bureau activities.
Office of Management
and Organization.
1, See sec. 3.13 of Federal Register.
2. All decisions open to inspection except
those required for good cause to be held
confidential to the parties.
3. See answer 4
4. 18U.S.C. 1905.
None.
None.
None.
Department of Defense
None.
Rules which are classi-
fied In accordance with
Executive Order No.
10501 as amended,
DOD Directive
5200.1, and imple-
menting regulations
oftheznilitary depart-
ments, because they
involve functions of
the United States
requiring secrecy In
the public interest.
They are, however,
frequently published
In classified form and
made available to
persons who are de-
termined to have a
"need to know."
(See par. IV C 2,3, 4,
PAGENO="0053"
c. Scientific developments important to na- 9, and 10 of DOD Di- snents relating to
tional defense. rective 5200.6.) proposed plans or
d. Intelligence operations, policy deyelopment
3. Confidential: Condition In question 7, when premature
sheet 8. disclosure would
a. Defense information and material, the adversely affect
unauthorized disclosure of which could morale, efficiency,
be prejudicial to the defense interests of or discipline.
the Nation. 4. Examination ques-
4. Confidential: Authorized handling an- tions or answers to
thorized, except: be used in training
a. Training, field, and technical manuals. courses, entrance
b. Photographs, negatives, etc. of models of to duty, or promo-
material. tion.
c. Defense procurement plans and related 5. Conversations or
matters. commmunlcations
d. Coniniunications material and messages. between members
e. Military maps and aerial photographs. of Department of
f. rntor~ation received from international Defense, or be-
organizations, such as NATO, SEATO, twcen such meni-
and CENTO. bers and represen-
g. Combat, combat related information. tatives of other
5. Restricted data and formerly restricted as agencies of the cx-
defined in Atomic Engery Act, 42 ecutive branch,
U.S.C. 2011. which are merely
B. Department of the Navy Regulation advisory or pre-
5510.IB and Air Force Regulation2oS-1 liminary in nature
nrc same as Army. and which do not
IlL Unclassified official information, DOD represent any final
Directive 5200.6: official action.
1. Records and information pertaining to 6. Permissible price
individuals, latitudes for depart-
2. Information furnished in confidence from ment negotiators in
industry, firms, organizations relating cost-plus-fixed-fee
to trade secrets, bids, proprosals, inven- contract negotia-
tions, discoveries, etc. -- tion.
3. Information connected with any antic!-
pated or pending litigation before Fed-
eral or State courts.
4. Proposed plans or policy developments.
5. Examination questions and answers to be
used in training courses.
6. Information received from other Govern~
ment agencies for official use of Depart-
ment of Defense.
7. Information furnished in confidence by
foreign nations to the United States.
These regulations are implemented by the
Department of Army, Regulations 345-IS,
Department of Navy Instruction 6570.2A,
and Department of Air Force Regulation
11-30.
PAGENO="0054"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002.-Continued
Department
(7)
~
Limitations on availability of
records and files
~
~
(8)
Private partlesresorting
to unpublished organ-
ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy in
public interest, see.
3(1)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
agency management,
sec. 3(2)
(11)
Delinition of "official
record"
Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare.
~
1. Official personnel records; medical and
clinical records of patients; information
obtained under an assurance of con-
fidentiality for purposes of research,
survey, investigation; `proceedings of
public advisory committees, etc. (See
pertinent procedures cited in question
6.)
2. Sec. 1106 of Social Security Act; also sec.
20 CFR 401.
3. Sec. 3010) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act and sec. 4(h) of:the Fed-
eral Hazardous Substances Labeling
Act: Methot of procem whtch as a
trade secret is entitled to protection.
4. Sec, 408(p) of Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act. All data submitted to
the Secretary or to an advisory com-
mittee in support of a petition is con-
sidered confidential until published.
5. Sec. 121.51 ~1) and (h) of Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Trade
secrets not disclosed in a food additive
petition.
6. Civil Service Commission: Safeguarding
of examination papers and other ma-
terial attached to applications.
Applicants for certain
types of grants may
have to refer to man-
uals or kits published
specifically for their
guidance and which
contain more detailed
instructions on the
grant application
procedures.
~
None.
None. The Depart-
ment's internal oper-
ating procedures are
not published but
these do not consti-
tute rules in the sense
intended by 5 U.S.C.
1002.
~
Uses the term set forth
in 44 U.S.C. 366.
Department of the Interior_ 1. National security. None. None. 1. Regulations with None. Follow Attor-
2. Information provided by individuals or regard to person. ney General's Manual
business firms for use in preparation of nd matters are on the Administra-
industrywide reports. contained in De- tive Procedures Act,
3. Certain information incident to procure- partment manual p. 24.
ment and contracting. and Supplement to
4. Information pertaining to fiduciary rela- Federal Personnel
tionsbip with individuals not in employ Manual, and
of Department. Se6retary's orders,
PAGENO="0055"
1. National defense, Executive Order No.
No. 10501, Department of Justice order
No. 279-62.
2. Confidential informants, 40 Ops. A. G. 45
(1941); 340 U.S. 462.~
3. Criminal offenses to divulge, Rules of
Criminal Procedure, 6(e); 18 U.S.C.
1905; 26 U.S.C. 7213(a); 26 U.S.C.
7237(e).
4. Departmental functions, security investi-
gations, Executive Order No. 10450 (18
P.R. 2489).
5. Pardon attorney, files available only to
~ffieials concerned, 28 CFR 1.6 (1963).
6. Administrative matters, 27 F. R. 11002,
11003; 157 F. Supp. 919 (1958).
7. Attorney-client privilege, canon 37,
Canons of Ethics, 5 U.S.C. 139(b) (1958)
129 U.S. 41)5.
S. Allen registration and fingerprintrecords,
8 U.S.C. 1304(b). Immigration and
Nationality Act, see. 264(b). Also, 8
U.S.C. 1226(a); hearings in exclusion
cases.
9. Civil litigation. (See 83d Cong., 1st sess.,
series 2, pt. 2,2433 (1953); 86th Cong., 2d
sess. (committee print, March 1960).
These, however,
are available to
general public
upon request.
Department of Justice
Index to Orders and
Memorandums, 1964.
Exceptions: 28 CFR
pts. 15, 42, 44, and 46.
However, even these
rules not published
because publicusually
not interested.
1. Budget.
2. Fiscal and account-
ing procedures.
3. Personnel matters.
4. Property administra-
tion.
5. See answer 4 (or complete list.
Department of Justice
None.
Emergency chain of au-
thority in case of civil
defense or other emer-
gency which prevents
the operation of the
Department at the
seat of government.
Follows Attorney Gen-
eral's Manual on the
Administrative Proce-
dure Act (1947) pp. 24,
25.
w
0
0
0
50
Department of Labor
1. Generally: No limitations to which sec. 3
applies-"official records."
2. Other records: Solicitors discretion ap-
plies (27 F.R. 1505). Information oh-
tamed in confidence is not available to
public.
3. Limitations upon availability of files and
records to public. (See 29 CFR 2.4,
2.5, 2.6, 2.9, 5.6; and 241 SFR 1.21, 1.22,
and 501.8. Also see 18 U.S.C. 1905 and
5 U.S.C. 139(b).)
4. "Investigatory files compiled for law en-
forcement purposes" is buttressed by
the common law informers pledge.
(See cases cited, 330 F. 2d 610; 326 F. 2d
561; 312 F. 2d 14.)
None.
None.
By which employees of
the Department are
to carry out their du-
ties; i.e., how an in-
vestigator should look
for minimum wage
violations or what as-
signments require spa-
cial priority.
None; however, p. 24 of
the Attorney General's
Manual on the Admin-
istrative Proceedings
Act is used for a guide.
PAGENO="0056"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Agency for Interna-
tional Development.
Has not formulated a
comprehensive defini- ~
tion, but sec. 204.24 of ~
Post Office rules and ~
Regulations defines of- ~.
ficial record as (1) t-~
pleadings; (2) orders;
(3) exhibits; (4) trans- ~d
scripts of testimony; ~
(5) briefs, decisions, ~
and other documents t~
died in the proceed- ~
ing.
1:1
0
09
Follows Attorney Gen-
eral's Manual on the
Administrative Pro-
cedure Act (1947), p.
24.
Department
-
(7)
~
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private parties resorting
to unpublished organ-
ization or procedure,
seC. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
jug rules-Secrecy in
public interest, see.
3(1)
(10)
Refrained froni publisb-
ing rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
agency management,
see. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Post Office Department...
1. Reports of postal inspectors, except in
discrimination cases arising under Ex-
utive Order No. 10925.
2. Records of the Postal Inspection Service.
3. Names of post-office-box holders.
4. Namesand addressesofpostofficepatrons
and former patrons, except when cor-
recting mailings lists or when furnish-
ing changes of address to election boards
or registration commissions as pro-
vided in 123.5. Intormatlon on change
of s~ddresa orders may be revealed to
the American Red Cross during times
of natural disaster, pursuant to 114.5.
5. Records regardi g mail matter.
6. Recordsregardjng postal savings accounts,
except a& provided in 173.33.
7. Records regarding money orders.
None.
Only in the case of cer-
tam national emer-
gency planning.
All; however, those reg-
ulations are published
in the Postal Bulletin,
Postal Manual, Re-
gional Manual, and
various handbooks,
which are available
for public inspection.
Department of State
Recordsor files:
1. Not available to general public when pub-
lication would be prejudicial to the na-
tional interest in foreign affairs or con-
trary to Executiye Order No. 10501, as
atnevXled.
None.
Not applicable.
Generally all.
Follows Attorney Gen-
eral's Manual on the
Administrative Pro-
ceclure Act, p. 24.
1. Classified information, Executive Order
No. 10501.
2. PersQnnel flIes.
3. Personnel files of AID foreign personnel.
4. 18 U.S.C. 1905, trade secrets, etc.
5. Requests for access to files and records.
AID considers:
None. None.
None.
PAGENO="0057"
PAGENO="0058"
f
DObt° the PUbli0
~AI~LTLAR ANAL~I8 0
F 5 tT
*C.
PAGENO="0059"
ernment owned corpo-
rations and transac-
tions in connection
therewith.
Internal Revenue
Service,
1. Disclosure of Federal tax returns.
a. See sees. 6103,6104,6106, and 7213 oil In-
ternal Revenue Code, 1954, 18 U.S.C.
1905.
b. 26 CFR 301.6103, 301.6104, 301.6106.
2. Information obtained by officer or em-
ployee in discharge of his official duties
may not be divulged or made known
by him In any manner, 26 U.S.C.
7213(b).
3. Internal management records, Investiga-
tive reports and exhibits for criminal
and civil prosecution.
Revenue procedures of
limited application;
however, they are
published in Internal
Revenue Bulletin and
in the technical infor-
mation releases.
Emergency relocation
planning. This is
not subject to disclo-
sure under Executive
Order No. 10501.
1. Personnel practices
and procedures.
2. Fiscal and budgetary
procedures which
do not affect public,
3. Policies with respect
to tolerances, inves-
tigativetechnh~pies.
1. Documents submitted
by public (tax re-
turns, information
returns, claim for
credit, refund, etc.).
2. See 26 CFR 601.701,
which includes final
opinions in tax mat-
terssuchasrecordsof
assessment, credit,
refund, offers in
compromise, levies,
etc.).
Bureau of the Mint..~.
.
31 CFR cum. supp. 92.23, records, files, and
interpretations in general are not made
available to general public.
None.
None.
1. Employees in per-
forming their func-
tions.
2. Pergonnel matters.
a. Vacation periods.
3. Transportation to be
used in official
traveL
See 31 CFR cum. su~ip.
92.22.
Bureau of Narcotics.....
1. Criminal records and ifies.
2. Name of informants, sources of supply of
narcotic drugs, investigations.
3. "Classified" criminal files, Executive
Order No. 10501.
4. FBI identification records.
5. 26 U.S.C. 7237(e).
6. 26 U.S.C. 4773.
7. Manufacture of narcotic drugs for scien~
tide purpose.
8. 21 U.S.C. 198 (2) and (4).
9. Furnishing State and local law officials
with addicts and narcotic law offenders.
.
None.
1. Information deemed
classified under
Executive Order
No. 10501.
2. Information related
to security. Inves-
tigations, Execu-
tive Order No.
10450.
3. Security-type
information.
4. Information related
to narcotic law
enforcument,
(Any rules pub-
lisbed are distrib-
ute4 to Bureau of
Narcotics employ-
ass only.)
1. All material pub-
lisbed is distrib-
uted to Bureau of
Narcotics employ-
ees only.
~
~
1. Follows definition in
Attorney General's
Manual on Admin-
strative Procedure
Act, p. 24.
~
3. Internal management.
in
in
in
0
in
in
0
in
06
PAGENO="0060"
PAGENO="0061"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 333
PAGENO="0062"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002.-Continued
Department
(7)
Limitations on availability of
records and files
.
(8)
Privatepartiesresorting
to unpublished organ-
Izatlon or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
lug rules-Secrecy in
public Interest, sec.
3(1)
(10)
Refrained frompublish-
lug rules-Metters re-
lating to internal
agency management,
sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Office of Law Enforce-
ment Coordination.
See 31 CFR 1.2(e). (See Office of Foreign
Assets Control.)
.
~
None.
None; 31 CFR 1.2(a).
Matters relating solely
to internal manage-
ment (all).
Defined in 31 CFR
1.2(d). (Records relat-
lug to administration
of Treasury Depart-
ment laws.)
Office of Director of
Practice.
1. Roster of persons whose applications for
enrollment have been denied. (Not
open to public inspection.)
2. See 2, 3, 4, under answer 4.
3. See 31 CFR, pt. 10, sec. 10.91. The
official records of the investigation of
applicants for enrollment of proceedings
to suspend or disbar and the grounds
for suspension or disbarment.
~
~
~
None.
~
None.
~
None.
1. Applications of per-
sons seeking en-
roilnient; rosters of
persons enrolled,
disbarred, or sus-
pended; roster of
persons denied en-
roliment.
2. Pleadings, trans-
scripts, exhibits,
documents received
in evidence, de-
rogatory informs-
tion concerning
applicants.
3. Orders of the Secre-
tary and decisions
of the Director of
Practice.
0
0
0
PAGENO="0063"
L Refrained from pub-
lishing only rules
which do not re-
quire or prohibit
action by members
of the public or
otherwise affect
their rights.
Sec. 31 CFR 271L2.
1. Appropriation ac-
counting records. ~
2. Collection and dis-
bursing accounting ~
records.
3. Records relating to
investment ac-
counts, etc.
0
0
Bureau of Customs.
1. See 18 U.S.C. 1905.
2. 19 Code of Federal Regulations, pt. 26.
3. "Confidential for good cause" is applica-
ble to all requests for information or for
inspection of final opinions, orders, or
official records.
None. None.
None. P. 24 of Attor-
ney General's Manual
on the Administrative
Procedure Act is
followed. Custom
regulations sec. 26.2,
19 CFR, 26.2
Bureau of Engraving
and Printing.
See 31 CFR 1.2(e). (See Office of Foreign
Assets Control.)
None.
None.
Does not publish rules
involving matters re-
lating solely to inter-
isal management (all).
See 31 CFR 1.2(d). (Rec-
ords relating to ad-
ministration of Tress-
ury Department laws.)
Bureau of Accounts
31 CFR 270.2. Relates to the personal fi-
nancial transactions of individualsor cor-
poration, because the disclosure of the in-
formation would clearly be inimical to the
public interest.
None, except rules
addressed to and
served upon named
persons in accord-
ance with law,
None.
Does not publish rules
relating to internal
matters, personnel
matters, vacation
periods, methods of
transportation to be
used in official travel,
etc.
Office of Treasurer of
the United States.
21 CFR 351.2.
1. Relates to personal financial transactions
of individuals or corporations because
the disclosure of the information would
clearly be inimical to the public interest.
None.
None.
Proceduralmatters to be
followed by employ-
ees, personnel matters
such as vacation pe-
nods, methodoftrans-
portatlon to beused in
official travel.
31 CFR 351.2.
1. Paid checks and rec-
ords.
2. Records relating to
coin, bullion, and
currency, etc.
PAGENO="0064"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
a
0
No. Provisions of Administrative Procedure Act are not applicable to Canal Zone Government, Sec. 2 of 5 U.S.C. 1001 "agency" is defined to
exclude "governments of the possessions, territories, or the District of Columbia. However, regulations of the Canal Zone Government which
affect the public, such as regulations pertaining to exclusion and deportation of persons from the Canal Zone, air navigation, and customs, are
published in the Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, and U.S. Government Organization Manual.
Independent agency
(1)
Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) (2)(b) (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
Organization,
see. 3(a)(1)
Statement of func-
tions, sec. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
sec. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rules served on named
personsin accordance
with law, see. 3(a)(3)
American Battle Monuments
Commission.
~
Yes.
1. Federal RegIster
at such mire-
quent intervals
as changes may
occur.
1. Federal Register
at such Infre.
quent Intervals
as changes may
occur.
1. Federal Register
at such infre-
quent intervals
as changes may
occur.
Federal Register at
such infrequent
intervals asehanges
may occur.
None.
Atomic Energy Commission_
Yes.
1. Federal RegIster.
2. Code nt Federal
Regulations.
3. Atomic Energy
Commission
Manual.
4. Subscription serv-
ice (rules and
regulations).
1. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. Federal Register.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations, (41
CFR ch. 9.)
2. Federal Register.
1. Federal Register.
2. Pt. 8 of Atomic
Energy Corn-
mission regula-
tions, "Interpre-
tations."
3. Atomic Energy
Commission
Manual.
4. Publie document
room.
None.
~
Canal Zone Government
Civil Aeronautics Board
Yes~
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations. (cx-
cept for public
notices).
3. Agency regula-
tions.
1. Federal Register.
2. Many agency reg-
ulations.
3. Code of Federal
Regulations, cx-
cept for public
notices.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. Board regulations.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. Board policy state-
ments.
Generally none; how-
ever, `when done
they are available for
public inspection.
PAGENO="0065"
Yes. 1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organizational
Manual.
1. Federal Aviation 1. Public Notice.
Regulation of the
Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Not published but, ~
open to public ~
inspection.
0
L~J
O
0
00
District of Columbia They are exempted
in 5 U.S.C. 1001(a)
from the provisions
of the act.
Export-Import Bank of Wash-
ington.
~ Farm Credit Administratlon~
Rules and regulations as published in the District Register and then consolidated in the Code of District of Columbia
Regulations-subscription service also.
Federal Aviation Agency
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. 12 CFR 401-402.
1. Federal Register.
2. 12 CFR 401-402.
1. Federal Register.
2. 12 CFR 401-402.
1. Federal Register.
2. 12 CFR 401-402.
1. Federal Register.
2. 12 CFR 401-402.
Generally, yes; but
extremely limited.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Not available.
1. Federal Register.
Federal Coal Mine Safety
Board of Review,
Specifically exempted
under 66 Stat. 700;
However, still
adheres to the pro-
visions.
1. Federal Register.
None.
None.
Federal Communications Coni-
mission.
Yes.
Federal Communica-
tions Commission
Rules arid Regula-
tions.
Pt. 1, Federal Com-
munications Com-
mission Rules and
Regulations.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. Federal Register.
Federal Register.
Ordinarily not pub-
lished.
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
.
Yes.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. Federal Register.
~
1. 12 Code of Federal
Regulations Ch.
IlL
2. Federal Register.
3. Annual report of
Corporation.
1. Federal Register.
2. Corporations
annual report.
3. Pamphlets.
None.
Federal Home Loan Bank Yes. 1. Federal Register.
Board, 2. Manual and
pamphlet.
3. Code of Federa 1
Regu lations.
1. Federal Register.
2. Manual and
pamphlet.
3. Code of Federal~
Regulations.
1, Federal Register.
2. Manual and
pamphlet.
3. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register.
2. ManuaL
3. Code of Federal
Regulations.
None.
PAGENO="0066"
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. General orders.
4. Circular letters.
I. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. Facts behind
the
headlines in
labor-manage-
ment disputes.
3. Answers to
your
questions
about
Federal
tion and Concil-
iation Service.
Generally, none.
2. Where multiple
sons involved
and/or matter of
public interest.
3. Federal Register.
General policy for Rules served on named
public, sec. 3(a)(3) persons in accordance
with law, sac. 3(a)(3)
a
0
C/I
1. Federal Register. ~
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Federal Power
Commission re-
ports.
1. Federal Register. None.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Board's Federal
Reagrv~ Bulle-
(1)
Independent agency Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. lOO2-.-..Continued
(2)(a) (2)(b)
Organization,
sec. 3(a)(l)
(2)(c)
Official or unofficial publication
Statement of fune- Substantive rules,
tions, sec. 3(a) (2) sec. 3(a) (3)
(2)(d) (2)(e)
Federal Maritime Commission.~
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
1. Manuel of Orders.
1. Federal Register.
2. Commissions'
2. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Manual of Or-
3. Commissions' gen-
Regulations.
ders.
eral orders.
4. Federal Reports
Act.
Federal Mediation and Condilla-
Yes.
tion Service.
Annual report to the
Congress.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
3. Facts behind head-
lines in labor-
management dis-
putes.
Code of Federal Rag-
ulations.
~`ederal Power Commission Yes.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
~derai Reserve Sys~esn Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Federal Power
Commission re-
ports.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Federal Power
Commission re-
ports.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Federal Power
Commission re-
ports.
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
3. Board's rules of
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Board's Federal
PAGENO="0067"
Federal Trade Commission -
Yes.
1. FTC manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. FTC manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. Federal Register.
2. Pamph1ets.
3. Press releases.
4. Mailing lists,
5. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register.
2. Press notices
3. Copies obtainable
at public docket
room.
None.
Foreign Claims Settlement
Commission of the United
States.
Questionable.
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
3. Semiannual reports
to the Congress.
I. Semiannual reports
to Congress.
None.
None.
I. Federal Register.
General Services Adminis-
tration.
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. U.S. Government
~ Organization
~ Manual.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
4. Leaflets and bro.
chures.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Federal Procure-
ment Regulations
prescribed by
GSA are pub-
lished in looseleaf
forniby GPO.
Same as (2)(c).
Not applicable.
Rousing and Rome Finance
Agency.
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. HUFA annua1
report.
4. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
5. HUFA chart book.
(I. FNMA informa-
tion circular.
1. Federal Register.
2. Urban renewal
manual.
3. Information fact
sheets.
None. However, sub-
stantive matters
dealing with general
public appear in
Federal Register.
1. Federal Register.
2. Urban renewal
manual.
Not applicable.
organization and organization and
procedure. procedure.
tin.
4. Boards annual
report.
tin.
4. Published inter-
pretations of
Board.
a
0
C12
Indians Claims CommiSsion.
Do not issue regular reports or publications; however, findings of fact and opinions are sent to all interested parties and ~
are available to public if they call at the office. No secret or confidential opinions.
No; work is entirely
judicial.
PAGENO="0068"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002.-Continued
Independent agency
(1)
Applicability of
~ U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) J (2)(b) (2)(c) (2)(d) (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
Organization,
sec. 3(a)(l)
Statement of func-
lions, see. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
sec. 3(a)(3)
Genera1 policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rules served on named
persons in accordance
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
Interstate Commerce Commis-
SiGn.
Yes.
~
Federal Register.
1. Commissions orga-
nization minutes
published in
Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
Same as (2) (b) and
(c).
1. Printed volumes
of the Commis-
sion.
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
~
Yes.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
ManuaL
2. NASA Manage-
ment Manual.
1. NASA Manage.
ment Manual.
None.
1. Federal Register.
2. NASA issuance
System.
Not applicable.
.
National Labor Relations Boar&
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Local publicity,
I. Board's rules and
regulations
(statements of
procedure).
2. Federal Register.
1. Bound volumes of
the Board's de-
cisions.
2. Legal reporting
services.
I. Board's decisions.
None.
National Mediation Board
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Annual report of
the National
Mediation Board.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Annual report of
the National
Mediation Board.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Annual report of
the National
Mediation Board.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Annual report of
the National
Mediation Board.
None.
0
8
rr.~
PAGENO="0069"
Q
1. Public inspection. ~
2. Published for gen- L~i
eral distribution. C~l
3. Mailed out on 0
request.
1. Federal Register. I. Federal Register. 1. Fedetal Regula- 1. Federal Regula- 1. Federal Register.
2. 13 CFR 1. 2. 13 CFR 1. tions. tions. 2. 13 CFR 1.
2. 13CFRI. 2. I3CFR1.
a. Small Business Administration's annual report to the President and the Congress containing agency programs, activi-
ties, and actions, also Small Business Administration's financial and administrativematters.
b. Agency actions providing financial assistance and small business investment company licenses granted are generally
announced by way of press releases by Small Business Administration's Office of Public Information.
~
National Science Foundation~..
Yes.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Annual report of
National Science
Foundation.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Annual report of the
National Science
Foundation.
1. Federal Register.
None.
Not applicable.
Railroad Retirement Board
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. U_S. Government
Organization
Manual.
I. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
None.
Renegdtiation Board
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. U.& Government
Organization
Manual.
3. Renegotiation
Board regula-
tion&
4. Field office pam-
phiete.
1. Federal Register.
2. Renegotiation
Board regula.
tions.
3. Pamphlets.
1. Renegotiation
Board regula-
tions.
1. Federal Register.
2 Renegotiation rul-
ings and rene-
gotiation bulle.
tins.
None.
Securities and Exchange Com-
mission.
.
Generally, yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Pamphlet form.
4. Individualreleases.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Pamphlet form.
4. Individual releases.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Pamphlet form.
4. Individual releases.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. Pamphlet form.
4. Individual releases.
Selective Service System..
Yes.
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
1. Federal Register.
2. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
1. Executive order in
the Federal
Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
None.
None.
Small BusinessAdministration
Generally yes-Fol-
lows guidelines on
this section as set
forth in the Attor~
ney General's
Manual.
PAGENO="0070"
1. Alleged political
activity on the
part of officers
or employees of
State or local
agencies whose
principal em-
ployment is
connected with
a Federal fi-
nanced activity
and discharge of
examiners ap-
pointed pur-
suant to 5
U.S.C. 1010.
Hatch Act decisions None.
of the U.S. Civil
Service Cornmis-
sion.
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C~ 1OO2-~Continued
Independent ageucy
(1)
Applicability of
5 U.S.C. 1002
(2)(a) (2)(b) (2)(c) (2)(d) J (2)(e)
Official or unofficial publication
-~
Organization,
sec. 3(a)(1)
Statement of fune-
tions see. 3(a)(2)
Substantive rules,
see. 3(a)(3)
General policy for
public, sec. 3(a)(3)
Rulesserved on named
persons in accordance
with law, sec. 3(a)(3)
Tennessee Valley Authority
Yes.
-
1. U.S. Govermnent
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
None.
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal
Regulations.
None.
U.S. Arms Control and Disarm-
ament Agency.
Yes.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
None.
None.
None.
U.S. Civil Service Commission.
ITJ
L~J
C)
C)
0
rr.z
1. U.S. Government
1. U.S. Government
1. 5 CFR 151.
Organization
Manual.
~
Organizatioa
Manual.
2. Sec. 12, Hatch
Political Activi-
ties Act, as
amended, 5
U.S.C. 118k.
PAGENO="0071"
C)
C)
0
(p
2. Rulemaking to
carry out the
provisions of the
Federal Em-
ployees Health
Benefits Act of
1959.
U.S. Information Agency
Yes.
.
~
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
3. U.S. education,
science, and
cultural motion
pictures and
filmstrips se-
lected and avail-
able for use
abroad.
4. Code of Federal
Regulations.
Same as (2)(a).
~
Not applicable except as stated in (2) (a) and (b).
~
U.S. Tariff Commission
Yes.
~
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. Code of Federal
Regulations.
2. Federal Register.
None.
None.
None.
Yeterans' Administration
Yes~
.
~
1. U.S. Government
Organization
Manual.
2. Federal Register.
1. Federal Register.
2. Veterans' Admin-
istration procure-
meat regulations.
3. Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. Federal Register. -
2. Veterans' Admin-
istration procure-
inent regulations.
3. Code of Federal
Regulations.
i. Federal Register.
2. Veterans' Admin-
istration procure-
meat regulations.
3. Code ~f Federal
Regulations.
None.
PAGENO="0072"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Independent agency
(3)
Publications-Availability of final
and interim opinions or orders,.
sec. 3(b)
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishmg for "Good cause-
Confidential," see. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
American Battle Monuments
Commission,
None.
None.
Not available.
Upon request to persons having a
proper and direct concern.
Atomic Energy Commission
1. "Opinions and Decisions of the
Atomic Energy Commis-
sion."
2. Service on the parties of record.
3. Distribution to the press.
4. Duplicate in public documents
room.
Adverse employee personnel ac-
tions.
None.
1. Public documents room on re-
quest.
2. Copies, fee charged for repro.
duction.
Canal Zone Government
No. Provisions of Administrative Procedure Act are not applicable to Canal Zone Government. Sec. 2 of 5 U.S.C. 1001 "Agency" is defined to
exclude "governments of the possessions, territories, or the District of Columbia. However, regulations of the Canal Zone Government which
affect the public, such as regulations pertainine to exclusion and deportation of persons from the Canal Zone, air navigation, and customs, are
published in the Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, and U.S. Government Organization Mauual.
C)
C)
0
1. Sec. 1.6(b) of Public Notice 15,
written request to Secretary.
2. Sec. 442.3, public information ~4
in regular course of business. ~s-
3. Legal process, sec. 442.4.
4. Economic proceedings.
5. 14 CFR 389.
6. "List of Publications."
)f Columbia Official records areinade available to members of the press and the general public upon a showing of sufficient purposeful reasons as contrasted
to reasons of curiosity. Does keep some matters confidential.
.)ort Bank of Wash. Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. 12 CFR 401.3(1).
Civil Aeronautics Board 1. Served upon all parties to pro.
ceeding.
2. Docket card is open to public
inspection.
3. Open to the press.
4. Subscription service.
5. CAB reports.
1. See. 1001 of Federal Aviation
Act, in matters relating to
national defense.
2. Alsosee sec. 1104 of Federal
Aviation Act.
None.
PAGENO="0073"
Records, 6 CPR 4.10.
In the custody of the FCA
or of a particular bank or
association may be made
available to persons directly
and properly concerned upon
written application to the
FCA or the particular bank
or association.
2. Production credit associations
and Federal intermediate
credit banks may issue lists
of borrowers and loans for
the information of buyers,
warehousemen, and others
dealing in produce of live-
stock of the type securing
such loans.
Cl
O
09
Farm Gredit Administration Not available.
Not available.
Not available.
Federal Aviation Agency
1. Title VI of Federal Aviation
Act of 1958.
2. Sec. 609, Federal Aviation Act
(de novo review).
3. Civil penalty cases and certif-
icate actions placed in public
docket at FAA Building.
4. Decisions of Contract Appeal
Board open to public inspec-
tion.
1. When secrecy is requisite on
grounds of national de-
fense. No such instance has
occurred.
None.
~
1. No specific procedure.
2. Agency accepts individual re-
quests and decides on case-
by-case basis whether ma-
terial should be made avail-
able.
3. Files on rulemaking are held
open to public inspection.
Federal Coal Mine Safety
Board of Review,
1. Served upon the parties and
their representatives,
2. Entered upon the official
record which is open to pub-
lie at the Board's offices.
3. Cqpies of all decisions are dis-
tributed to interested
persons.
None.
None.
1. Any person at all may examine
the transcripts and complete
official records at Board's
office in all cases.
2. See answer 3.
Federal Communications Corn-
mission.
1. Application file available to
public.
2. Docket file available to public.
3, Some texts of orders and opto-
ions are published in Federal
Register.
4. Decisions published in Federal
Communications Commis-
sionileports.
None.
~
~
None.
I. Procedures for records access set
forth in 47 CFR 0.401.
2. General policy and interpreta-
tions published in Federal
Register.
3. Legal opinions not made public.
.
PAGENO="0074"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1fl02-..Continued
1. No formal method.
2. Federal Register.
3. Available to members of public
upon written request.
4. Generally. (See sec. 309.1 of ~
corporations rules and regu- ~
lations.) Chiefs of divisions is1
have wide discretion.
0
t.i
0
1. Inspection at Washington. 0
2. Purchase of Maritime Commis- ~
sion reports.
3, Examination of Individual deci- ~
aioqs.
Independent agency
(3)
PublIcatIons-Availability of final
and interim opinions or orders,
sec. 3(b)
-
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
Federai Deposit Insurance
£)orporatioj~,
*.
--
i. News releases of selected
weekly actions by the Board
and applications received for
consIderation.
2. Approved applications for
Federal deposit Insurance,
consent to establish branches,
consent to change bank loca~
tion, consent to exercise
trust powers.
-
1. 12 U.S.C. 1815.
2. 12 U.S.C. 1818 (a) and (e).
3. 12 U.S.C. 1823 (c) and (e).
4. 12 U.S.C. 1828 (c) and (d).
5. 12 U.S.C. 1829.
6. Sections 327.2(c) and 303.7 of
rules and regulations.
7. Sections 328.1(b), 328.2(a),
328.2(c)(2), and (2)(10) and
303.8 of rules and regulations.
None. See section 309.2 of
Corporations rules and regula-
tlons.
-~
Federal Home Loan Bank Boarth
1. No publication.
2. Public inspection.
Confidential, where Board has
net held a hearing or other
public proceeding prior to the
issuance of its order.
None.
1. On request, always.
Federal Maritime Commission. -
,
1. Served on all parties.
2. Available to anyone upon re-
quest.
3. Open for public InspectIon in
docket room.
4. Federal Maritime Commission
reports.
None.
~
.
None.
JFederal Mediation and Conellia-
~tion~Service.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Written notices of disputes,
parties at interest received
certified copies.
3. Arbitration awards released for
publication whereparties don't
object.
a.) Inspection in officeof General
Counselwherelegitimate in-
terest.
b.) See 29 C1I'R ch. 12 pt. 1401.
PAGENO="0075"
1. Release to public immediately None.
uponissuancein Commission's
Office of Public Information.
2. Mailing list.
Every order or opinion cited or
used as precedent is available to
public in printed or other form.
1. 18 CFR 1.36 (c), (d)-All mat-
ters of official record shall be
available for public reference.
2. Public records available for
public reference.
ci
w
0
L~i
C)
0
(/2
I
Federal Power Commission
Federal Reserve System
1. Press release.
2. Federal Register.
3. On file and available at Board's
office or a Federal Reserve
bank.
4. Board's monthly bulletin.
5. A weekly 11.2 and I~. 3 list.
Proceeding conducted persuant to
section 30 of Banking Act of 1933
for removal of directors and/or
officers of State member banks,
~
None.
1. See answer 3.
2. Matters of official record, rules
soon available for inspection,
study and copying in Board's
office.
3. Publications Services Unit.
4. Mailing list.
5. Press release.
Federal Trade Commission
1. FTC decisions.
2. Available on request.
3. Public docket room.
4. Federal Register.
None.
None.
1. Federal Register.
2. See answers to questions 2(c) and
2(d).
Foreign Claims Settlement Corn-
mission of the United States.
1. Public dockets of claims.
2. Decisions on claims are posted
on public bulletin board.
3. Decisions available for public
Inspection upon request.
1. Where Commission determines
them to be held confidential.
~
None.
1. Files on particular claims avail-
able for inspection only by
claimant involved or author
iced representative.
2. Legal opinions and decisions
available to public in Com-
mission offices, request.
3. MinImum charge, copies of
opinions and decisions.
General Services AdministratIon~
~
1. Board of Contract Appeals De-
cisions, published by Corn-
merce Clearinghouse.
a. Available for public
inspection.
2. The Government Contractor.
3. FederaLnontract reports.
None.
~
May be given consideration in
other proceedings involving in-
ternal management affairs, such
as personnel actions.
I. Current GSA records, records in
National Archives, records in
Presidential Libraries, etc.,
may be requested of a desig-
natedofficial and to explainbis
interest.
2. Al claimant's request records
can be copied.
PAGENO="0076"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATION S UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1OO2~Continued
Independent agency
(3)
Publications-Availability of final
a~id interim opinior~s or orders,
sec. 3(b)
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
Housing and Home Finance
Agency.
None.
None.
NoRe.
~
.
1. Fully available upon request.
2. Local newspapers (publication
of a "Redevelopers State-
ment").
3. FNMA publications.
4. Office inspection to interested
groups or individuals.
Indian Claims Commission
Do not Issue regular reports or publications; however, findings of fact gnd opinions are sent to all interested parties and are available to pubic
if they call at the office. No secret or confidential opinions.
Interstate Commerce Commis-
sion.
1. Served upon the parties per-
son~lly or by mail.
2. Copies are available at Corn-
mission office at time of
service upon parties to a
proceeding.
3. Purnlshed public on request.
4. Office dockets of Commission.
5. ~eder~l Register.
In wartime when natlona~ secu-
rity requires secrecy.
None.
1. Releases by Commission
(press).
2. Request for information.
3. Reports and orders, public
inspection, sold in advance
sheet form.
4. Inspection of records.
5. Request to inspect records.
6. Certified copies of records.
7. Freight commodity statistics,
carrier traffic reports.
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
.
.
1. Legal and proqurernent pub-
liuntions.
2. Meinorandupi of decision are
evnilabie to public.
3. Semiannual reports of NASA
to Coi~gress.
4. Press releases.
5. Congressional hearings and
reports.
None.
None.
Persons property and directly
concerned.
PAGENO="0077"
Public inspection at any time upon
request. (See answer 3.)
National Labor Relations Board..
1. Labor relations reporter.
2. Commerce Clearing Rouse.
3. Prentiss-Hall.
4. Made available to public In
Washington orregionalofilces.
5. News media.
6. Copies by request.
7. Weekly summary uponrequest.
None. None.
National Mediation Boar&..~.....
See answer 6.
Pt. 1202.15 of Board rules outlines
the policy and practice.
None.
Files, records, and opinions which
result frcrin public hearings in
connection with the Board's
activities are available without
restriction to the general public
National Science Foundation
None.
None.
None.
1. "Federal Council for Science and
Technology," Feb. 11, 1963.
2. Foundation's grant booklet.
Railroad Retirement Board
~
Legal principals are summarized
in the-
1. "Administrative Rulings and
Court Review."
2. Board's annual report.
3. Railroad Retirement Board-
Legal opinions.
1. Final orders in the adjudica-
tion of individual claims for
benefits under acts it admin-
isters.
None.
~
1. See answer 3.
2. Opinions furnished to any in-
terested persons upon request
and records and files avail-
able to inspection subject to
limitations of answer 7.
t4
0
O
0
1. Legal opinions by renegotia-
tion rulings and renegotia- ~S
tion bulletins.
2. Records; person'directly con-
cerned may apply in writing
to the Secretary for access.
3. See answer 3(1).
Renegotiation Board
.
1. Any person may inspect dur-
big business hours in Wash-.
lngton, any official Board ac-
tions (transcripts) granting
contract exemptions.
a. Can BB livid lloliildefltlal
for good cause.
1. Opinions and orders; held con-
fidential by reason of the
cdnfldontlal data furnished
by contractors and relating
to their business.
2. Order; agreenvent to eliminate
excessiveprefits.
None.
PAGENO="0078"
0
1. Press releases.
2. Major policy decisions, by
speeches, press releases, asici
promulgation in Federal
regulations.
3. Directives and Interpretations
which are not published are
made available upon request
to interested persons.
4. Information available concern-
ing particular Small Busi-
ness Administration actions
such as size determinations
1. Agency actions involving
financial assIstance, and
small business investment
company licences granted
announced by means of press
releases.
2. Small business investment
company matters; Small
Business Administration
issues to all licensees and to
other interested persons who
request it a "guide" which
contains pertinent Small
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
-~--Independentagern- - -
(3)
PublicatIons-AvaIlabilIty of -final
and interim opinions or orders,
sec. 3(b)
(4)
When does agency refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
Confidential," sec. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
~
Securities and Exchange Corn-
mission.
- -
-
1. Published.
2. Public inspection,
3~ Public reference rooms.
4. Code of Federal Regulations.
~
~
1. Nonpublic opinions due to ad-
verse publicity,
.
~
None.
1. Inspection in public reference
rooms.
2. Copies and transcripts may be
purchased.
3. Published Secretary decisions
and substantive rules.
4. Speeches, briefing conferences,
and law review articles.
Selective Service System
-
--
1. Posting in a conspicuous place
at the office of each local
board (classifications),
2~ Record maintained.
~
Not applicable.
*
~
~
None.
.
1. Records and files, a. Registrant
or any person having written
authority dated and signed
by registrant
2. Legal representative of a de-
ceased or incompetent regis-
trant.
3. Selective Service System per-
sonnel.
4. Any other agency official or
employee.
5. U.S. attorney.
SznaUB-usiizess Administrat-ioss_
0
hi
(~1
rI)
See answer 7.
Did not answer.
PAGENO="0079"
liusiness Administration
rules, etc.
3. Prepares and distributes fact
sheets and leaflets on Small
Business Administration
programs and operations.
4. Small Business Administration
Manual; banks and finan-
cially interested persons may
obtain certain data about
firms receiving loans from
Small Business Administra-
tion.
Names of borrowers or other
recipients of Small Business
Administration assistance, ~
amount, and types of loans ~
approved or other assistance ~,
furnished, number of em-
ployees, type of business,
general purpose of assistance. ~
ci
0
0
0
Records and files only.~
1. Available to persons properly
and directly concerned.
2. Documents. on disarmament I>
publication~.
a. Mailing lists.
b. Libraries throughout United
States.
3. Academic Institutions, research
centers.
4. Technical abstract bulletin.
5. Biweekly catalog. Wide circu-
lation.
See Small Business Administra-
tion regulations, see. 1704.01.
5.
Tennessee
Valley Authority
1. 18 CFR 301.1.
None.
None.
See answerS.
.
2. Requests made in writing.
3. Available to persons properly
and directly concerned.
4. Inspection.
.
.
U.S. Arms Control and Disarma-
None.
None.
None.
meat Agency.
I.
PAGENO="0080"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
I Subject to Administrative
Procedure Act.
a. See answerS.
Not subject to Administrative
Procedure Act.
a. Federal Register.
b. Commissions personnel
manual; available at public ~
request and copies may be ~
ordered and sent to otber ~
agencies.
0
C)
nI
Independent agency
(3)
Publicattons-Availabiityof final
and interim opinions or orders,
sec. 3(b)
(4)
When does agerycy refrain from
publishing for "Good cause-
ConfidentIal," see. 3(b)
(5)
Unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents
(6)
Procedure for making available
records, files, and legal opinions
U.S. Civil Service CommissIon......
~
1. Public Inspection.
2. Pt. 2 of the book, "A Case-
book on Commission
Decisions."
None.
~
1. State and local employees are
being removed under sec. 12
of the Hatch Act and hear-
ing examiners being removed
under sec. 11 of the Ad-
ministrative Procedure Act.
2. In cases not subject to Ad-
ministrative Procedure Act
grievences and appeals from
employees.
2.
U.S. Information Agency
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Confine to persons demon-
strating a legitimate need
for information contained in
such records.
2. Research study only at places
designated by Agency.
3. Application for access to
Agency records.
U.S. Tariff Commission
None.
None.
None
1. Federal Register.
2. Code of Federal Regulations.
3. Information and reports by per-
sons concerned on request to
the Secretary of the Commis-
sion.
Veterans' Administration
Files, records, reports, documents
pertaining to claims,
1. Claimant or his duly author-
Ized agent or representative
as to matters concerning
himself alone.
2. Required by process of a U.S.
court.
3. Department or other agency of
U.S. Government.
4. Amount of pension, compen-
sation made known to any
person who applies for such
(of any beneficiary).
Determinations of Veterans' Ad-
ministration in individual
cases become a part of the rec-
ord in that case, and are con-
sidered confidential. See
38 U.S.C. 3301.
None.
1. Administrator's decisIons in
printers volumes.
2. Formal opinions of the General
Counsel, supplied to persons,
organizations, or agencies
when general counsel or serv-
Ice concerned decides public
interest justifies.
PAGENO="0081"
I
~ American Battle Monu-
merits Commission.
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1OO2-.~-Continued
Independent agency
(7)
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private parties resorting
to unpublished organ-
Ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy in
public interest, sec.
3(a)(1)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
management, sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Names and addresses of next of kin of the
dead entered in the cemeteries or com-
memorated on the walls of the memorials
under its jurisdiction.
None.
None.
None.
1. Paper.
2. Document pertaining
to business.
Atomic Energy Commls.
sioa.
1. See "Rules of Practice:"
a. Sec. 2.790(b).
b. 18 U_S.C. 1905.
2. Personnel matters.
3. Intra-agency and Interagency communi-
cations.
4. Transcripts of Atomic Energy Conunis-
sion meetings.
5. Correspondence between Atomic Energy
Commission and foreign government.
6. Records and reports of investigations.
7. Restricted data, Executive Order 10501.
8. Congressional correspondence.
9. Internal agency management.
10. Individuals who have received exposure
to radiation.
11. See [0 CFR 2.790(b), to protect trade
secrets.
None.
Generally none. Cer-
tam restricted data
and defense informa-
tion, are not made
available to the public,
except In accordance
with access permits.
None.
None. Generally fol~
lows 10 CFR 9.3, sub-
ject to exceptions in
sec. 9.4.
~
Canal Zone Government....
No. Provisions of Administrative Procedure Act are not applicable to Canal Zone Government. Sec. 2 of 5 U.S.C. 1001 "agency" is defined to exclude
"governments of the possessions, territories, or the District of Columbia. However, regulations of the Canal Zone Government which affect the public,
such as regulations pertaining to exclusion and deportation of persons from the Canal Zone, air navigation, and customs, are published in the Federal
Register, Code of Federal Regulations, and U.S. Government Organization Manual.
ci
t~4
C)
Il~J
C)
0
Cs)
0-I
PAGENO="0082"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPEItATIONS UNt)ER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Indepeisdent agen~y
(7)
.
Llinit8tions gin availability tff
records and flies
(8)
Ebrlvate partIes resorting
to slnpublishfid organ-
iiation or ptdeedure;
sec. 3(a)
(P)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy in
public Interint, see;
3(a)(i)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
big rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
nianagement, sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of `tofficlal
recOrd"
(Jivi! Aeronautits Board....
I. National defense.
2. Records, letters, etc., connected with
offipial dutits.
3. Sqe. 204(a) of Federal Aviation Act.
4. CI~ssifl&~igin o~ documents (secrecy and
natidnal defense, Execptive Order 10501).
5. Whereintormation would adversely agect
tin interests of such perSonS; 14 CFR
1302.311(b).
6. Ndnp~xbl1clnvestlgaticns, 14 CFR 302.314;
mail rate donferen&. -
7. Afrcraft accidents, 14 CFR 311.
8. Accoimt8, reCords; etc., of companlT.
Nón~.
*
None;
.
Nothing is published
involving internal
ditectives (all).
1. Documents.
2. Material filed in ad-
judicatory, investi-
gative or rulemak-
ing procedure.
3. Public notices, re-
ports, tabulations,
etc., authorized by
Board for public
release.
4. Approved minutes of
Board meetings,
except portions re-
lating to pending
matters. (See see.
1103 of Federal
Aviation Act.)
- District of Columbia
~
Official records are made available to mem-
hers of the press and the general public
upon a showing of sufficient purposeful
reasons as contrasted to reasons of curi-
osity. Does keep some matters conS-
dential.
Has given extensive attention to its administrative procedures and has developed a thorough coverage
designed expressly for its type of activities.
Export-Import Bank of
Washington.
1. National defense or foreign policy.
2. Internal management.
3. ConThiential information submitted by
applicants for bank loan and guarantee
assistance.
None.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. All agulications and
documents, for
banks' assistance in
financing and facili-
tating exports and
imports, and docu-
meats embodying
bank decisions.
ci
0
0
PAGENO="0083"
None. Not available. All.
flecords.
1. 6 CFR 4.2, contents of reports by farm
credit examiners.
2. 6 CFR 4.4, lists of borrowers, unless such
release is approved.
3. 6 CFR 4.5, all information regarding the
character, credit standing, and property
of borrowers and applicaiits for loans.
4. 6 CFR 4.8, lists of employees shall not be
release& Approval of the Governor,
a Deputy Governor, or a service clirec-
tor having general supervision over
such office or bank concerned..
5. See exceptions to above in 6 CFR 4.8 (a)
to (e).
0
C
I. All papers ified by ce
the parties.
2. Board notifications by ~,.
the parties.
3. Official acts of the
Board, including
all orders, opinions,
and findings.
Farm Ciredit Administra-
tion.
Include those documents
and information with
which 6 CFR 4.1-4.10
are concerned. (This
includes practically
everything.)
Federal Aviation Agency
~
~.
1. 4915.8.0.1504, any personrequiredto sub-
mit Information to FAA may object
to its disclosure and the Administrator
shall withhold i~ when it would ad-
versely affect the interest olthe person.
a. 49 U.SC. 1472(1), criminal penalty
for disclosureof suchinfermation un-
less Administrator directs it, or a
court of competent jurisdiction.
2. Documents and records in legal proceed-
ings between private litigants may be
released only after review by a member
of Office of General Counsel.
None.
None.
Nothing is published
involving internal
directives (all).
1. Records in hearing
cases.
2. Exchanges between
parties and FAA in
any adjudications.
3. Rulemaking dockets.
4. Rules, orders, dcci-
sinus.
5. Reports filed with
FAA.
6. Correspondence with
public.
Federal Coal Mine Safety
Board of Review,
.
.
1. Th~teraal documents:
a. Interagency memo.
b. Executive communications that
are privileged.
o. Documents relating to personnel
security.
None.
None.
.
Those listed in an-
swer 7.
~
PAGENO="0084"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
Federal Home Loan Bank
Board.
1. l~ U.S.C. 1905:
a. Trade secrets.
b. Processes.
c. Operations.
Emergency preparedness All.
regulations for con-
tinuity of Govern-
ment.
Independent agency
(7)
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private part es resorting
to unpublished organ-
iza~i~n or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Secrecy in
public interest, sec.
3(a) (I)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
inanagethent, sec. fl(2~l
(11)
.
Definition of "official
record"
Federal Communications
Commission
1. 47 U.S.C. 154(j) on national defense mat-
ters.
2. 47 U.S.C. 213(f) permits Commission to
order restrictions on records and data.
3. 47 U.S.C. 412 permits secrecy abOut con-
traCts relating to foreign communica-
tion.
4. 47 U.S.C. 605 prohibits divulging infor-
mation obtained while monitoring.
5. 47 U.S.C. 6o6gives war emergency powers
to the President.
6. 5 U.S.C. 1002.
7. 18 U.S.C. 1905.
8. 5 U.S.C. 631 restricts employee in'gesti-
gatory material.
9. Various regulations spell out statutory
restrictions.
None.
.
None.
Inter-office mempranda
affecting internal
aciministiation.
None.
-
Federel Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
1. Confidential information and records,
sectioli 309.1(a) of Oatporation's rules
and regulations.
a. Rgports of investigations or examina-
tions of any bank.
b. Applications, statements, and reports
to the Corporation by any bank,
c. Proceedings for the termination olthe
insured status of any bank.
d. Internal operations of the FDIC.
None.
.
None.
1. Travel regulations.
2. Leave regulations.
3. Reporting working
time and attend-
ance.
4. Performance ratings.
5. Incentive and award
guides.
6. Auditors manual.
7. Manual of exami-
nation policies.
8. Budgetary rules, etc.
Has not formulated a
definition. Uses pt.
309 of rules and regula-
tions of Corporation
as a guide.
tt~j
0
00
None.
None.
PAGENO="0085"
t.4
a
0
P2
d. Confidcnti~l statistical data, etc.
2. 12 CFR 306.1~:
i~. Privileged and confidential records
and documents.
Federal Maritime Corn-
mission.
1. Files and records inspected and copies in
Commission's discretion upon written
request.
2. Orders, rules, opinions, held by Coin-
mission to be confidential.
None.
None.
None.
1. Pleadings, transcripts
of testimony, ax-
hibits, all documents
received in evidence.
Federal Mediation and
Conciliation. Service,
Information dislosect to Conmaisston~rs or
other employeesin official duty will not be
divulged, 29 CIFR ch. 12, pt. 1401.
None.
.
None.
None.
1 Documents, forms, and
reports.
2. Mediator's reports on
his activities.
3. Request that personal
services of a Federal
mediator may be
needed.
Federal Power Commis-
sion.
1. Information obtained during examination
of books and accounts of respondent
conipanies not divulged by members,
odigers, or employees except as directed
by Commissioner or a court.
2. Other records not available except upon
good cause shown.
None.
None.
All.
None. However, see 18
CFR 1.36(c).
Federal Reserve Systeim....
I. Proece4ings for the removal of director~
or o~eere of member banks.
2. Credit ani:l nioneta~y policies in national
monetary field.
~. Federal R~erve getions relating to-
rrgorve requirements, margin re-
quirements, and discount rates.
3. Financial and business information re-
garding particular persons or institu-
tions.
4. Defense material.
None.
1. Discount rates.
2. Reserve requirements.
3. Margin requirements.
All.
All materials in the
Board's possession cx-
capt those relating to
internal operation.
PAGENO="0086"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 u.S.C. 1002-Continued
None. However, where None.
EPA programs In-
volve dealing with
the public, they are
Tndependent agency
(7)
,
Limitations on avallabifity of
records and files
(8)
1~rlvatepart1esresort1ng
to unpublished organ-
ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refr-alne4~rom publish-
lug rules-Secrecy in
public interest, sec.
3(a)(l)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
ing rules-Matters re-
lating to Internal
management, sec. 3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Federal Trade Commission
1. Trade secrets and names of customers as
shall be deemed expedient In public
Intere8t.
2. See 15 U.S.C.A. 46 F.
3. Discretion of FTC.
4. Investigatory and Internal records and
files; public Interest is controlling ele-
ment of such discretion.
None.
~
None.
~
.
All.
~
None. However, con
siders all acquired in
formation as such, ox
cept materials relating
to internal manage-
merit and personnel.
Foreign Claims Settlement
Commission of the
United States.
1. Records and files not made available to
public, except to claimants or duly
authorized representatives.
None.
None.
None.
General Services Admin-
istratlon.
1. Solely to internal management or nondis-
closure in the public interest,
2. National Archives records (Imposed by
law).
3. Record in Federal Records Centers (Ins-
posed by agency whose records are
involved).
4. Presidential libraries (imposed by depos-
itors, or where disclosure would preju-
dIce national interest or security),
5. Appeal case records relating solely to
internal management.
None.
None.
~
1. Personnel manage-
ment matters.
2. Ancilliaryjnatters re
lated to published
rules which concern
agency procedures
on filing, distribu-
tion, reviewing,
preparation, and
the like.
1. Document.
2. Publication
3. Decision or record ~
utilized bythe Com- ~
mission in determin- C~
ing validity and
amount of the claim. ~
8
I. Books, papers, maps,
photographs, etc,
made or received by co
any agency of U.S.
Government in con-
nection with the
transaction of public
business is preserved
as evidence of the
agencies, functions,
policies, decisions,
procedures, etc.
2. See 4ICFR1OI-ll,
101-3, 101-12, 101-1.
Housing and Home
Finance Agency,
1. 18 U.S.C. 1905, trade secrets, operations,
etc.
a. Fianclal statements, manulac-
t~~ng processes.
None.
Attorney General's
Manual on the Ad-
ministrative Procedur8
Act, p. 24.
PAGENO="0087"
2. 12 U.S.C. 1701(d)-3(d), information from
individuals or groups.
3. 5 U.S.C. 139(b), informatIon from another
agency.
4. Executive Order No. 10450, natIonal se-
curity.
5. ExecutIve Order No. 10501, defense infor-
mation.
(I. Executive Order No. 101161, officIal per-
sonnel folders.
7. Operation flies, unreviewed audit, and
Investigatory reports.
1. Tariffs, rate sched- ~
ules, powers of
attorney, etc.
2. Annual and other ~
periodic reports
ified.
3. Annual reports,
maps, profiles. etc.
4. Docket files, includ- ~
ing, pleadings,
depositions, 0
exhibits, etc.
02
covered in the Federal
RegIster.
Indian Claims Comnits-
sion.
Do not issue regular reports or publications; however, findings of fact and opinions are sent to all Interested parties and are available to public if they
call at the office. No secret or confidential opinions.
Interstate Commerce
Commission,
1. Examination and inspection of carrier
records.
2. Investigatory files (of carriers).
3. Filing of contracts by motor carriers
except as part of record at formal pro-
ceeding.
4. 1-percent waybill sample.
5. Routing of any property delivered to
common carrier,
6. Impede administration of Interstate
Commerce Commission Act.
7. Carriers filing supplemental traffic re-
ports.
8. Accident reports of carriers.
9. Excess hours of service of drivers avail.
able only upon written request.
10. Internal memorandum.
None.
~
.
Transportation of cx.
plosives for the
Armed Forces by
Railway Express
Agency, Inc., on pas.
senger trains in time
of war or a national
emergency pro-
claimed by the
President.
All.
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration,
1. Executive Order No. 10501, interest of
national security,
2. Trade secrets and confidential financial
information, 18 U.S.C. 1905.
3. Security and personnel records and re-
ports.
None.
~
.
National defense and
security,
Publication has been
selective on the
grounds that the bulk
of regulations is of
little concern to pub.
lic. Generally, all
regulations are pub-
lished as part of the
NASA issuance
system.
See 44 U.S.C. 366.
~
PAGENO="0088"
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 1002-Continued
a
a
C
w
Independent agency
(7)
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private partiesresorting
to unpublished organ-
Ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
lag rules-Secrecy in
public interest, sec.
3(a)(1)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
big rules-Matter sre-
lating to internal
management, sec. 3(2)
(11)
.
Definition of "official
record"
National Labor Relations
Board.
See. 102.117-Records and information.
1. If General Counsel or Regional Director
find good cause:
2. Final opinions end orders for good cause
shown.
3. Records, files, memorandum, reports
relating to internal management or
lnvestigations
Ste. 14l2.118~-Emp1oyee cannot testify or
produce files, etc., In any cause pending in
bnhaU of a party without written consent
of the Boa~i Or Chairman of the Board.
None.
None.
None.
1. Charge upon which
the complaint is
issued.
2. Complaint and any
amendments
thereto.
3. Notice of hearing.
4. Answer.
5. Motions, rulings,
orders.
6. Stipulations, exhibits.
7. Depositions, docu-
mentary evidence,
etc.
National Mediation Boarth
Mediation function in assisting labor and
manage~nent is such that by its very
nature certain information and conflden-
tialreports lb the Board's files are not open
to public inspection. See pt. 1202.15 of
hoard's rules.
None.
None.
None.
Pt. 1202.15 of Board's
rules and regulations.
National Science Founda-
tion.
1. Generally, none.
2. 18 U.S:O. 1905; disclosure of confidential
information by Federal offices or
emj~loyees.
None; except all the
material In Federal
Register has gone out
of date.
None.
~
None.
See 44 U.S.C. 366.
.
Railroad Retirement
Board.
1. Those recprds which identify the mdi-
v1du~l concerned.
2. Constgia of medical information.
3. Recot4s rticeived from Social Security
A~gftcy or Veterans' Administration.
4. See *5 U.S~C. 362(d) and (ii), 5 ~T3:B.O.
139b(a).
None.
None.
All.
Board's records and files.
PAGENO="0089"
Renegotiation Board
I. Pt. 1480 of Renegotiation Board regula.
tions.
2. FedefM tax retutna, Fedst~t tax data~
reseinse agents reports, in Renegotia-
tion Board'e cust6~ty.
3. Executive~ Ordet No. 10501; top secret.
confidential, restricted data.
4. 18 U.S.C. 1985; trade secrets~ operations,
procesies, etc.
5. Internal memorandum.
None.
.
Contracts or subcon-
tracts, renegotiation
of which would jeop-
ordize secrecy re-
quired in the public
interest,
See rule 1480.4(a) of
Renegotiation Board
regulation.
1. General orders.
2, Operational bulle-
tins.
3. Administrative
orders.
1. Agreements, orders,
reports, records,
ifies, correspond-
ence, meruoran-
dums and other
data, documents
relating to any re-
negotiation pro-
ceeding.
Securities and Exchange
Commission.
1. Investigatory files.
2. Informants as to violations of law.
3. All material treated as nonpublic--to
facilitate free communication among
Government officials and to protect
members of psiblie from unfair injury.
None.
None.
All.
See 17 C.F.R. 201.25,
17 C.F.R. 200.80, rule
25 of the Commis-
sion's Rules of Prac-
tice.
Selective Service System...
.
1. 32 CER 1606.31.
2. 32 CER 1606.32 (1), (2), (3), (4) (b), (c)
(d).
3. Person must be properly identified as a
person, or as an authorized representa-
tive of an agency entitled to so obtain
such information.
4. Reason for above-personal nature of
information.
None.
None.
All.
Small Business Adminis-
tration.
.
1. Generally; r~euWds and files not available
to piibltb.
2. Official infdrniation and records classified
uhdtr Exddutltré Order No. 10501.
3. Material slitmiitted to Small Business
Administration in confidence in order
that Small Busfisess Administration
may determine whether financial or
other assistance should be granted;
such disclosure abuld Injure reputation
of the affectdd firili, especially if denied
assistance.
4. Sec. 17~00 of Small Business Admlnistra-
tionregulations.
Did nat answ0r.
-
Did not answer. How-
ever, onecircumstance
wouldbe: Official
information and
records classified
under Executive
Order No. 10501.
Generally all.
Did not answer.
Is-
Records and files cre- ~~tj
ated or obtained In
carrying out its func-
tions with respect to e-i
registration, exam!- 0
nation, classification,
selection, etc.
0
00
I,
PAGENO="0090"
Notsubject toAdministrative Procedure Act.
1. Examination questions. -
2. Ratings made by Individual examina-
tions.
3. Records and flies not relating to actions
or eases subject to the Administrative
Procedure Act.
4. Investigative file.
5. Retirement records.
6. Medical records.
7. Inspections of agency operations.
1. Subject to Adminis-
trative Procedure
Act.
1. None.
2. Not subject to Ad-
ministrative Pro-
cedure Act.
a. Appealing a rat-
ing assigned to
a Civil Service
examiner.
Record relating tq an
action or case that is
subject to the provi-
sions of the Adminis-
trative Procedure
Act.
TABULAR ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS UNIiER 5 U.S.C. IOO~-Cont!nuec1
Independent agency
(7)
Limitations on availability of
records and files
(8)
Private parties resorting
to unpublished organ-
ization or procedure,
sec. 3(a)
(9)
Refrained from publish-
big rules-Secrecy in
public interest, sec.
3(a)(l)
(10)
Refrained from publish-
lug rules-Matters re-
lating to internal
management, sec.
3(2)
(11)
Definition of "official
record"
Tennessee Valley Author-
Ity.
~
.
1. 18 CFR 301.1.
2. Matters relating solely to internal man-
agement.
3. Information held confidential for good
cause foujid.
Tennessee Valley an-
thority and contractor
may resolve any con-
troversy through sue-
cessive appeals to the
contracting officer and
the Tennesee Valley
Authority General
Manager. Entire
procedure Is stated in
"disputes" provision
included in each con-
tract.
None.
All. Publication for
employees only,
18 CFR 301.1(a). Maps,
plans, and diagrams,
bids and awards, ease-
ments, and rights-of-
way, etc.
U.S. Arms Control and
Disarmament Agency.
1. 18 U.S.C. 37.
2. 42 U.S.C. 2247, 2277, and Implementing
Executive orders.
3. Controlled in the interest of the nation-
al defense or foreign policy.
4. Security-requIrements,
None.
None.
1. Handling of docu-
ments.
2. Securityclassification
procedures.
3. Duties of certain
officers.
4. Personnel matters.
5. Supplies and services.
None. Howôver, uses
Attorney General's
Manual on the Ad-
ministrative Pro-
cedure Act (1947),
p. 24, as a guide.
U.S. Civil Service
Commission.
None.
All.
PAGENO="0091"
8. 5 U.S.C. 632.
9. 5 U.S.C. 2251.
10. 5 U.S.C. 851.
b. Annuity should
follow In a so-
called Hiss Ad
case under 5
U.S.C. 2281.
Books, papers, maps,
photographs, etc.,
made or received by
an agency of the IJ.S.
Government in
cotmection with the
tranJaction of public ~
business, etc. See L~J
Records Disposal Act ~
of July 7, 1943,
amended July 6, 1945, ~
44 U.S.C. 366.
a
a
0
Books, papers, maps,
photographs, so on,
made or received by
any agency of U.S.
Government In con~
nection with the trans-
action of public bus!-
ness. See sec. I of the
Records Disposal Act
(44 U.S.C. 366).
U.S. Information Agsncy
1. Executive Order No. 10501 safeguarding
official information in the interest of
national defense.
2. Foreign Service Act 5612.
3. Classified records.
4. Restricted records, e.g., materials which
might give offense to other national!,
ties or individuals.
5. Records relating to unsettled claims.
6. Personnel records, etc.
Procedures for app!!-
cants for employ-
ment in the Foreign
Service of the
Agency, or for service
in a binational center
abroad.
.
None.
Generally, none.
U.S. Tariff Comxnlsslon,~
1. Reports to the President, either or both
Houses of Congress or to committees of
Congress release of which has not been
authorized,
2. Confidential business data.
a. Trade secrets 18 U.S.C. 1905.
b. Processes.
e. OperStions.
d. Style of work, etc.
~
None.
None.
.
None.
~
1. Formaldocumentsfiled
with Commission.
2. Reports to the Presi-
dent, Congress re-
lease of which has
been authorized.
3. Transcripts of testi-
mony and exhibits
submitted at hear-
Ings.
Veterans' Administration,.
Sec. 3301 of title 38, United States Code.
All files, records, reports, and other papers
and documents pertaining to any claim
under any of the laws administered by the
Veterans' Administration sball be con-
fidential, etc., except for: See answer 3.
None.
None.
Generally, detailed re-
quirements of internal
procedure and ad-
ministration are pub-
lished in manuals and
other agency issues.
PAGENO="0092"
REPLIES TO QTJESTIONNAIRE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Ri~pLy FROM `rin!~ BUREAU or ~rirn BUDGET
EXECUTIVE OrrICE or nn~ PRESIDENT,
BUREAU OF TEE BUDGET,
Washington, D.C., March 19, 1965.
Hon. Joi~i~r B. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information Subcommittee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatj~~~, Washing.
eon, D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This is in response to your letter of February 12,
1965, regarding the practices and procedures of the Bureau of the Budget under
section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002).
The activities of the Bureau of the Budget have never been regarded as fall-
ing within the scope of section 8 of the Administrative Procedure Act. Our
activities do not directly aftect the public, and they have always been Considered
to be covered by the exception in section 3 for matters relating solely to internal
management.
Since the Bureau is not subject to the publication requiremen~5 of section 3
of the act, we have no relevant answers to the specific questions in your letter.
However, a statement of the Bureau of the Budget's organiza~i~~ and functions
is published in the U.S. Government Organiza~j~~ Manual, which is issued
annually as a special edition of the Federal Register. This statement appears
on page 55 of the 1964-fj5 edition of that publication.
Sincerely,
KERMIT GORDON, Z~ireotor.
REPLY FROM OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PLANNING
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PER
Orric~ or EMERG~CY PLANNING,
Washington, D.C., March 17, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
Chairmon, Fore4yjn Operatio~g and Government In7or~tjon Subcommittee,
Con~mittee on Government OperaDjon~, House of Representa~j~65 Washing..
ton, D.C.
DEAR MR. Moss: In res~ouse to your request fo~ dnta relative to Federal
agency practice under the "public information section's of the Administrative
Procedure Act of 194(~ (5 U.S,C. 1002), I am pleased to submit the enclosed
answers to the subcommittee's questi~n~air~, aloug With the requested
documents.
Although the broad definition of "agency" In the Administrative Procedure
Act of 1946 inclnde~ the Ofilce of Emergency Planning the "public information
section" of the act appears to be malitly applicable to those regulatory agencie~
having a direct involvement wIth the general public.
Nevertheless, you may be assured of my complete cooperation in your sub-
committee's study of this important phase of Government agency ope~-ation. If
additionaj information may be needed, it will be furnished promptly.
Sincerely,
BUFORD ELLINGTON, Director.
364
PAGENO="0093"
FEDERAL YIJBLIC RECORDS LAW 365
1. Generally, section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002)
applies to all functions of the Office of Emergency Planning. There are no
divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of OEP to which it
does not apply. However, section 3(b), in part, does not apply to OEP
inasmuch as this agency does not render any "final opinions or orders In the
adjudication of cases. * * ~"
2, (a) Federal Register, when a~ided or revised. U.S. Government organiza-
tion manual, annually.
(b) Federal Register, when added or revised.
(c) Federal Register, when added or revised.
(d) Federal Register, when added or revised.
(e) Not applicable since OEP does not issue rules "addressed to and served
upon named persons in accordatLee with law."
3. Not applicable, inasmuch as OUP does not render any final opinions or
orders in the adjudication of cases, purstiant to section 3(b) of the Administra-
tive Procedure Act or other authority.
4. Not applicable. (See No.3 above.)
5. Not applicable. (See No.3 above.)
6. SInce most of the programs administered by OEP have no direct effect
upon the public the bulk of our records and files, interpretatIons and legal
opinions relate solely to the internal operations of the agency, and would,
therefore, not be made available to the general public in accordance with
section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act. In addition, classified
information would not be made available pursuant to section 3(1) of the
Administrative Procedure Act, and Executive Order 10501, 3 CFR 079 (195~).
In those programs having a public concern, the procedures for making
available connected materials, and also the llmitatiotks of availability, are
contained in the published regulations applicable to such prqgrams.
7. The limitations placed upon the availability of records and files to the
general public are those contained in 5 U.S.C. 1002; 18 II.S~C. 1005; 50 U.S.C.
app. 2155(e); Executive Order 10480 (3 CFR 966 (1953)); Executive Order
10501 (3 CFR 979 (1953)).
8. In no circumstances are private parties dealing with OEP required in any
manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in the Federal
Register.
9. Since OEP has Issued no rules which involve any function of the United
States requiring secrecy in the public interest, there has been no occasion
to refrain from publishing such rules.
10. In no circumstances does OEP publish rules where there is involved
any matter relating solely to internal agency management. Examples of mat-
ters relating solely to Internal agency management are personnel rules, budget
rules, travel regulations.
11. Because of the indirect concern to the public of the tnajority of OEP's
functions, and also because of infrequency of requests, we have no formal
definition of "official records." In the few cases where requests are made,
therefore, the question of availability has been decided upon the grounds
of legitimate interest on the part of the Individual requesting the material
and the limitations contained in section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act.
REFL~r FROM OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNoLoGY
Exzcvriva Orricu OF THiS PREsIDENT,
OrirIcE or SOIENCE ~wr TECHN0LOOY,
Washington, D.C., Mairch 15, 1965.
Hon. JOHN E. Moss,
Cha4rntan, Foveign Operations and Government Information gubcom~mittee,
House of Representatives.
DEAR C0NGIUS55MAN Moss: I am writing in response to your letters of Febru-
ary 12, 1965, to the Chairman of the President's Science Advisory Committee and
the Executive Secretary of the Federal Council for Science and Technology, in
connection with your inquiry into the practices of Federal agencies for imple-
menting the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 1002.
Since I am Chairman of the President's Science Advisory Committee (P~AO)
and the Federal Council for Science and Technology (FCST), and since the Office
of Science and Technology (OST) of which I am the IMrector provides adminis-
PAGENO="0094"
366 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
trative supi~o'rt for both activities, I am taking this opportunity to reply to both
inquiries in a single letter My letter will consequently relate to the activities
of all three organizations which operate together as a single integrated point for
advice and staff assistance to the President on matters of a scientific and tech
nological nature.
My impression is that many of your specific questions are not strictly appli
cable to the functions of the Federal Council, the President's Science Advisory
Committee and the Office of Science and Technology By this, I mean that the
nature of our work does not involve the administration of Government programs~
the determination of claims, or the formation of rules that directly affect the
public.
However, insofar as our activities are affected by 5 U.S.C. 1002, we comply
fully with its provisions Descriptions of organization and functions a listing
of key personnel, and the address of the FCST, PSAC, and OST are published
annually in `the U S Government Organization Manual a special edition of the
Federal Register. No claim of secrecy or relationship to internal management.
is made to withhold publication of any information relevant to these matters.
Doubtless you are also aware of the frequently published reports of advisory
studies of the FCST PSAC and OST In addition since 1962 when the Office
of Science and Technology was established by Reorgaplzation Plan No. 2, my
predecessor, Dr. Jerome B. Wiesner, and myself have been in frequent com-
munication with the Congress, and our testimony presents an extensive supple-
mentary record of the ways in which the Executive office science structure
fulfills its advisory and staff functions.
I would be glad to provide you with any additional Information you may
require. Your staff may also wish to contact Mr. Steven R. Rivkin, technical.
assistant for legal affairs in the Office of Science and Technology, code 128 exten
sion 28954, for such further materials as you may require.
Sincerely,
DONALD F. HoiuciG, Director.
PAGENO="0095"
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS
REPLY FROM DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRImYLTURE,
Washington, D.C., March, 25, 1965.
Hon. Jorn~ ~. Moss,
Chairman, subcommittee an Foreign Operations and Government Information,.
Committee on Government Operations, Manse of 1i~epresentatives, Wa.shi~n,g-
ton, D.C.
DEAR Mu. CHAIRMAN: This is in reply to your request of February 12, 1965,..
for answers to the 11 questions needed by your subcommittee in its evaluation of
proposed amendments to section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.
1002).
The person with whom liaison may be maintained by your subcommittee is
Mr. Charles W. Bucy, code 111, extension 3463, and in his absence Mr. Elmer
Mostow, code 111, extension 5565.
The questions in your letter and the answers thereto are as follows:
1. Question. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of
your agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer. The provisions of 5 U.S.C. 1002 are applicable to all functions of this
Department except the phases of functions dealing only with internal manage-
ment or required to be kept secret in the public interest as provided in the intro-
ductory exemptions from the section. There are no divisions, bureaus, branches,
or other constituent units of this Department to which the section does not apply.
2. Question. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,.
does your agency publish:
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see sec. 3(a) (1) of
the Administrative Procedure Act);
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions
are channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute)
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see see. 3(a) (3) of
statute)
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and
adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statute) ; and
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons In accordance
with law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute)?
Answer. (a) (b). Wheu the Administrative Procedure Act became effective,.
this Department published In the Federal Register a complete description of its
central and field organization and a statement of the general course and method
by which its functions are channeled and determined. From time to time, as
changes are made, modifications of the organizational description and statement
of functions are published in the Federal Register on as nearly current a basis
as is practicable. In addition, where specific or formal procedures are prescribed
in connection with any function or proceedings applicable to the public, they are
promulgated as part of the general regulations relating to the functions or as
separate rules of practice, and are published in the Federal Register at the timeS
of issuance, and reprints thereof, in many instances, are made av~ilable to the
public upon request. Such rules are also codified in the Code of Federal:
Regulations.
Answer (C) (d). Substantive rules adopted by this Department as authorized
by law and statements of general policy and interpretations formulated and
adopted by this Department for the guidance of the public are published in the
Federal Register upon issuance. Amendments thereof are likewise so published.
In most instances, pamphlets containing such rules, atatements of policy and
interpretations relating to particular programs, and amendments thereof, are
367
PAGENO="0096"
368
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
also prhited as so&n as possible and made available to interested persons upon
request, and in the ease of progra~ns involving registration o~ other forms of
licensing, a copy of the printed pamphlet is furnished at the time of licensing
or application for the license. In some instances substantive rules, or notices
thereof, are also published upon issuance in newspapers or trade journals under
the requirements of statute (e.g., see. 1 of the act of March 3, 1905, as amended
(21 U.S.C. 123)), or the requirement of regulations issued by the Department
(e.g., sec. 201.9 of the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act 9
CFR 201.9)). Press releases are generally Issued in relation thereto.
Answer (e). The following rules which are addressed to and served upon
named persons by this Department, are published as Indicated below:
Rate orders under the Packers an4 Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) are
published in Agriculture Decisions, a monthly publication prepared by this De-
partment which is obtainable from the Government Printing Office~ Orders post-
ing and deposting stockyards under that act are published in the Federal Register
upon issuance. Orders authorIzing the collection of brand in~pection fees under
the act are published in the Federal Register upon issuance. Orders with-
drawing such authorizations are published in Agriculture Decisions.
Designations of contract markets under the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C.
1 et seq.) and orders vacating such designations, are published in the Federal
Register ufion issuance.
3. Question. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or,
in accordance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final
and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section
3(b) of the Administrative Procedure or other authority.
Answer. This Department publishes in agriculture Decisions all final opinions
and orders in the adjudication of cases subject to sections 7 and 8 of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act except review proceedings with respect to acreage allot-
ments before county review committees. In addition, such publication is wade
in reparation proceedings. All opinions and orders in such cases, whether final
or interim, are filed with the bearing clerk of the Department anti are matters
of public record available for examination. The statement of the organization
and functions of this Department published ii~ the Federal Register and the
Administrative Regulations of the Department which appears in 7 CFR~ 1.4
give public notice that the opinions and orders filed with the hearing clerk shall
be available to public inspection.
In addition, the regulations (7 CFR, sec. 711.4) provide that the record of all
applications and all proceedings relating to the review of marketing quotas and
acreage allotments shall be available for public inspection at the office of the clerk
who shall be the county office manager ancj section 7,11.26 of the regulations
provide that any interested person shall be entitled to a copy of the record
upon application and payment of the actual cost of supplying the copy.
4. Question. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from ppbilshing
interim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they he held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. There are rio instances in which this Department refrains from
publishing or waking available to public inspection opinions or orders iii the
adjudication of cases on the basis that they should be held confidential.
5. Question. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders
cited or used as precedents in other proceedings?
Answer. The Department issues no opinions or orders in the adjudication
of cases which are not published or made available to public inspection.
6, 7. Questions. What is the procedure for making available to the general
public the records and files, Interpretations, and legal opinions of your ggency?
What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and files to the
general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
Answer. Requests to inspect the public records and files and interpreta-
tions of the Department are made to the person having custody thereof, as
indicated by the published organization of the Department, and such docu-
ments are made available for inspection, or access to them is denied, in accord-
ance with the ai olicable statutes and re ~ulations of the Department includ-
ing ~ A ~ lye Regulations l~ ~ 1 ~ ~ A, as amended.
PAGENO="0097"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS i~w 369
the librarian in charge of the Legal Branch of the library of the Department,
and to the hearing clerk.
All interpretaions and statements of general policy formulated for the guM-
~anee of the public are published. A current index of legal opinions and legal
memorandums of the Office of the General Counsel of the Department is main~
tamed in the Legal Branch of the Department's library. The index Indicates
which opinions and memorandums are confidential. The confidential ones are
available only to employees of the Department with the approval of the General
Counsel. The nonconfidential opinions and memorandums are generally avail-
able only to employees of the Department. Nonconfidentlal opinions are Internal
memorandums generally dealing with specific factual situations and, therefore,
are no1~ available for general distribution. They are, however, made available
on proper showi~ng of interest and where it is determined it will not be sims-
ceptible of misinterpretation as to the general policy of the Department. They
are not for quotation or reproduction in any case without permission.
A current list of statutes which place limitations upon the availability of
records and files to the general public is set out in exhibit 1 to 1 AR 537 of the
general departmental regulations concerning restrictions on the `release of and
requests for information (1 AR 505-585). Copies of these regulations and the
exhibit are forwarded herewith.
In addition to the statutes noted in the foregoing exhibit, the following addi-
tional statutes place limitations upon the availability of records and files to
the general public:
12 U.S.C. 1141j (d) which prohibits the inclusion in any governmental
report, bulletin, or other such publication hereafter issued or published of
any prediction with respect to cotton prices.
Public Law 88-525, 78 Stat. 703 (Food Stamp Act). Section 8(b) re-
strictS the use of information received from retailers or wholesalers relating
to business of such firms "to purposes directly connected with administration
and enforcement of the provisions of (the) act or the regualtions issued pur-
suant to (the) act." Section 10(e) requires State plans of operation to
contain provisions which among other things, provide safeguards which
restrict the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant house-
b~lds to persons directly connected with the administration of the act or
regulations issued pursuant to the act.
Title 50 App. U.S.C. 2155(e) (Defense Production Act of 1950). SectIon
705(e) provides that information obtained under section 705, concernIng
recordkeeping and furnishing of information and testimony in the enforce-
ment or administration of the act, when deemed confidential by the President
or person furnishing said information, shall not be disclosed or published
unless the President determines that withholding the Information is con-
trary to national defense.
18 U.S.C. 1905. This statute provides that any officer or employee Øf the
United States who publishes or discloses, in a manner not atithorized by law,
any information coming to him In the course of his official duties or employ-
ment. which information concerns or relates (among other items) to trade
secrets, processes, operations, style of work, or apparatus, or to the Identity,
and confidential statistical data, shall be fined or Imprisoned and removed
* from office.
In addition, various agencies of the Department issue regulations or instruc-
tions Implementing or supplementing the reculations and statutes noted above
relating to the availability of records and files to the general public. Examples
of such regulations and instructions are forwarded herewith and are separately
listed in the attached schedule furnished In connection with our responsibility
pursuant to your request for various documents on page 3 of your letter.
The answers to these two questions are addressed to "official records" as in-
dicated in the answer to question No. 11.
S. Question. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your
agency required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not pub'~
lisl)ed in the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure
Act)?
Answer. Private parties dealing with this Department are required to resort
to organiaation or procedure not published in the Federal Register only insofar
as there has not been time to modify the published organIzational description or
statement of functions and procedures to conform with changes made in the or-
45-213-65-pt. 2--7
PAGENO="0098"
370 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
ganization and procedures. In such instances the person communicating with
this t~epartment abottt any matter is notified as to any unpublished organisational
or procedural changes affecting him. Where only gez~eral procedure is published,
the person concerned is notified of specific detailed steps an4 procedures when
need for recourse thereto arises.
9. Question. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
In the ptiblic interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Answer. In no case has this Department refrained from publishing rules where
there Is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy in the public
interest.
10. Question. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal age1ic~
management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or
other authority?
Answer. This Department has refrained from publishing various instructions
to its inspectors authorizing methods of treatment under plant quarantine regula-
tions providing that treatment according to a method selected by an Inspector
from administratively authorized procedures shall be a condition of the movement
of certain products from areas regulated to prevent the spread of certain insect
pests or plant diseases. The treatments that will be adequate vary greatly de-
pending upon the circumstances involved in each particular shipment and formu-
latiou of a general rule for publication in advance does not seem feasible. The
published regulation gives notice to interested persons that treatment of some
kind will be required and such persons are notified as to the specific treatment
that will be approved for the particular shipment when they communicate with
the inspector. Many other published rules of the Department are implemented
by unpublished instructions to inspectors and other employees of the Department
as to the procedures to be followed by them in administering such rules. Internal
regulations relating to personnel, budget, and like matters are not published.
11. Question. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used In
section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Answer. This Department has not made a general definition of "official record."
However, in general, the Department has followed as a guide to the meaning of
the term "official record," the Attorney General's interpretation thereof in the
"Attorney General's Manual" on the Administrative Procedure Act as follows:
"The term `official record' is difficult of definition. In general, it may be stated
that matters of official record will include (a) applications, registrations, peti-
tions, reports, and returns filed by members of the public with the agency pur-
suant to statute or the agency's rules, and (b) all documents embodying agency
actions, such as orders~ rules, and licenses. In formal proceedings, the plead-
ings, transcripts of testimony, exhibits, and all documents received in evidence
or made a part of the record are `matters of official record.'
* * * * * * *
"The great mass of material relating to the internal operation of any agency
is not a matter of official record. For example, intra-agency memorandums and
reports prepared by agency employees for use within the agency are not offic~i
records since they merely reflect the research and analysis preliminary to official
agency action. Intra-aetion reports of investigations are, in general, not matter
of official record."
We have been advised by your staff that it was not the intent of your commit-
tee by its request for copies of the documents named on page 3 of your letter to
impose the substantial burden of all rules, regulations, and other documents
issued by this Department in implementing its responsibility under section 3,
which in the case of this Department constitutes a substantial number of volumes
of the Code of Federal Regulations, but rather the furnishing of examples of the
documents as listed in the attached schedule would serve the committee's pur-
poses. We are transmitting with this letter two copies of each document listed
in the attached schedule as examples of documents issued and published under
section 3.
In addition, the function of decision in matters referred to the Department of
Justice for prosecution or defense Is vested in that Department. Therefore, this
Department does not release information pertaining to such matters referred to
PAGENO="0099"
FEDERAL PtBLIC RECORDS LAW 371
the Department of Justice which may affect the prosecution o~ defense of the
cases referred without the approval of that Department.
If we can be of any assistance, or if any further information is desired, please
feel free to call upon us.
Sincerely yours,
ORvILLE L. FREEMAN, Secretary.
Enclosures.
SCHEDULE 0]? ENCLOSURES
Title 1, chapter 9, Administrative Regulations, as amended, concerning restric-
tions on release of, and request for, information.
7 CFR, subtitle A, part 1, subpart A, as amended, concerning official records
and departmental proceedings.
29 P.R. 16210, December 3, 1964, relating to statement of organization and
delegations.
29 P.R. 16210, December 3, 1964, relating to posted stockyards, identification
of carcasses, and extension of period for emergency loans.
30 P.R. 2160, February 17, 1965, relating to establishment, organization, func-
tions, and delegations of authority, concerning the consumer and marketing
service.
30 P.R. 2207, February 18, 1965, relating to limitation of handling of navel
oranges and regulation of quality and size oflimes.
30 P.R. 2207, February 18, 1965, amendment to part 201 of regulations under
the Packers and Stockyards Act.
30 P.R. 3187, March 9, 1905, relating to handling of lemons~ order terminating
a milk order in the Chicago area, an order amending a milk order for the north-
western Indiana area, and regulations dealing with grain loans, purchases, and
other operations.
9 CFR, chapter II, parts 201-203, as amended, pertaining to regulations, rules
of practice, and statements of general policy under the Packers and Stockyards
Act.
REA Bulletin 20-12 (electric); REA Bulletin 320-16 (telephone), April 5,
1962, concerning public availability and release of information.
FHA. Instruction 150.1, concerning availability of FHA. records and information.
Pamphlet concerning the Packers and Stockyards Act, as amended, regulations
and statements of general policy.
Pamphlet concerning the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, regulations
under the act.
General regulations with respect to marketing agreements and orders.
Agricultural Decisions dated January 1965.
County Administrative Handbook (ASOS County Committee) revision 1, con-
cerning availability of records and information.
CCC Board Dockets Handbook, as amended, concerning (in part) safeguard-
ing docket material and information (pt. 2).
RnpLT FROM DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
THE AssIsTANT SECRETARY or C~MMREcE,
WasMiagtoii, D.C., March 19, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
Cha'irma~, Fore'iç,e~ Operatioaa and Gavern'ment Thformation Subcommittee, Com-
mittee on~ Government Operations, flouse of Representatives.
DEAR Ma. Moss: This is in response to ~vour letter of February 12, 196~, to the
Secretary of Commerce, requesting answers to a series of questions on the
Department's actions to assure availability of Information, as provided in section
3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002).
There is attacbe4 hereto a volume containing-
(a) A "Departmental Summary'~ which sets forth answers for the Depart-
ment as a whole; and
(b) A detailed response to applicable questions from each of our program
bureaus or offices.
The individual responses from each of our program offices and bureaus have
been included in order to provide the $ubcommittee with a full explanation of
the varying needs and requirements of different programs of the Department for
making Information available to the public.
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372 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
As requested in the last paragraph of your letter, implementing documents
have been included in the attached volume containing our response,
If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely yours, /
HuimnaT W. KLOTZ,
Auistawt &~cretary for Adm~inistration.
DEPAIITMENTAL SUMMARY
(Information in reply to questions concerning public information set forth in
letter of February 12, 1965, from the Honorable John K Moss, chairman, Foreign
Operations and Government Information Subcommittee of the House Com-
mittee on Government Operations.)
Each program bureau or office of the Department developed detailed replies
to questions specifically applicable to its programs. A copy of these replies
is being furnished the subcommittee along with this departmental summary.
The information below comprises the Department's answer to those questions
which apply to the Department as a whole.
Question 1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or ether constituent units
of your agency to which the section does not apply?
Generally, except to the extent exempted by 5 U.S.C. 1002 itself, the provisions
of 5 U.S.C. 1002 apply to all functions and organization units of the Department
of Commerce.
Question 2. In what official or unoffcial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish (a) descriptions of its central and field organization;
(b) statements of the general course and method by which its functions are
channeled and determined; (c) substantive rules adopted as authorized by law;
and (d) statements of general policy or interpretation formulated and adopted
by the agency for the guidance of the public?
All items referred to in the question are published in the Federal Register
upon issuance.
Question 2(e). In what official or unofficIal publication, and at what intervals
does your agency publish (e) rules addressed to and served upon named persons
in accordance with law?
The Department does not centrally issue rules addressed to and served upon
named persons in accordance with law.
Questions 3, 4, and 5. Please describe the manner in which your agency
publishes, or, in accordance with published rule, makes available to publie
inspection, all final and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication or cases,
pursuant to section 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other author-
ity? In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing interim
and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good cause
requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority? In what circumstances are unpublished
opinions and orders cited or used as precedents In other proceedings?
The Department's practices regarding the availability to the public of opinions
and orders in the adjudication of cases, which is the subject of these questions,
are explained in the separate responses of the Department's program bureaus
and offices.
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and files, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
Therels no formal procedure imposed on the public for obtaining information
from the records and files, interpretations, etc. Persons making individual
requests are furnished all available information as warranted taking into con
sideration the nature of the information requested and the concern of the re-
questing party. Individual offices and bureaus make available their records
under Department Order No. 64, as explained in the individual responses from
offices and bureaus.
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to the general public, either by statute, rule, or Practice?
All information is made generally available to the public except to the extent
of-
(a) Motters of national defense security; e.g., Executive Order 10501,
as amended;
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 373
(b) Made confidential by law; e.g., 18 U.S.C. 1905;
(c) Information precluded by reason of national interest e g investi
gative reports and material received in confidence by the Department. For
particular instances of regulatory or statutory restrictions, see individual
bureau and office responses. In addition, certain matters relating to pro-
posed or pending legislation and budget requests are required to be kept
confidential, as set forth in Administrative Orders Nos. 201-13 and 203-1,
copies attached; and
(4) Certain matters pertaining solely to Internal management; e.g., work-
ing papers and drafts, internal memorandums, individual personnel actions,
and other individual personnel information. (See Administrative Order
202-22, attached.)
Question 8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your
agency required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not pub-
lished in the Federal Register? (See sec. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure
Act.)
We know of no case where private parties dealing with the Department are
required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register.
Question 9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
The Department has not refrained from publishing rules where there is in-
volved any function of the United States requiring secrecy in the public interest.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from. publish-
ing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to Internal agency
management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or
other authority?
The Department does not publish rules involving any matter relatifig solely
to internal agency management.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used ip
section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
The Department, as such, has no definition of "official record." However,
generally, we feel that the definition of "record" as used In the Federal Records
Act (44 U.S.C. 366) defines the scope of "official record," as used in official
functions of the Department.
In response to the last paragraph of the letter of the subcommittee chairman,
there are attached two copies of each document issued to Implement 5 U.S.C.
1002. These are:
De~artnmnt Order No. 64, "Release of Information and Records."
Administrative Order No. 201-13 (revised), "Legislative Activities."
Administrative Order No. 201-22 (revised), "Clearance and Filing of Fed-
eral Register Material."
Administrative Order No. 202-22, "Release of Information and Records
Relating to Personnel."
Administrative Order No. 203-1, "Appropriations and Related Publ~e
Funds Activities." --
Rrrn.ir FROM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
ASSISTANT SEcRETARY or DEFENSE,
Wa8hington, D.C., Ma~roh 29,1965.
Ron. Jorn~ Fl. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operationa and Goverivment Information ~ubcoevniittoe,
(Yommittee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: As requested in your letter of February 12, 1965, an-
swers are supplied below for the 11 questions raised by you concerning the
application of section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C.
1002) by the Department of Defense.
Question 1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does S U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of
your agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer. Section 1002 of title 5, United States Code (sec. 3 of the Adminla-
trative Procedure Act), generally applies to all functions of the Department of
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374 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Defense other than those of the National Security Agency which are exempted
by the provisions of Public Law 86-36.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish:
(a) Descriptions of its central field organization (see see. 3(a) (1) of the
APA);
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions
are channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute);
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statute)
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and
adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statute); and
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute)?
Answer. Descriptions of the central and field organization of the various comrn
ponents of the Department of Defense are published annually in the Government
Organization Manual, a special edition of the Federal Register, 1 CFR 31.1. In
addition, various directives and regulations of the several components of the
Department of Defense that contain descriptions of the organization and of the
course and method by which its functions are channeled and determined, as well
as substantive rules and statements of general policy, are published as the
changes become~ effective. Most of these directives and regulations are available
to the public upon request or inquiry unless they involve "any function of the
United States requiring secrecy In the public interest or any matter relating
solely to the internal management of an agency." Moreover, those directives and
regulations which are formulated and adopted by the agency for the guidance of
the public are normally published in the Federal Register and collected in title 32
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with law are
not published in accordance with section 3(a) (3) of the Administrative Proce-
dure Act.
Question 8. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or, in
accordance with published rule, makes ~tvailable to public Inspection, all final
and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section
3(b) of the APA or other authority.
Answer. Opinions and orders resulting from adjudication by the various corn-
po~ents of the Department of Defense are found in the following publications:
(a) "Court-Martial Reports" (Lawyers' Cooperative Publishing Co.).
(b) "Digest of Opinions" (Lawyers' Cooperative Publishing Co.).
(c) "Contract Appeals Decisions" (Commerce Clearing House).
)Iules which govern the availability of opinions and orders for public inspec-
tion are found in various sections of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, where
they are properly indexed in accordance with the function involved. Functions
which may be considered adjudications Include those of the disability and dis-
charge review boards, the boards for the correction of military records, the boards
of review (of court-martial decisions), and the boards for the evaluation of appli-
cations for security clearances submitted by employees of Defense/industry.
The civil functions of the Corps of Engineers are governed by section 209.490 of
title 33, Code of Federal Regulations.
Generally, such opinions and orders are made available only to persons
properly and directly concerned or at the request or with the authorization of
such persons. These adjudications normally involve matters that will be
reflected in personnel records and, if made available for public inspection, could
result in an invasion of the privacy of the individuals affected.
Qaestlon 4. In what types of caseS does your agency refrain from publishing
interim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the APA or
Other authority?
Answer. In accordance with section 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act,
the Department does not publish opinions and orders Which are made available
pursuant to published rule; nor are opinions or orders published if they involve
"any function of the United States requiring secrecy In the public interest or any
matter relating solely to the internal management of an agency."
The "good cause" which most frequently precludes publication of opinions and
orders Is the protection of individual privacy (see the last sentence of the reply
PAGENO="0103"
FEDEBAL PUBLIC fiECORDS LAW 375
to question 3 above). Availability in such cases is normally restricted to the
persons directly involved in the adjudicatory procedure.
Question 5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents In other proceedings?
Answer. Opinions and orders that are unpublished and are not available for
public inspection are not cited nor used as precedents in other proceedings.
Questk~n 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general publie
the records and files, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
Answer. In addition to publications listed in the answer to question 3 above,
records and files as well as interpretations and legal opinions of the Department
are available to those members of the general public having a proper and direct
concern in the subject matter. The procedures governing the release and authen-
tication of Department of Defense records are set forth in DOD Directive 5015.1,
~2 OFR 285.
Procedures for making Department of the Army files available are contained
in Army Regulations 345-20 and 345-200,32 CFR 518.
Department of the Navy procedures are contained in Navy Regulations 1048,
article 1250-1252, and are compiled in part 71, title 32, Code of Federal Regu-
lations.
The procedures of the Department of the Air Force are contained in Air Force
Regulation 11-22, part 804, title 32, Code of Federal Regulations.
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files general public, either by statute, rule or practice?
Answer. Records and files of the Department of Defense are normally made
available to any member of the general public having a diroct and proper con-
cern in them. Limitations on availability are imposed pursuant to section 3 of
the Administrative Procedure Act; section 1905 of title 18, United States Code;
sections 2011 through 2281 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1054; Public Law 86-36
(50 U.S.C. 402 note); Executive Order 10501; and published directives of the
Department of Defense, which are in turn implemented by regul~tions of the
military departments.
Requirements for the protection of classified information in the Department of
Defense are set forth in DOD Directive 5200.1, which is implemented by the
Army in AR 380-5, by the Navy In OPNAV Instruction 5510.IB, and by the Air
Force in AFR 205-1.
General policy guidance for the protection of most unclassified official Infor-
mation that is not available to the general public is found in DOD Directive
fi200.6, which is implemented in the Army by AR 345-15, in the Navy by SecNav
Instruction 5570.2A, and in the Air Force by APR 11-30. Applications of the
general policy set forth in DOD Directive 5200.6 for particular kinds of informa-
tion are found in other directives and regulations, an example of which is DOD
Directive 6040.2, which prescribes the conditions under which personal medical
records are made available to persons properly and directly concerned.
Question 8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency
required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register (see see. 3(a) of the APA)?
Answer. Private parties are not required to resort to unpublished organization
and procedure.
Question 9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there Is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the APA or other authority?
Answer. Rules which are classified in accordance with Executive Order 10501,
as amended, DOD Directive 5200.1 and the implementing regulations of the mili-
tary departments are not published in the Federal Register because they involve
functions of the United States requiring secrecy in the public interest. They are,
however, frequently published in.a classified form and made available to persons
who are determined to have a "need to know," and have been properly cleared for
access to classified information.
Examples of the types of unclassified rules that are not published and are not
available to the general public involve functions which are described in para-
graph IV-C 2,3,4,9, and 10 of DOD Directive 5200.6.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency
management, pursuant to sectlou 3(2) of the APA or other authority?
PAGENO="0104"
376 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Answer. Rules which involve matters relating solely to the internal manage-
ment of some component of the directive are not normally published in the
Federal Register. They may, nevertheless, be made available to the general
public upon request or inquiry.
Rules of internal management that are not made available to the general public
concern subjects such as those described in paragraph IV-C 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of
DOD Directive 5200.6. For example, DOD Directive 410546, which prescribes
the permissible price latitudes for Department negotiators in cost-plus41~ed-fee
contract negotiations falls within the guidance of paragraph IV-C 5, of DOD
Directive 5200.6, and is circulated as a directive designated "For offictal use only."
Rules formulated for the guidance of the public are published in the Federal
Register and compiled in the Code of Federal Regulations. Doubts about whether
a rule is for the guidance of the public or for internal agency management are in
practice resolved in favor of publication in the Federal Register. See, for cx-
ample, subchapter E of chapter V of 32 CFR related to the Organised Reserves.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in
section3(c) of the APA?
Answer. The Department of Defense has no single all-inclusive definition of
the term "official record" as used in section 3(c) of the Administrative Proce-
dure Act. The Department, however, follows the guidance of the Attorney Gen-
eral's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act, pages 24 through 25, in de-
termining which matters are of "official record." Of particular importance is
the instruction in that manual that "[t]he great mass of material relating to the
internal operation of an agency is not a matter of official record" (ibid. at 25).
For purposes of release and authentication, DOD Directive 5015.1, 32 CFR
285.2, defines "official records" as including-
* * * all papers, books, maps, photographs, and other documentary mate-
rial regardless of physical form or characteristicS made or received in the
Department of Defense, exclusive of the three military departments in pur~
suance of Federal law or In connection with the transaction of business as
evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures or other
activities because of the informational value of the data contained therein.
Attached are two copies of DOD directives and military department regula-
tions cited above which implement 5 U.S.C. 1002 within the Department of
Defense.
Sincerely,
SoLIs ITonwrvz.
(Norz.-Reference material in subcommittee files.)
REPLY FROM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELPARK
SECREThRY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE,
Washington, D.C., March 26, 1965.
Hon. JOHN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information subcommittee,
House of Representati'ves.
DEAR Ma. CHAIRMAN: In accordance with your request of February 12, 1965,
we are pleased to supply the enclosed statement setting forth the answers to the
questions contained in your letter. The answers are keyed to the questions.
The only regulation, directive, order, or other document issued by this Depart-
ment to implement S U.S.C. 1002 is that set forth in 45 CFR 5. We assume that the
Code of Federal Regulations is readily available to youi~ stag and we therefore do
not need to reproduce thisdocument for your use.
We shall be pleased to supply any additional information or copies of documents
at your request
Sincerely,
ANTHONT J. CEI.RBREZZE, ~ecretary~
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 377
DEPARTMENT OP HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
APPLICATION OF SECTION 8, ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT OF 1940 (5 tT.5.C. 1002)
TO THE FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT
(Items keyed to questions in letter dated February 12, 1965, to the Secretary from
Congressman John E. Moss, chairman, Foreign Operations and Government
Information Subcommittee, House Committee on Government Operations)
1. Section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002) ap~
plies to all functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. ~o
divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of this Department are
exempt.
2. (a) The Department publishes deedriptious of its central and field organiza-
tion in the-
(1) Federal Register, as changes occur.
(2) United States Government Organization Manual, annually.
(3) CongressIonal Directory, annually.
(4) Various publications of the operating agencies of the Department, Is-
sued irregularly.
(b) The Department publishes statements of the general course and method by'
which its functions are channeled and determined in the-
(1) Federal Register, as such determinations are made or revised.
(2) Code of Federal Regulations, as compiled by National Archives and
Records Service.
(3) Various publications of the operating agencies of the Department,
issued irregularly.
(c) The Department publishes substantive rules adopted as authorized by law
in the-
(1) Federal Register, as such rules are adopted or revised.
(2) Code of Federal Regulations, as compiled by National Archives and
Records Service.
(3) Various publications of the operating agencies of the Department, is-
sued irregularly.
(d) The Department publishes statements of general policy and Interpreta-
tions formulated and adopted by the Department for the guidance of the public
in the:
(1) Federal Register, currently as adopted.
(2) Code of Federal Regulations, as compiled by National Archives and
Records Service.
(3) Various publications of the operating agencies of the Department,
issued irregularly.
In most of the functions of the Welfare Administration (the Federal-State
public assistance programs under titles I, IV, X, XIV, and XVI of the Social
~ectLrity Act and the Federal-State grant programs of maternal and child health,
crippled children, and child welfare services of title V of the Social Security Act)
the "public" for which policies are prescribed are confined to State agencies.
The policies, rules, and standards governing these programs are published In
handbooks and manuals for use of appropriate State agencies and distributed
to such agencies. An Interpretation of the Administrative Procedure Act by the
Attorney General (Attorney General's Manual on the AdmthIstrative Procedure
Act, 1947, p. 22) indIcates that materials of this type need riot be published in
the Federal Register.
In the child welfare research, training, or demonstration grants program,
juvenile delinquency demonstration and training grants program and cooperative
research and demonstration grants program statements of general policy or in~
terpretatlons are issued for guidance of the public, by means of announcements,
application kits, brochures, periodic~ds, etc.
(e) The Department publiehes rules addressed to and served upon named
persons in accordance with law in the Federal Register *hen such rules pertain
to suspension or withdrawal of new drugs utIder the tieW drug provisions of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and, when appropriate, in suspensions or
revocations of licenses under the biological products control program (42 U.S.C.
262).
3. The Social Security Administration publishes selected final opinions or
orders in social security benefit claims cases which are of precedeiit value and
PAGENO="0106"
378 FEDERAL PUBLIC REOORDS LAW
interest to the public in Social Security Rulings, a quarterly publication avail-
able from the 15.5. Government Printing Office. (Na,znes and other information
which would identify the individuals involved are omitted from the published
opinion or order.)
A cumulative bulletin prepared and issued annually contains all rulings issued
in the preceding year, with a comprehensive subject matter index not only to the
rulings in the particular cumulative bulletin but also to the same subject matter
in prior cumulative bulletins.. The bulletin is also offered for sale by the U.S.
Government Printing Offièe. The Social Security Administration maintains in
every district office for inspection by the public copies of its regulations as well
as copies of its various informational pamphlets.
The Food and Drug Administration publishes summations of court cases in
"Notices of Judgment Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act," pub-
lished pursuant to section 7Q5(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The opinions and orders of Federal courts in which seizure, prosecution, and
injunction cases are brought are also a matter of public record in the jurisdic-
tions in which the uctions are consummated.
After publishing notices of proposed rulemaking, the Food and Drug Adminis-
tration makes available for inspection by Interested persons all comments and
objections filed in relation thereto with the hearing clerk of the Department, as
well as transcripts of public hearings~ etc.
Final orders and opinions involving detentions of importations under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Hazardous Substances Labeling Act,
and the Federal Tea Importation Act are available for inspection at the offices
of the Food and Drug Administration where issued, except those which are desig-
nated for good cause to be confidential and not cited as precedents.
Final orders and opinions of the Secretary issued under section 505 (d), (e),
and (f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act involving new drug matters
are available for inspection at the office of the hearing clerk, room 5440, Depart-
ment of Health, Education, and Welfare, 330 Independence Avenue SW., Wash-
ington, D.C., except those that are designated for good cause to be confidential
and not cited as precedents. No such orders have been so designated to date.
Records of current and completed seizure, prosecution, or injunction actions
filed in the district courts under any of the laws enforced by the Administration
are available for inspection in the Office of the Director of Public Information
of the Administration.
(No~s.-See also answer to question 6, below.)
4. The general policy of the Department provides for full disclosure of interim
and final opinions; exceptions to this policy are extremely limited. Neither the
Public Health Service nor the Food and Drug Administration authorizes any ex-
ceptions. The Social Security Administration refrains from publishing only those
opinions and orders which lack precedent value or which would, from the pe-
culiar facts involved, identify the individuals concerned.
5. None.
6. In general, persons properly and directly concerned may inspect pertinent
official records and files, and interpretations and legal opinions of this Depart-
ment upon written application to the Secretary, or the head of the concerned
operating agency. Such written application should include a statement of the
interest of the applicant in the subject matter of the records sought to be in-
spected. The Code of Federal Regulations sets forth the pertinent procedures
(see 20 C.F.R. 401; 21 O.F.R. 4; 42 C.F.R. 1; 42 C.F.R. 300; 45 O.F.R. 5; 45
O.F.R. 211.14,212.9).
(Novs.-See also answer to question 3, above.)
7. In general, the Department places certain specified limitations on the avail-
ability to the general public of records and files in the following categories:
official personnel records; medical and clinical records of patients; information
obtained under an assurance of confidentiality for purposes of research, survey,
investigation, or collection of statistical data; the proceedings of public advisory
committees; Information concerning individuals, business enterprises, and public
or private agencies obtained in the course of performing regulatory functione;
informatiou obtained in connection with applications for employment, fellow-
PAGENO="0107"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 379
ships, traineeships, commissions, and grants. (See answer to question 6 for refer-
ences to pertinent provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations.)
In addition, there are certain statutory limitations:
Section 1106 of the Social Security Act specifically prohibits disclosure of any
return, file, record, report, other paper, or other information, obtained at any
time by the Secretary or any officer or employee of the Department in the dis-
charge of his duties under the Social Security Act, except as the Secretary may
by regulations prescribe. Regulation No. 1 of the Social Security Administra-
tion (20 C.F.R. 401) issued pursuant to section 1106 of the act states the circuni-
stances under which disclosure is permitted. Broadly stated, the regulation
permits disclosure of confidential information from social security records only
for social security or related purposes, or where the national security is involved,
except and Insofar as the individual directly concerned may authorize.
Section 301(j) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and section 4(h)
of the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act prohibit the use by any
person to his own advantage, or revealing (other than to the Secretary or officer
or employee of the Department, or to the courts when relevant in any judicial
proceedings under those laws) of any informatiOn acquired under sections 404,
408, 409, 505, 506, 507, 704, and 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, ~nd Cosmetic
Act and section 11 of the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act concerning
any method or process which as a trade secret is entitled to protection.
Section 408(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provides that all
data submitted to the Secretary or to an advisory committee in support of a
petition submitted pursuant to that section shall be considered confidential until
publication of a regulation under section 408(d) (2) or (3).
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and section 121.51 (f) and (h)
of this chapter provide that data in a food additive petition regarding any
method or process entitled to protection as a trade secret will be held confidential
and not revealed unless it is necessary to do so in the record of an administra-
tive hearing preliminary to judicial proceedings under section 409 of the act.
Other data in the petition (except for methods of analysis) will not be revealed
to persons other than the petitioner and persons engaged in the enforcement of
the act beyond that which is necessary to comply with section 409(b) (5) and
409(c) (1).
The Civil Service Commission requires that agencies safeguard examination
papers and other material attached to applications, and that they in no case
permit an employee to inspect the confidential questionnaires furnished for use
in evaluating his qualifications, and "obtained upon the Commission's assurance
that the information is for inspection only of the Commission, the employing
agency, and personnel of other agencies authorized to review the ConimissiOn's
investigative material" (RPM 29&-8).
The Commission authorizes agencies to release medical information with re-
spect to entrance qualifications, fitness for duty, and other medical records in the
official personnel folder only (1) in response to a subpena or (2) to non-Federal
entity or individual upon written atithorization of the employee concerned,
with certain reservations or safeguards or (3) to another Federal agency with-
out restriction (FPM 339-5).
8. Applicants for certain types of grants may have to refer to manuals or kits
published specifically for their guidance and which contain more detailed in-
structions on the grant application procedure.
9. None.
10. None. (The Department's internal operating procedures are not pub-
lished, but these do not constitute rules in the sense intended by 5 U.S.C. 1002.)
11. For purposes of general administration and records management, this De-
partment uses the definition of the term "official record" set forth in 44 U.S.C.
366. Some of the operating agencies, In some Instances, use the definition set
forth in the Attorney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act,
1947, at page 24, which does not differ substantially.
(Norn: Above-described material available in subcommittee files,)
PAGENO="0108"
380 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
REPLY FROM DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERiOR
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE Ixrnnion,
Washington, D.C., March 18, 1965.
Eon. JOHN B. Moss,
4jha4rnia'n, ~8wbcomm'ittee on Foreign Operations and Government Information of
the Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. Moss.: There. is. attacld to tl~i~ letter answer to the qucitiona cop-~
tamed in your letter o1~ February 12 on section 3 of the Administrative Procedure
Act. This response will also serve as a reply to your request of the same date to
the Board on Geographic Names.
Sincerely yours,
D. OrIs BEASLEY,
Assistant S'ecretary.
1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002 apply? Are
there any divisions, bureaus, branches or other constituent units of your agency
to which the section does not apply?
Except as provided in 5 U.S.C. 1002 and as noted below, all functions of the
Department of the Interior are subject to the requirements of that section.
There are no divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units, as such, at
this Department to which the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 1002 do not apply.
There is an express statutory exception (30 U.S.C. 483) of functions of the
Department from the Administrative Procedure Act with respect to the making
of an order of withdrawal pursuant to title II of the Federal Coal Mine Safety
Act or to any proceeding for the annulment or revision of any such order. The
provisions for making, revising, or annuling such orders are prescribed in detail
by the statute-30 U.S.C. 473, 474,476,477,478.
2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals, does your
agency publish:
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see sec. 3(a) (1) of
the Administrative Procedure Act);
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions
are channeled and determined (see see. 3(a) (2) of statute);
(e) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see see. 3(a) (3) of
statute);
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and
adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public (see see. 3(a) of
statute) ; and
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute).
2(a). Descriptions of our central and field organization (as required by see.
3(a) (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act) are published annually in the
U.S. Government Organizational Manual, published by the Office of the Federal
Register as a special edition of the Federal Register. Major organization
changes which are made between issues of the manual are published as Secre-.
tary's orders in the Federal Register.
2(b), 2(c), 2(d). Statements of the general course and method by which func-
tions are channeled and determined; substantive rules adopted as authorized by
law; and statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and adopted
by the agency for the guidance of the public are published as regulations in
titles 18, 25, 30, 32, 32A, 36, 41, 43, 49, and 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
In addition to the regulations in 50 CFR, part 80, concernIng financial assistance
to States for fish and wildlife restoration programs under the Pittman-Robinson
Act of September 2, 1937, as amended (16 U.S.C. 669-669j) and the Dingell-
Johnson Act of August 9, 1950, as amended (16 U.S.C. 777-777k), representatives
of the States have been furnished a copy of the Federal Aid Manual which
details procedure to be followed as to these programs. Two copies of the manual
are enclosed.
2(e). "Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law" are exempt from publication by section 3 of the act. The Department does
not issue that type of rule.
3. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or, in accordance
with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final and interim
opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section 3(b) of the
Administrative Procedure Act or other authority.
PAGENO="0109"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 381
In regard to opinions and oi~ders in the adjudication of cases, we have published
the following regulation which is codified in section 2.5 ot title 43 of the Code of
Federal Regulations:
"(a) ]~lach bureau of the Department shall maintain, in the headquarters office
of the bureau or in the field office In which final action Is taken, a file containing
copies of all final opinions and orders issued by the bureau (including those
approved by the Secretary) in the adjudication of cases, except opinions and
orders which the head of the bureau or the Secretary may for good cause require
to be held confidential and which are not cited as precedents.
"(b) The Office of the Solicitor shall maintain a file containing copies of
all final opinions and orders issued by the Secretary or the Solicitor in the
adjudication of cases, except opinions and orders which the Secretary or the
Solicitor may for good cause require to be held confidential and which are not
cited as precedents.
"(c) The files mentioned in this section may be Inspected by the public at
any time during regular business hours."
In addition to making such opinions and orders available for public in-
spection, there are the published Decisions of the Department of the Interior
which include the more important administrative decisions on appeals to the
Secretary in land and Indian cases and contract appeals and the more Important
legal opinions that are rendered by the Solicitor of the Department. Also
included are decisions on the more important tort and Irrigation claims. These
decisions are published monthly in preprints which are bound annually, and are
for sale by the Superintendent of Døcuments U ~ Government Printing Office
Also, a subscription service is offered by the Department, which service con-
sists of monthly mailings of mimeographed copies of decisions on land appears
to the Secretary, Indian appeals, contract appeals, and tort and irrigation
claims, as well as opinions which are not included in the published Decisions
of the Department referred to above.
The Department publishes quarterly an index-digest which covers all the
published and all the important unpublished decisions described in the preceding
two paragraphs. The digest is cumulated annually.
4. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing Interim
and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good cause
requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
Except with respect to the matters noted below, I am not aware of any, in-
stance in this Department In which iterim and final opinions or orders in the
adjudication of cases are not published on the grounds of confidentiality pursuant
to subsection (b) of section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act or any other
authority. While all interim and final opinions or orders in the adjudica-
tion of cases are not published in bound volumes or a subscription service, as
described in the answer to question 8, all such opinions or orders are available
for inspection. For example, in Bureau of Land Management cases, the de-
cisions of hearing examiners, land office managers, and the Appeals Officer
are not published in bound volumes or a subscription service. Also4 the decisions
of examiners of inheritance on Indian probate matters are not so published,
They are, nevertheless, in accordance with published rule, made available for
public inspection.
Disapprovals of equipment submitted for investigation and tests for permis-
85-701 (30 U.S.C. 641-646) are not disclosed to the public.
Disapprovals of equipment submitted for investigation and tests for permis-
sibility by the Bureau of Mines pursuant to subchapters B, C, D, and E,
of chaper I, title 30, Code of Federal Regulations, which fail to meet the require-
ments of the regulations, are not disclosed to the public.
Denials of applications for loans for financing and refinancing of operations,
maintenance, replacement, repair, and equipment of fishing gear and vessels,
pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 742c, are not made available to the public.
5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited or used
as precedents in other proceedings?
In opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, there may be cited as
precedents unpublished opinions or orders. However, in such. situations, the
unpublished opinions or orders are made available for Inspection.
6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public the
records, and files, interpretations, and legal opinions of your agency?
PAGENO="0110"
382 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Upon request to the Department or to the bureau or office having custody,
records and files are made available to the general public subject to the limita-
tions set forth in reply to question No, 7.
With regard to "interpretations" and legal decisions, see reply to qnestion
No. 3.
7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and flies
to the general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
The following categories of records and files are not made available to the
general public:
(a) Information classified for reasons of national security.
(b) Information provided to the Department by individuals or business
firms for use in the preparation of industrywide reports or statistics;
Applications for exploration project contracts under Public Law 85-701
(30 U.S.C. 641-646);
Data on tests of equipment submitted for investigation a~d tests for per-
missibility by the Bureau of Mines pursuant to siibchapters B, C, D, a~nd B,
of chapter I, title 30, Code of Federal Regulations; if the equipment fails
to meet the minimum standards, neither the name of the company sub-
mitting the equipment nor the identity of the equipment tested is disclosed
to the public;
Financial data contained in applications for loans for financing and
refinancing of operations, maintenance, replacement, repair, and equipment
of fishing gear and vessels, pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 742c;
Certain information incident to procurement and contracting: (1) in
sealed, competitive bids, information available to the public is, after bid
opening and during evaluation of bids, restricted to the names of bidders,
a copy of the invitation and specifications, and the amounts of the indi-
vidual bids as received and publicly opened; (2) in negotiated contracts
prior to award, no disclosure is permitted of the negotiations in progress;
such as, prices quoted, the number of offers received, or the names of
offerors; (3) also in negotiated contracts after award is made, only the
names of successful contractors and the prices at which awards were made
are disclosed (except as otherwise decided by the Office of the Secretary).
(c) Information pertaining to fiduciary relation~hij~ with individuals
not In the employment of the Department; i.e., individual Indians and
Indian Tribes.
The following categories of Information while not generally made available
to the public may be made available at certain times and under certain con-
ditions:
(a) Information pertaining to budget estimates prior to their submis-
sion to the Congress by the President.
(b) Inter- and intra-agency memorafidums.
(e) Information pertaining t~ an official action prior to the time a final
decision has been made.
(d) Files on investigation of alleged irregularities or misconduct of
employees.
8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency re-
~piired in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published
in the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act)?
We are not aware of any instances in which private parties dealing with
the Department of the Interior are required in any manner to resort to organi-
zation or procedure not published in the Federal Register (sec. 3(a) of the
Administrative Procedure Act).
9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
The Department has not had any case where it refrained from publishing
rules where a function requiring secrecy was involved.
10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency manage-
ment, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
authority?
There are a number of rules and regulations relating exclusively to internal
agency management which are not published but instead appear only in the
departmental or bureau manuals or in the Secretary's orders. For example,
regulations with regard to personnel matters are contained in the Departmental
PAGENO="0111"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 383
Manual and the supplement to the Federal Personnel Manual. These are, how-
ever, available to the general public upon request.
11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in section 3(c)
of the Administrative Procedure Act?
This Department has not had occasion to atteinp to formulate a definition of
the term "official record." We agtee however with the following statement in
the Attorney General's manual on the Administrative Procedure Act: "In general
it may be stated that matters of official record will include (a) applications,
registrations, petitions, reports, and returns filed by members of the public with
the agency pursuant to statute or the agency's rules, and (b) all documents em-
bodying agency actions; such as, orders, rules, and licenses. In formal proceed-
ings, the pleadings, transcripts of testimony, exhibits, and all documents received
in evidence or made a part of the record are `matters of official record.'"
Please provide two copies of every regulation, directive, order, Or other docu-
ment issued by your agency to implement 5 U.S.C. 1002.
Enclosed are two copies of 303 Dlvi 1-3, Federal Register documents which
detail the procedure to be followed in the publication of Federal Register docu-
ments. Two handbooks were distributed with this internal manual release; two
copies of "The Federal Register Handbook" are enclosed. The other handbook,
"How To Prepare Federal Register Documents," used within the Department,
contained samples of typical documents published by the Department. It is out
of print, and is in the course of being rewritten. No copies are enclosed sinc&-
except for the samplen-it merely consisted of material already enclosed (303 DM
1-3, and the 1 CFR quotations in "The Federal Register Handbook").
REPLY FROM DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
Washington, D.C., March 16, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ~ubeommittee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: The Attorney General has asked me to respond on his
behalf to your February 12, 1965, letter concerning the Justice Department's im-
plementation of section 3, the public Information section, of the Administrative
Procedure Act (60 Stat. 238, 5 U.S.C. 1002 (1958)).
Answers to each of the questions submitted in your letter are set forth and
explained separately In the enclosed response, In accordance with your request,
two copies of each document issued by the Department to implement section
3 also are enclosed. These documents are listed in the appendix to the response.
If additional information is needed, I shall be pleased to assist in any way I
can.
Sincerely yours,
NORBIeRT A. SOHLEI,
Assistant Attornel General, Office of Legal Counsel.
1. Question. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units
of your agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer. Generally, section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act applies,
subject to the exceptions contained therein, to all functions of the Department
of Justice. None of the divisions or units of the Department is exempt from
the section.
Eaplanation.-Section 3 is of universal application. It applies to every
"agency" as that term is defined in section 2(a) ; that is, to "each authority
(whether or not within or subject to review by another agency) of the Govern-
ment of the United States other than Congress, the courts, or the governments
of the possessions, territories, or the District of Columbia." It therefore ap-
plies to all agencies of the Department of Justice. However, by its terms, sec-
tion 3 does not impose disclosure requirements on an~r agency function to the
extent that secrecy is required in the public interest, Because of the nature
15 U.S.C. 1001(a).
2 The legislative history explains that the term "public Interest" In the Introductory'
exception to sec. 3 means "manifest need in order to achieve the due execution of authorized
functions." El. Rept. No. 1980, 79th Cong., 2d sees,, p.22 (1946).
PAGENO="0112"
384 FEDERAL PUBLIC RE:OORDS LAW
of the functions of the Department, most of its activities involve records and
information which cannot be made freely available to the public without in-
jury to private or public interests and prejudice to the due execution of author-
ized functions. The disclosure requirements of section 3, therefore, are of
very limited application to the agencies of this Department. Nevertheless, sec-
tion 3 is applicable to all units of the Department, and except to the extent that
secrecy is required in the public interest, documents of the Department re-
lating to all of its functions are published or are made available to the public
in accordance with the disclosure requirements of that section.
2(a). Question. In what official or unofficial publication and at what in-
tervals, does your agency publish descriptions of its central and field organiza-
tion? (Sec.3(a)(1).)
Answer. Descriptions of the central an~ field organization of the Depart-
ment of Justice are published in the Federal Register, daily edition, and as
changes in organization occur, the descriptions are revised by notice in the
daily edition. The descriptions, as amended, are published in the Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, which is revised annually (title 28, ch. I, pt. 0). Also, a
complete description of the organization of the Department, together with an
organization chart, is published each year in the U.S. Government Organization
Manual, an annual special edition of the Federal Register.
Ea~planation.-A complete description of the organization of the Department
was most recently published in the daily edition of the Federal Register for
June 1, 1962 (27 F.R. 5161-5176) as a revision of title 28, chapter I, part 0.
Since that time, there have been 17 amendments to part 0, and each amend-
ment has been published in the Federal Register. Complete descriptions, as
amended, were published in title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations revised
as of January 1, 1963, and in title 28 of the code revised as of January 1, 1964.
In addition, a complete description Is published annually in the Government
Organization Manual, as indicated above (U.S. Government Organization Man-
ual, 1964-65, pp. 208-222, 592~.
2(b). Question. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish statements of the general course and method by which
its functions are channeled and determined? (Sec. 3(a) (2).)
Answer. The general course and method by which the several functions of
the Department of Justice are performed Is described in the daily edition of the
Federal Register and annually in the revisions of the Code of Federal Regula-
tions, title 8 and title 28, chapter I, parts 1-7, 10-12, 15, 16, 21, 41-44, and 49.
General Information relating to the operations of the various units of the Depart-
ment is included annually in the descriptions of the organim~tion of the Depart-
ment contained In the U.S. Government Organization Manual. (See 2a. above.)
Ea~p1anation.-In compliance with the requirements of section 3(a) (2), de-
scriptions of the procedures of the Department are separately stated by func-
tion or program, for the most part, in the Federal Register and Code of rederal
Regulations. Included with these descriptions are rules of practice and pro-
cedure and specific instructions issued for the guidance of the public. For a
list of the subjects treated in the above-cited parts of title 28, chapter I, see 28
CFR (revised as of Jan. 1, 1964) page 3.
2(c). Question. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish substantive rules adopted as authorized by law? (See.
3(a) (3).)
Answer. Substantive rules issued by the Department of Justice are published in
the Federal Register at the time of issuance, and those of continuing applicabil-
ity are codified in titles 8 and 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations, revised
annually.
E~vplanation.-Substantive rules and procedural rules relating to the same
program or function of the Department are codified to the same part of title 8,
chapters I and II, and title 28, chapter I. For a list of the functions or programs
in the administration of which such rules are currently effective, see the list of
sections by number and title which appears at the beginning of each part of
titles 8 and 28.
2(d). Question. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what inter-
vals, does your agency publish statement of general policy or interpretations
formulated and adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public? Sec.
3(a) (3).)
Answer. Policy statements and interpretations of the Department of Justice
adopted for the guidance of the public are published in the Federal Register a~id,
PAGENO="0113"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 385
if of continuing applicability, are codified to titles 8 and 28 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, revised annually.
Esplanation.-Although part 50, chapter I of title 28 is entitled "Statements of
Policy," all such statements are not collected in that part, but instead are gen-
erally~codified to the part which pertains to the function or progam involved.
For example, see 28 CFR 42.1, setting forth the equal opportunity employment
policy of the Department.
2(e). Question. In what official or unofficial pubitcation, and at what in-
tervals, does your agency publish rules addressed to and served upon named per-
sons in accordance with law? (See. 3(a) (3).)
Answer. Apparently the question is inapplicable to the Justice Department.
None of its organizational units issues such rules.
3. Question. Please describe the manner In which your agency publishes~
or, in accordance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all
final and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to
section 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority.
Answer. Opinions and orders of the Board of Immigration Appeals and of the
Immigration and Naturalization Service which are considered by those agencies
to be of precedential significance are published in "Administrative Decisions on
the Immigration and Nationality Laws of the United States" (now nine vol-
iimes), available for inspection in all field offices of the Service, available in
most law libraries, and on sale at the Government Printing Office. Such decisions
issued since printing of the most recent volume are referred to as "interim deci-
sbus" and are distributed to all persons on themailing list of the Im~iigration
and Naturalization Service, and are available to any other persons through all
offices of the Service. All interim and final opinions and orders of the U.S. Board
of Parole granting or denying certificates of exemption under section 504 of the
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, 73 Stat. 51G, 29 U.S.C.
504, and 28 CFR 4.15 are available upon request to any member of the public
from the Board of Parole. Other decisions of the Board of Parole are available
only to the persons concerned. All opinions and orders, interim and final, of the
Office of Alien Property are available for public inspection in the Office of Alien
Property.
E~pZen,a43on.-Seetion 3(b), by its terms, applies only to agencies which con-
duct cases of adjudication and prepare opinions or orders in their dééision of
those cases. In the Department of Justice, only the Immigration and Naturaliza-
tion Service, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the U.S. Board of Parole, and
the Office of Alien Property are such agencies. Although the Immigration and
Naturalization Service makes in excess of 13.000 determinations each year in ex-
clusion and expulsion cases under 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1225(b), 1226, and 1252(b), the
great bulk of these decisions are routine and of no precedential significance and
are of interest only to the individuals involved. The same is true of the approxI-
mately 1,200 decisions each year of the Board of Immigration Appeals. No pur-
pose would be served by attempting to make all such decisions publicly available.
Therefore, only those opinions and orders which may be useful to practitioners,
aliebs, and others interested in the immigration laws are publicly available. The
U.S. Board of Parole annually conducts some 13,000 parole and revocation hear-
ings under 18 U.S.C. 420B, 4207, 5014, 5020, and 5037. Noopinions are prepared
in these cases. The order in each case consists of a duplicated form, indicating
only whether the application is granted or denied and is given only to the in-
dividual concerned. However, certain eligibility and status information on Fed-
eral prisoners and parolees is available in individual cases upon proper inquiry
by a party in interest, as prescribed in 28 CFR 2.48.
4. Question. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing
interim and final opinions and orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. To the end that the objectives of sound parole administration may be
advanced and that protection may be afforded to Federal prisoners and offenders
released on parole, orders of the Board of Parole in parole and revocation eases
are not published. However, information relating to such orders is disclosed in
individual cases upon proper inquiry by a party in interest, pursuant to 28 CFR,
2.48. Otherwise, no opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases by organiza-
tional units of the Department are withheld because the Department foels that
they are required to held confidential for good cause, within the meaning of sec-
tion 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act,
45-213~-- 65-pt. 2-----8
PAGENO="0114"
386 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
5. Que~tion. Iii what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited
~ or used as precedents in other proceedings?
Answer. None.
E~rplana4ion.-Although, as is explained above, there are a great many orders
of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Board of Immigration Ap~
peals, and the Board of Parole which are not published, none of these orders is
cited or used as precedent in subsequent proceedings.
6. Question. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and files, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
Answer. Interpretations and legal opinions of the Department of Justice
which may be of general interest are published in the "Opinions of the Attorney
General," available in most law libraries and on sale at the Government Printing
Office. Recent opinions not yet included in the bound volumes are available to
the public njDon request, to the extent of the available supply of pamphlet copies.
Matters of official record are available to the public in accordance with published
rules. (See 8 CPR pt. 2 (1953); 8 CFR 103.7, 282.1, 299.2 (1964 sripp.); 8 CFR
501.25(4), 503.1 (1958); 28 CFR 0.7, 3.600, 5.601, 10.10, 11.300, 12.40, 12.41
(1958).)
Other information in the possession of the Department is made available to
persons properly and directly concerned or to members of the general public,
upon request to the Office of the Attorney General, except to the extent that
secrecy is required in the public interest or informatiop contained therein is
required by statute or other authority to be withheld.
J~Ja,planations.-Phe Department of Justice is not an administrative agency
in the sense contemplated by the Administrative Procedure Act. Unlike the
major regulatory agencies, it is not engaged primarily in the receipt of applica-
tions or complaints from the public, the conduct of public hearings thereon, and
implementation of the laws committed to its administration through the issuance
of rules and orders based upon the records of such hearings, Rather, the princi-
pal functions of the Department of Justice include furnishing legal counsel and
legal services to the President, the executive departments, and the Government
generally, investigating and detecting violations of Federal laws and enforcing
those laws, and representing the United States in court actions and appeals gen-
erally. As a result, the records and files of the Department do not consist
primarily of documents relating to administrative proceedings. Instead, be-
cause of the nature of the Department's functions, most of its records Involve
functions which require secrecy in the public interest and cannot be made freely
available to the general public without injury to public or private interests and
prejudice to the proper performance of necessary governmental functions. Nev-
ertheless, in recent years the Department of Justice, through its Office of Public
Information in the Office of the Attorney General, has made every effort to
comply with every reasonable request for information. In furtherance of its
policy to make information and records in its possession available to the public
to the maximum extent possible? the Department not only makes matters of
official record available to persons properly and directly concerned, as required
by law. It also makes other information from records and files available to
~flch persons and to members of the public generally, including representatives
of the communications media, where such information can be appropriately
disclosed.
7. Question. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to `the general public, either by statute, rule or practice?
Answer. Certain information critical to the national defense is withheld from
the public pursuant to Executive Order No. 10501 and Department of Justice
Order No. 279-62, Investigative files and reports generally, including apy In-
formation which may identify confidential informants, are not available to the
public. (40 Ops. A.G. 45 (1941) ; To'uhy v, Ragan, 340 U.S. 462.) Information
relating to the Department's presentation of matters to grand juries is kept
secret pursuant to Rule 6(e) of the Rules of Criminal Procedure. A number
Of statutes make it a criminal offense for an officer or employee of the Govern-
ment to divulge information obtained by them In the course of their employment,
or reports, returns, or records filed with their department. See, e.g., 18 U.S.C.
1905 (trade secrets) ; 26'U.S.C. 7213 (a) (income tax returns) ; 26 U.S.C. 7237(e)
(narcotics tax returns). Various commercial information received or assembled
in connection with departmental functions must be withheld pursuant to these
requirements. Section 9(c) of Executive Order No. 10450, of April 27, 1953,
18 P.R. 2489, provides that the reports and other Investigative material and
PAGENO="0115"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 387
information developed in Government employee security investigations shall be
kept confidential. 28 CJT'.11. L6 (1963 ed.) provides iii general that the files of
the pardon attorney in this Department shall be made available only to officials
concerned with the consideration of the petition. Part 1 of title 28, Code of
Federal Regulations, was issued as a Department of Justice order with approval
of the President (cf. 27 P.R. 11002, 11003). It is therefore more in the nature
of an Executive order than of a mere departmental regulation. Internal mem-
orandums, analyses, reports, and recommendations generally are treated as con-
fidential in furtherance of the pirblic policy of open, frank discussion in the
internal handling of administrative matters. See Kaiser Aluminum ci Chemical
v. Reynolds (157 F. Supp. 939 (1958)). As legal advisers to the Attorney Gen-
eral and to other Federal officials, attorneys in the Department of Justice are
subject to Canon 37 of the Canons of Professional Ethics, pursuant to which
they are obligated to preserve their client's confidences. Accordingly, a broad
range of information which comes into the possession of the Department In con-
nection with legal counsel and legal services `must be treated as confidential.
(In this copne.ction, see 5 U.S.C. 139h (1958).) Similarly, internal legal advice
is privileged from disclosure under the so-called "attorneys' work product" rule.
(See Hickman v. Taylor, 329 U.S. 495.) Alien registration and fingerprint rec-
ords are required `to be held confidential by section 264(b) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, 66 Stat. 224, 8 U.S.C. 1304(b). Since section 236(a) of
that act (8 U.S.C. 1226(a)) provides that `hearings in exclusion cases shall be
kept "separate and apart from the public," `information developed in such pro-
ceedings is treated as confidential except to the extent that the respondent con-
sents to its publication. As is indicated above, records and information relating
to parole hearings are withheld from the public for the reasons set forth in 28
C.F.R. 2.48. Although `the settlement of civil litigation to which the United
States is a party is made a matter of public information, and although papers
filed in civil actions and criminal pr'osecutions are, of course, matters of public
record, files, memorandum, and other documents relating to the Department's
conduct of litigation on behalf `of the United States and agencies thereof are
withheld to the extent that secrecy is required in `the public interest~ (See
"Hearings Before the Special Subcommittee to Investigate the Department of
Justice of the House Committee on the Judiciary," 83d Cong., 1st ses's., ser. 2,
pt. 2, 2433 (1953). See also "Federal Statutes on the Availability of Informa-
tion, House Committee `on Government Information Operations," 86th Cong., 2d
sess. (Committee print, March 1960).)
Ea,planation.-See the explanation which appears under 6, above.
8. Question. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your
agency required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not pub-
lished in the Federal Register? (Sec. 3(a).)
Answer. None.
9. Question. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from pub-
lishing rules where there is involved any function of the United States re-
quiring secrecy in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the APA
or other authority?
Answer. The Department of Justice has only one outstanding rule which
has been withheld from publication because it involves a function of the
United States requiring secrecy in `the public interest. This is an organizational
order establishing the emergency chain of authority for the performance of
the functions of the AttOrney General in the event of a civil defense or other
emergency which prevents the operation of the Department at the seat of
Government.
Ea~planation.-The Executive Office for United States Attorneys, the Execu-
tive Office for United States Marshals, the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Board of Parole, the Bu-
reau of Prisons, and other organizational units of the Department have issued
extensive directives `and instructions to staff and field offices which are not
publicly available and in many respects concern the performance of functions
which require secrecy in the public interest. However, none of these is a rule
which imposes obligations upon members of the public. Rather, they are in
the nature of operating instructions to officers and staff of the Department.
10. Question. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from pub-
lishing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal
agency management, pursuant to section 3(2) of `the APA or other authotity?
Answer. The Department of Justice "Index to Orders and Memoranda,"
1964, lists the directives which have been issued by the Attorney General, the
PAGENO="0116"
388 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Deputy Attorney General, the Adn~nistrative Assistant Attorney General, and~
the beads of the Department's operating units. These directives cover the~
~whole spectrum of "houseleeeping" functiQns, including budget, fiscal, and
accounting procedures, personnel matters, property administration, operational
instructions, and so forth. In some cases, rules relating to matters of internal
management have been published. See, for example, 28 C.F.R. part 15 (defense
of suits against Feleral employees arising out of their operation of motor
vehicles), part 42 (equal employment opportunity policy and procedure), part
44 (employee-management cooperation in the Department), and part 46 (em-
ployee grievance procedure), even though such rules govern only Federal
agencies and employees. In most instances, such rules have not been published
because they are of no interest to the general public.
Eeplanation.-In many instanees~ directives issued by the Department are not
"rules" within the meaning of APA section 2(c), since they do not "implement,.
interpret, or prescribe law or policy or describe the organization, procedure,
or practice requirements" of the Department. Instead, as in the case of the
directives referred to in 9, above, they are merely instructions to staff.
11. Question. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in~
section 3(c) of the AP&?
Answer. The "Attorney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure
Act," 1947, defines "official record" as follows (at pp. 24-25)
* * * In general, it may be stated that matters of official record wilF
include (a) applications, registrations, petitions, reports, and returns filed by
members of the public with the agency pursuant to statute or the agency's
rules, and (b) all documents embodying agency actions, such as orders, rules,
and licenses. In formal proceedings, the pleadings, transcripts of testimony,.
exhibits, and all documents received in evidence or made a part of the record
are `matters of official record.'
* * * * * * *
The great mass of mate~ia1 relating to the Internal operation of an agency
Is not a matter of official record. For example, Intra-agency memorandums
and reports'prepared by agency employees for use within the agency are not
official records since they merely reflect the research and analysis pre-
liminary to official agency action. Intra-agency reports of investigatlona
are, in general, not matters of official record; * *
APPENDIX
DOCUMENTS ISSUED nr THE DEPARTMENT or JUSTICE IMPLEMENTING SECTION 3 or
THE ADMINISTEATIVE PROCEDURE ACT
1. Order 3695, supplement 7, December 21, 1948 (public inspection of registra-
tion statements of certain organizations carrying on activities within the United
States), 28 CFR 10.10.
2. Order No. 3229 (revised), January 13, 1953 (snbpena of information from
the files of the Department of Justice (superseded by order No. 260-62, listed
below), 18 F.R. 1368.
3. Order No. 3464, supplement No. 4 (revIsed), January 13, 1953 (release of
certain information from the files upon specific authorization of the Attorney
General only).
4. Memorandum of January 13, 1953; authorization under order No. 3464, sup-
plement No. 4 (revised), (delegating to all attorneys of the Department of
Justice In charge of litigation authority to reveal information from Department
files to the extent necessary to discharge their duties).
5. Order No. 116-56, May 15, 1956 (cooperation with congressional committees).
6. Order No. 124-56, August 6, 1956 (registration of persons having knowledge
of foreign espionage or sabotage and public examination of registration state-
ments), 28 CFR 12.40 and 12.41.
7. Order No, 138-56, December 13, 19116 (registration of foreign agents and
public examination of registration statements), 28 CFR 5.600 and 5.601.
8. Memo No. 243 to all U.S. attorneys, January 81, 1958 (production of state-
ments and reports of witnesses in criminal cases under the Jeneks law).
9. Memo No. 276 to all U.S attorneys, March 24, 1960 (disclosure of informa-
tion in FBI reports to Federal officials).
10. Order No. 246-61, June 29, 1961 (consent judgment policy), 26 FIt. 6026.
11. Order No. 250-61, October 8, 1961 (registration of Communist organizations
and certain members thereof and public inspectioh of registers), 26 F.R- 9509.
PAGENO="0117"
FEDERAL PUBLIC ItECoItDS LAW 389
12. Order No. 260-62, January 19, 1962 (subpena of information in Department
~files), 27 P.R. 774. (See 17 below.)
13. Order No. 271-62, May 29, 19~2 (Department of Justice statement of orga-
nization), 27 P.R. 5162.
14. Order No. 288-62, October 18, 1962 (executive clemency), 27 E~1~L 11002.
15. Order No. 291-62, December 13, 1962 (amendments to the Department's
organization statements as It relates to the Antitrust Division), 27 P.R. 12617.
16. Order No. 308-63, December 12, 1963 (adding certain kinds of banks to
those to which the FBI makes available fingerprint record information), 28 P.R.
13769.
17. Order No. 324-64, October 8, 1964 (superseding order No. 260-62 relating
to the production of material in response to a subpena or other demand), 29
~F.R. 14027.
REPLY Fnoi~x DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
U.S. DEPARTMENT or LABOR,
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARx,
Wa~hington, D.C., March 16, 1965.
`Hon. Jo~x E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign~ Opera~tions and Government InformaUon Bubcommitt `cc, Oom~
mittee on Govern4nent Operati.on~, House of Representatives, Wathington,
D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: In accordance with the request in your letter of Feb-
ruaryl2, 1965, we have prepared the attached material in response to the ques~
tions in your letter concerning the relationship of the programs within this
Department's responsibility under the public information section of the Admin1s~
:`trative Procedure Act.
If you need further information, we shall of course `be happy to provide it.
Sincerely,
W. W~LLAE5 Wnrrz,
Secretary of Labor.
MATERIAL RELATING TO CONGRESSMAN Moss' LETTER OF FEBETTAItY 12, 1965, FRoM
THE Dmnu~PMENT o~ LABOR
By way of introduction, `it is pointed out that the only exception `to section 3 of
the Administrative Procedure Act `which affects the programs with which tliis
Department is concerned is the one for "(2) any matter relating to the Internal
management of an agency."
Question 1. Generally, to what functions o'f your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units
of your `agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer 1. `Section 3 applies to all rules of the kind described in subsection (a)
~`of that section which are issued by this Department to implement:
(1)The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938;
(2) Federally administered acts affecting labor standards on public con-
tracts;
(3) `Title XV of the Social `Security Act;
(4) Federally administered Workmen's Compensation Acts;
(5) The Farm Labor Contractor Registration Act of 1963;
(6) The Wagner-Peyser Act;
(7) The Manpower Development and Training Act;
(8) Title VI of `the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
(9) The Trade Expansion Act of 1962;
(10) The Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act;
(11) The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959;
(12) The Area Redevelopment Act; and
(13) The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
Section 3 also applies to final opinions and orders in the adjudication of cases
`issued to implement the statutes referred to in (1) through (11) above. Tbe1~e
are no activities affecting the public to which the Section does not aptly. Inter-
pretations, standards, and policies issued for the guidance of State governments
under the Social Security Act, and the Federal Uneniplo~xnënt Tax Act are not
considered rules issued for the guidance of the public. They are, therefore~
furnished directly to the appropriate State agencies and not otherwise published.
PAGENO="0118"
390 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Question 2. In what official or unofficial Publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish:
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organizatj~~ (see sec. 3(a) (1)
of the Administrative Procedure Act);
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions
are channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute);
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statute)
(d) Statements of general poUcy or interpretations formulated and
adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statute) ; and
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute)?
Answer 2(a). This information is published annually in the Government or-
ganization manual edition of the Federal Register.
Answer 2(b). They are published in the daily issues of the Federal Register
and as amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations when issued. (See app.
XI.)
Answer 2(o). They are Published as amendments to the Code of Federal Reg-
ulations when issued. Where substantial public interest is expected, printed
copies are also made available upon request. (See app. II.)
Answer 2(d). Same as (o).
Answer 2(e). Copies of wage determinations for' laborers and mechanics to be
employed under particular construction contracts are served upon the agency
letting or administering the contract. Such agency includes the determinations
in the advertisements for bids. Copies of wage deterrujna~jo~5 reviewed by the
Department of Labor's Wage Appeals Board, the rules of which are published in
29 OFR part 7, are maintained for public inspection and are distributed widely
to interested trade associations, employee organizations, governnjenta~ agencies,
and other interested persons. No other rules of this kind are issued by this
Department.
Question 3. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or,
in accord~nce with pnbiishe~ rule, makes av~ailable to public inspection, all final
and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section
3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority.
Answer 3. In accordance with published rule (29 OFR 2.7), they are made
available during business hours upon written request. Some orders are also
published by private labor law reporting services.
Question 4. In what types of cases. does. your~age1~y refrain from, publishing
interim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Admin-
iStrative Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer 4. None.
Question 5. In what circumstances are unpublished Opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents in `other proceedings?
Answer 5. Unpuhlish~~ opinions are often used for guidance in responding
to requests for information and interpretati~~5
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and files, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
Answer 6. Interpr~~al~io~.5 and legal opinions are made available through
publication of interpretative bulletins in the Code of Federal Regulatio~s~ letters
to members of `the public and by answers `to oral inquiries. Significant inter-
pretation~s and legal opinions are given wide distribu~tion to various trade
associations, employee organi~atjo~~ governmen~a~ agencies, and interested per-
sons. Such Opinions and interpretations are also furnished t~ the various~ com-
mercial reporting services. Arraugeme~~~ are made to permit inspection of
a copy of a past interpretation or legal opinion upon written request to the
Department. A record or file may likewise be inspected unless the Solicitor
d~termines that it should be held confidential. Oopies of `accounts, letters,
records, files, and other documents or papers are furnished only by permission
of the Solicitor upon his consideration of an applieatio~ showing the reason
why and the purpose for which the copies are desired. (See 29 OFE 1.15, 2.4,
2.6, 2.7, and 2.9, and 20 CFR 501.8; see app. I.) Reports required to be filed
by the ~ Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 and Welfare
and Pension Plans Disclosure Act are available for inspection in a public docu-
ment room main'tajned by the Office of Labor M a~ge~ej~t and Welfare.pensjon
PAGENO="0119"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RhCORD~ LAW 391
Reports, and copies of such reports may be ordered at a cost of 25 cents per
page,
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to the general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
Answer 7. In general, no limitations are placed on the availability of "offi-
cial records" of the kind to which section 3 applies. The Secretary's, Bureau
Director's, or Solicitor's discretion applies with reference to other records (see
delegation of authority of 27 FR. 1505). Information obtained in confidence is
not made available to the public.
More particularly, limitations upon availability of files and records to the
general public are expressed in 29 CFR 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.9, and 5.6 and 20 CFR 1.21
and 1.22, and 501.8 (see app. I). It is also considered that the Department is
subject to the restrictions found in 18 U.S.C. 1905 and 5 U.S.C. 139b. Confiden-
tial treatment recorded "investigatory files eothpiled for law enforcement pur-
poses" (cf. ER. 5012) is buttressed by the common-law informers privilege.
Wirt~ v. McDa4e, 330 F. 2d 610; Wirtz v. Continental Finance c~ Loan Co.,
326 F. 2d 561; Wirtz v. B. A. C. Bteet PrOducts, 312 F. 2d 14.
Question 8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency
required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register (see see. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act)?
Answer 8. None.
Question 9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishthg
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Answer 9. None.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency man-
agement, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
authority?
Answer 10. Rules concerning the methods by which employees of the De~
partment are to carry Qut their duties are generally not made public (e.g, bow
an investigator should look for minimum wage violations or what assignments
require special priority).
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in
section 3(e) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Answer 11. We have no established definition. however, page 24 of the At-
torney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act is used for
guidance.
REPLY FROM POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT
Posr Orrion DEPARTMENT,
OFFICE OF Ti~ GENERAL CouNSEL,
Washington, D.C., April 5, 1965.
Hon. 3~ou~ E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ~S'ubcommittee, Com-
mittee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mu. CHAIRMAN: This is in reply to your letter of Feburary 12, 1965, re-
questing information with respect to the applicability of ~edtion 3 of the &dmin-
istrative Procedure Act of 1946 to the functions and administration of this
Department.
The following are replies to the 11 questions submitted by your subcommittee:
1. Section 1002 of title 5, United States Code (1) requires the publication of
organization, procedures, and substantive regulations in the Federal Register,
(2) provides for the publication or inspection of orders in the adjudication of
cases, and (3) makes official records available to the public.
These provisions are considered applicable to the functions of this Department
generally and to its Bureaus and other subdivisions.
2, (a) The Departmeut's central and field organization descriptions are pub-
lislied in the Federal Register, the United States Government Organization
Manual, and chapter 8 of the postal manual.
(b), (o), (d) Statements of the general course and method in the channeling
and determination of Department functions, substautive rules as adopted and
PAGENO="0120"
392 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
authorized by law, and the Department's g~neral policy statements and interpre-
tations formulated for public guidance are (1) published in the Federal Register,
(2) codified in the Code of Recleral Regulations, and (3) published in the poStal
manuaL
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in aceordabce with law
are in most instances published in the Postal Bulletin. A description of the De-
partment's organization is published annually in the United States Qovernment
Organization Manual. Changes In organization are shown as they occur in other
publications.
3. Pursuant to rules published In 39 Code of Federal Regulations 201.33 and
204.25, orders issued by the Department in administrative fraud, lottery and
obscenity proceedings, and in proceedings relating to the issuance and revocation
of second-class mailing permits, are available for public inspection in the De-
partment's law library.
4. None.
5. None, other than those made available for inspection in accordance with
published rules.
& The Department's procedure to make its records and files available to the
public is outlined In sections 4.3 and 4.4 of title 39, Code of Rederal Regulations.
Letters to members~ of the public frequently contain interpretations and legal
opinions.
No provision is made for disseminating current legal opinions, except to the
extent that they are embodied in regulations published in the Federal Register
and the postal manual. Selected opinions of the Department's chief legal officer.
however, are available In bound volumes up to and including the year 1951.
`t. Section 4.3 and 4.4 of title 39, Code of Federal Regulations, place the limita-
tions on the availability of records and files to the general public.
8. None.
i~. The Depaftment~has réfrahied froni~ publishing rules~on the grounds that
they involve functions requiring secrecy in the public interest only in the ease
Qf certain national emergency planning.
10. The Department has generally refrained from publishing rules In the
* Federal Register on matters it considers relating solely to internal agency
management. These regu'ations, however, are published in the Department's
Postal Bulletin, Postal Manual, its Regional Manual, and various handbooks,
which are available for public inspection.
11. The Department has not formulated a comprehensive definition of "of-
ficial record" as used in section 3(c) of the Adhiinistratlve Procedure Act.
There are enclosed two copies of each of the following:
A. Parts 114 and 115 of the Postal Manual, which are identiaci to parts 4
and 5 of title 39, Code of Federal Regulations;
B. Subsection (b) of section 201.200 of title 3D, Code of Federal Regulations;
0. Sections 201.32 and 201.38 of title 39, Code of Federal Regulations; and
D. Sections 204.24* and 204.25 of title 39, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sincerely yours,
HARvEY H. HANNAh, Acting General Co'unaal.
REPLY FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DEPARTMENT or STATR,
WasMngton, D.C., Marc!,, 26, 1965.
Hon. f0EN B. Moss,
Chairman, ~ubcomin~ittee on Foreign Operations and Government Information,
House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN Moss: Further reference is made to your letters of Febru-
ary 12, 1965, concerning agency compliance with the Administrative Procedure
Act.
The Department publishes or otherwise makes available to the public, rules,
regulations, procedures, notices, and information which are considered of specific
or ge~oral interest to, and affect tbe public, including protection and welfare of
tt.S. citizens, their property and estates abroad, shipping and seamen, visas,
nationality and passports, international educational exchange, economic, c~m-
m~~ciaI, and civil aviation services, international tratlle in arms, and many,
others.
PAGENO="0121"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 393
`There are, of course, a number of li~isions, offices, and bureaus in the Depart-
ment which are engaged in certain activities falling within the e~ceptions con-
tained in 5 U.S.C. 1002; i.e., (1) functions requiring secrecy in the public interest
and (2) matters relating solely to' the internal management of the Department.
The Department and its Foreign Service are concerned almost exclusively with
the performance of foreign affairs functions which necessarily have a direct
bearing on our relations with foreign governments, their citizens and representa-
tives, and international organizations. The protection of sensitive information
In the files of the Department and the maintenance of the sources which protide
such information must be continued and judgment exercised in disclosing infor-
mation relating to such matters. In addition, there is a considerable amount Of
information, rules, regulations, and procedures in day-to-day use which axe con~
cerned solely with the internal management.
Our replies to the specific questiOns raised are as follows:
1. Question. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, ox other constituent units
of your agency to which the section does not apply?
AnswerS 5 U.S.C. 1002 applies generally to all functions of the Department of
State; there are no constituent units to which it does not apply.
2. Question. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals.
does your agency publish?
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see sec. 8(a) (1) of the
Administrative Procedure Act.
Answer. A description of the Department's organization is published from
time to time in the U.S. Government Organization Manual. The Depart-
ment of State's field organization is published in the Federal Register from.
time to time as substantive changes are effected.
(b) Statements of the general course and methods bl~ which functions are
channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute).
Answer. Annually in the U.S. Government Organization Manual, and as
necessary In the Department's regulations.
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see see. 3(a) (3) of
statute).
Answer. Substantive rules of concern to the public adopted as authorized
by law are published in the Federal Register. These rules and procedures
are also published in the Department's manuals of regulations.
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and adopted by
the agency for the guidance of the public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute).
Answer. These statements are published in the Federal Register.
(e) Rules addresed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute).
Answer. Not applicable to the Departmentof State.
3. QuestIon. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or,
In accordance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final
and interim opinions or orders In the adjudication of cases, pursuant to see.
3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority.
Answer. (Inserted after question 5.)
4. Question. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing
interim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. (Inserted after question 5.)
5. Question. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents in other proceedings?
Answer. Based on our discussion with `Mr. Archibald, questIons 3, 4, and ~
appear to be more applicable to agencies having broad domestic regulatory
powers. The domestic administrative functions performed by the Department
of State in the public's interest do not entail the use of precedents except as
applicable to the issuance of U.S. passports. However, all passport regulations
having as their basis opinions, orders, and precedents are published in the
Federal Register.
0. Question. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and flies, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
Answer. Historical reeord~ of the Department are madoavailable to the public
when they are transmitted periodically to the National Archives. They are
also made available to scholars at an earlier date. In addition, there are pub-
lished from time to time volumes of Foreign Relations of the United States,
PAGENO="0122"
394 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
American Foreign Policy, digests of international law, United States Treaties
and Other International Agreements, and many other publications. Interpreta-
tions and legal opinions of the Department are for the use of the Secretary and
other officials and are not generally made available to the public. Interpreta-
tions and opinions are often used or referred to in publications of the Depart-
ment, however, in correspondence with the public, and in other ways. Inquiries
from the public are treated on an ad hoc basis; information is made available
depending on the nature of the inquiry and on whether making the information
available would be in the national interest and not contrary to the provisions
of Executive Order 10501, as amended.
7. Question. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to the general public, either by statute, rules or practice?
Answer. The Department does not make any records or files available to the
general public when publication would be prejudicial to the national interest
in foreign affairs or contrary to the provisions of Executive Order 10501, as
amended.
8. Question. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your
agency required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not pub-
lisbed in the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure
Act)?
Answer. It has been the Department's policy to publish in the Federal Reg-
ister all information needed by the public to deal effectively with the Depart-
ment. We believe the Department has been successful in this endeavor, but
in view of the subcommittee's interest, we are making a careful review to con-
firm that no matter which should have been published in the Federal Register
has been omitted.
9. Question. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring
secrecy in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. Not applicable to the Department of State.
10. Question. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from pub-
lishing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal
agency management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Answer. The Department has refrained from publishing in the Federal Reg-
ister any rules relating solely to internal management unless required by statute.
The Department's regulations for internal management contain rules and proce~
dures for the conduct of foreign affairs in the United States and abroad. They
pertain, for example, to physical security practices, fiscal procedures, conduct
of employees, personnel preformance measurement, buildings mam~agement, and
reporting procedures. Although not in a form convenient for public distribution,
the regulations are available for public review except where the security of the
United States might be endangered by publicity of procedures designed to protect
the national interests.
11. Question. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in
~section 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Answer. The Department follows the Attorney General's definition which Is
as follows: "The term `official record' is defficult of definition. In general, it
may be stated that matters of official record will include (a) applications, regia.
trations, petitions, reports, and returns filed by members of the public with
the agency pursuant to statute or the agency's rules, and (b) all documents
embodying agency actions such as orders, rules, and licenses. In formal pro-
ceedings, the pleadings, transcript of testimony, exhibits, and all documents
received in evidence or made a part of the record are `matters of offlcial record.'
The great mass of material relating to the internal operation of an agency is not
a matter of official record." (See sec. 3(c) of the Attorney General's Manual
on the Administrative Procedure Act)
As requested in the last paragraph of your letter, I am enclosing two copies
of the Department's regulation relating to 5 U.S.C. 1002. This regulation is
extracted from volume 2 of the Foreign Affairs Manual, section 1120.
Sincerely yours,
DouGLas MACARTUTJR II,
Assistant £4ecrctary for Congressionel Relations.
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FEDERAL PtBLIC RECORDS LAW 395
Rnrix FROM PEACE CORPS
APRIL 20, 1965.
Hon. JOHN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government information ~ubeommittee,
Committee on Gove~hmen~t Ofierofions, HoRse of Fepro~entcs~tives, Washing~
ton, D.C.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: This is in response to your February 12, 1965, letter
inquiring about the applicability to the Peace `Corps of section 3 of the Adminis-
trative Procedure Act, 60 Stat. 238 (1946), 5 U.S~C. 1002 (1958). Permit me
first to apologize for our delay in making this response.
Question 1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there `any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units
of your agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer. Section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) applies
generally to all Peace Corps functions and all Its constituent units. By its
terms, Administrative Procedure Act section 3 is not applicable to functions
"requiring secrecy in the public interest" or to "matters relating solely to the
internal management" of `the Peace Corps. (iSee answers to questions 9 and 10,
below.)
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish: (a) Descriptions of its central and field organization.
(See sec. 3(a) (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act.)
Answer. The U.S. Government Qrganization Manual, published annually as a
special edition of the Federal Regt~ter, lists the principal Peace Obrps officers
(pp. 73-74 of the June 1, 1964, edition) and contains a description of the Peace
~Oorps' organization (pp. 92-93 of the June 1, 1964, edition) and an organization
chart (p. 617 of the June, 1964, edition).
The following Peace Corps delegations of authority have been published in the
Federal Register:
(1) Delegation of authority to the Directors of Contracts, Budget and
Finance, and Administrative Services Divisions, as to contracts, leases, and
so forth, 26 P.R. No. 52, page 2321 (Mar. 18, 1961).
(ii) Delegation of authority to Peace Corps representatives overseas as
to negotiating and signing certain contracts, leases, and so forth, 26 P.R. No.
126, page 5975 (July 1, 1961).
(iii) Delegation of authority to the Associate Director for Peace Corps
volunteers and the Director of the Division of Volunteer Support to approve
and sign contracts to transport applicants for enrollment as Peace Corps
volunteers, 28 F.R~ No. 238, page 13372 (Dec. 10, 1963).
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish: (b) Statements of the general course and method by
which its functions are channeled and determined? (See sec. 3(a) (2) O~
statute.)
Answer. The Peace Corps Representatives' Manual (in continuous revision)
contains Peace Corps documents as to the general course and method by which
Peace Corps functions are channeled and determined. The Peace Corps Hand-
book also contains statements about such matters. It is primarily intended for
distribution to Peace Corps volunteers and trainees. It is revised annually or
biannually.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish: (c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law.
(See sec.3(a) (3) of statute.)
Answer. It is not clear that the Peace Corps adopts substantive rules within
the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act section 3(a) (3). certainly,
it is doubtful if the Peace Corps engages in "rulemaking" within the meaning
of Administrative Procedure Act sections 4 and 2(c). In any case, Adminis-
trative Procedure Act section 4 is inapplicable to foreign affairs functions.
Nevertheless, both the Peace Corps Representatives' Manual and the Peace
corps Handbook contain comprehensive statements of general policies.
Question 2. "In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish: (d) Statements of general policy or interpretations
formulated and adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public. (See see.
3(a) (3) of statute.)
Answer. See the answers to the preceding questions. In addition to the "Peace
Corps Representatives' Manual" and the "Peace Corps Handbook," Peace Corps
policies are also set forth in the Peace Corps' yearly congressional presentation;
PAGENO="0124"
396 FEDERAL PUBLIC RE:COEDS LAW
the Peace Corps annual report transmitted to the Congtess by the Presideulr
pursuant to section 11 of the Peace Corps Act ; the "Peace Corps Facts" book (in
continuous publication); Peace Corps program descriptions (describing par-
ticular projects) ; and Peace Corps informational brochures (describing specific
opportunities for service by persons with certain skills or backgrounds).
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,.
does your agency publish: (e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons
in accordance with law? (See sec. 3(a) (3) of statuteS)
AnswOr. The Peace Corps does not address rules to or serve them upon any
persons.
Question 3. Please de~cri'be the manner In which your agency publishes, or,
in accordance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final
and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section
3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority."
Answer. FIrst, it should be noted that question 3, as well as questions 4 and 5,
appear to be primarily applicable to agencies with broad domestic regu1atory~
funotions. The Peace Corps, of course, does not exercise any such functions.
As to question 3, the exact meaning of "adjudication of cases" is not at all
clear. In our best judgment, the Peace Corps does not engage in the "adjudica-
tion of cases" as that term is discussed in the Attorney General's Manual on the
Administrative Procedure Act (1947) and the Administrative Procedure Act,
legislative history (S. Doc. No. 248, 79th Cong., 24 sess. (194(3)). Certainly,.
the Administrative Procedure Aot, section 5 is generally Inapplicable to the~
PeaceCorps either `because few statutes require its adjudications to be deterinlued
on a record or because of the foreign afilairs functions exception.
Question 4. In what types of eases does your agency refrain from publishing
interim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to `section 3(b) of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. The Peace Corps has made no determination as `to any types of cases
in which It should refrain from publishing Interim and final opinions or orders
where good cause requires that they be held confidential. (See answer to
question 3.)
Question 5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and `orders cited~
or nse~l as precedents in other proceedings?
Answer. As we understand this question, it derives from the parenthetical'
phrase in the Administrative Procedure Ant section 3(b). Therefore, `see answer
to questions 3 and 4. In any case, `the Office of `the General Counsel of the Peace
Corps doeS from time to time cite its prior opinions. All of its opinions are
unpublished, `but almost all are unclassified and `hence available on request to
persons properly and directly concerned. Most of these opinions, however,
relate to the internal management of the Peace Corps.
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and files, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
Answer. A request from a member of the general public to see Peace Corps
records and flies should be addressed to the Director of the Division of Public
Information, Office of Public Affairs. A request to see legal opinions should
be addressed to the General Counsel of the Peace Corps. (See answer to~
question 7.)
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and~
files to the general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
Answer. Section IV(4) of the "Standards of Conduct for Peace Corps Em-
ployees," issued by the Director of the Peace Corps on October 19, 1961, states :
"Employees must not withhold unclassified information from the press~
or public. Employees should be certain that information given to' the
press or public is accurate and complete. The Chief of Public Information
should, however, be consulted before any release of Peace Corps information."
This standard appears to be more liberal than that required by section 3(c)
of the Administrative Procedure Act which states that "matters of official
record" shall be made available to "persons properly and directly concerned'
except information held confidential for good cause shown." The Peace Corps~
is, of course, restricted from disclosing classified information to members of
the general public by Executive Order No. 10501, as amended. In addition,
the Peace Corps limits to official use certain matters of a type that depart-
ments traditionally protect and must contihue to protect. See section 3 of
Foreign Affairs Manual Circular No. 117 of April 9, 1963. In making informa-
tion available to the public, consideration is sometimes given to the requester's
PAGENO="0125"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECOE~S LAW 397
need and the :purpose to which he proposes to pt~t the requested information.
Question 8. in what circumstances are private parties dealing with your
;agency required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not pub-
lished in the ]?ederal Register? (See see. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure
~Act.)
Answer. We presume that the basis of the question is the last sentence of1
~the Administrative Procedure Act, section 3(a), which provides that no person
shall in any manner be required to resort to organization or procedure not pub-
lished in the Federal Register. We understand this requirement is intended
to protect "the public from being required to pursue remedies that ~tre not
generally known" (S. Doe. 24, 79th Cong., 2d, seas. (1946). To the best of
our knowledge no such circumstances exist. We have been unable to con-
ceive of a case where a private party, as opposed to a Peace Corps volunteer
or trainee or a Peace Corps employee, must resort to Peace Corps organization
or procedure not published in the Federal Register to protect his rights. We
do intend, however, to review the Peace Corps contractipg procedures from
the point of view of section 3(a).
Question 9. In what types of cases ha~ your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Answer. No such case is known.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing
I rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency man-
agement, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
~authority?
Answer. As stated in the answer to question 2, it is not clear that the Peace
Corps engages in "rulemaking" within the meaning of the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act. In any event, the Peace Corps has generally published in the "Peace
Corps Representatives' Manual," the "Peace Corps Handbook," and other Peace
Corps documents referred to in previous answers, its important standards or
procedures. rfhe Peace Corps does not, however, publish in the Federal Register
material about any matter which relates solely to the internal management of the
Peace Corps.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used lh
~section 3(c) of the Administative Procedure Act?
Answer. The Peace Corps is guided by the Attorney General's explanation of
"official record":
"The term `official record' is difficult of definition. In general, It may be
stated that matters of official record will include (a), applications, registra-
tions, petitions, reports, and returns fUe~ by members of the public with the
agency pursuant to statute or the agency's rules; and (b) all documenta
embodying agency actions, such as orders, rules, and licenses. In formal
proceedings, the pleadings, transcripts of testimony, exhibits, and all docu-
`ments received in evidence or made a part of the record are `matters of
official record,'
"Section 3(c) does not purport to define `official record' Each agency must
examine its functions and the substantive statutes under which it operates
to determine which of Its materials are to be, treated as matters of official
record for the purposes of the section. Indicative of the types of records
which are considered official records by Congress are maps, plats, or diagrams
`in the custody of the Secretary of the Interior (5 IJ.S.C. 488) ; records, books,
or papers in the General Land Office (28 U.S.C. 672) ; and registration state-
ments filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securi-
ties Act (15 U.S.C. 77f).
"The great mass of material relating to the internal operation of an
agency is not a matter of official record, For example, Intra-agency memo-
randuma and reports prepared by agency employees for use within the
agency are not official records since they merely reflect the research and
`analysis preliminary to official agency action. Intra-agency reports of in-
vestigations are, In general, not matters of official record; in addition they
usually involve matters of internal management anti, in view of their nattire,
must commonly be kept confidential" (Attorney General's Manual on the
Administrative Procedure Act 24 (1947)).
In response to the request In the last paragraph of your letter, the Peace
Corps has not established any regulation, directive, or order implementing Ad-
ininistrative Procedure Act, section 3. But it follows the regulations established
PAGENO="0126"
398 FBDERAL PUBLIC RE~CORDS LAW
in this regard by the Department of State. (See 2 Foreign Affairs Manual,
sec. 1120, a copy of which in attached.)
I hope that the foregoing will provide the information you wish. Again please
accept my apo1ogies~for our delay in responding to your February 12 letter.
Sincerely yours,
WILLIAM JOSEPHSON,
General Counsel.
REPLY FROM AGENCY FO~t INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY FOE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT,
DEPAIiTMENP OF STATE,
Washington, D.C., March, 24, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Mosp,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ~ubeoinmittee,
Conwnittee on Governxm~ent Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: In further response to your letter of February 12, 1965,
I am sending you herewith an AID staff paper which supplies answers to thefl
questions set forth in your letter. Copies of the documents which you have~
requested are being sent to you separately.
I appreciate the long interest of your subcommittee in promoting the avail-
ability of information from Federal departments and agencies. In administer-
ing the Agency for International Development it has been our objective to make -
information available to the maximum extent possible. To this end and totally
aside from the technical requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, we
have, for the guidance of persons dealing with AID, issued and disseminated to
the general public as well as to specially interested segments of the public full
information on Agency rules and requirements. This has been done not only
through publication of the AID Regulations in the Federal Register, but through
distribution of notices, circulars, press releases,. and brochures relating to special.
subjects and desigr~ed to present infornration to interested persons and groups
in the most practical and useful way.
If we can render any further assistance in your subcommittee's review of this
subject, we shall be happy to do so.
Sincerely yours,
WILLIAM S. GAUl), Acting Administrator.
STAFF PAPER
Before replying lo the individual questions on particular aspects of section 3
of the Athninistrative Procedure Act of 194G (5 U.S.C. 1002) and its application
to the operations of the Agency for International Development it is appropriate
to observe that the exact meaning and effect of section 3 is far from clear. Part
of the difficulty is, no doubt, derived from its setting within the Administrative
Procedure Act. Section 3 purports to be a general provision governing the publi-
cation of information, rules, opinions, orders, and public records applicable to
"every agency." Yet the Administrative Procedure Act in which it appears has
primary sign4flcance for regulatory agencies as dintinguished from nonregulatory
agencies sTh~lias AID.1 One eonsequeiiceof placing ~ection 3 as a general "public
I the Attorney General has said, "The entire act is based upon a dichotomy between
rulemaking and adjudication * * *. Rulemaking is agency action which regulates the
future conduct of either groups of persons or a single person; it is essentially legislative
in nature, not only because it operates in the future, but also because it is primarily
concerned with policy considerations."
"Adjudication," he has said, "was intended to include such proceedings as:
"1. Froceedings instituted by the Federal Trade Commission and the National Labor
Relations Board leading to the i~ssuance of orders to cease and desist from unfair methods
of competition or unfair labor practices, respectively.
"2. The determination of claims for money, such as compensation claims under the
Longshoremen's and Harbor. Workers' Compensation Act, and claims under title II (old-age'
and survivors' insurance) of the Social Security Act.
"3. Reparation proceedings in which the agency determines wb~ther a shipper or other
consumer is entitled to damages arising out of the alleged past unreasonableness of rates.
"4. The detein4patipn of individual eltUnis for benefits, such as grants-in-aid and
subSidies.
"5. Licensing proceedings, including the grant, denial, renewal, revocation, suspension,
etc., of, for example, radio broadcasting licenses, certificates of public convenience and
necessity, airman certificates, add the like."
PAGENO="0127"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 399
Information section" in a statute concerned primarily with procedural require-
ments for "rule making" and "adjudication" is uncertainty concerning the mean-
ing of terms and requirements in section 3 and the extent to which section 3
should be construed in the light of other sections of the Administrative Procedure
Act, e.g., section 4: "Rule Making" and section 5: "Adjudications."
Section 3(a) (3) lays down requirements for publication of "substantive rules
adopted as authorized by law." The act does not define such rules although It
contains in section 2 a definition of "rule" which would appear to be broader
than "substantive rule." On the other band, section 4, which lays down require-
ments for "rule making," narrows the scope of rules involved by expressly exclud-
ing from its application various U.S. "functions" (e.g., foreign affairs) and "mat-
ters" (e.g., public loans, grants, benefits, and contracts). Section 3(b) lays
down publication requirements for "all rules." These rules are presumably
different from the "substantive rules" referred to in section 3(a) (3), but the
point is not clear and the definition of "substantive rules" remains uncertain.
The meaning of "adjudication" in section 3(b) likewise requires clarification.
Section 2 of the `act defines "adjudication" very broadly as the Agency process
for formulating an order which is defined as the "whole or any part of the
final disposition * * * of any agency in any matter other than rule making but
includes licensing". Section 3, however, does not refer merely to "adjudication"
but to "adjudication of cases" which imports a more limited meaning than
"adjudication" as defined in section 2. Section 4 in prescribing the require-
ments for "adjudication" is even more limited, referring to "every case of
adjudication required by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity
for an agency bearing". The exact meaning of "adjudication of cases" in
section 3(b) is not clear considered either as standing alone, or in conjunction
with other sections of the act, or in the light of AID's operations which are
so dissimilar from the proceedings described by the Attorney General as
"adjudications."
The definitions contained in the act are not precise. This was recognized
by the Attorney General in commenting on a committee print of the bill which
became the act:
The definitions given in section 2 are of very broad character. It is
believed, however, that this scope of definition will not be found to have
any unexpected or unfortunate consequences in particular cases, inasmuch
as the operative sections of the act are themselves carefully limited. (At-
torney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act, 1947,
p. 120.)
The operative sections of the act on "rulemaking" and "adjudications" and
their limitations on definitions are not, however, incorporated in section 3 deal-
ing with "public information" and are of questionable utility in clarifying the
requirements of section 3.
In summary we think the requirements of section 3 are neither clear nor
beyond debate as they apply to the functions of AID and, probably, of other
agencies as well. In interpreting these requirements for preparation of replies
to the specific questions raised by the subcommittee we have relied upon the
Attorney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act (1947), and
the Administrative Procedure Act, Legislative History, 79th Congress, 2d ses-
sion (S. Doe. 248) as well as the language of the act itself. We believe our
interpretations are sound, but we recognize that other interpretations could
be made.
Question 1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches or other constituent units
of your agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer. We consider that section 3 of the APA (5 U.S.C. 1002) is generally
applicable to AID and its functions save those expressly excepted by section 3;
namely, functions requiring secrecy in the public interest or matters relating
solely to the internal management of the Agency. There are, of course, many
activities of the Agency which are not affected by particular parts of section 3.
There are no divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of AID
to which section 3 would not apply when they are engaged in functions or mat-
ters coming within the purview of section 3.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish: (a) Descriptions of its central and field organization
(see sec. 3(a) (1) of the APA)?
Answer. Descriptions of central field organizations. A four-page summary
of AID's organization structure appears in the United States Government Orga-
PAGENO="0128"
400 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
nization Manual (in the 1964-65 edition, at pp. 88-92, with a detailed organiza-
tion chart at p. 599), publlsbed annually as a special edition of the Federal
Register. The most tborQugh and detailed description of AID's organizational
framework may be found in the AID 1\~anual. These number several thousand
pages; they are maintained on a current basis in looseleaf volumes which makes
it practicable to indicate even minor organizational changes in the Agency.
Further material referring to various segments of the AID organization may
be found in the AID Delegations of Authority which appear in the Federal
Register as they are issued; in Agency regulations published in the Federal
Register and collated annually in titles 22 and 41 of the Code of Federal Regu-
lations; and in the various reports, brochures, press releases, small business
memos, indexes, and card catalogs published by different offices Within the
Agency and made available to the public through circulation by mail and, upon
request, at various AID offices and missions, at banks, and in the offices of certain
other Federal as well as international agencies.
Delegztions of authority,-Agency delegations of authority are always pub-
lished in the Federal Register. They may also be found in the AID Manual
(130 series).
Descriptions of established places at which, and methods whereby, the public
may secure information or make submittais or requests.-----These descriptions of
places and methods may be found in a variety of AID publications dealing with
various activities of AID. The publications include: AID regulations published
in the Federal Register, the AID Manual, small business memos, small business
circulars, the index and catalog of investment opportunities, press releases, and
various brochures of such AID offices as the Office of Material Resources, the
Office of Development Finance and Private Enterprise, the Office of Technical
Cooperation and Research, etc. In addition, information concerning specific
procurement matters or other items of trade interest appear regularly in trade
journals, such as the Commerce Business Daily.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish: (b) Statements of the general course and method by
which its functions are channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute)?
Answer. AID Manual Orders contain comprehensive material on this subject.
Acuncy regulations and special notices published in the Federal Register pre-
scribe in detail requirements concerning formal procedures, forms to be used,
and the scope and contents of papers. For a significant portion of its activities
AID is governed by the Federal Procurement Regulations and, accordingly, uses
the procedures and forms prescribed in chapter 1 of title 41, Code of Federal
Regulations. The publications referred to in the answer to question 2(a) above
further explain Agency procedures as well as the contents and scope of required
forms, papers, and reports.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals, does
your agency publish: (c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see
sec. 3(a) (3) of statute)?
Answer. Substantive rules are contained in AID regulations which are pub-
lished in the Federal Register at the timqs the rules are issued. Thereafter,
they are also reproduced as AID Manual Orders. Information concerning pub-
lished regulations, together with explanatory material, is then frequently
published in AID small business memos and In other special pr~bllctttions of
AID issued from time to time.
Question 2. In wh'it official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does you a~rency publish: (d) Statements of general policy or interpretations
formulated and adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public (see see.
3(a) (3) of statute)?
Answer. For this purpose AID makes use of small business memos which are
published from time to time as policies or interpretations are formulated by
AID for the guidance of the public. In addition, special notifications or bulletins
are frequently issued at such times to segments of the commercial public having
an Interest in an interpretation or policy statement (e.g., trade associations,
industry groups, banks, and trade journal publishers). Important interpretive
and policy matters of broad concern have also been published in the Federal
Regist~r (see e.g., 28 Fed. Reg. 5376) contemporaneously with their adoption
by AID.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals, does
your agency publish: (e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons
in accordance with law (see see. 3(a) (3) of statute)?
PAGENO="0129"
FEDEEAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 401
Allswer. AID does not genorally issue rules to named persons. The only
aituation recalled where the i~suance of ~ch a rule may be c~nsidered to exist
is where AID at the 1-equest of a commodity supplier modifies, with respect to
that supplier, the AID origin requirements with respect to the components of
commodities eligible for AID financing. AID decisions to permit modification
are published in AID small business memos if they apply to an entire industry
rather than to an individual supplier.
Question 3. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or,
in accordance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final
and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section
3(b) of the APA or other authority.
Answer. In AID operations "adjudication of cases" occurs in contract appeals,
suspensions, or debarments of ineligible suppliers, and certifications of voluntary
foreign aid agencies.
Opinions and orders in the adjudication of contract appeals are made available
to public inspection by the Board of Contract Appeals in accordance with published
rule. The pertinent rule (published in 41 CFR 7-60.21). requires that all final or-
ders and decisions of the AID Board of Contract Appeals (except those required
for good cause to be held confidential) to be available for public inspection. This
requirement has been in AID practice to include decisions issued by the General
Counsel concerning the jurisdiction of the Board. AID has never withheld
from public inspection any opinion or order in the adjudication of contract
j appeals. The Executive Secretary of the Board of Contract Appeals maintains
a file of opinions and orders which may bu inspected upon request by interested
persons. Copies of opinions and orders are also sent to publishers for publication
in reports of the Commerce Clearing House and in the Government Contractor.
The Agency has established and published in the Federal Register procedures
for the suspension or debarment of certain suppliers of commodities and related
services. (AID Regulation 8, 29 Fed. Reg. 9534.) Suspension and debarment
orders are not required by the regulation to be disseminated to the public. The
person affected is, of course, notified, and his name is entered upon a "list of
ineligible suppliers." This list is communicated to all banks engaged in financ-
ing AID commodities in order to preclude the making of payments to persons
on the list. AID may also direct the contents of the list to the attention of
others such as aid recipient countries or importers in those countries.
The certification of voluntary foreign aid agencies, which is a statutory pre-
requisite for their participation in the food for peace and freight subsidy pro-
grams (under sec. 216 of the Foreign Assistance Act and sec. 416 of the Agri-
cultural Act of 1t~49 as amended by sec. 302 of Public Law 480) is governed by
AID Regulation 3 (28 Fed. Reg. 2570). Notice of issuat~cë of such certificates
and any. amendments to them is published In the 1~'ederal Register as prescribed
by sections 203.4 and 203.5 of AID RegulatIon 3.
Question 4. In what types of eases does your agency refrain from publishing
int~tiaa and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the APA
or ~t1ier authority?
Answer. To our knowledge, there have been no such cases.
Question 5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents in other proceedings?
Answer. None.
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and files, interpretations, and legal op~nlotis of y~Our agency?
Answer. The Agency maintains an Information Staff O~Mce through which in-
quiries for various types of information and documents are customarily routed.
In addition, the Agency has established a Businessmen's Infertuation Center
which services the widely differing Fequests of the busInes~s cothmunity for
specialized types of information and data of special interest to bu5in~5smen. A
specific inquiry for the files and records of a particular AID office is considered
b~ the head of the office concerned. Each request Is examined on the basis of its
compatibility with the criteria and considerations set out in the anSwer to ques-
tion 7 herein. The Office of General Counsel is consulted for advice concerning
the proper response to requests for files and records as well as interpretations
and legal opinions. The general thrust of the AID review of a request is to
make the documents available unless clear and strong reason dictates another
course.
Question 7, What limitations are placed upon the availability of records ~nd
files to the general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
45-213-65-pt. 2-9
PAGENO="0130"
402 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Answer. Classified information Is not aceessthle to the general public (Ex-
ecutive Order 10501) . Personnel files are controlled by the Civil Service Com~
mission and are not disclosed to the general public. The disclosure of personnel
files of AID foreign service personnel is specifically prohibited by statute (see
sec. 625(d) (2) of the Foreign Assistance Act and sec. 612 of the Foreign Service
Act). The disclosure of trade secrets and certain other confidential information
of a business or financial character, unless authorized by law, is prohibited by
18 U.S.C. 1905.
In responding to requests from the general public for examination of agency
files and records, AID takes into consideration the nature~of the request and the
interest of the person making it, e.g., a litigant, research scholar, business coin-
petitor, journalist, etc. In this connection AID takes guidance from the Attorney
General in his comments on section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act.
"But even matters of official record need be divulged only to `persons profetly
and directly concerned', It is clear that section 3(c) is not intended to open up
Government files for general inspection. The phrase `persons properly and
directly concerned' is descriptive of individuals who have a legitimate and valid
reason for seeking access to an agency's records. See Tinited ,S'tates ea~ ref.
~towefl v. Dewing, 19 F. 2d, 697 (App. D.C., 1927), certiorari denied, 275 U.S.
531. Each agency is the primary judge of whether the person's interest Is such
as to require it to make its official records available for his Inspection.
"An agency may treat matters of official record as `confidential for good cause
found' and upon That ground refuse to make them available for inspection.
Information held `confidential for good cause found' may be either Information
held confidential by reason of an agency rule issued in advance (for good cause)
making specific classes of material confidential, or such Information as is held
confidential for good cause found under a particular set of facts. The section does
not change existing law as to those materials in Government files which have
been heretofore treated as confidential. See Boske v. Co~n'iagore, 177 U.S. 459
(1900); Boehm v. TJnited Statea, 123 F. 2d 791, 805 (C.C.A. 8, 1941." (Attorney
General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act (1947), p. 25.)
Question 8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency
required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the APA)?
Answer. None appear to exist, The statutory requirement (sec. 3(a)) "pro-
tects the public from being required to pursue remedies that are not generally
known." (Administrative Procedure Act, Legislative History, 79th Cong., 2d
sess., S. Doc. 24, p. 198.) When private parties, to pursue remedies or preserve
rights, are required to resort to AID organization or procedure, the pertinent
information appears In the Federal Register in AID regulations or notices.
Question 9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the APA or other authority?
Answer. In no case has AID for reasons of secrecy required in the public
interest refrained from publishing "substantive rules adopted as authorized by
law" within the meaning of section 3(a) (3) of the act. Such substantive rules
are contained in the AID regulations which are uniformly published in the
Federal Register. Hence all rules of the Agency defining the rights or obligations
of a private person or group oi! persons are published. Section 3(b) of the act
calls for publication of "all rules" which probably embraces more than "sub-
stantive rules adopted as authtrized by law" within the ineanitig of sec-
tion 3(a) (3). But assuming this broader coverage, we are not aware of any
instances where AID has refrained because of secrecy requirements from arti-
culating and disclosing any rule.
`The AID Manual, comprisIng 11 looseleaf volumes with thousands of pages,
states many requirements which conceivably may be considered "rules" under
section 3(b) of the act. Out of this massive compendium only three small
manual orders have been classified and thus barred from disclosure to the public.
The contents of these particular manual orders, however, are probably not "rules"
within the meaning of section 3(b). In any event, they in no way affect the
rights or obligations of private parties. Instead, they relate to internal man-
agement (M.O.'s 524.2 and 631.4) or are statements of general policy' published
not for the guidance of the public but for' the guidance of AID officials In
administering a sensitive foreign program (M.O. 1461.1).
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency
management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the APA or other `authority?
PAGENO="0131"
FEDERAL PUBLIC EECORDS LAW 4O~
Answer. None.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of official record as used iii
section 3(c) of the APA?
Answer. In explaining the meaning of, "official record," the Attorney General's
Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act (1947) ,page 24, states:
"The term `official record' is difficult of definition. In general, it may be
stated that matters of official record will include (a) applications, registrations,
petitions, reports and returns flied by members of the public with the agency
pursuant to statute or the agency~s rules, arid (b) all documents embodying
agency actions, such as orders, rules and licenses. In formal proceedings, the
pleadings, transcripts of testimony, exhibits, and all documents received in
evidence or made a part of the record are `matters of official record'.
"Section 3(c) does not purport to define `official record'. Each agency must
examine its functions and the substantive statues under which it operates to
determine which of its matOrials are to be treated as matters of official record
for the purposes of the section. Indicative of the types of records which are
considered official records by Congress are maps,. plats, or diagrams in the
custody of the Secretary of the Interior (5 U.S.C. 488), records, books or papers
in the General Land Office (28 U.S.C. 672), and registration statements flied
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act (15
U.S.C. 77f),
"The great mass of material relating to the internal operation of an agency
is not a matter of official record. For example, intra-agency memoranda and
reports prepared by agency employees for use within the agency are not officinl
records since they merely reflect the research and analysis preliminary to official
agency action. Intra-agency reports of investigations are, in general, not matters
of official record; in addition they usually involve matters of internal manage-
ment and, in view of their nature, must commonly be kept confidential."
AID would, of course, include as matters of official record those items listed
in the first paragraph of the above statement. Excluded would be items de-
scribed in the last paragraph. The net effect would be that "matters of official
record" within AID for purposes of section 3 of the Administrative Procedure
Act comprise (a) papers filed with AID pursuant to statute or AID rules;
(b) all documents embodying agency actions such as orders,1 rules,2 and licenses,3
and (o) the pleadings, transcripts of testimony, and exhibits in formal proceed-
ings. All documents reflecting research and analysis preliminary to official
agency action (and these constitute "the great mass of material relating to the
internal operation of AID) would not be included as matters of "official record."
REPLY FROM THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
ThE COMPTROLLER OF TIlE CURRENCY,
Thn APMINI5tRAT0R or NATIONAL B4Nfc~
TVa~hIngton, D.C., March 19, 1965.
Hon. JoHN E. MOss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Oovermken~ Information S~ubcommittee,'
Honse of Representative~.
DEAR MR. Moss: Your letter of February 12, 1965, addressed to tile Secretary
of the Treasury, asks a number of questions co~acern1ng the availabillty~ of in-
formation from Treasury agencies and the eNtent to which such availability Is
responsive t~ the requirements of the Administrative Proçedurç~ Act of 1946.
This letter responds to such questions insofar as they relate to t)m Comptroller of
the Currency.
1. In general, section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946(5 UM.O.
1002) applies to the Comptroller of the Currency.
1 Defined by sec. 2 (d) of the act as "the whole or any part of the final d1spositio~i
(whether a~flrmative, negative, injunctive, or declaratory in form) of any agency In any
matter other than rulemaking but including licensing."
2 Defined by sec. 2(c) of the act as "the whole or any part of any agency statement of
general or particular applicability and future effect designed to Implement, Interpret, Or
prescribe law or policy or to describe the organization, procedure, or practice requirements
of any agency."
8 Defined by sec. 2(e) of the act as "the whole or part of any agency permit, certificate,
approval, registration, charter, membership, statutory exemption, or other form of
permission."
PAGENO="0132"
404 FEDERAL PUBLIC RE~OORDS LAW
2. (a) Descriptions of the central and field organization of the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency are published in the Federal Register and in letters
to all national banks from time to time as changes are made. They are also
published annually in the TLS. Government Organization Manual and in the
annual report of the Cotuptroller of the Currency. This information is also
published by various commercial publications. The Comptroller's regulations
"Procedures~ (12 CFR 4) and "Fiduciary Powers of National flanks and Collec-
tive Funds" (12 CFR 9)-which set forth the places and methods whereby the
public may secure information or makes submittals or requests, are published in
the Federal Ilegister, in the Code of Federal Regulations, in letters to all national
banks and in the regulations sections of the Comptroller's Manual for National
flanks and the Comptroller's Manual for Representatives in Trusts.
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which the functions of
the Comptroller are channeled and determined, including the nature and require-
ments of all formal and informal procedures, forms, and instructions as to the
scope and content of all papers, reports, or examinations are also set forth in
the regulations, Procedures, and Fiduciary Powers of National Banks and Col-
lective Funds. Additional detailed information on these subjects is contained
in the Manual for Representatives in Trusts; Comptroller's Policy Guidelines for
National Bank Directors; and Instructions, Procedures, Forms for National Bank
Examiners. The first of these manuals is furnished to representatives in trusts
and to nçttional banks authorized to exercise fiduciary powers. The other two
manuals are furnished to national bank directors and national bank examiners
for their guidance. All three are looseleaf manuals which are supplemented from
time to time.
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law are published as regula-
tions in the Federal Register and in the Code of Federal Regulations (12 CFR
1-20), in letters to all national banks and in the regulations sections of the
manuals for national banks and for representatives in trusts.
(d) Statements of general policy and interpretation formulated and adopted
for the guidance of the public are published as interpretative regulations in
the Federal Register, in the Code of Federal Regulations (12 CFR 1.105 et seq.;
12 CFR 7), in letters to all national banks and in the regulations sections of the
manuals for national banks and for representatives in trusts. Interpretative
rulings arising out of individual inquiries from national banks have been
generalized for the guidance of oflicials Of national banks and their counsel,
national bank examiners and other members of the staff of the Comptroller of
the Currency and are published in the rulings section of the manual for
national banks or in the opinions section of the manual for representatives
in trusts. Individual rulings which are particularly timely are distributed im-
mediately in letters to all national banks. Significant rulings are also sum-
marized quarterly in the National Banking Review. In addition to the sections
on rulings and regulations, the Manual for National Banks, which is supple-
mented at quarterly intervals, includes the text of the national banking laws
and related statutes. The Manual for flepresentatives in Trusts also includes
the text of the laws relating to the trust powers of national banks and instruc-
tions, procedures and forms. The National Banking Review, a journal of policy
and practice published quarterly by the Comptroller, provides a forum for the
discussion of economic problems relating to banking. Members of the Comp-
troller's economics staff and others interested in these problems contribute leading
articles to the Review. Current statistical data and comment on economic,
legal, and regulatory developments are regularly published in the National
Banking Review.
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law are specifically excepted from publication requirements of section 3 of the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002 (a) (3)). Such rules are, in ac-
cordance with published rule (1~ CFR 4.13(a) (2)), available for public inspec-
tion except in such cases as the Comptroller determines (sec. 4.13 (b)) that
disclosure would conflict with the public interest and the proper administration
of his responsibilities.
3. The Comptroller of the Currency is required by 12 U.S.C. 1828(c) to include
in his annual report to the Congress the basis for his approval of each merger,
consolidation, acquisition of assets, or assumption of liabilities approved by
him during the period covered by the report. Opinions iii such cases ai~e pub-
lished in the annual report of the Comptroller. They are alsO released to the
press through regular public information channels at the time the action is
~taken. Other rulings, final opinions, decisions, and orders of the Comptroller
PAGENO="0133"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 405
of the Currency are available for Inspection at the Office of the Comptroller
during business hours to persons propefly and directly concerned in accordance
with the provisions of the procedural regulation of the Comptroller (12 CFR
4.13).
4. Section 4.13(b) of the procedural regulation of the Comptroller defines
confidential information, lists reasons for its nondisclOsure and sets forth the
circumstances in which disclosure may be authorized by law and in the public
interest. Opinions, decisions, and orders of the Comptroller are included (sec.
4.13~b) (2) (iii) within the definition of confidential information when the Comp-
troller determines that disclosure would conflict with the principles set forth
as reasons for nondisclosure in section 4.13 (b) (1).
The Comptroller publishes biweekly a "Summary of Actions" which sets forth
the disposition made of applications for charter, for a branch, for a title change,
for a bead office relocation or a branch relocation. The "Summary of Actions"
is distributed to all national banks, to approximately 2,500 business firms, law-
yers, and other interested individuals who have requested to be notified of
decisions. It is also released to the Washington press through public information
channels and mailed to approximately 150 out-of-town newspapers and publica-
tions. In addition, a public information officer responds to press inquiries con-
cerning the filing and disposition of applications for new bank charters, branches,
and mergers.
5. Unpublished opinions and orders are not cited or used as precedents in other
proceedings.
6. Interpretations and legal opinions are published in the form of regulations
in the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations. Such regulations
and more detailed interpretations and rulings are published for the benefit of
the persons directly concerned with the national banking system in letters to
all national banks and in the various Comptroller's manuals. Unpublished
information, except that required for good cause to be held confidential is, in
accordance with published rule (12 CFR 4.13 (a) (2)), available for inspection
at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency during business hours to persons
properly and directly concerned. The rule provides that a request to examine
such information or to obtain a copy or copies thereof must be submitted to
the Comptroller of the Currency or to the Regional Comptroller of the Cur-
rency for the region in which the request arises. Such request must be signed
by the person making it or his duly authorized agent who must state the name
and address of the person on whose behalf the request is made. The request must
set forth the facts, if any, involved, the purpose for which the document or
information contained therein will be used if made available, the nature of such
person's interest in the matter and the reason or reasons why the request should
be granted (12 CFR 4.13(a) (2) (ii)).
7. Many of the records and files of the Office of the Comptroller of the Cur-
rency contain information which must be safeguarded in the public interest in
order to protect the national banking system and to enable the Comptroller to
administer properly his responsibilities. Such information is disclosed only to
such persons and to the extent that the Comptroller determines that disclosure
is autborPzed by law and is iri~ the public interest (12 CFR 4.13, 4.14). National
bank examiners are forbidden by 18 U.S.C. 1906 to disclose the names of bor-
rowers or the collateral for loans of banks examined by them to other than
lroper officers of such bank without first having obtained the express permission
in writing from the Comptroller of the Currency.
8. Private parties dealing with the Comptroller of the Currency are not re-
quined to resort to organization or procedure not published in the Federal
Register.
9. The Comptroller of the Currency does not disclose records, files, and other
information where such disclosure would conflict with the public interest in the
proper administration of his responsibilities as the supervisor of national banks.
Some of the results which might flow from the improper disclosure of such infor-
mation are set forth in section 4.13(b) (1) of the procedural regulation of
the Comptroller. The nature of the information which is ordinarily not dis-
closed is set forth In section 4.13 (b) (2). These considerations, however, do not
require the Comptroller to refrain from the publication of rules.
10. Rules relating solely to internal agency management are ordinarily not
published.
11. The Comptroller of the Currency does not define "official record" as used
in section 3(c) Qf the Administrative Procedure Act. The standards set forth
PAGENO="0134"
406 1~'EDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
in the Comptroller's regulation relating to the disclosure or nondisclosure of
information (12 CFR 413) does ~iot depend on whether the information is a
matter of offlcial record or not.
12. In accordanôe with your request, there are submitted herewith two copies
of Years of Reform A Prelude to Progress-The 101st Anni~al Report of the
Comptroller"; the Comptroller's Manual for National Banks; the Comptroller's
Manual for Representatives in Trusts the Comptroller s Policy Guidelines for
National Bank Directors; Instructions, Procedures and Forms for National
Bank Examiners the March issue of the National Banking Review pages 104 and
105 of the U.S. Organization Manual, 1904-OS; Notice of New Regional Organiza-
tion, 27 Federal Register, 4530 and 4531, Friday, May 11, 1902; summary of
actions; and a sample merger opinion..
Sincerely,
JAMEs J. SAXON,
Comptroller of the Currency.
PAGENO="0135"
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
REPLY FROM THE AMERICAN BATrLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION
THE AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION,
Washington, D.C., March 1, 1.96d.
Hon. JOHN Ill. Moss,
Clwzirman, Foreign Operations and Government Information Ssbcommittee, Com-
mittee on Government Operations, Ho'use of Representatives.
DEAR Ma. CHAIRMAN: The American Battle Monuments Commission is pleased
to make the following replies to the questions raised in your letter of Fthruary
12, 1965, regarding section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, in the
order ~n which they are stated therein.
1. In general, the functions of the Commission to which 5 U.S.C. 1002 applies
are:
(a) Administration and maintenance of all permanent American mili-
tary cemeteries and memorials in foreign countries and of memorials erected
by the Commission in New York, N.Y., and `San Francisco, Calif.; also the
national cemetery In Mexico City, Mexico.
(b) Preparation of plans and estimates for, `and the erection of, suitable
memorials to commemorate the `services of the American Armed Forces `since
April 6, 1917.
(c) Control as to materials `and `design and provision of regulations for
the erection `o'f all memorial monuments and `buildings commemorating the
services of the American Armed Forces erected in `any foreign; country or
political division thereof which may authorize the Commission to perform
these functions.
(d) To cooperate with American citizens, States, municipalities, or as-
sociations desiring to erect war memorials outside the continental limits of
the United `States In such manner as may be determined~ `by the Commission.
There are no subdivisions of this `agency to which section 3 does not `apply.
2 Material listed in subparagraphs a b c and d is published in the Federal
Register at such infrequent intervals as changes in the Commission s functions
may occur. It issues no rules addressed to and served upon named persons.
3. The Commission's functions generate no opinions or orders such as here
contemplated.
4. Not applicable in view of 3 above.
5. Not applicable.
6. Upon request the Commission will make available to persons having a
proper `and direct concern such information, a's may be available in its records and
files.
`7. The Commission will not furnish to the public the names and addresses
of the next of kin of the dead interred in the cemeteries or commemorated on
the walls of the `memorials under its jurisdiction.
8. None.
9. None.
10. None.
11. "Official record" Is defined by the Commission as any paper or document
pertaining to its business.
:12. Two copies of material issued by the Commission to implement 5 U.S.C.
1002 are enclosed.
Sincerely,
JACOB L. Dnvsas,
Chairman, Generai, USA (Retired).
407
PAGENO="0136"
408 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
REPLY FROM ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
U.S. ATOMIC ENimoy COMMISSION,
Washington, D.C., March 15, 1965.
Hon. JOHN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operatjon~ and Government Information ~S'ubcommittee,
House of Repres~ntatjves
DSAR Mis. Moss: Your letter of February 12, 1965, presents 11 questions as
to `the activities of the Atomic `Energy Commission apc~ its compliance with
`section 8 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002). Section
3 requ~re~ that, `except for functions requiring secrecy in the public interest or
matters relating solely to the irtternal managemen~t of an agency, every agency
publish in the Federal Register (1) descriptions of its org~~ization and ~be
methods by which the puhli~ may se'c1p-~ ipforma'tion or maj~e subnjittals and
requests; (2) statements of the general `course ai~d method by which its functions'
are channeled and determined; and (3) substantive rules, statements of general
policy, and Interpretations. The section also requires that every agency publish
or make `available to public inspection all final opiniohs or orders In `the adjudica-
tion of cases (except those required for good cause to be held confidential)
and all rule's, and make available to persons concerned matters of official record
except as required by statute and except for information held cohfidentiaj for
good cause found.
The Atomic Energy Commission was established by the Atomic Energy Act of
1946 (60 S'tat. 755; 42 U.S.C. 1801 eQ seq.) as amen'ded by the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).
The programs authorized by the 1954 act with respect to' atomic energy are
programs to conduct and assist research and development; to disseminate un-
classified scientific and technical information, and to control the dissemination
and declassification of restricted data as defiped in `the act; to control the
possession, use and production of atomic energy and special nuclear material;
to encourage widespread use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes; to engage
in international Cooperation in order `to promote the common defense and make
available to cooperating nations the benefits of peaceful applications of atomic
energy; and to conduct a program of administration consistent with the fore-
going policies and programs which will enable `the Congress to be currently
informed so as to take further appropriate legislative action. A considerable
portion of the Commission's actititien is concerned with the development and
production of atomic weapons.
In addition to adrninisftrafive and executive functions of the Commission
conducted under `the General Manager, and licensing `and other regulatory fiinc-
tions under the Director of Regulation, tile Commission conducts, the' following
types of adjudication. Each of these is subject to renew by the Commission,
except for decision's of `the Board o'f Contract Appeals and for security clearance
determinations
(a) Licensing of production and utilization facilities, `(principally re-
actors), including construction permits and operating licenses, under 42
U.S.C. 213:1~2140, 2231-2239; `the hearings usually being conducted by atomic
safety an'd licensing boards.
(ii) Licensing of source, byproduct, and speCial nuclear matetial, under
42 U.S.C. 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2111, 2112, 2231, and 2289, in Proceedings
usually heard `by hearing examiners.
(c) Modification, suspension, or revocation of licenses, under 42 U.S.C.
2231, 2236, and 2239; the proceedings usually being conducted by hearing
examiners.
(d) Applications for just compensation for inventions or discoveries useful
in nuclear weapons, or for awards for inventions or discoveries useful in
producing or utilizing atomic energy, under 42 U.S.C. ~l81-2188, 2223, and
2239, and 35 U.S.C. 183 and 188, in proceedings heard by the Patent Com-
pensation Board.
(e) Personnel security hearings under 42 U.S.C. 2201, conducted by per-
sonnel security boards which make recommendations to the General Manager.
(f) Appeals from decision's of con'tracting officers under the disputes arti-
cles of contracts, in proceedings conducted by the Board of Contract Appeals
or in certain cases by hearing examiners.
(g) Hearings held upon termination of, or refusal to grant or to con-
tinue, Federal financial assistance pursuant to title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d).
PAGENO="0137"
FEDERAL~ Pt~BLIC RECORDS LAW 409
The answer `t~ each of your specific questions Is given under the particular
question.
1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does S U.S.C. 1002 apply? Are
there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of your agency
to which the section does not apply?
Is 5 U.S.C. 1002 applicable to all functions of the Atomic Energy Commission
under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954? Section 181 of the Atomic Energy Act
of 1954,42 U.S.C. 2231, provides that:
The provisions of the Administrative Procedflre Act (Public Law 404
Seventy-ninth Congress, approired Iutie 11, 1946) shall apply to all agency
action taken under this Act, and `th~ terms "agency" rind "agency action"
shall have the meaning specified In the Administrative Procedure Act':
Provided, however, That in the case of agency proceedings or actions which
involve restricted data or defense information, the Commission shall provide
by regulation for such parallel procedures as will effectively safeguard
and prevent disclosure of restricted data or defense information to un-
authorized persons with minimum impairment of the procedural rights
which would be available if restricted data or defense information were
not involved.
The effect of the proviso in section 181 of the Atomic Energy Act quoted above
should be noted in view of the definitions of "defense information" and "Re-
stricted Data" in the Atomic Energy Act. "Defense information" is defined in
section 11(h) of that act (42 U.S.C. 2014(h)), and "Restricted Data" is defined
in section 11(w), 42 U.S.C. 2014(w)
h. The `term "defense information" means any information in any cate-
gory determined by any Government `agency `authorized to classify informa-
tion, as `being information respecting, relating to, or affecting the national
* defense.
w. The term "Restricted Data" means all data concerning (1) design,
manufacture, or utilization of atomic weapons; (2) `the production of
special nuclear material; or (3) the use of special nuclear material in the
production of energy, but shall not include data declassified or removed
from the Restricted Data category pursuant `tO section 142.
There are no divisions, bureaus, branches or other constituent units of the
Atomic Energy Commission to which section 3 does not apply.
2. In what official or unofficial publication, find at what intervals, does your
agency publish: "(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see
sec. 3(a) (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act) * * ~
The Atomic Energy Commission published comprehensive descriptions of its
central and field organization in the Federal Register at 22 F.'R. 9972 on De-
cember 12, 1957, and again at 26 F.R. 12729 on December 29, 1961. This material
has been codified in 10 CFR, Chapter I, Part 1; "Statement of Organization
Delegation, and General Information." Changes and additions have been pub-
lished in the Federal Register as they have been authorized.
Under arrangements with the Superintendent of Documents, the Commission
published a compilation of its "Rules and regulations" in 1958 and again in
1962. This compilation, with published amendatory material, has been made
available to the public on a subscription `basis. In addition, the Commission
has adopted the practice of mailing `to its licensees copies of new regulations
an'd amendments promptly upon publication in the Federal Register. The Com-
mission is now changing to a subscription service which would include all cur-
rently effective and proposed rules, with each effective rule fully referenced as
to its original publication in the Federal Register. Statements of consideration
published at the time of each adoption and amendment will `be included. Sup-
plements will be issued as new rules, proposed and effective, are approved `by
the Commission.
Although it is not primarily intended for use by the general public, a more
detailed description of the Commission's internal organization and activities is
available to the public in the "AEC manuals', a copy of which is kept at the
Commission's Public Document Room at 1717 H Street NW., Washington, D.C.
Commission personnel are governed by the provisions of AiI~O manual, ~ection
3106-02 which states:
It is the policy Qf the AEC to make available `to new~rncn and the geneFal
public stkch nonclassifled (declassified and unclassified) and nonprivileged
information as may be requested. Inquhies from newsmen and the. general
public shall be answered as promptly as possible. In replying to inquiries
PAGENO="0138"
410 FEDERAL. PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
all useful assistance shall be given to the requestor in Identifying info'rma-
tion that is pertinent to his request.
"(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are
channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute) * * *"
In addItion to 10 OFR chapter I, part 1, the following parts of 10 CFR chapter
I include some statements of the general course and method by which certain
of the Commission's functions are channeled and determined.:
Part 2: Rules of Practice.
Part 3: Rules of Procedure in Contract Appeals.
Part 4: Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Commission Programs.
Part 5: Procurement Policy.
Part 6: Security Policies and Practices Relating to Labor-Management Rela-
tions.
Part 7: Advisory Boards.
Part 9: Public Records.
Part 10: Criteria and Procedures for Determining Eligibility for Access to Re-
stricted Data or Defense Information.
Part 25 : Permits for Access to Restricted Data.
Part 37: Radioisotope Research Support Program.
Part 60: Domestic Uranium Program.
Part 80: General Rules of Procedure on Applications for the Determination of
Reasonable Royalty Fee, Just Compensation or the Grant of an
Award for Patents, Inventions, or Discoveries.
Revisions are published in the Federal Register as adopted. Although notice
of proposed rulemaking is not required by section 4 of the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1003) for rules of agency organization, procedure, or prac-
tice, the Commission generally does publish notice of proposed rulemaking in
such cases as well as in others Miscellaneous notices dealing with various Com
mission programs are published in the Federal Register from time to time. In
a few instances, announcements of policies dealing with nonregulatory func-
tions have been published as press releases.
"(C) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statute) * * ~
Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law are published in the parts
already mentioned and in the following parts of 10 CFR chapter I:
Part 20: Standards for Protection Against Radiation.
Part 30: Licensing of Byproduct Material.
Part 31: Radiation Safety Requirements for Radiographic Operations.
Part 40: Licensing of Source Material.
Part 50: Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities.
Part 55: Operators' Licenses.
Part 70: Special Nuclear Material.
Part 71: Regulations to Protect Against Accidental Conditions of Criticality
in the Shipment of Special Nuclear Material.
Part 81: Standard Specifications for Granting of Patent Licenses.
Part 83: Waiver of Patent Rights.
Part 95: Safeguarding of Restricted Data.
Part 100: Reactor Site Criteria.
Part 110: Unclassified Activities In Foreign Atomic Energy Programs.
Part 115: Procedures for Review of Certain Nuclear Reactors Exempted from
from Licensing Requirements.
Part 140: Financial Protection Requirements and Indemnity Agreements.
Part 150: Regulatory Authority In Agreement States.
Part 160: Trespassing on Commission Property.
"Atomic Energy Commission procurement regulations" are published in the
Federal Register and are codified in 41 CFR chapter 9. These rules are revised
from time to time, after notice of proposed rulemaking and notice of rulemaking
published in the Federal Register.
"(d) Statements of general policy or lnterpretation~ formulated and adopted
by the agency for the guidance of the public' (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute) * *
Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated, and adopted by the
agency for the guidance of the public are published In the Federal Register as
notices, in `the' text of the respective parts of the Commission's regulations, or
in the statements of considerations which are published with the parts of specific
regulatiOns.
PAGENO="0139"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECOEDS LAW 411
Notices embodying certain specific statement's `of Commission policy, dealing al-
most entirely with proprietary and other nonregulatory functions `of the Com-
mission, have been published in the Federal Register and are compiled under the
heading `~Miscellaneous Notices" in the Commission~s published "Rules and reg-
ulations."
A few interpretations ~f the Atomic Energy Act by the General Counsel are
compiled as part 8 of the Commission's regulations, "Interpretations."
Other statements of Commission policies and practices are set forth in the ABC
manual, which is maintained for public access at the public document room in
Washington.
The facilities `of the public document room are utilized by the publishers of
a number of periodicals which disseminate to the industry information available
there, as well as by the general news media.
Documents concerning hearings for the licensing `of nuclear facilities on the
west coast are kept on file at `the Commission's offices at Los Angeles `and San
Francisco as well `as at the public document room..
"(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law (`see sec. 3(a) (3) `of statute)."
The `Commission has promulgated no rules addressed to and served upon
named persons.
"3. Please describe the manner in which your agency `publishes, or, in accord-
ance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final and in-
terim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section 3(b)
of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority."
The Commission publishes immediately opinions `and orders in the adjudica-
tion of case's `by service on the `parties of record, by distribution to' the press',
and by making them available in the public document room. Copies are furnished
to the ptiblic on request.
The Commission `publishes "Opinions `and Decisions of the Atomic Energy
Commission." Volume 1 `covers the period from October 8, 1956, to December 31,
1961. Volume 2 is now in preparation, and will cover the period from January
1, 1962, to December 31, 1904.
"4. In what types `of cases `does your agency refrain from publishing Interim
and `final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good cause
requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?"
The Commission publishes no orders `or opinions in `adverse employee personnel
action's such as those i'nvo'lving removal, demotion ot' suspension without pay, or
in procedures `involving the suspension, `denial, or revocation of `security clear-
ance. The individual involved in any `such action is of course `permitted to di-
vulge `the disposition or any other matter involved, subject to' restrictions on the
communication `of restricted data and defense information. It will be noted that
section `5 o'f the Administrative `Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1004) does not `apply to
the selection or tenure of `an officer `or employee of `the United States, or the
conduct of military or foreign affairs function's, among `other things.
The Commission has never had occasion to use the exception provided in sec-
tion 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act with respect to opinions and
orders "required for good cause to be held confidential and not cited as
precedents."
"5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited or used
as precedents in other proceedings?"
There are no unpublished opinions and orders which are used as precedents in
other proceedings.
"6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public the rec-
ords and files, interpretations and legal opinions' of your agency?"
Records, files, interpreations, and legal opinions of the Commission available to
the general public may be examined in the public document room on request, and
copies may be obtained on the payment of prescribed reproduction fees. (See
also the answers to questions Nos. 1 and 7.)
"7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and files to
the general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?"
In any proceedings subject to part 2, "Rules of Practice," or part 25, "Permits
for Access to Restricted Data," of the Commission's rules and regulations, section
9.4 exempts from inclusion in the public records of the Commission:
(~) Documents withheld, as a result of timely application by the submit-
ting party, for good reason as determined according to section 2.790(b) (se~
below);
PAGENO="0140"
412 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
(b) Documents relating to personnel matters and medical and other per-
sonal information, which in the interest of personal privacy are not normally
made public;
(c) Intra-agency and interagency ~ommnnicat1ons, Including memoran-
dums, reports, correspondence, and staff papers prepared by members of the
Commission, ARC personnel, or any other Government agency for use within
the executive branch of the Government;
(d) Transcripts or other records of Commission meetings except those
which constitute public hearings;
(e) Correspondence between the AEC and any foreign government;
(1) Records and reports of Investigations;
(~y) Documents classified as restricted data under the Atomic Energy Act
of 1054 or classified under Executive Order No. 10501 (except that documents
classified as restricted data which would otherwise be public records will be
made available to Members of Congress upon autborisation by the Commis-
sion, and to persons authorized under access permits issued pursuant to part
25 to the extent so authorized);
(h) Correspondence received in confidence by the Commission relating to
an alleged or possible violation of any statute, rule, regulation, order, license,
or permit;
(i) Correspondence with Members of Congress or congressional commit-
tees, except (1) correspondence released by the Member of Congress or con-
gressional committee concerned or (2) correspondence regai~ding the
issuance, denial, amendment, transfer, renewal, modification, suspension, or
revocation of a license or permit or regarding a rulemaking proceeding;
(j) Any other document involving matters of internal agency manage-
ment;
(Ic) Names of individuals who have received exposure to radiation.
Part 9 of the regulations applies to proceedings conducted pursuant to parts
2 and 25 (sec. 9.1). It is the Commission's practice to apply the criteria of sec-
tion 9.4 to the disclosure of information in other circumstances. Under 10 CFR
section 9.7, agency personnel are prohibited from producing or disclosing without
Commission approval the contents of material defined in section 9.4. On finding
that disclosure is not contrary to the public interest, the general manager or
director of regulation may authorize disclosure of such documents pursuant to
a subpena or to personnel of a Government agency or of any State or political
subdivision thereof as required for the performance of their official duties.
Under 10 OFR section 2.790(b) the Commission may withhold any document
or part from public inspection: "if disclosure of its contents is not required in
the public interest and would adversely affect the intotest of a person con-
cerned."
This section is generally intended to protect trade secrets. It is rarely in-
voked. On a few occasions when it has been determined that the material in
question did embody trade secrets and that the. conduct of a bearing would not
be prejudiced, it has been withheld from public disclosure. In one case, the
request for an applicant that certain material in a license application be with-
held from public disclosure as embodying trade secrets was denied. The ap-
plicant demanded a hearing, which was conducted in camera under part 2 of
the Commission's regulations. On a determination of a hearing examiner that
the matérial in question did not embody trade secrets which required withhold-
ing under section 2.790, the material was disclosed in the public document room.
Procurement instruction 9-53.103, which is published as a part of a supple-
ment to the ABC Manual, promulgates the policy of the Commission that un-
classified contracts which contain no confidential information are to be made
available to other Federal agencies, to persons properly and directly concerned,
and to others when the interested contractor does not object.
The Commission's procurement regulations provide, in 41 CFR section 9-3.103,
that in procuren~ont by negotiation the names of unsuccessful negotiators for
contracts and the amounts and conditions of their proposals. or quotations ~lhal1
not be revealed.
Chapter 2104 of the ABC Manual provides that nondefense information
may be designated "official use only" with the approval of a headquarters divi-
sion head or a manager of operations. The manual gives the following illustra-
tions of the type of document which may~ be so marked; trade secrets of con-
tractors or subcontractors; staff papers submitted to the Commission for
consideration; Information which relates to the medical history, personnel, or
PAGENO="0141"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECO~DS LAW 413
security records of any individual; unclassified patent applications not yet
released; information concerning bills of material~ time schedules, antlc~ipated
requirements, possible new sites, and selection of contractors in advance of
formal announcement, or any other information which, while not affecting the
common defense, might assist an individual or contractors to benefit improperly
from a Commission program; lists of disqualified bidders and ineligible con-
tractors; information obtained in the course of a privileged relationship, such
as details of the financial position of a contractor; and public announcements
which are in the process of preparation.
The Commission conforms to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1905, which prohibit
the disclosure, to any extent not authorized by law, of information received
relating "to the trade secrets, processes, operations, style of work, or apparatus,
or to the identity, confidential statistical data, amount or source of any income,
profits, losses, or expenditures" of private parties.
"8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency
required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act) ?"
No private party is required to resort to organization or procedure not pub-
lished in the Federal Register.
"9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is invovied any function of the United States requiring secrecy in
the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?"
Except to the extent specified in this letter, the Commission has not refrained
from publishing rules on the ground that there was involved any function of
the United States requiring secrecy in the public interest. Certain of the
Commission's classification guides which identify restricted data and defense
information, are not made available to the public, except in accordance with
access permits issued under part 25, because they contain restricted data and
defense information.
A document prepared for the assistance of AED officials negotiating con-
tracts, and dealing with criteria for negotiating fees in certain cost-type con-
tracts, is designated as "official use only."
The standards for the selection of contractors have `been published in the
Commission's procurement regulations (41 CFR PL 9~-56). Certain very limited
special instructions concerning criteria for the selection of contractors to operate
Commission-owned facilities have been designated "official use only."
":10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency manage-
ment, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
authority ?"
The Commission has not refrained from publishing rules on the ground that
there was involved matters relating solely to internal agency management.
"11. What `is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in section
3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act?"
The `Commission has no official definition of "official record."
Under 10 CFR section 9.3, the "public records" of the Commission are defined
to include, subject to the exceptions in `section 9.4 noted in the answer to
question No. 7:
(a) All filings in proceedings;
(5) All correspondence or portions of correspondence to and from the AEC
regarding the issuance, denial, amendment, transfer, renewal, modification,
suspension, or revocation of a license or permit or regarding a rulemaking
proceeding subject to part 2;
(c) All correspondence or portions of correspondence to and from the
AEC as to the interpretation or applicahility of any statute, rule, regula-
tion, order, license, or permit; and letters of opinion as to such matters
signed by the General Counsel;
(d) All filings in court proceedings to which the AEC is a party and all
`eorrspondence with the courts or clerks of the court;
(e) Documents received or prepared as a result of prohibited ew parts
communications relating to procedings on the record before the AEC:
(1) All reports required by licenses, regulations or orders and filed by a
licensee after September 1, 1963, with the regulatory staff and corre-
spomlence between licensees and the regulatory staff concerning these
reports;
PAGENO="0142"
414 FEDERAL PtI3LIC RECORDS LAW
(g~ Notices of alleged violations issued after September 1, 1963, to-
gether with the licensee's reply, it any, and correspondence between licensees
and the regulatory staff concerning alleged violations.
* ~ou have requested that we provide two copies of each regulation, directive,
order, or other document Issued by this agency to implement 5 U.S.C. 1002.
En view of the relevance of so many of the parts of the Commission's regula-
tions, we `believe that it would `be most `helpful to furnish complete copies of
10 CFR chapter I. We `have accordingly included two copies of each of the
following:
1. Atomic Energy Commission "Rules and Regulations";
2. AE'O Manual, chapters 2104 and 3106;
3. Procurement Tnstruction 9~-~5&103;
4. Procurement Regulations, 41 OFR section 9-3.103.
We shall be pleased to cooperate with your subcommittee in the development
of any further information you may wish to have concerning the subject of
your inquiry.
`Cordially,
GtENN P. SRABORG, Chairmctn.
Riipr4r FROM CANAL ZONE GOVERNMENT
CANAL ZONE GOVERNMENT,
Orrrcn OF THE GovuawoR,
Balboa Heights, C.Z., March 16, 1965.
Hon. Jonx E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information subcommittee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. Moss: This is in reply to your letter of February 12, 1965, setting
forth a series of questions pertaining to the application and administration by
the Canal Zone Government of section 3 ("public information section") of the
Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. sec. 1002).
Inasmuch as the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act are not ap-
~licable to the Canal Zone Government, it would appear that a detailed response
to these questions would not be appropriate. Specifically, under section 2 of the
act (5 U.S.C. 1001) "agency" is defined to exclude "governments of the posses-
sions, Territories, or the District of Columbia."
However, as a matter of possible interest to the subcommittee, it may be noted
that regulations of the agency which affect the public such as regulations per-
taining to exclusion and deportation of persons from the Canal Zone, air navi-
gation and customs are published in the Federal Register and in title 35 of the
Code of Federal Regulations. In addition, a statement of the organization and
functions of the agency is published in the U.S. Government Organization Manual
(1964 ed., p. 371).
If you desire further information on this matter, we shall be pleased to pro-
vide It. Liaison can be maintained with Mr. W. M. Whitman, Special Assistant
to the Governor, 425 13th Street NW., Washington, D.C. (phone: DIstrict 7-
6984).
Sincerely yours,
ROBERT J. FLEMING, Jr., O~ovë,rnOr.
REPLY FROM CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD
CIvIL AERONAUTICS BOARD,
Washington, D.C., March 16, 1965.
Hon. Joux E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information $ubcommitte'e,
CommIttee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. Moss: There is enclosed herewith the Board's reply to the questions
concerning section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act submitted to the
Board by your letter of February 12, 1965. Also attached, pursuant to your
PAGENO="0143"
FEDE~RAL PUBLIC EBCO~PS 14W 415
request, are twQ cop1e~ of the Board regulations and directives relating to the
diselo~ureo~ inforn~ation.
HAROLD R. SANDERSON, S~ecret airy
(For the Civil Aeronautics Board),
PARR I-~AN$WERS TO QUESTIONS CONCEBNING THE AVAILABILITY OT INFORMATION
FROM THE OIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD
1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002 apply? Are
there any divisions, bureaus, branches or other constituent units of your agency
to which the section does not apply?
Section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) applies generally to
all Board functions other than those specific actions which involve "(1) any
function of the United States requiring secrecy in the public interest or (2) any
matter relating solely to the internal management of an agency." The general
functions of the Board, more particularly described in the enclosed Publh~
Notice PN-15, are the regulation of the economic aspects of domestic and inter-
national air transportation, and the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and
determination of the probable cause thereof. There are no divisions, bureaus,
branches or other constituent units of the Board to which section 3 does not
apply.
2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals, does yaur
agency publish? (a) Descriptions of its central and field organization.
Section 3(a) (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act requires each agency
"to separately state and currently publish in the Federal Register * * * de-
scriptions of its central and field organization including delegations by the
agency of final authority and the established places at which, and methods
whereby, the public may secure information or make submittals or requests."
This informatio4 is currently contained in Public Notice PN-15, published in
26 F.R. 7231, and in the following sections of the Board's Organization Regu-
lations: Part 385, "Delegations and Review of Action Under Delegation; Non-
hearing Matters" (14 CFR 385); part 386, "Delegation and Review of Action
Under Delegation; Determination of the Probable Cause of Aircraft Accidents"
(14 CFR 386); and part 389, "Fees and Charges for Special Services" (14
CFR 389). Copies of these publications are enclosed herewith.
These rules are published and distributed as they are issued or amended in the
same manner as procedural rules (see answer to question 2(b)), with the single
exception that public notices are not published in the Code of Federal Regu-
lations.
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are
channeled and determined.
Section 3(a)(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act requires every agency
to "separately state and currently publish in the Federal Register * * * state-
ments of the general course and method by which Its functions are channeled
and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal or in-
formal procedures available as well as forms and instructions as to the scope
and contents of all papers, reports, or examinations." The information re-
quired by this subsection is found in the publications listed in the answer
to question 2(a), and in the following additional regulations: "Rules of Con-
duct in Board Proceedings" (pt. 300 of the Board's Procedural Regulations, 14
CFR 300); "Rules of Practice in Air Safety Proceedings" (pt. 301 of the Board's
Procedural Regulations, 14 CFR 301); "Rules of Practice in Economic Proceed-
ings" (pt. 302 of the Board's Procedural Regulations, 14 CFR 302); "Rules of
Practice in Aircraft Accident Investigation Hearings" (pt. 303 of the Board's
Procedural Regulations, 14 CFR 303) ; "Rules of Practice in Informal Nonpublic
Investigations by the Bureau of Enforcement" (pt. 305 of the Board's Procedural
Regulations, 14 CFR 305); and "Disclosure of Aircraft Accident Investigation
Information" (pt. 311 of the Board's Procedural Regulation~s, 14 CFR 311).
Copies of these regulations are enclosed.
The publication of procedural rules in the Federal Register is governed by
the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C., 301 et seq.), which provides, inter alia,
that rules required to be published by statute must be filed with the Division
of the Federal Register before becoming effective. In addition to appearing in
the daily issues of the Federal Register, these rules are also codified in the Code
of Federal Regulations, which is revised as of January 1 of each year. More-
over, copies of the rules are sent to all persons on the Board's mailing list,
which generally includes persons subject to the rules involved and other persons
PAGENO="0144"
416 ~RbERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
having an Interest. Fees and ehltrgaa for such service, if applicable, are set
forth in part 389 of the Board's Organization Regulations, 14 CFR 389~
A looseleaf volume of the Board's regulations, composed of substantive, p~o~
cedural and organization rules, and policy statements is available from the
Government Printing Ofhoe, and includes the transmittal of future amendments
as adopted. The means by which this service may `be obtained is described in
the Board's List of Publications, a copy of which is enclosed.
In response to that part of the question concerning "intervals" of publishing
rules, the process of publication and distribution described above is repeated,
after the initial issuance of the rule, only In the event of amendments or revisions.
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law.
Section 3(a) (3) of the Administrative Procedure Act requires every agency to
"separately state and currently publish in the Federal Register * * * substan-
tive rules adopted as authorized by law." The substantive rules adopted by the
Board are found in the following regulations: Part 200, et. seq., of the Board's
Economic Regulations, 14 CFR 200, et seq.; part 320 of the Board's Safety In-
vestigation Regulations, 14 CFR 820; and part 375, et seq., of the Board's Special
Regulations, 14 CFR 375, et seq.
As recpiired by section 4(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.
1003(c)), substantive rules not exempted by that section are published or served
not less than 30 days prior to the effective date thereof. Otherwise, the publica-
tion, location, and `distribution is the same as that for procedural rules. (See
answer to question 2(b).)
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and adopted
by the agency of the guidance of the public.
Section 3(a) (3) of the Administrative Procedure Act requires every agency
to "separately state and currently publish in the Federal Register * * * state-
merits of general policy or interpretations formulated and adopted by the agency
for the guidance of the public." The Board's statements of policy are contained
in part 399 o'f the Board's Policy Statements, 14 CFR 399.
Publication and distribution of rules in this category are made in the same
manner as for procedural rules. (See ansWer to question 2(b).)
(e) Rules addres'sed to and served up'on named persons in accordance with law.
Section 3(a) (3) of the Administrative Procedure Act e~tOmpts "rules ad-
dressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with law" from the re-
quirement that "substantive rules adopted as authorized by law," be currently
published in the Federal Register. This exemption was intended to avoid filling
the Federal Register with a great mass of particular rulemaking (see p. 22 of
Attorney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act) and accord-
ingly the Board doe's not generally publish such rules. These rules', however,
are made subject to the requirements of section 3 (`b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act by the last three words of that section ("and all rules") and,
accordingly, are served and made available for public inspection in the same
manner as opinions and orders. (See answer to' question 3.)
3. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or, in accord-
ance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final and
interim opinions and orders in `the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section
3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act.
Section 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act requires that "[e]very
agency shall publish or, in accordance with published rule, make available to
public inspection all final opinions or orders in the `adjudication of cases (except
those required for good cause to be held confidential and not cited as precedents)
and all rules." All Board interim and final orders and opinion's (except those
described in the answer to question 4) are mimeographed and served upon all
parties to the proceeding, and entered on the docket card of the respqctive pro-
ceeding which is open to public inspection at the Boards principal office in
Washington. Copic's of the decision are available to any person asking therefor.
Moreover, members of the public can subscribe to Board orders and opinions.
The means of obtaining such service, and the fees therefor, is described in the
Board's List of Publications and in par't 389 of the Board's Organization Reg-
ulations, 14 CFR 389.
All decision's are placed on a pres's table in the Board's Office of Public Informa-
tion where they are regularly inspected and picked up by representatives of
the news media. Major decisions `of the Board are accompanied by an explana-
tory press release and are mailed to numerous members of the news media.
Board decisions made after formal hearings are printed and published in a
Series entitled "Civil Aeronautics Board Reports." Due to fiscal limitations
PAGENO="0145"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS lAw 417
these reports are currently 3 years In arrears, the latest voluffie covering cases
through March 1962.
4. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing interim
and final opinions or orders where, In the opinion of your agency, good cause
requires that they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Adniln-
istrative Procedure Act or other authority.
Section 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act exempts, from the require-
ment that all final opinions and orders in the adjudication of cases be published
or made available to the public, those orders or opinions "required for good
cause to be held confidential." This authority is infrequently utilized by the
Board, as evidenced by the fact that in the years 1959-04, less than two orders
or opinions per year were withheld from publication. It is also noteworthy that,
of the orders withheld from publication during this period, approximately half
were eventually made public, usually within several weeks of their adoption.
Orders withheld from publication have generally involved section 1001 of the
Federal Aviation Act, permitting procedings to be closed to the public if the
Board "determines that secrecy is requisite on grounds of national defense," or
section 1104 of the act, which authorizes the Board to withhold information
when its disclosure "would adversely affect the interests of such person [object-
ing to the disclosurel and is not required in the interest of the public."
5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders used as pre-
cedents in other proceedings?
Whenever an agency withholds from publication final orders or opinions
"required for good cause to be held confidential," section 3(b) of the Adiflin-
istrative Procedure Act requires that such material not be cited as precedent in
other proceedings The Board has never felt it necessary to rely on unpublished
orders or opinions as precedents in subsequent proceedings and, therefore, prob-
lems under this provision of the Administrative Procedure Act have not arisen.
6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public the records
and files, interpretations, and legal opinions of your agency?
Section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act provides that "[slave as
otherwise required by statute, matters of official record shall in accordance with
published rule be made available to persons properly and directly concerned
except information held confidential for good cause found." Section 1.6(b) of
public notice PN-15 contains a list and description of "[plublic records available
for inspection or copying during office hours upon application to the Secretary"
of the Board. Section 1.6(e) of PN-15 provides that copies of documents which
are available to the public "will, upon written request to the Secretary specifying
the number of copies desired, be provided at the expense of the requestor."
Furthermore, Section 1.5 (c) of PN-15 describes the Board documents and pub-
lications which are duplicated and the means by which they are made available
to the public~
Section 442 of the Board's administrative regulations, attached hereto, pre-
scribes the procedures governing the disclosur~ of information, other than de-
fense information, by employees and former employees of the Board. Section
442.3 describes the procedure for releasing public information in the regular
course of business, while section 442.4 governs the disclosure of information
pursuant to legal process. The handling and disclosure of limited informajion is
covered by section 442.5 and 442.6.
Section 302.19(g) of the Board's Procedural Regulations, 14 CFR 302.19(g),
specifies the procedures by which the production of documentarY evidence in the
custody of the Board may be requested in economic proceedings.
The "List of Publications" is a booklet issued by the Board which contains
the publications available to the public from the Board, the Government printing
Office, and the Air Transport Association, and which describes the means by
which they may be obtained. Part 389 of the Board's Organization Regulations,
14 C.F.R. 389, prescribes the fees and charges for the special services available
with respect to documents subject to inspection. These services include the
following:
(a) Copying records and documents.
(b) Certification of copies of documents under the seal of the Board.
(c) Subscriptions to publications of the Board.
(d) Transcripts of hearings.
7. What limitations are placed on the availability of records and files to the
general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
45-213-65-Pt. 2--1O
PAGENO="0146"
418 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Sectiop 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act provides that matters of
official record shall be made available by agencies to persons properly atid directly
concerned, except "as otherwise required by statute'~ and except for the "infor-
mation, held confidential for good cause found." The requirements of section 3
are also inapplicable, by its own terms, to "any function of the United States
requiring secrecy in the public interest", and to "any matter relating solely to
the internal management of an agency." Additional authority for the with-
holding of information Is found in sections 204(a), 902(f), 1001, and 1104 of the
Federal Aviation Act, described in greater detail below.
Records and materials in the possession of the Board which are not available
for public inspection are described in section 1.6 (c) and (4) of the public notice
PN-15 and generally include,:
(1) Matters classified in the interest of national defense.
(2) Records, letters, memorandums, files, and information created by or
coming into the possession of~ or within the knowledge of the Board or its
staff in the discharge of their official duties. Section 16(d) further provides,
however, that material in this category "may be disclosed in response to a
request to persons having a legitimate interest if the disclosure of such
information is found by an authorized employee to be appropriate to the
furtherance of the objectives of the act or is approved by the Board upon
good cause shown. Information ordered by the Board to b~ withheld may
be disclosed only by direction of the Board."
Section 442 of the Board's administrative regulations describes the procedures
governing the disclosure of information, other than defense information, by
employees and former employees of the Board.
The Board's general authority to classify its materials as. public and nonpublic,
and to withhold information, stems from section 204(a) of the Federal Aviation
Act (72 Stat. 743(a), 49 U.S.C. 1324(a) ), which authorizes the Board to promul-
gate rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to the discharge of its duties.
En addition, there follows a description of provisions of the Federal Aviation Act,
and implementing Board regulations, which `authorize the withholding or pre-
clude the revealing of information in specific areas.
As provided by section 1001 of the Federal Aviation Act (72 Stat. 788, 49
U.S~C. ~1481), Board proceedings shall be open to the public unless the Board
"determines that secrecy is requisite on grounds of national defense," in which
latter case the record of such proceeding would not be available for public in-
spection. As regards secrecy of documents on grounds of national defense, the
Board's action is controlled by the more comprehensive provisions of Executive
Order 10501, which requires classification of documents containing official infor-
mation which requires protection in the interests of national defense, and regu-
lates use of such documents. The Board is subject to section 2(b) of this order,
making the Chairman the sole authority for classification of such documents
which originate with the Board. Executive Order 10501 is implemented by
section 441 of the Board's administrative regulations, attached hereto, which
sets forth the procedures governing the classifying and protection of information
in the interest of national defense.
Section 1104 of the Federal Aviation Act (72 Stat. 797, 49 U.S.C. 1504) author-
izes t)ie Board to withhold documents from the public where "a disclosure of
sucl~ Information would adversely affect the interests of such person [objecting
to the disclosure], and is not required in the interest of the public." This policy
has been applied to written evidence and oral testimony in economic proceedings
by section 302.39(b) of the Board's Procedural Regulations, 14 O.F.R. 302.39(b),
and to information elicited in accident investigations by section 303.23 of the
Board's Procedural Regulations, 14 C.F.R. 303.24.
Part 305 of the Board's Procedural Regulations, 14 C.F.R. 305, which governs
informal nonpublic investigations., provides that the "record of such proceedings
shall constitute `internal Board documents which shall not be available to the
general public" (pt. 305.10). See, also section 302.314 of the Board's Procedural
Regulations, 14 C.F.R. 302.314, which precludes the disclosing of certain informa-
tion by parties to mail-rate conferences.
Section 701(e) of the Federal Aviation Act (72 Stat. 781, as amended, 49
U.S.C. 1441) provides that:
No part of any report or reports of the Board relating to any [aircraft]
accident or the investigation thereof, shall be admitted as evidence or used
in any suit or action for damages growing out of any matter mentioned in
such report or reports.
PAGENO="0147"
PEDE:RAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 419
To implement this provision, part 311 of the Board's Procedural Regulations,
14 O.F.R. 311, provides in substance that accidents reports and underlying j~apers
must not be given out to third persons ~r otherwise made public, and that only
factual data about the accident observed by Board personnel, and not their
~opiniofl5, suggestions or recommendations, shall be disclosed, upon formal inquiry
or in court proceedings.
Section 902(f) of the Federal Aviation Act (72 Stat. 784, as amended, 49 U.S.C.
1472) prohibits any member, officer o~ employee of the Board from divulging any
fact or information obtained during the course of an examination of the accounts,
records and memorandums of any carrier, or which is withheld from public dis-
closure under section 1104, except as directed or authorized by the Board or a
court of competent jurisdiction or judge thereof. This section does not, however,
authorize the withholding of information from the duly authorized committees
of Congress.
8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with yonr agency required
in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in the Federal
Register?
Section 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act provides that "[nb person
shall in any manner be required to resort to [agency] organization or procedure"
not published in the Federal Register. In dealing with the Board, private parties
are no required to resort to any organization or procedure not so published.
9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy In
the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies to publish
Its rules except, inter `alia, "to the extent that there is involved (1) any function
of the United States requiring secrecy in the public interest." The Board has
not, however, utilized this authority to refrain from publishing rules.
10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency manage-
ment, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
authority?
In addition to the "secrecy" exception discussed in the answer to question 9,
section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act also exempts, from its rule-pub~
lishing requirement, "any matter relating solely to the internal management of
an agency." The general rules governing the Board's internal management are
set forth in its administrative regulations as contained in the two volumes of
the CAB Manual. Since these rules do not generally affect members of the
public, they are not published in the Federal Register, in accordance with the
underlying rationale of the section 3(2) exception. Those internal manage-
ment regulations, however, relating to the providing of information to the
public, are largely duplicated in Public Notice PN-15.
11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in section 3(c)
of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Section 3(c) requires that, with noted exceptions, "matters of official record
shall in accordance with `published rule be made available to persons `properly
and `directly concerned" (emphasis added). While the B'oard ha's not specifically
defined the term "official record," the records in the possession of the Board which
are available for public inspection and copying `are described in Public Notice
PN-15 and generally include:
(1) Documents required or permitted to be filed with the Board by
`the Federal Aviation Act, or any other statute or by any rule or order of
the Board.
(2) Material or record filed in any adjudicatory, investigative or rule&
making procedure.
(3) Public notices, compilations, tabulations, reports, and other materials
published by the Board or authorized by the Board for publi'c release.
(4) Approved `minutes of Board meetings, excep't portions relating to pend-
`ing matters. (`This category of information is available only `to "persons
properly and directly concerned with the subject thereof").
A provision of the Federal Aviation Act `w'hi'ch has a `bearing on this subject
"is section 1103 (72 Stat. 797, 49 U.S.C. 1503), which designates as public' records
"copies of tariffs, and of all contractS, agreements, understandings, and arrange-
~ments filed with `the Board as herein provided, and the statistics, table's `and
figures `contained in `the `annual or other reports of `air carriers and `other persons
PAGENO="0148"
420 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
made to the Board as required under the provisions of this act." See also ~ec'tion
1001 which provides that in proceedings before the Board `9e)very vote and offi-
cial act of the Board * * * shall be entered of record."
REPLY FROM `CIVIL `SERVICE COMMISSION
U.S. CIVIL SEXRVI6E COMMISSION,
Wa$Mngton, D.C., Marefl~ 15, 1965.
Hom JoHN B. Moss,
Cha4rman, Foreign Operations and Government fornat'io~ Subcommittee, Com-
mittee on Government Operdtions, Hou.se of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. Moss: This is in reply to your letter of FObruary 12, 1005, in which
you present a number of questions on bow the Commission satisfies the require-
ments of section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002),
~nd ask for copies of every regulation, directive, order, or other document that
the Commission has issued for this purpose,
The `Commission's response to your letter is enclosed. If I can be of any further
assistance in `this matter, please let me know.
Sincerely yours,
JOHN W. MACY, Jr., Chairman.
ANSWEB OF THE CIvIL SERVIcE CoMMIsSIoN vo QUEsTIoNs ON APPLICABILITY
OF SECTION 3 OF THE AOMINISTH&TIVE PROCEnURE ACT' (5 U.S.C. 1002) TO
THE COMMISSION'S FUNCTIONS
1. Along with other agencies, the Civil Service Commission first published
information in the Federal Register on September 11, 1946, to give effect to sec-
tion 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act, Amendments of-and additions to-
this materis~l were published in the Federal Register for February 1, 1947, Febru-
ary 25, 1947, May 1, 1947, May 14, 1947, June 11, 147, November 5, 1947, and
December 27, 1947. This material was designated as parts 01 and 02 of the
Commission's regulations, and was scheduled for codification in chapter 1 of title
5 of the Code of Federal Regulations. However, the Commission published
information in the Federal Register for October 22, 1948, indicating that parts
01 and 02 would not be codified, and that future amendments of this material
would be published in the Notices section of the Federal Register.
In the interim, the Attorney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure
Act was published in late 1947, and the interrpreta'tions provided in that manual
indicated that few, if any, functions of the Civil Service Commission were sub-
ject to any of the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. The Com-
mission eventually adopted this position, with the major reasons for doing so
being as follows:
Section 3 of the act excepts "any matter relating solely to the internal
management of an agency." The Attorney General's Manual on the Act
indicates (p. 18) that this should be interpreted as excepting matters relat-
ing to the internal management of the Government as a whole as well as
matters relating to the internal management of individual agencies. Most
of the Commission's operations relate to the internal management of the
Government as a whole.
Section 4 of the act specifically excepts "any matter relating to agency
management or personnel." The Attorney General's Manual also interprets
this phrase (p. 27) as applicable to the Government as a whole and not
just to individual agencies.
Section 5 of the act excepts matters relating to "the selection or tenure
of an officer or employee of the United States other than examiners appointed
pursuant to section 11."
Accordingly, the Administrative Procedure Act affects the Commission's oper-
ations as follows:
(1) "In the adjudication of cases"-to those cases which involve (a)
alleged political activity on the part of officers or employees of State or local
agencies whose principal employment is in connection with a federally
financed activity (sec. 12 of the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. 118k) and (b) the
discharge of examiners appointed pursuant to section 11 of the Administra-
tive Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1010) ; and
PAGENO="0149"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 42:1
(2) "In other areas"-ifl rulemaking to carry out the provisions of the
Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 159. (Members of the public
may become "carriers" of health benefits plans under this act)
Our answers to all of the subcommittee's questions are made on the basis of
the above-described applicability of the Administrative Procedure Act to the
Commission's operations.
2. The only actions of the type referred to in this question 2 which the Com-
mission currently takes for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of section
3 of the Administrative Procedure Act relate to the specific areas described in
our answer to question 1 as being subject to the Administrative Procedttre Act.
Accordingly, the following further answers to this question are made with this
fact in mind:
(a) and (b). Annually, the Commission publishes information on its central
and field organizations in the U.S. Government Organisation Manual which, we
believe, contains substantially the same information required for publication in
the Federal Register by section 3(a) (1) of the Administrative Procedure Act,
e.g., this information appears in the 1964-t15 edition at pages 496-SOS. In addi-
tion, this information contains some-but not all-of the information called
for by section 3(a) (2) of the Administrative Procedure Act. (As indicated in
the foreword of that manual, it is a special edition of the Federal Register but
is not issued to satisfy the publication requirements of sec. 3 of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act.)
(c) Under section 12~ Hatch Political Activities Act, as amended, 5 UJE~.C.
118k-Section 12(d) of this act states that "The Commission is authorised to
adopt such reasonable procedure and rules and regulations as it deems necesssry
to execute its functions under this section." 51c'tion 15 of the act states "The
provisions of this act which prohibit persons to whom such provisions apply from
taking any active part in political management or in political campaigns shall be
deemed to prohibit the same activities on the part of such persons as the U.S
Civil Service Commission has heretofore determined are at the time this section
takes effect prohibited on the part of employees in the classified civil service of
the Tlnitd States by the provisions of the civil service rules prohibiting such em-
ployees from taking any active part in political managment or in political
campaigns." On the basis of the provisions of sections 12 and 15, no rulemaking
has been necessary~ other than the rules of practice for the adjudication of
cases. These appear at 5 CFE part 151.
Dicharge of ewaminers appointed pursuant to section 11 of the Administrative
Procedure Act-The rules adopted by the Commission In this area appear at 5
CFR part 930 (Subpart B).
Rulemaking to carry out the provisions of the Federal Employees Health Bene-
fitS Act of 1959.-The rules adopted by the Commission in this area appear at
5 CFR Part 890.
(d) In 1949, the Commission published a book entitled "Hatch Act Decisions
of the U.S. Civil Sertice Commission," which was prepared by the then Com-
mission Hearing Examiner who handled cases under section 12 of the Hatch
Act. Among other things, this book contains information of the type referrOd
to in this question; and members of the public who contact the Commission for
infoririation on section 12 are advised of thO availability of this book through
~~`te Superintendent of Documents for $1~5O.
(e) The Commission has not published any rules of this type.
3. Part 2 of the boOk referred to In our answer to question 2(d) is described
as "A Case Book on Commission Decision," and outlines the final report and
order in the significant section 12 casOs decided b~ the Commission up to that
time. Otherwise, the Commission has not actually published its report and
orders in these cases. However, the nuiterial published in the Federal Register
during the 1946-47 period to give effect to section 3 of the Administrative ProcO-
due Act (as described in the answer to question 1) contained a rule to the effect
that the Commission would make final opinions and orders in these cases avail-
able for public inspection, and the Commission has continued to do this sinCe
that time. The Commissiob also does the same thing in removal-'of~heariflg
examiner cases, but has not actually published a rule to that effect.
4. None.
5. Cases subject to the Administrative Procedure Act.-~--OpifliOns and orderS
may be used and cited as precedents in cases in which State and local employees
are being removed under authority of section 12 of the Hatch Act and `of hearing
examiners being removed under section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act.
In so doing, the Commission does not cite or use opinions and orders as precedents
PAGENO="0150"
422 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
in other proceedings which are not available to the public to the ex'tErnt described
in the answer to question 3.
Cases not subject to the Administrative Procednre Act.-The Commission's
organization adjudicates numerous types of "appeals" from applicants for Fed-
eral employment and from employees of other agencies. Typical of these cases
are appeals from employees who have been discharged or subjected to other
disciplinary actions that are subject to section 14 of the Veterans' Preference
Act (5 U.S.C. Sup. 86g). In many of these cases, a Commission adjudicating
office may decide a case on the basis of a precedent case which Is not published
or otherwise available.
6. and 7. Records, files, interpretations, etc., in case's- subject to the Adminis-
trative Procedure Act.-The Commission will make this material available to
the general public on much the same basis that it makes opinions and orders
available in eases under section 12 of the Hatch Act. (See answer to question
3.)
Records, files, interpretations, etc., in cases not subject to the Ad~ninfstrative'
Procedure Act.-The Commission publishes a large body of regulations in the
Federal Register on how its operations are carried out (see chapter 1 of 5
CFR). It also publishes extensive supplementary information in the Com-
mission's Federal Personnel Manual which reflects policies, procedures, inter-
pretations, and legal opinions, The Commission-and Federal agencies gen-
erally-ordinarily will make a copy of this manual available in their offices to
members of the public on request, and any person may order a copy from the
Superintendent of Documents. On the other hand, the Commission does not
make available to the pablic on request the following:
(a) Examination questions and other examining material.
(b) Ratings made by individuals in civil service examinations.
(c) Records and files not relating to actions or cases subject to the
Administrative Procedure Act.
(d) Information from the Commission's Investigative files.
(e) Information from retirement records.
(f) Information from medical records of applicants and employees.
(g) Results of inspections of agency operations under delegation of
authority.
The Civil Service Act, 5 U.S.C. 632, et seq., and other statutes administered'
by the Commission including the Civil Service Retirement Act, 5 U.S.C. 2251,
et seq., and the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 851, et
seq., provide the bases upon which the Commission generally relies for the
nondisclosure of information within the categories outlined above. Although
the statutes do not expressly authorize the Commission to restrict, by regu-
lation, the release of information, the Commission considers that it has the
authority to do so if necessary in the public interest and the effective adminis-
tration of the laws subject to its jurisdiction.
S. Actions subject to the Admini~s-trative Procedure Act.-None. We believe
(1) the rules of practice in actions proposed against State and local employees
under section 12 of the Hatch Act (5 CFR, pt. 151) and hearing examiners ap-
pointed under section 11 o'f the Administrative Procedure Act (5 CFR, pt. 930,
subpart B) and (2) the rules to carry out the provisions of the Federal Employees
Health Benefits Act of 1959 (5 CFR, pt. 890) satisfy the intent of the require-
ments referred to here.
Actions not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act.-.The Commission
does not publish in the Federal Register the organization or procedure which
an applicant for (1) Federal employment should follow when appealing a rating
assigned in a civil service examination, and (2) annuity should follow in a
so-called Hiss Act ease under 5 U.S.C. 2281, et seq. However, these applicants
are given this information by other means.
9. None.
10. As indicated in our previous answers, the exception in section 3(2) of the
Administrative Procedure Act is one of the major reasons why the Commission
consider~ that most of its functions are not subject to the Administrative
Procedure Act.
11. We consider that this term means a record relating to an action or case
that is subject to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.
PAGENO="0151"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 423
The material that we consider covered by the request contained In the last
paragraph of the subcommittee's letter is as' follows:
1. United States Government Organization Manual for 1964-65 (pps.
496-505).
2. Book entitled "Hatch Act Decisions of the United States Civil Service
Commission."
3. 5 OFR, part 151.
4. 5 CFR, part 890.
5. 5 CFR, part 930 (subpart B).
6. Material from Federal Register for September 11, 1946, February 1,
1947, February 25, 1947, May 1, 1947, May 14, 1947, June 11, 1947, November
5, 1947, December 27, 1947, and October 22, 1948.
Copies of all except the publication described in 1 are attached.
REPLY FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,
WasF~ingto'a, D.C., Maroh~ 10,1065.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
U.S. House ojl Representatives.
DEAR Mu. Moss: This is in reply to your letter dated February 12, 1965, request-
ing that we provide the Foreign Operations and Government Information Sub-
committee with information on implementation by the District government of
5 U.S.C. 1002, the Administrative Procedures Act of 1946.
Since the government of the District of Oulumbi'a is specifically exempted in
5 U.S.C. 1001(a) from the provisions of the act, I will not attempt to answer each
of the 11 detailed questions of your letter.
The District government has, nevertheless, given `extensive attention to Its
administrative procedures and has developed, a thorough cove'rage designed ex-
pressly for its type of activities. It is our belief, therefore, that adequate adminis-
trative procedures are provided within the District government. For example,
there are a number of special appellate groups that are designed exclusively to
provide administrative remedies, such as the Contract Appeals Board, the Board
of Appeals and Review, the Fire and Police Trial Boards, and the Motor Vehicle
Owner s and Operators Appeals and Review Board In addition a number of
District `agencies provide appellate procedures from actions taken by their own
agencies such as the Department of Occupations and Professions, and the Alco-
holic Beverage Control Board.
l~w otices of rules and regulations are published in the District Register every
2 weeks and consolidated in the Code of the District of Columbia Regulations.
Subscribers to a Regulation Code Amendment Service receive notice' of changes
within a few days of their adoption.
Official records are `made available to members of the press and the general
public upon showing of sufficient purposeful reasons as contrasted to' reasons of
curiosity. This applies to all matters Involving the conduct of public business
but not records which, for the proper protection of the best interest of the'
municipal corporation, are of a confidential nature.
Should you wish to maintain liaison between your subcommittee and the
District government in this matter, please contact Mr. Paul Flaberty on Code
137, extension 441.
If you would like to discuss this matter further or wish additional Information,
please let me know.
Sincerely your~
WALTER N. Tomirxnu,
President, Board of Commissioners.
PAGENO="0152"
424 FEDERAL. PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
REPLY FROM EXPORT-IMI?ORT BANK OF WASHINGTON
EXrOET-flsPORT BANK OF WAs~TIN5~PON,
Washington, D.C., Mecch 12, 1l~65.
Hou. Jonu B. Moss
Cha~irman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ffuhcemmittee,
CoMmittee on Governmthrt Operations, Honse of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. Moss: This is in response to your request of February 12, i9~35, con-
cerning your study and evaluation of the a~ailab1ity of infOrmation from 13~ederal
departments and agencies. Our replies to your numbered questions follow:
1. Section 1002 of 5 U.S.C. applies to all functiota of the Bank, There are no
constituent units of the Bank to which sectioh 1002 does not apply. The Bank
has no branches or field offices. Our only office Is in Whshlngton, D.C.
2. The basic principles by which the Bank is guided in its operations and the
procedures for filing applications for loan and guarantee assistance were pub-
lished in the Federal Register of August 24, 1957, on pages 6863-6865. (12
C.F.R. 401-402.)
3, 4, and 5. Not applicable since the Bank has no adjudicatory function.
6. Information is maintained and made available for public inspection as
provided in 12 C.F.R. 401.3(f).
7. The only limitation upon the availablity of records and files is in regard
to matters requiring protection of the national defense or foreign policy, mutters
relating to internal management, including personnel rules and practices where
personal privacy is a consideration and data submitted to us which is privileged
or confidential. With respect to the latter, we believe it to be our responsibility
to retain exclusive possession and control over privileged or ronfidential in-
formation furnished by applicants for our consideration in evaluating requests
for the Bank's loan and guarantee assistance. It is our concern that such in-
formation be protected so that the Bank may obtain the submission of financial,
production, cost, inventory, sales and other data with an assurance to the
applicant that such information will be used only for the limitet and intended
purpose of reaching a decision on the applicant's request for assistance. Where
it to become known among the ITS. exporting community and foreign purchasers
of U.S. goods and serrices that the Bank could not be relied upon to protect
such data, our future ability to obtain fully documented applications would be
seriously impaired.
8. In no circumstances are private parties required to resort to organization
or procedure not published in the Federal Register,
9 and 10. Not applicable since the Bank has no adjudicatory functions.
11. The Bank regards as matters of official record all applications, and docu-
ments in support thereof, for the Bank's assistance in financing and facilitating
exports and imports as Well as doëuments embodying Bank decisions with re-
spect thereto.
There are enclosed two copies of 12 O.P.TI. 401-402 as well as two copies of
selected Bank press releases during this fiscal year ahd our 19E~4 quarterly
reports.
We appreciate the opportunity afforded us to furnish the foregoing informa-
tion. If anything further is required, we will be pleased to cooperate.
Sincerely yours,
~IAROLD l~. LINnRR.
REPLY FRoM FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
FARM OnEDIT AD~ISt1tATIO~~I,
Washington, D.O., Aprii 1, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information Fiubcommittee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. Moss: This refers to your letter of February 12, 1965, requesting
that we furnish the Foreign Operations and Government Information Subcom-
mittee answers to certain questions dealing with section 3 of the Administra-
tive Procedure Act of 1946.
Our answers are numbered as are the questions in your letter to which they
relate. First, however, we wish to point out that the applicability of the
PAGENO="0153"
FEDERAL ]?UBLIC RECORDS LAW 425
Administi'ailve Procedure Act to the functions of the Farm Crt~dit Administra-
tion is extremely limited. As required by section 3 of the act, the Admitilsira-
tion publlshes in the Federal Register descriptiops of agency organization
including delegations of final authority, and certain provisions' from our man-
uals which are also included in the Code of Federal Regulations. However,
we do not engage in public rulemaking, or conduct agency hearings, or issue
final opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases.
1. The Farm Credit Administration supervises the 37 banks and about 1,209
associations that comprise the cooperative farm credit system. The United
States is divided into 12 farm cr~dit districts. In each of these districts there
is a Federal land bank which makes long-term land mortgage credit available
to farmers, a Federal Intermediate credit bank which makes intermediate- and
short-term credit available to them, and a bank for cooperatives which makes
credit available to farmers' marketing, purchasing, and farm business service
cooperatives. There also is a Central Bank for Cooperatives in the District
of Columbia. In addition, there are in each dlstiict from 28 to 93 Federal
land bank associations' and from 26 to 77 production credit associations,
We have not had occasion to distinguish any of the functions of the Farm
Credit Administration as not being subject to 5 USC. 1002 according to its
terms,
2, The Farm Credit Administration publishes in the Federal Register tjiose
matters with which your questions 2(a) through 2(d) are concerned, to the ex-
tent applicable. The Administration does' not make rules as contemplated by
question 2(e). Publications in the Federal Register are not made at any pre-
determined intervals, but are made when necessary to amend, modify, or sup-
plement existing rules, or to promulgate new ones.
3. The Farm Credit Administration does not engage in the `adjudication
of cazes" and, therefore, has no occasion to publish such "final and interim
opinions or orders."
4. See 3 above.
5. See 3 above.
6. Information contained in records of the Farm Credit Administration and
of the banks and associations it supervises is made available to the general
public and otherwise as provided in 6 OFE 4.1-4.10. The latter section is as
follows:
§ 4.10 OffIcial records generally
The Farm Credit Administration and the several banks or associations
under its supervision keep confidential the classes of records enumerated
in sections 4,2, 4.4, 4.5, and 4.8. Information contained in other official
records in the custody of the Farm Credit Administration or of a particu-
lar bank or association may be made available to persons directly and
properly concerned upon written application to the Farm Credit Adminis-
tration or the particular bank or association. Such application must
identify the specific information sought and must show bow the applicant
is concerned therewith. Such applications with respect to official records
in the custody of the Farm Credit Administration may be granted by the
Governor or any Deputy Governor or by the director or other division head
in charge of the functions to which the records relate. Such applications
with respect to official records in the ciistody of a particular bank or
association may be granted ~y the chief executive officer of the bank or
association in accordance with the provisions of this part.
7. See 6 above.
8. There appears to be no such circumstances.
9. No such cases have arisen.
10. In general, the Farm Credit Administration does not publish rules dealing
with matters of internal management where these are solely its concern and
do not affect the members of the public to any extent.
11. Official records are considered by this agency to include those documents
and information with which 6 CUR 4~1-4.10 are concerned.'
The codified rules or documents issued by the Farm Credit Administration to
implement 5 U.S.C. 1002 are published as chapter `1 àf title 6 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, and amendments thereto (29 F.R. 2739. 4925, 6380, 6517,
7017, 7857, 7983, 11167, 11971, 12436, 12596; 30 FR. 915, 200,2). Codification
of organization statements and delegations (12 FR. 2679) was discontinued
PAGENO="0154"
426 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
in 1948 (18 F~R. 5803) but changes are published in the Federal Register (29
P.R. 12486, 11167,4925; 28 P.R. 11937; 26 P.R. 115).
For any liaison that may be deemed necessary, our general counsel, Paul 0.
Bitter, may be consulted (code 111, extension 5891).
Very truly yours,
R. B. ToorzLI~, Governor,
REPLY FROM FEDEaAL AVIATION AGENCY
FEDRRAL AVIATION Aa~Ncr,
Washington, D.C., March 17, 1965.
Ron. JouN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Goverr&ment Information BubcomsnAttee,
House of Represent atices.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: This is in response to your letter questionnaire of Feb-
ruary 12, 1965, regarding the applicability of section 3 of the Administrative
Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002) to this Agency's operations. The follow-
ing numbered responses correspond to your numbered questions.
1. In general, section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act applies to alt func-
lions of the FAA, to the extent that performance of the function affects the
public. There are no divisions o~ bureaus to which the section does not apply
per se. Of course, there are units of the Agency which deal primarily with
internal matters, such as the Office of Management Services and the Office of
Headquarters Operations. However, to the extent that these and any other
units deal with the public, their actions must conform to section 3.
2. (a) The FAA publishes an organization statement in the Federal Register
which is subject to amendment from time to time to keep it current. The or-
ganization and functions of FAA are also briefly stated in the U.S. Government
Organization Manual, a Federal Register publication.
(b) The general course and method b~r which FAA's functions are channeled
are stated in the organization statement. Insofar as these functions involve
rulemaking, they are also reflected in the Federal Aviation Regulations, chapter
I of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The subchapter headings in-
ilicate the Agency activities to which the regulations pertain; namely:
Subchapter A-Definitions, part 1.
Subchapter B-Procedural rules, parts 11-15.
Subchapter C-Aircraft, parts 21-49.
Subchapter D-Airmen, parts 61-67.
Subchapter E-Airspace, parts 71-77.
Subchapter F-Air traffic and general operating rules, parts 91-105.
Subchapter G-Alr carrier and commercial operator certification and operation,
parts 121-135.
Subchapter H--Schools and other certificated agencies, parts 141-149.
Subchapter I-Airports, parts 151-165.
Subchapter J-Navlgational facilities, part 171.
Subchapter K-Administrative regulatiQns, parts 181-187.
(e) Substantive rules are adopted; anlended, and repealed from time to time
as required under statutory standards by developments in aviation. This is a
continuing process but action does not occur at regular intervals. The FAA
follows a policy of giving public notice of rulemaking under section 4, Adminis-
trative Procedure Act even in most instances where notice is not required by
law. The publication requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act and
the Federal Register Act are fully complied with.
(6) Statements of general policy and interpretations for the guidance of the
public are adopted from time to time as required by Agency business, and pub-
lished in the Federal Register,
(e) Rules addressed, to and served upon named persons are not published
but are open for public inspection.
3~ The Agency conducts an extensive program of licensing airmen, aircraft,
and other aviation facilities under title VI of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.
Licensing falls within the definition of adjudication of the Administrative Pro~
cedure Act, section 2(d). No formal proceedings are required by law.
PAGENO="0155"
FEDERAL PTJBLIC RECORJ)S LAW 427
Adjudicative action for cause affecting outstanding certificates is authorized
by section 609 of the Federal Aviation Act. Tho statute does not require formal
hearings by FAA under sections 5, 7, and 8 of the Administrative Procedure Act
in such cases but provides for de novo review by the Civil Aeronautics Board of
FAA actlou amending, modifying, suspending, or revoking any certificate. Part
13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and part 301 of the Procedural Regula-
tions of CAB apply to these proceedings.
Under the Federal Airport Act, FAA administers a program of Federal aid
to public airports. Grants are made for specific construction projects and,
under a recent amendment to the act, for advance planning and engineering pro-
posals, when all statutory and policy standards are met. The Federal Airport
Act provides that FAA action take the form of a grant agreement. Such grant
agreements may constitute adjudication under section 2(c) (d) Administrative
Procedure Act.
Under section 901(a) (2) of the Federal Aviation Act, FAA is authorized to
compromise civil penalties for violations of certain provisions of the act and the
Federal Aviation Regulations.
Copies of all final actions involving civil penalty compromises and certificate
actions are placed in the public docket which is located in the FAA Building
and which is available for Inspection by the public. Thiese documents include
in civil penalty cases, civil penalty letters, and letters of acceptance, and in
certificate caSes notices of proposed certificate action and orders of suspension
of revocation. Since the enforcement actions are not of the type required to
be held under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, the main-
tenance of the public docket Is not required by the Administrative Procedure
Act. The public docket is maintained for the convenience of the public, and
no rule has been published concerning it.
FAA is an allotting agency under the defense materials system. Allotments
may constitute adjudication under the Administrative Procedure Act.
While there are no formal published rules regarding accesS to these adjudica-
tory findings, all of them are available through the FAA Washington office or
the appropriate regional office.
in the civil rights field, FAA has certain policing functions. Under the regula-
tions of the President's Committee on Equal Employment OpportunitY, 41 CFR
part 60-1, as reflected in FAA regulations, the FAA prosecutes violations of
the equal opportunity clause by contractors engaged in work under Government
contracts let by FAA and under federally assisted construction contracts let
under programs administered by FAA. The rules provide for impostioll of sanc-
tion, partly with and partly without the concurrence of the President's Com-
mittee. No such case has yet occurred.
Under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Implementing FAA
regulation, 14 CFR part 15 which was approved by the President, FAA prose-
cutes and adjudicates (subject to judicial review) proscribed discriminatory
action by recipients of FAA financial assistance vis-a-vls ultimate beneficarles
of such assistance. Part 15 provides for formal hearing proceedings in such
cases at the option of the respondent. Detailed procedural rules authorized by
part 15 have not yet been adopted.
It may be that action in the direction of uniformity of Agency procedures
in the civil rights field will be taken under the auspices of the President's Coun-
cil on Equal Opportunity (Executive Order 11197) or otherwise, and that the
matter of publication of adjudication of violations will be taken up in that
context, but we have no present information to this effect.
The FAA also has a contracts appeals panel which decides contractor claims
under FAA contracts to the extent authorized by the disputes clause of a con-
tract. Decisions in these cases are not adjudicatory within the definition of
section 2(d) of the Administrative Procedure Act. However, the decisions are
available for public inspection.
4. Interim or final opinions and orders in adjudication would be held con-
fidential when secrecy is requisite on grottnds of national defense. We are not
aware of any such instance since FAA was created in 1958.
5. UnpublIshed opinions or orders are not cited as precedents in any proceed-
ings under the Administrative Procedure Act.
6. For tile most part, the Agency has no specific procedures for making records,
files, opinions, and interpretations available to the general public. The Agency
accepts individual requests for such materials, and decides on a ease-by-case
basis whether the materials should be made available. It Is the policy of the
PAGENO="0156"
428 1'~EDEEAL `PUBLIC RE'OORl~S LAW
Agency in these cases to make factual information, available to persou~ who are
properly and directly concerned. The Agency operates on the principle that the
FAA exists to serve the public and that a free sharing of information with the
public i~ generally in the public interest~
Official flies pertaining to rulemaking are held open to inspection in accordance
with Agency regulation,~. 14 CFR 11.11 requires that these files be maintained
in docket form in the Office of the General Counsel, and be made available to any
interested person.
7. Soe't~on 1104 of the Federal Aviation Act (49 1IJ.S.C. 1504), provides that,
if any person is required to submit disclosure of it and the Administrator shall
then withhold this information from `the public, when it would adversely affect
the interest of the person and is not required in the interest of the public. This
section reads as follows:
Any person may make written objection to the public di~closure of in-
formation contained in any application, report, or document filed pursuant
to the provisions of this Act or of information obtained by the Board or the
Administrator, pursuant to the provisions of this Act, stating the grounds
for such objection, Whenever such objection is made, the Board or Admin-
istrator `shall order such information withheld from public disclosure when,
in their judgment, a disclosure `of such information would adversely affect
the interests of such p'erson and is hot required in the interest of the public.
The Board or Administrator shall be responsible for classified information
in accordance with appropriate law: Provided, That nothing in this section
shall authorize the withholding `of~ information by the Board or Adtnin-
istrator from the duly authorized committees of the Congress.
49 U.S.C. 1472(f) provides a criminal penalty for the disclosure of such informa-
tion unless directed `by the Administrator Or a court of competent jurisdiction.
Agency regulations (14 CFR 185.15) deal specifically wRb the question of
disclosing FAA documents and records in legal proceedings `between private li'ti~
gants. Such records may be released only after appropriate review by a member
of the Office of the General Counsel. Guidelines for the release `of information
in these and other circumstances are set forth in Agency Handbook OA P 1200.2
entitled, "Release of Information by FAA Employees." Further guidelines on
the release of information marked "Top Secret," "Secret," "Confidential" "For
Official Use Only," "NATO," "SEATO," "CENTO," and "AEC Restricted" are
contained in Agency Handbook OA P 1600.2 and Agency order AD 1600.3. Copies
of these regulat~ons and internal directives are enclosed.
8. Private parties are not required to resort to FAA organization or procedure
not published in the Federal Regi'ster.
9. There are no rules in effect which were not published because they involved
a function of the United States requiring seCrecy in the public interest.
10. The FAA h'as `a b'ody of internal directives which relate solely to internal
Agency management. They are addressed to FAA officers and employees only
and do no't prescribe the conduct or determine the rights or liabilltie~ of any
members of the public. They are, therefore, not public rules and they are not
published.
11. This Agency considers as "matters of official record" the records in hearing
cases; exchange's between parties and FAA in any adjudications; the rulemaking
dockets; and all FAA rules, orders, or decisions, with supporting opinions (if
any), which determine rights or liabilities, `or prescribe `the conduct, of melnbers
of the public, `or inform `the public of FAA policy. Also included are reports filed
wi'th the FAA and FAA correspondence with members of the public. However,
any `such materials either withheld from public disclosure under section 1104 of
the Federal Aviation Act because disclosure would adversely affect `the interests
of the per~on submitting the information `and is not required in the interest of
the pub'ic, or kept secret on grounds of national defense, are not considered
"matters of official record" in the sense of "public records" as used in `section
3(c) Ad~niuis'trative Procedure Act.
Disclosure of any fact `or information which was gathered during the course
of an examination of the accounts, records, or memorandums of an air carrier,
is prohibited by section 902(f) of the Federal A~via'tion Ac't excepted as directed
by the Administrator.
Information collected or developed b~r FAA for the purpose of dis~emination
to `the public (section 311 of the Federal Ayiation Act) is, of ~ours~ çwailable
PAGENO="0157"
FEDERAL ?IJBLIC RECORDS LAW 429-
to the public but is not considered as technically within the scope of the term
"official record."
Sincerely,
HAROLD W. GRANT,
Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force,
Deputy Administrator.
REPLY FROM FEDERAL COAL MINE SAFETY BOARD OF REVIEW
FEDERAL COAL MINE SAFETY BOARD OF REVIEW,
Washington, D.C., February 33, 1965.
Hon. IonN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information~ Subcommittee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. Moss: Reference your letter dated February 12, 1965, relating to
the public information policies and practices of this agency, the following an-
swers to your questions are submitted:
1. The proceedings of the Board are specifically exempted from the application
of the Administrative Procedure Act under section 213 of the Federal Coal
Mine Safety Act (66 Stat. 709). However, as a matter of comity, the Board
uniformly adheres to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, in-
cluding section 3 thereof, to the extent that the Administrative Procedure Act
is not inconsistent with the express statutory requirements of the Federal Coal
Mine Safety Act. (There are no subordinate divisions, bureaus, branches, or
other constituent units in this agency.)
2. The Board publishes in the Federal Register its statement or ogranization
and rules of procedure, and amendments thereto, as required by section 3 (a) (1),
(a) (2), and (a) (3) of the Administrative Procedure Act. (The Board does not
issue statements of general policy or Interpretations, or rules addressed to and
served upon named persons.) Moreover, the Board furnishes copies of these
statements and rules, without charge, to all interested persons ahd to any other
member of the public who so requests. Also, all interested persons are promptly
advised by information circular, or other notification, When amendments to the
statement of organization or rules of procedure are issued. These materials are
published at such intervals as the need therefor demands.
3. Pursuant to sections 205(f) and 207(i) of the Federal Coal Mih~ Safety
Act (06 Stat, 698, 702), and sections 401.34 and 401.38 of the Board's rules of
procedure (30 CFR 401.34, 401.38), which are consonant with section 3(b) of
the Administrative Procedure Act, all final and interim opinions and orders of
the Board are served upon the parties and their representatives, and are entered
upon the official record, which is open to the public at the Board's offices. More-
over, copies of all substantive decisions of the Board are distributed, without
charge, to all interested persons and to any other member of the public who
requests a copy.
4. Ih no case does the Board refrain from publishing interim and final opinions
or orders.
5. No unpbblished opinions Or orders of the Board are cited or used as prece-
dents' in other proceedings.
6. Any person who desires may examine the transcripts and complete official
records in all cases at the Board's offices. In addition, as already indicated,
the Board's decision in each case is supplied to any person who requests a copy
thereof.
7. The general public has access to all records and files of the Board, except
internal documents, such as intra-agency memorandums relating to the de-
termination of particular Board eases; executive communications which have
been designated as "privileged"; documents relating to personnel security, re-
ceived from and stamped "confidential" by Government investigative agencies;
and other personnel records on file with this agency.
8. Under no circumstances are private parties dealing with the Board required
in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in the Federal
Register.
9. There are no types of cases in which the Board has refrained from pablish~
ing rules where there is involved any function of the United State's requiring
secrecy in the public interest.
PAGENO="0158"
430 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
10. The Board ha's deemed lit unnecessary to publish rules concerning matters
referred to in the answer to question 7, above, because the confidentiality of
such documents is Well recognized `in `a quasi-judicial agency like the Board, or
because the inaccessibility of `such documents is dictated by the requirements
of other departments or agencieS.
11. The term "official record," which appears in section 3(c) of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Ac't, is likewise adverted to in sections 205(f) and 207(i)
of the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act (66 Stat. 698, 702) ; in sections 401.34 and
401.38 of `the `Board's rules of procedure (80 CFR 401.34, 401.38) ; and in section
5 of they Board's statement of organization. Pursuant to the' requirements of
these provisions, the Board includes in such records' all papers filed by the parties,
all Board notifications to' the parties', and all other official acts of the Board,
including all findings, orders, and opinions issued in the case.
As you requetsed, enclosed `are `t*o copies of `the following Board publications:
Statement of Organization, as amended; Rules of Procedure, `as amended; Infor-
ination Circulars Nos. 1, 2, and 3; and Change of Address Notification. Copies
o'f Board `decisions are also available, if you `so desire.
For the Board.
Sincerely yours,
ROBERT J. FREEnLING, General Counsel.
RFJPLY FROM Fi~mi~L C0MMuNIOAPIONS CoMMIssIoN
Fzmnaiu. CoMMuxIcAnloNs CoMMIsSIoN,
Washington, D.C., April ~8, 1965.
Hon. Joux E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign OperGtions and Government Information Subcomm%ttee,
Committee on Go'eern,men,t Operations, House of Representatives, Was1ting~
ton, D.C.
DEAR Mn. OnAIRMAN: This is in further reply to your letter of February 12,
1965, in which you request answers to a number of questions concerning public'
information practices to aid in your subcommittee's study of section 3 of the
Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002). The information you
requested is as follows:
1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002 apply? Are
there any divisions, bureaus, brancheS, or other constituent units of your agency
to which the section does not apply?
As 5 U.S.C. 1002 applies to all functions of the Commission, there are no units
of the Commission to which this section does not apply.
2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals, does your
agency publi~b-
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see sec. 3(a) (1)'
of the Administrative Procedure Act);
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functiofis
are channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute)
(o) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see sec. 3~(a) (3) of
statute)
(d) Statement of'general ~oIicy or interpretations formulated and adopted
by the agency for the gitidance of the' public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute)
and `
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons' in accordance With
law (see s~c. 3(a) (3)' of statute)?
The Information referred to in this question `is prthi,arll~t contained in the
rules and regulations of the Commission. Rules of general appllc~'bility, except
those dealing `with ratemaking, are published in the 1~'ederal `Register as they
are issued or amended, and also in `the `Code of Federal Regulations (47 O1~'R).
A looseleaf rules service is available from the Government Printing Office in 10
separate volumes. The rules pertaining to radio are also printed In Pike and
Fischer, "Radio Regulation," a private SOr~rice. Ctmmission rulemaking do'cu-
ments, such as notices of proposed rulemaking, `and reports and orders, are pub-
lished in the Federal Register and are also available from the Comtnission's
Office of Report's and Information. This Is not `true, however, of ratemaking
and certain rules of special applicability, such as those prescribing depreciation
rates. Decisions in rulemaking cases involving rate's and similar matters are
PAGENO="0159"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 431
ordinarily published in the FCC reports and ~re available at the Information
Office. Publication of rules and rulemaking documents in the Federal Regi~ter
occurs within 7-~-1O days after their adoption. Important final rulemaking docu-
ments are published in the FCC Weekly Reports, available from the Government
Printing Office. In addition, all rulemaking do'ckets (containing all documents
issued by the Commission, pleadings and correspondence pertaining to each rub.
making proceeding) are available for public inspection at the Conimission's
public reference room.
(a) Descriptions of the central and field organization are published in detail
in subpart A of part 0 of the Commission's rules and in outline in the Com-
mission's annual reports. General descriptions are also available in the U.S.
Government Organization Manual published by the Government Printing Office.
Delegations of authority are contained in subpart B and the places at which and
the methods whereby the public may secure information or make submittals for
requests are stated in subpart `0 of part 0 of the rules. Some Instructions given
in connection with *this `delegation, such as the delegation involving general
processing of applications, are contained in notations to the minutes and are nOt
made public. We are reviewing the matter to consider whether such notational
material should also be made public. Any action taken `by the `Oo'mmission itt
this respect will `be immediately brought to the attention of the `subcommittee.
(b) Statements of the general course and method `by `which the Oommission's
functions are channeled and determined are contained in part 1, Rules of Prac-
tice and Procedure (and, to some extent, pt. 0). A very `brief outline of Com~
mission functions, procedures, and organization is contained in an informational
bulletin, ~`An ABO of the FCC," available through the Commission's Office of
Reports `and Information.
(o) Substantive rules are published and otherwise made available as In-
dicated above.
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and adopted
by the agency for the guidance of the public are published in the Federal Reg-
ister, generally in the form of a public notice. They are also available when
issued from the Office of Reports and Information. Many such statements are
also printed in the official reports of the CommissIon and in Pike and Fischer,
"Radio Regulation." They are not ordinarily codified or published as a part
of the rules and regulations. Whenever it is considered useful to do so, however,
they `are included with the rules (see, e.g., app. B to pt. 1, 47 CFR pt. 1, app. B).
In common carrier cases, general policy interpretations often appear In the
n~emorandum opinions and orders or Commission decisions In such matters.
`(e) Ordinarily the Commission does not publish rules addressed to and served
upon named persons.
3. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or, in ac-
cordance with published rule, makes available `to public inspection, all final
and interini opinion's or orders In the adjudication of cases, pursuant to section
3(b) ~f the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority.
When' an application is' received, an application file is established. All orders
attd opiniolni pertaining to the application are placed in that file, which is avail-
able for public inspection. Public notices listing applications ready and avail-
able for processing are' published in the Federal Register. In the case of
broadcast applicants, notice of the filing Of the application, as well as~notice of
any designation of the `application for hearing must be given by the applicant
in the local community pursuant to section 311 of the Communications Act
and sections' ~,58O and 1~594 Of the `Commission's rules. Orders issued after
designation and prior to hearing and some orders issued prior to designation
are published In the Federal Register.
Upon designation of an application for hearing (or~in any other hearing
matter) a docket file is established, in which all orders, opinions, and other
papers pertaining to the hearing proceedings are filed. This file also is avail-
able for public inspection. The texts of ordera and opinions in adjudicatory
hearing proceedings are made available `by the Commission but are published
in the Federal Register only if they have general applicability or legal effect-
i.e., if they may affect persons other than parties of record. Copies of all orders
and opinions are mailed to counsel for `parties.
In matters of adjudication, final declsion$ of the Commission and of the
review board, initial decisions which become finai, and significant reports and
memorandum opinions are published weekly in pamphlet form, and semiannually
PAGENO="0160"
432 FEDERAL PUBLiC RECORDS LAW
in bound volumes, as the Federal Communications Commission reports. These
documents are not ptiblished in the~Fefieral Register. Decisions afid opinions
pertaining to ~radio are also printed commercially In Pike~ and Fischer, "Radio
Regulation." Public notice is given of all final and interim orders involved
in the adjudication of cases, and they are available to the public through the
Office of Reports and Information.
4. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing interjm
and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good cause
requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) ~f the AdminiStrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
The Commission has not refrained from publishing interim and final opinions
or orders on the grounds that they are confidential for good cause found.
5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited or used
as precedents in other proceedings?
All opinions and orders are announced by the Commission and published in the
sense of being made publicly available at the Commission's 0111cc of Reports
and Information. In addition, those opinions and orders which the Com-
mission feels are of special significance are printed in the FOC reports. The
Commission, therefore, ordinarily cites no opinions and orders as precedent
which have not been made publicly available, and, in most instances printed in
its reports.~ The Commission believes that in every instance where an opinion
or order might have precedential value, it should be printed in the Federal
Communications Commission reports (aS well as made public at the 0111cc of
Reports and Information) and has so instructed the staff preparing the reports.
G. What is the procedure for making available to the general public the records
and files, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
Sections 0.401-0.431 (47 CFR 0.401-0.431) of the Commission's rules describe
the records and files which are open to public inspection, the places where they
may be inspected, and the procedures to be followed. (For further details, see
answer to question 7.) In addition, these sections set out the procedure whereby
interested parties may request the Commission to inspect those records which
are not generally made available to the public. Moreover, much of the informa-
tion available for Inspection at times and places designated by the Commission
is also published in such documents as the Federal Register, Corppdssion public
notices, the Commission's annual report, and the weekly and semiannual compila-
tions of FCC docket case decisions which are printed and sold by the Government
Printing Office.
With respect to agency interpretations, pursuant to section 3 of the Admin~
istrative Procedure Act we publish in the Federal Register statements of general
policy or interpretations formulated by the agency for the guidance of the public~
In addition, we have published inthe Federal Register other general policy state-
meats Which, although not reqnired to be published, are of sufficient importance
in oar opinion to justify `publication (e.g~, "Political Broadcast Primer"; "Fair-
ness Primer"). We have also adopted a policy of pi~blishing such statements in
the FCC reports. Ptirther, as to all interpretations having general applicability,
the Commission issueS public notices which m~y be obtained at the Commission's
Office of Reports and Information.
The Commission does not ordinarily isSue legal opinions as such. Its opinions
and orders, made public as discussed above (see especially the answer to ques-
tion 3) dO, of cOurse, often re1~er to the legal basis and reasons for the Commis-
sion's decision. Legal opinions of the' Gommission's General Coua~el or other
staff attorbeys are generally prepared for the guidance of the Commission and
are not made public. On occasion, the legal opinion of the Oommissipn~ or its
General Counsel, is requested by a committee of Congress, in which event any
further dls~em1nation of the matter rests in the discretion of the congressional
committee.
7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and files to the
general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
The following limitations are placed upon the availability of records and files
to the general public:
1 One notable exception is that from 1950 to 1951, the FCC reports were not printed due
to a lack of funds, although opinions and orders issued during that period continue to be
cited as precedent (with citations t~* Pike and Fischer, "Radio Regulation"). Funds have
been obtained, and we are now in the process of issuing Federal Communicatlotis ~Commis-
sion reports covering the above-noted years,
PAGENO="0161"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 433
A. ISY 5TATTJTE
1. The Comms4n4CatiOsi$ Act
(a) Section 4(j) (47 U.S.C. 154(j)) provides in part that the Commission
"5 * * is authorized to withhold publication of records or proceedings contain-
ing secret information affecting the national defense."
(b) Section 213(f) (47 U.S.C. 213(f)) provides that the Commission may make
rules and regulations for the purpose of administering that section and states:
"* * * Unless otherwise ordered b~r the Commission, with the reasons therefor,
the records and data of the Commission shall be open to the inspection ahd ex-
amination of the public * * *." This provision has been interpreted as giving
the Commission discretionary authority to withhold from public inspection re-
ports required by that section.
(c) Section 412 (47 U.S.C. 412) provides that the Commission may, if the
public interest will be served thereby, keep confidential nny contract, etc., re-
lating to foreign wire or radio communication wheft the publication of such would
place American communication companies at a disadvantage in meeting the coin-
petition of foreign communication companies.
(d) Section 605 (47 U.S.C. 605) prohibits the Commission from publicly
divulging information obtained in the course of its mopitoring activities, except,
of course, in the instance where there is involved the question of a violation of
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, or sections 1343 or 1464 of title
18 of the United States Code.
(e) Section 606 (47 U.S.C. 606) gives certain war emergency powers to the
President.
2. The Administrative Procedure Act
(a) Section 3 (`5 U.S.C. 1002) of the Administrative Procedure Act provides
that an agency need not publish or make available the information otherwise
required to be published or made available for inspection if it involves any funC-
tion of the United States requiring secrecy in the public interest or concerns any
matter relating solely to the internal management of an agency. In addition,
subsections (b) and (c) of that section permit an agency to hold confidential for
good cause found all final opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases and
matters of official record.
3. 18 United States Code 1905
Under this penal statute, certain confidential information relating to business
operations, trade secrets, etc., which an officer or em~$oyee of the United States
obtains in the course of 1ii~ einlloyment or official duties is prohibited from
disclosure.
4. 5 U.S.C. 631
Pursuant to that provision, Executive Order No. 10450 provides that with
respect to Government personnel, certain reports and investigative material
developed by investigations described in that Executive order shall be maintained
in confidence.
B. AGENCY IIULE
1. Section 0.403 (47 CFR 0.403), by providing that the offices of the Commis-
sion are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays, limits the hours when the records made available by section 0.417 (47
CFR 0.417) to the public at the offices in the Commission designated by sections
0.411, 0.413, and 0.415 (47 CFR 0.411, 0.413, 0.415) may be inspected.
2. Section 0.417 provides, with some limitations, that Commission records are
open to public inspection. The limitations are based on `the statutory nections
set out above.
Subsection (a) provides that all Commission records which are available for
public inspection are subject `to the security provisions set out in sections 4(j)
and 606 of the Communications Act.
Paragraph (2) gives access to valuation reports filed by commoti carriers un-
der section 213 of the Communications Act, except those designated by the Com-
mission as confidential.
Paragraph (4) provides for public inspections of contracts', agreements, or
arrangements between carriers filed pursuant to section 211 (a) of the Communi-
cations Act, except for those kept confidential by the Commission pursuant to
section 412 of the act because their disclosure would place American communica-
45-2l3-65-~pt. 2-li
PAGENO="0162"
434 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
tion companies at a disadvantage in meeting the competition of foreign com-
munication companies.
Paragraphs (5) and (6) permit inspection of all documents filed in connection
with applications under title II and III of the Communications Act and all doct~-
ments filed in connection with rulemaking proceedings except when the Com-
mission for good cause found under section 3(c) of the Administration Procedure
Act designates them as not for public inspection.
Paragraph (7) permits public inspection of all minutes of Commission actions,
except for minutes of classified matters held confidential pursuant to section
4(j) of the Communications Act, and minutes of the executive agenda dealing
with internal management, or other matters which the Commission holds con-
fidential for good cause found pursuant to section 3 of the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act.
Paragraph (9) allows the public to inspect files relating to submarine cable
landing licenses, except for maps showing the exact location of submarine cables,
which maps are withheld from public inspeç~tion under section 4~j) of the Com-
munications Act.
Also, subsections (b) (1), (2), and (3) provido that financial information filed
by broadcasting stations, network and transcription contracts, information filed
by equipment manufacturers and personnel files are not normally open to public
inspection. Statutory authority for these provisions are 18 U.S.C. 1905 and 5
U.S.C. 681.
C. AGENCY PRACTICE
Other than the limitations placed upon the availability of records and files to
the general public by statute or agency rule, the Commission has no practice pre-
venting the disclosure of information to the general public.
8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency re-
quired in any manner to resort to ~organization. or procedure not published in
the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the APA)?
We know of no circumstance in whic1~ p~ftate parties dealing with this Com-
mission are required to resort to organi~atjon or procedure not published in
the Federal Register.
9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy in
the public interest, pursuant to ~ection 3(1) of the APA or other authority?
We know of no instance in which the Commission has refrained from publish-
ing rules under section 3(1) of the APA or other authority, on the basis that
there is involved a function of the United States requiring secrecy in the public
interest.
10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency manage-
ment, pursuant to section 3(2) of the APA or other authority?
Generally, administrative orders and interoffice communications affecting the
Internal administration of the Commission (e.g., personnel matters, handling
of security information) are not published, although some are available for in-
spection in the Commission's minutes and those having general public interest
(e.g., governing employees' conduct) have been made available for public in-
spection.
11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in section 3(c)
of the APA?
Because the Commission follows a policy of making its records generally
available, with the exceptions and for the reasons stated in response to the above
questions, it has not bad occasion to formulate a definition of "official record"
under section 3(c) of the APA.
Enclosed are two copies of parts 0 and 1 of the Commission's rules and reg-
ulations. We believe the rules contained therein implement fully 5 U.S.C. 1002.
Also enclosed are copies of several informational bulletins which are designed to
inform the general public as to how it may obtain information as to the Com-
mission's activities.
This letter was adopted by the Commission on April21, 1965.
By direction of the Commission,
E. WItIIAM HENRY, Chairman.
PAGENO="0163"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 435
REPLY FROM FEDERAL DEPosIT INSUR&NCRI CoRPon~TIow
FEDERAL DEJ?OSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION,
Was*ington, D.C., MarcJ~ 17, 1~965.
Bon. JOHN B. Moss,
Ukairman, Fo'reign Operations and Government Information ,S'ubcommittee,
House of Representatives.
Dn~&n Mn. CHAIRMAN: In your letter of February 12, 1965, vou requested that
~re answer a list of questions relating to the publication of information concern-
ing the operations and functions of the Corporation in order to facilitate a study
that was being conducted to evaluate the effect of the "public information"
section of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002). Those questions
and our answers thereto are set forth below in the same sequence the questions
were presented in your letter.
Before turning to these questions and answers, however, it is quite appro-
priate to reflect for a moment upon the concept of confideutiality which has tradi-
tionally attended the exercise of supervisory powers over banks in general.
From the outset, it must be understood `that it is essential to the effective
supervision of banks that the contents of repoi~ts of examination and other
records in the adjudication of cases be held privileged and confidential, This
proposition aems from very valid reasons. The reports of examination and
other records containing information from such reports necessarily deal to a
considerable extent with the private and personal business affairs of the banks
involved, of their borrowers, and of other customers of the bank. The impor-
tance of public confidence in banking institutions cannot be overs'tressed, and the
privileged manner in which banking records are maintained plays an essential
and key role In this confidence. Disclosure of information from examination
reports and collateral records could have a serious adverse effect upon the
financial interests of the bank, its depositors, and its borrowers. In addition to
the various details relating to loans and other matters, the examiner is required
to set forth his conclusions and opinions which many n~t be full~y `shared by
others. Because of the understanding that the contents of such examination
reports and such other records will be held confidential, the officials of the bank
feel free to disclose to the examiner facts having a bearing upon the bank's
loans, general condition, problems, operating and investment practices, and loan
and credit policies. As a result of this relationship, `the examiner feels free
to offer suggestions, comments, and criticisms on the affairs of the bank, its per-
sonnel, and problems. This freedom of expression on the part of both the
banker and the examiner would be destroyed if the records should be circulated
outside of the cuStomary bank supervisory channels.
The privileged and confidential nature of the examination reports and other
records, including information from examination reports, has been consistently
observed by the bank supervisory authorities and recognized in enactments b~
Congress and by the courts. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act clearly implies
such confidentialitY by specifically providing in section 7(a) (2), that this Corpo-
ration may furnish examination reports to the Comptroller of the Cbrrency, to
any Federal Reserve bank and to any commission, board, or authority having
supervision over a State bank which is not a member of the Federal Reserve
System. The same provision authorizes the Corporation to have access to reports
of examination made by the Comptroller of the Currency or any Federal Reserve
bank. This Corporation and other Federal banking agencies are expressly au-
thorized under such conditions as they may prescribe upon the request of the
Farm Credit Administration to make available to the Farm Credit Administra-
tion or any district bank or district corporation operating under its supervision,
in confidence, all reports, records, or other information they may have relating to
the condition of any Institution to which the Administration, such district bank,
or corporation has made or contemplates making loans or for which It has dis-
counted or contemplates discounting paper, or which it is using or contemplates
using as a custodian of securities or other credit instruments, or as a depository
(12 U.S.C. 1095). A similar authorization for furnishing the Securities and
Exchange Commission with reports, records, and other information includes the
following provision (15 uSC. 77 uuu (b))
Notwithstanding any provision of this subchapter, no report, record, or
other information made available to the Commission under this subsection,
no report of an examination made under this subsection for the use of the
Commission, no report of an examination made of any trustee or prospective
PAGENO="0164"
436 FED1I~RAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
trustee by any Federal, State, Territorial, or district authority having juris-
diction to examine or supervise such trustee, no report made by any such
trustee or prospective trustee to any such authority, and no correspondence
between any such authority and any such trustee or prospective trustee, shall
be divulged or made known or available by the Commission or any member,
officer, agent, or employee thereof, to any person other than a member, offi-
cer, agent, or employee of the Commission: Provided, That the Commission
may make available to the Attorney General of the United States, in confi-
dence, any information obtained from such records, reports of examination,
other reports, or correspondence, and c~eemed necessary by the Commission,
or requested by him, for the purpose of enabling him to perform his duties
under this subchapter.
En this connection, attention is called to section 1906, title 18, of the United
States Code, which makes it a penal offense for an examiner to disclose the names
of borrowers or the collateral for loans of an insured bank except under the cir-
cumstances described in the statute.
In the case of 1~ank of Am~erioa National Trust d Savings 4ssooi~ation v, Doug-
las, 105 F. 2d 100, 103-105 (1939), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia considered the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish
the Securities and Exchange Commission copies of the examiners' reports to the
Comptroller of the Currency and the question was whether, if there was authority,
the information must be held in confidence. The court in its opinion clearly
recognized the confidentiality of bank reports in unequivocal language.
In order to protect records and information relating to insured banks, the
Corporation has prescribed regulations relating to confidential and privileged
records and information of the Corporation pursuant to sections 7(a) (1) and
(2) and 9 Tenth of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. These regulations are
discussed in the answers to questions 3, 4, 7, and 10 below.
Question 1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of
yuur agency to which the section does not apply?
Section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.O. 1002) applies to all
functions of the Corporation. Consequently, there are no divisions, bureaus,
branches, or other constituent units of the C~rporatlon to which this section of
the Administrative Procedure Act does not apply.
Question 2(a). In what official or unofficial publication and at wi2at intervals
does your agency publish description of its central and field organization?
The central and field organization of the Corporation is published annually in
the Annual U.S. Government Organization Manual, Office of the Federal Register.
Any changes in these organizations, and also the established places whereby the
public may secure information or make submittals or requests, are published in
the Federal Register. All delegations of final authority by the Board of Directors
of the Corporation within the meaning of the Administrative 1~rocedure Act have
been published in the annual report of the Corporation as well as in the Federal
Register as required by the act. Consequently~, any other final delegations of
authority or functions which maybe made in the future will also be accomplished
by publication in the Federal Register as required by the act.
Question 2(b). In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish statements of general course and method by which its
functions are channeled and determined?
In accordance with section 3(a) (2) of the Administrative Procedure Act,
statements of the general course and method by which the Corporation's func-
tions With respect to deposit Insurance are channeled and determined, including
the nature and requirements of formal and informal procedures available as
well as forms and instructions as to the scope and contents of papers and reports,
are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (12 CFR Chapter III) and
the Federal Register.
Question 2(o). In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish substantive rules adopted as authorized by law?
All substantive rules adopted by the Corporation are separately stated and
published in the Code of Federal Regulations (12 CFR Chapter III) and are
currently published in the Federal Register pursuant to section 2(a) (3) of the
Administrative Procedure Act. Any substantive rules or amendments to existing
rules adopted during a calendar year are published in the annual report of the
Corporation for that year.
PAGENO="0165"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECOEDS LAW 437
Question 2(d). In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish rules addressed to and served upon named persons in
lated and adopted by the agency for the guidance of the public?
Statements of general policy and interpretations formulated arid adopted by
the Corporation for the guidance of the public are currently published in the
Federal Register and in the Corporation's annual report. The Corporation also
publishes from time to time in pamphlet form general interpretations with
respect to deposit insurance coverage for the guidance of the public.
Question 2(e). In what offical or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish rules addressed to and served upon named persons in
accordance with law?
At present, the Corporation does not issue or formulate, and therefore does not
publish, rules which are served upon and addressed to named individuals.
Question 3. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes or,
in accordance with published rule, makes available for public inspection, all
final and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases pursuant to sec-
tion 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority.
A review of the opinions and orders previously made by the Board of Directors
of the Corporation in the adjudication of certain cases relating to licensing, super-
vision, investigation, termination of insured status, payment of insured deposits,
and the administration of liquidations and receiverships, has disclosed that their
publication is not necessary under the Administrative Procedure Act, inasmuch as
these opinions and orders are not cited as precedents in other proceedings and,
because of their nature, are required, for good cause, to' be held confidential.
However, certain of these orders and opinions are published as described in the
answer to question 4. In addition, where such opinions and orders in the future
are to be cited as precedents and are not required, for good cause, to be held con-
fidential, such opinions will be published and made available for public inspec-
tion. (See opening general comments and section 3092 of the rules and regula-
tions of the Corporation adopted pursuant to sections 7(a) (1) and (2) and 9
Tenth of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1817 and 1819).)
Question 4. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing
interim and final opinions and orders, when, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential pursuant to section 3(b) of the Adminis-
trative Procedure Act or other authority?
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation does not publish interim and final
opinions or orders in the following types of cases because they are held to be
confidential for good cause pursuant to section 3(b) of the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act and sections 309.1 and 309.2 of the Corporation's rules and regu-
lations:
(1) Determinations of whether to approve or disapprove an application of a
State or territorial nonmember bank for deposit insurance. (Sec. 5 of the Fed-
eral Deposit Insurance Act; 12 U.S.C. 1815.)
(2) Determinations of whether an Insured bank has continued unsafe or
unsound practices or permitted violations of laws or regulations and whether the
insured status of a bank shall be terminated. (Sec. 8(a) of act; 12 U.S.C.
1818(a).)
(3) Determinations of whether an insured trust company is doing deposit
banking and, if not, to terminate its insured status. (Sec. 8(c) of act; 12
U.S.C. 1818(c).)
(4) Determinations of whether the Corporation should make a loan to, pur-
chase the assets of, or make a deposit in, an insured bank to prevent its closing,
or permit it to resume business when its operation is essential to provide ade-
quate banking services. (Sec. 13(c) of act; 12 U.S.C. 1823(c).)
(5) Determinations of whether a loan should be made on the security of, or
to purchase, any of the assets of a closed insured bank. (See. 13(d) of act;
12 TJ.S,C. 1823(d).)
(6) Determinations of whether a loan or purchase will reduce the risk or
avert a threatened loss to the Corporation and facilitate a merger or consolida-
tion of two insured banks or the sale of the assets of an insured bank to and the
assumption of its liabilities by another insured bank. (See. 13(e) of act;
12 U.S.C. 1823(e).)
(7) Determinations of whether an insured bank may merge with a noninsured
bank or institution, assume payment of any liabilities of a noninsured bank
or institution, or transfer assets to any noninsured bank or institution in
consideration of the assumption of insured deposits. (Sec. 18(c) of act; 12
U.S.C. 1828(c).)
PAGENO="0166"
438 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
(8) Determinations of whether to permit a conversion, merger, consolidation,
or assumption when the capital stock and surplus of resulting nonmember insured
bank are thereby diminished. (Sec. 18(c) of act; 12 U.S.C. 1828).)
(9) Determinations of whether a State nonmember bank may reduce or retire
any amount of its capital stock, notes, or debentures. (Sec. 18(c) of act; 12
U.S.C. 1828(c) .)
(10) Determinations of whether a nonmember insured bank may establish
a new branch or move its main office or branch. (Sec. 18(d) of act; 12 U.S.C.
1828(d).)
(11) Determinations of whether any person who has been convicted of any
criminal offense involving dishonesty or a breach of trust shall be permitted to
serve as a director, officer, or employee of an Insured bank. (Sec. 19 of act;
12 U.S.C. 1829.)
(12) Determinations of whether a State nonmember insured bank may extend
its corporate or charter powers. (Sections 333.2 and 303.6 of rules and regula-
tions.)
(13) Determinations of whether to permit a bank to continue or resume in-
sured status. (Sections 327.2(c) and 303.7 of rules and regulations.)
(14) DetermInations of whether to permit use of other than official sign or
ex~empt1on from advertising requirements. (Sections 328.1(b), 328.2(a), 328.2
(c) (2),and (2) (10), and 308.8 of rules and regulations.)
In connection with then adjudicatory powers of the Corporation, It may be
of interest to the C~inmlttee to note the following excerpt from the monograph
of the Attorney General's Committee on Administrative Procedures relating to
Federal control of banking, the Comptroller of the Currency. and the Federal
DepoSIt Insurance Corporation, at page 42, Part 13 of Senate Document No. 186,
76th Congress, 3d session (1940):
The value of banking and of the public interest In banks shape the pro-
cedural aspects of banking supervision in forms different from those en-
countered hi other branches of administrative regulation. By reason of
the fact that few banks operating at a profit can, upon demand, pay off
their depositors in cash, there has been traditionally a policy of with-
holding from the public all information which, either with or without jus-
tification, might provoke a depositors' run on a bank. Accordingly, deposi-
tors are not expected to exercise an informed individual judgment concerning
the soundness of the bank in which they have deposited their funds, but must
rely upon the vigilance and competence of the supervising authorities.
As a corollary, the exercise of supervisory powers over banks has tradi-
tionally been attended by a secrecy antithetical to the publicity which
marks most regulatory activities.
In view of this reasoning and for the reasons noted in the opening general
comments, most of the opinions and orders relating to determinations in the
above types of cases are, in the opinion of the Corporation, for good cause held
confidential, and therefore are not cited as precedents~ However, each week
there is published a news release by the Corporation which summarizes selected
weekly actions of the Board of Directors of the Corporation which affect the
status of commercial and mutual savings banks. These published actions are:
(1) Approved applications for Federal deposit insurance.
(2) Approved applications for consent to establish branches.
(3) Approved applications for consent to change bank location.
(4) Approved applications for consent to exercise trust powers.
A1~o published in this weekly news release are notice of applications received
for consideration and approved applications for consent to consolidate, merge,
or purchase assets and assume liabilities under section 18(c) of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act. Denials of the above applications are not published for
the general information of the public, since it is believed that the resulting harm
to the banks and depositors outweighs the public's need to know of the denials.
However, such denials and decisions in proceedings to terminate the insured
status of a bank are, of course, furnished to the bank and the appropriate super-
visory authority in accordance with sections 308.12 and 308.14 of the Corpora-
tion's regulations. In addition, notice of decisions in the adjudication of other
cases is mailed to the bank and the appropriate supervisory authority in accord-
a flee with section 803.11 of the Corporation's rules and regulations.
On August 20, 1964, Public Law 88-467 was enacted into law, providing that
the powers, functions, and dnties vested in the Securities and Exchange Com-
mission to administer certain registration, reporting and disclosure provisions
PAGENO="0167"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RE:CORDS LAW 439
of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 be vested in the Corporation with
respect to securities issued by insured State banks which are not members of
the Federal Reserve System. In general, the statute imposes four requirements
on insured State nonmember banks having assets of at least $1 million and a
minimum of 750 stockholders. (The minimum number of stockholders will be
reduced in the future to 500.) These reporting requirements are: (1) The filing
of an initial registration statement containing information of a financial, legal,
administrative, and historical nature; (2) the filing of supplemental and amenda-
tory documents to the original registration statement, as well as annual and
periodic reports; (3) the submission, before use, of proxy information, and
(4) the filing by certain stockholders, directors and officers of a monthly report
listing changes in their security holdings~ Pursuant to the provisions of this
new law and consistent with its purpose and intent, the Corporation has forniu-
lated and adopted implementing rules and regulations. Part 335 of those regula-
tions provides that all information filed with the Corporation pursuant to the
new statute will be available for public inspection at the central office of the
Corporation in Washington, D.C. This information will also be available for
public inspection at each of the Federal Reserve banks throughout the 12 Federal
Reserve districts.
Question 5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents in other proceedings?
As indicated in the answer to question 4, the Board of Directors endeavors to
be consistent and uniform in deciding matters by applying the same principles
and standards in similar situations. Practically all adjudieatlon~ of the Corpora-
tion are based on matters to be decided in the particular case, and are decided
on a case-by-case basis. As a result, and because certain opinions and orders
of the Board of Directors are held confidential for good cause, those orders and
opinions are not cited as precedents. (See section 300.2 of the Corporation's
rules and regulations.)
In this connection, it should be noted that, pursuant to section 18(c) of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended in 1960, the Annual Report of the
Corporation contains a description of each merger, consolidation, acquisition of
assets or assumption of liabilities approved by the Corporation during the re-
ported calendar year. Each of these published descriptions contains the name
and total resources of the bank involved, a summary report of the Department
of Justice and the reasons for and basis upon which the Board of Directors of
the Corporation made the particular approval.
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and files, interpretations, and legal opinions of your agency?
There are no set or established procedures available to the general public
whereby the records and files of the Corporation .can be examined or obtained.
(See opening general comment and answer to question 4.) Interpretations for-
mulated and adopted by the Corporation for the guidance of the public are
published in the Federal Register. (See answer to question 2d.) However,
advisory interpretations and legal opinions relating to a specific set of facts are
available to members of the public upon written request to the Corporation.
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to the general public, either by statute, rule or practice?
In order to protect records and information relating to insured banks, the
Corporation has prescribed regulations relating to confidential and privileged
records and information of the Corporation pursuant to sections 7(a) (1) and
(2) and 9 Tenth of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. (See also the related
statutory provisions and case law precedents cited in the opening general
statement.)
Section 300.1(a) of the Corporation's rules and regulations provides as follows:
(a) Confidential information and records. All files, documents, reports,
books, accounts, and records (collectively referred to as "records" in this
section) pertaIning to any bank, or the internal operations and affairs of the
Corporation, in the possession or under the control of the Corporation or
any officer, employee, or agent thereof, Including but not limited to (1) re-
ports of examinations or investigations of any bank, (2) applIcations, state-
ments, and reports to the Corporation by any bank, (3) proceedIngs for the
termination of the insured status of any ba~k, or (4) the internal operations
of the Corporation, including minutes of the meetings of the Board of Direc-
tors and authorized committees and exhibits filed therewith, and all facts
or information contained in such records or acquired by the officers, em-
PAGENO="0168"
440 FEDEBAL PUBLIC EECO'RDS LAW
pioyees, or agents of the Corporation in the performance of their official
duties (collectively referred to as "information" in this section) are conil-
`dential and privileged.
Disclosure of such confidential or privileged records by any officers, employees,
or agents of the Corporation is prohibited except as provided in the regulations
of the Corporation (sec. 809.1(b) (1)). The Chief of any Division of the Corpora-
tion may furni~h any records or information in his custody, other than records
enumerated (1), (2), (3) `and (4) above `and information acquired in reference
thereto, to any State or Federal governmental agency for its official use, and to
any other person with a substantial interest therein where the release or dis-
closure to such person is not detrimental or prejudicial to the bank or person
from whom the records or information was obtained or received nor contrary
to public interest (see. 309.1(b) (1) (1)).
The Ohief of the Division of Examination may furnish to any bank copies of
any reports of examination or investigation of such bank and other information
pertaining to its affairs with the understanding that `such records or information
shall under no circumstances be made public in any manner (`see. 300.1(b) (1)
(ii)). The Chief of the Division of Examination may also furnish to `the Comp~
trol'ler `of the Currency, to any Federal Reserve bank and to `any commission,
board, or authority having supervision of a State bank which i's not a member
of the Federal Reserve System and in certain circnmstances to the successor
agency of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, copies `of reports of examina-
tion and other information pertaining to insured banks which are not members
of the Federal Reserve ~ysteni for use in the exercise `of their `official duties with
the understanding that reports of examination or information shall under no cir-
cmust~ux~es be disclosed or made public in any manner (see. 309,1(b) (1) (iii)).
The Chief of the Div,ision of Examination ~ay ,als~ furn~sh to any official of the
Department of Justice or any State prosecuting authority any inform~tion re-
garding defalcations, burglaries, or robberies affecting insured banks when there
is urgent need for immediate action (sec. 309.1(b) (1) (iv)).
The Chief of the Division of Research and Statistics may furnish to the Comp-
troller of the Currency, to any Federal Reserve bank and to any commission,
board, or authority having supervision of a State bank which is not a member of
the Federal Reserve System copies of reports of conditi'qu made by insured banks
with the understanding that the contents of such reports shall under no circum-
stances be made public except in the publication of general statistical reports
(see. `800.1(b) (1) (v)).
The General Counsel of the Corporation may disclose to the proper Federal or
State prosecuting authorities any and all records and information relating to
irregularities discovered in open and closed insured banks believed to constitute
violations of any Federal or State statute (sec. 309~1(b) (1)'(vi)). The General
Counsel may also authorize the production of any record, the disclosure of any
information `and the giving of any testimony with respect thereto by any officer,
employee, or agent of the Corporation upon any proceeding, hearing, or trial, civil
or `criminal, in any Federal or State court `or before any administrative board,
commission, `or committee, on behalf of or at the request of the Corporation, the
United States, or State prosecuting `official or the bank or person from whom
such `confidential or privileged records or information was received or obtained
(see. 300.1(b) (1) (vii)).
The Chairman of the Board of Directors may authorize the production, exami-
nation, or inspection of any records or the furnishing of copies thereof or the
disclosure of any information or may direct the General Counsel or the Chief
of any division to refuse to permit the production, examination, or inspection of
any records, or this furnishing of copies thereof or the disclosure of any inforina-
tion if he shall find such action to be in the best interest of the Corporation and
consistent with the public interest (sec. 309.1(e))' `t'he Board of t~irectors or
the Chairman thereof may from time to time authorize and direct the publica-
tion for public distribution of information `and data compiled from the records of
the Corporation (see. 309.1(f)).
Question 8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your
agency required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not
published in the Federal Register?
None.
Question 9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any function of the United St ates requiring
secrecy in the public interest pursuant to section 3(1) of the ~PA or other
authority?
PAGENO="0169"
FEDEItAL PUBLIC R13~CORDS LAW 441
None, since information from the Corporation Is not restricted upon security
grounds. Section 2(a) of Executive Order 10561 of November 5, 1953, provIdes
that in those departments and agencies having no direct responsibility for na-
tiOnal defense there shall be no authority for original classification of information
or material.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from pub-
lishing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency
management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the APA or other authority?
The following rules are not published by the Coporation for the general
Information of the public since they relate solely to the internal management
of the Corporation:
(1) Travel regulations
(2) Leave regulations
(3) Instructions on reporting working time and attendance
(4) Performance ratings
(5) Incentive award guides
(6) Manual of Examination Policies
(7) The Auditor's Manual
(8) Other internal instructional guides for Corporation personnel such
such as (6) and (7) above
(9) Budgetary rules
(10) Security regulations
(11) Approval of official travel
(12) Order of approval of overtime and transportation reqtiests
(13) Standards of conduct for officials and employees of the Corporation
(14) Employment Policy I~egu1ations.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in
section 3(e) of the APA?
The Corporation has not attempted to formulate or adopt a definition of
"official record" as that phrase is used in section 3(c) of the Administrative
Procedure Act. Part 300 of the rules and regulations of the Corporation con-
tains a general description of materials which would fall within the phrase
"matters of official record" as that phrase is used in the act. Within this
framework, "matter of official record" of the Coporation can be defined as:
All files, papers, reports, books, accounts, statements, transcripts, exhibits,
rules, regulations, Interpretations, opinions, letters, minutes of meetings,
applications, ratings, decisions, appointments, and other documents pertain-
ing to any banking organization, or the affairs, duties, responsibilities, and
internal operation of the Corporation, in the possession or under the con-
trol of the Corporation or any officer, employee, or agent thereof.
If there Is any additional information on this matter we can furnish, please
let us know.
Sincerely yours,
JOsEPH W. BARR, Chairman.
Riirrx FRON FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK BOARD
FEDERAL HoME LOAN I3ANE BOARD,
Washington, DXI., March, 12, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
(Yka/irman, Bnbeommittee on Foreign Operations and Government Information,
Conrmittee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mu. CHAIRMAN: This is in reply to your letter of February 12, 1965,
requesting this Agency's response to 11 questions with respect to section 3 of
the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, (5 U.S.C. 1002), the Public Infor-
mation section. In response to your request, I am designating Mr. George
Murphy as the official with whom liaison can be maintained. Mr. Murphy can
be reached by telephone on code 129, extension 3994.
For purposes of clarity, I will deal with the subcommittee's questions in
the order which they were posed. The numbered paragraphs correspond to
your numbered questions.
1. Generally speaking, 5 U.S.C. 1002, applies to all functions of the Board in
the administration and enforcement of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12
U.~S.O. 1421 et seq.), the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 (12 USC. 1462
PAGENO="0170"
442 FEPERM4 PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
et seq.) ftnd'Title IV of the Natiomil Housing Ac~ (12 U.S~C. 1724 et seq.) not
e~cepted by section .1002. Specific functions of the Board to which section 3 of
the APA would be applicable would be in connection with the chartering and
regulation of Federal savings and loap associations and, through the Federal
Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, the regulation of certain aspectS of the
operations of institutions insured by the Corporation. The 12 Federal Home
Loan Banks are, as you know, subject to the jursidiction of the Board. The
Board establishes policies, issues regulations, and supervises the operations of
these Banks and, in connection therewith, is subject to the requirements of
the Administrative Procedure Act. The APA, however, is inapplicable to the
Banks in theIr dealings with their member institutions.
2. With respect to question 2, subdivision (a) through (d), the Board utilizes
the Federal Register and, in addition, publishes a manual and pamphlet copies
of its rules and regulations for distribution to interested persons. The pamphlets,
copies of which are attached, are freely distributed, The manual is Issued on a
registered basis and a copy has previously been furnished the committee. The
most recent description of the central and field organization of the Board (APA,
§ 3(a) (1)) was adopted by the Board on September 23, 1964 and published in the
Federal Registerc~n October 1, 1964 (29 F.R: 13544). Statements of the general
course and method by which the Board's functions are channeled and determined
(APA § 3(a) (2)) appear in the Board's General Regulations (12 CFR, Pt, 501
et seq.), the regulations for the Federal Home Loan System (12 CFR, Pt. 521
et seq.), the Rules and Regulations for the Federal Savings and Loan System
(12 OFIt, Pt, 541 et seq.), and the Rules and Regulations for Insurance of Ac-
counts (12 CFR ~Pt 561 et seq.).
With respect to subdivisions (o) and (d) of question 2, the substantive rules
and statements . of general policy or Interpretation adopted by the Board are
published in the Federal Register promptly upon adoption by the Board. Both
regulations and Board rulings are, of course, incorporated in the pamphlets and
the manual hereinabove referred to. Insofar as subdivision e, is concerned, I
know of no instance in which the Board has adopted rules addressed to and
served upon named persons. Further, section 3 of the Administrative Procedure
Act does not require the publication of any such rules.
3. The Board does not publish final opinions or orders in the adjudication
of cases. However, section 505.13 of the General Regulations of the Board (12
CFR, 505.13) provides for public inspection of all final opinions or orders in the
adjudication of cases at the Office of the Secretary, Federal Home Loan Bank
Board, Federal Home Loan Bank Board Building, 101 Indiana Avenue, NW..
Washington, D.C. 20552.
4. Section 505.14 of the Board's General Regulations (12 CFR 505.14) permits
the classification of interim and final opinions and orders as confidential only
by the Baord or its designee. As hereinabove indicated, Interim and final orders
are not published but, in accordance with Administrative Procedure Act § 3(b),
are made available for public inspection. The instances in which the Board has
classified final opinions or orders as confidential have generally been limited to
cases where the Board has not held a hearing or other public proceeding prior
to the issuance of its order. Thus, if a Federal association applies for a branch
office and for supervisory reasons relating to the condition or affairs of the insti-
tution the application is denied, the order would be treated as confidential.
5. Question 5 relates to the circumstances under which unpublished opinions
and orders are cited or used as precedents in other proceedings. The Board does
not cite or use as precedents unpublished opinions or orders of the Board in other
proceedings.
6. and 7. Question 6 deals with the procedure for making available to the gen-
eral public the records and files, interpretations and legal opinions of the agency.
Question 7 is concerned with the limitations placed upon the availability of
records and files to the general public. Insofar as interpretations and legal
opinions are concerned, they are customarily made available on request and, if
of general applicability, they are always made available. Limitations are placed
upon the availability of records and files to the general public both by statute
and by regulation. As you are aware, section 1905, title 18, U.S. COde, provides
as follows:
Whoever, being an officer or employee of the United States or of any depart-
ment or agency thereof, publishes, divulges, discloses, or makes known in any
manner or to any extent not authorized by law any information coming to
him in the course of his employment or official duties or by reason of any
PAGENO="0171"
FET~E~EiAL PUJ3L~tO RECORDS i~w 443
examination or investigation made by, or return, re~Ort or record made to or
filed with, such department or agency or officer or employee thereof, which in-
formation concerns or relates to the trade secrets, processes, operations, style
of work, or apparatus, or to the identity, confidential statistical data, amount
or source of any income, profits, losses, or expenditures of any person, firm,
partnership, corporation, or association; or permits any incoule return or
copy thereof or any book containing any abstract or particulars thereof to be
seen or examined by any person except as provided by law; shall be fined
not more than ~ll,OOO, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and shall
be removed from office or employment.
In carrying out its responsibilities, it is, of course, Incumbent upon the Board
not only to avoid any violation of the law but to conduct its activities in a
manner consistent with the intent of the law. The Board is responsible fo~
the examination or regulation, directly or indirectly, of some 4,500 financial
institutions. As a result, the Board's records contain confidential informa~
tion relating to specific institutions. Under these circumstances, the Board's
general regulations provide for the confidential character of its records in
section 505.12 (12 CFR 505.12), as follows:
SncTIoN 505.12. CoNFxnzNTt~ oHAnAcTEn.-The giving out of any such
records or information, or documents relative thereto, by any of the persons
referred to in sections 505.10 and 505.11 is held to be contrary to public policy
by reason of its privileged and confidential character invctving delicate and
sensitive matters relating to the condition and affairs of financial institutions
and not to be permitted. In all cases where any such documents or records,
or copies thereof, are desired by, or on behalf of, any private party, or
parties to a suit, whether in a court of the United States or any other, such
information or copies shall be furnished only upon the written authoriza-
tion or approval of the Board, or such person or persons as may be author-
ized by it to grant such authorization or approval.
8. In response to your question 8, I do not believe that private parties deal-
ing with the Board are required in any manner to resort to organization or pro-
cedure not published In the Federal Register. As previously stated in response
to question 2, the Board utilizes the Federal Register to promulgate descrl~~
tions of Its central and field organizations, statements of the general course
and method by which its functions are channeled and determined and substan~
tive rules and statements of general policy.
9. The only instance in which the Board has refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved a function of the United States requiring secrecy In
the public interest is in connection with the Emergency Preparedness Regula-
tions for Continuity of Government. These regulations, while in existence, will
not be effective unless.a need for their utilization arises.
10. In connection with internal agency management, there is no publication
In the Federal Register of regulations governing personnel security, regulations
concerning the Board's personal management system, adopted in accordance
with criteria prescribed by the Bureau of the Budget, and Chairman's orders
(which have the character of regulations), adopted under various reorgani-
zation plans. To the extent, however, that the Chairman's orders have an
effect upon the public dealing with the agency, such orders are published in
accordance with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act.
11. Your 11th question deals with the Board's definition of the term "official
record" as used in section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act. As herein-
above indicated, the Board's records are declared by section 505.12 of the
General Regulations (12 CFR 505.12) to be confidential. The rea5onn for this
confidentiality are set forth in the answer to question 7. The Board has no
definition of the term "official record," as such. In each Instance when per-
sons properly and directly concerned seek access to specific records, a determina-
tion is made by the Board whether to release the records in question.
In accordance with your request, two copies of the Board's general regula-
tions, the regulations for the Federal Home Loan Bank System, the rules and
regulations for the Federal savings and loan system, the rules and regulations for
insurance of accounts and the most recent statement of the organization and
functions of the Board are enclosed.
Sincerely,
TOHN E. Honwu, Chairman.
PAGENO="0172"
PAGENO="0173"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RE;CORDS LAW 445
6-7. The precedure for making available to the general public the records and
files of this agency and the limitation placed upon this availability is governed
by rule 502.5 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure which provides;
"(a) The files and records of the Commissicu, except those held by the Com-
mission for good cause to be confidential, shall be open for inspection and copying
as follows:
"(1) Tariffs and agreements flied with the Commission pursuant to stat-
ute or rule or order of the Commission may be inspected and copied during
business hours in the Commission's offices at Washington.
"(2) All pleadings, depositions, exhibits, transcripts of testimony, excep-
tions, and briefs in any statutory proceeding befOre the Commission may be
inspected and copied at the Washington office of the Commission. Available
volumes of Federal Maritime Commission reports may be purchased from
the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. Copies of individual decisions may be secured from the Commission
upon request, or may be examined in the regional offices of the Commission.
"(3) Other files and records may be inspected and copied in the discretion
of the Commission upon written request to the Secretary describing in detail
the documents of which inspection is desired, and setting forth the reasons
therefor.
"(b) Orders, rules, rulings, opinions, and decisions (initial, recommended,
tentative, and final) may be inspected at the Washington office of the Commission,
except those held by the Commission for good cause to be confidential and not
cited as precedents."
8. Private parties dealing with this Commission are not required to resort to
organization or procedure not published in the Federal Register.
9. This Commission has bad no occasion to refrain from publishing rules in
the interest of secrecy required by the public interest.
10. No circumstance has arisen in which this Commission has had to refrain
from publishing rules on any matter relating to internal agency management.
11. In formal proceedings, the pleadings, transcripts of testimony, exhibits, and
all documents received in evidence or made a part of the record are matters of
"official record."
I wish to express my appreciation in having been afforded the opportunity to
assist the subcommittee in its evaluation of section 3 of the Administrative
Procedure Act, Should any additional information be desired you may be
assured of our full cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
JOHN HAELLEE,
Rea~r Admirai, U.S. Ywy (Retired), Chairnuzn.
R~rLr FROM MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE
FEDERAL MEDIATION AN~ CONCILIATION SERvICE,
Washington, D.C., March 15, 1965.
Hon. JouN Fl. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information Subcoin'mSttee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN Moss: This will reply to your February 12, 1965, letter by
providing answers to the 11 questions posed regarding the availability of
information from Federal departments and agencies.
Such additional information as may be needed by the committee may be ob-
tained through my designated liaison representative, Mr. Willoughby Abner,
special assistant, code 100, extension 3511.
Answers are provided in the numerical sequence used in your letter.
1. The provisions of 5 U.S.C. 1002 are applicable to the sole function of this
Service, which is one of providing assistance to parties involved in the settle-
ment of labor-management disputes. Because of its small size and unilateral
function, the usual definitions pertaining to division, bureau, branch, and unit
are not applicable within the scope of your inquiry.
PAGENO="0174"
44& I~ED1~RAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
~ 2.: (a) (1) Amendments~ d~1etions, or addjtjo~ are pub1jsJ~ed in. the F~dera1
Rogiater,, as needed, Code ~f Federal Regulations (29 CFR, ch. XII, pt.
1401-1404)
(2) Annual report to the Congress (available to the public). (A copy of the
annual report for fiscal year 1968 is enclosed A copy of the 1964 annual report
will be submitted as soon as it is received from the printer.)
(b) (1) Code of Federal Regulatjo~~ (29 CFR ch XII, pt 1403)
(2) U.S. Government Organ~jza~io~ Manual. Published annually.
(3) Pamphlet: `Pacts Behind the Headlines in Labor~Manage~0~~ Disputes,"
1961 (a copy of the pamphlet Is encloSed).
(c) Code of Federal Regulati~n~ (29 CFR oh XII pts 1402-1404)
(4) (1) Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR ch XII pts 1402-1404)
(2) Pamphlet Facts Behind the Headlines in Labor Management Disputes
1961.
(3) Pamphlet: "Answers to Your Questions About the Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service," 1961 (a copy of the pamphlet is enclosed).
(e) None-not applicabl~~
3. Not applicab1~_the Service issues no interim Opinions or orders; mediation
is a voluntary process.
4. Not applicable.
~l. Not applicable.
6. (a) Section 1401.4 of the Service's regulation provides, in part (29 CFR,
ch. XII, pt. 1401); "IV. Disp~t5 n~ot4ces are nOnoonfldentjaZ~.Wrltten notices
of disputes received pursuant to section 8(d) (3) of the Labor Management Rela
tions Act 11)47 as amended are not confidential records of the Service Parties
at interest have the right to receive certified copies of such notice of dispute upon
written request to the reglonaj director of the region in which the notice is
filed."
(b) Arbitration awards in cases administered through the Service are re-
leaue4 for publication by the three major services (Bureau of National Affairs
Commerce Clearing House and Prentice Hall) provided that the parties and. the
arbitrator advise the Service that there is no objection to such publication The
decision as to publication of such cases Is made in each instance by the editor of
the services to which such cases are released Arbitration awards as to which
the parties and the arbitrators do not object to publication may be inspected in
the Office of the General Counsel by any person having a leg1tim~te interest in
such Inspection, until such time as they are disposed of in accordance with the
regulati~~5 governing the disposition of outdated files.
7 Section 14013 of the Services Regulati~~ (29 CFR ch XII Pt 1401) pro
vides that all files, reports, letters, memoranda, documents, or other papers in
the official custody of t~ie Service or any of its employ~~ relating to or acquired
in its or their official activities under title II of the Labor Manageme~~ Relations
Act; 1947, as amended, are declared to be "confidential" for good cause shown.
The confidentiality of such information is based on the public po1lc~ requiiing
that in order successfully to effectuate the Services mission Commissioners and
employees must maintain a reputation for impartiality and integrity which in
turn rests upon the confidence of labor and management, or other interested par
ties, that information disclosed to Commissioners or other employees of the
Service will not subsequently be divulged.
8. None.
9. None.
10. None.
11. All documents, forms, and reports related to a labor dispute in which tl~e
Service has received due notice, request, or statement implying that the personal
services of a Federal mediator may be needed; written evidence that a mediator
has been assigned to provide assistance mediator reports on his activity and
participation and the report indicating that his asslgim~en~ has been concluded
Sincerely,
Wintx.a~ B. Siinciw, Director.
PAGENO="0175"
FEDERAL PUBLIC `RECORDS LAW 447
REPLY FRONr FEDERAL POWER Oo~MIssIoN
P~O~RAL Po~nRCoM~n5~IOw,
Washington, ~ Mare/v 12,1965.
Hon. JOHN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ~ubcoovnvittee, Com-
mittee on Government Operations-, JIomse of Representatives.
DSAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: In further response to your letter of February 12, the
following are our answers to the questions there asked with respect to the pub-
lic availability of information in the Federal Power Commission.
1. Generally, the provisions of section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act
(5 U.S.C. 1002) are applicable to all Federal Power Commission functions'.
There are no constituent units of the Commission to which the section does not
apply.
2. The several items referred to in this question are published as follows:
(a) Description of organization published originally in the Federal Register
of September 11, 1946, 11 P.R., pt. 2, p. 487 (18 CFR, 1946 supp., pt. 01). The
latest complete revision was issued April 30, 1962, published in the Federal
Register of May 4, 1962 (27 P.R. 4276) and rec~dif1ed in 18 CFR, pt. 3, where it
is continuously available. Amendments or revisio~vs are similarly published as
occasion demands, e.g., § 3.1 amended and § 3.7 added by order No. 259, issued
December 21, 1962 (27 P.R. 12927, 28 FF0 1097, 18 OFR 3.1, 3.7).
(b) A statement of the course and method of operation was published Sept.
11, 1946, 11 P.R., pt. 2, p. 489 (18 OFR, 1946 supp., pt. 02). RevIsions or
amendments are published as described above, in the Federal Register, the
FPC reports and the OFR.
(o) The term "substantive rule" is not defined by the Administrative Procedure
Act. However, either notice of the adoption or the full text of all rbles affecting
the public are published in the Federal Register as adopted. See 18 C1~R 1.36
re public access to opinions, orders and rules. In addition, all Commission opin-
ions, all rules and orders of general applicability and many of its orders, both
final and interlocutory, are published In the Federal Power Commission Reports
(FF0) which include tables and indices. This publication presently consists of
29 permanent bound volumes and 8 monthly preliminary prints which contain
permanent pagination. All of the foregoing are available to the public, upon
issuance and upon request, in the Commission's 0±11cc of Public Information in its
Washington office.
(4) Statements of general policy or interpretation are published in the Federal
Register, as and when adopted, and are codified in 18 CFR, part 2. They are
also published in the FPO Reports describe4 above in (e).
(e) Insofar as rules addressed to and served upon named individuals are
final orders they are published or otherwise made available as described in (o),
above. Procedural orders such as orders to show ea~ise, ordém~ instituting In-
vestigations, orders firing date of hearing, and Ord~r~ of a "nbtice" nature are,
as a mile, published in full in the Federal Registeratid often, as'well, in the FPO
Reports.
3. In accordance with published rule (18 CFR 1.36 (b)), all final and interim
opinions and orders in the adjudication of cases and in rulemaking proceedings
are released to the public immediately upon Issuance in the Commission's Office
of Public Information. In addition, the Commission issues, for convenience
only, a list of formal documents issued which includes all orders, rules, opinions,
interim decisions, notices, and interlocutory orders (setting for hearing, or on
motions, etc.) issued on a particular day. This list is available upon request
and a mailing list therefor is maintained. A mailing list of persons desiring to
receive the Commission's opinions is likewise maintained and mailing lists tied to
Individual cases or doekets by virtue of which a person is sent all of the formal
documents issued during the course of a particular proceeding.
4. The Commission has not withheld publication of any opinions or orders on
the ground that they should, for good cause, b~ held confidential.
5. As noted above, all Commission opinions are printed (published) in the
FF0 Reports. Although every Commission order Is not so printed, all are avail-
able for public inspection upon issuance. Consequently, every order or opi~lau
cited or used as a precedent is available to the public in either printed or other
form.
PAGENO="0176"
448 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
6. The Commission's rules relating to public and other records, 18 CFR 1.36
(c), (d), provide, in general, that all matters of official record shall be available
for public reference. These include all matters flied with the Commission under
the provision of any order, rule, or regulation, as well as matters embodying offi-
cial Commission action, including all the docket records relating to public pro-
ceedings. To the extent that legal interpretations and Opinions are contained in
staff memoranda which have never been approved by the Commission, they are not
tiormally available to the public unless issued for public consumption by order of
the Commission.
7. By statute, Federal Power Act, section 301(b); Natural Gas Act, section
8(b), information obtained during examination of books and accounts of respond-
ent companies may not be divulged by members, officers, or employees of the
Commission, except as directed by the Commission or a court. By 18 CFR 1.36(c)
the Commission's public records are available for public reference. By 18 CFR
1.36 (d), other records are not available except upon good cause shown. The
Commission may, by order, direct that they be disclosed upon application.
8. No circumstances have been brought to the Commission's attention in which
private parties have had to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register and/or the CFR.
9. The Commission has no unpublished rules or regulations of general
applicability.
10. None of the Commission's rules relating to internal management and house-
keeping, issued as administratire orders or instructions, are published.
11. FPC rules do not define "official record," as such. However, 18 CFR
l.36(c) lists 12 categories of material which, for all practical purposes, corn-
pri~es "matters of official record" referred to in section 3(c) of the Administrative
Procedure Act.
T~ansrnitted herewith are two copies of those two sections of the Commission's
Rules of Practice and Procedure which implement 5 U.S.C. 1002. The basic rule
is in sections 1.96 and 1.1(f) defines the terms therein used.
The foregoing, I believe, is completely responsive to the questions asked but If
the subcommittee desires any further information do not hesitate to call upon us.
Sincerely,
JO5~r~ C. SWIDLER, Uhairmaa.
REPLY FROM FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE
FEDEJ~AL RE5m~vE SYSTEM,
Wa$hington, D.C., March 15, 1965.
flon. 1011N E. Mo~s,
Chairman, Foreign Oper4tj~ and Governm~ Inf o~mat ion S~bcom~ajttee, (3cm-
m4ttee on Governn~t QperGtjon8, Honse of R8prese,vtatjvee, Wc~.s*ington,
D.C.
DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This Is In response to your letter dated February 12,
1965, advising that the Foreign Operations and Government Information Sub-
committee is in the process of determining the extent to which Federal depart~
ments and agencies are making information available to the public pursuant
to section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002). In order
to evaluate the effect of section 3 of the act on the extent to which information
has been made available by departments and agencies, you have asked that the
Board respond to a Series of questions set forth in your February 12 letter.
The Board's responses to your questions are set forth below, each immediately
following the numbered question or series of questions to which it relates.
1. Generally, to what functjon~ of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002 apply? Are
there any divisions, bureaus, branc~hes, or other Constituent units of your agency
to which the section does not apply?
The Board Construes the provisjQns of 5 U.S.C. 1002 (hereinafter "section 3
of the act" (Administrative Procedure Act)), as applying to the entire range
of lts functions, which relate to credit and monetary policy determinations and
to bank supervision and regulation.
There are no divisions, bureaus, branches~ or other Constituent units of the
Board to which section 3 of the act does not apply.
PAGENO="0177"
FEDERAL PUBLIC BECORDS LAW 449
2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals, does your
ageiicy publish?
(a) Descriptions of its central ançl ~1eld organization (see sec. 3(a) (1)
of the Administrative Procedure Act).
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions
are channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute).
A description of the Board's organization and statements of the general course
and method by which the Board's functions are channeled and determined are set
forth in the Board's Rules of Organization and Procedure, publication of which
is he:reafter discussed, and are generally described in the U.S. Government Orga~
nization Manual, the official organization handbook of the Federal Government.
There is not any predetermined interval at which the aforesaid description and
statements are published by the Board. Broadly stated, pursuant to the require-
ments of section 3 of the act for current pi~blication, the Board effects publica-
tion of section 3(a) (1) material as follows: At such times as there occur change~
in the general course and method by which the Board's functions are channeled
and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal or in-
formal procedures, forms, and outstanding instructions, these changes are pub-
lished in the Federal Register as amendments to the particular rule affected. As
these amendments cumulatively represent a major revision in the Board's rule,
the total of such amendments is published in the Federal Register as a revision
to the rule. Thus, specific amendments to the Board's Rules of Organization and
Procedure were published in the Federal Register at various intervals from 1940
through 1901. Effective December 15, 1961, the Rules of Organization and Pro-
cedure were wholly revised to include the amendments previously made and pub-
lished, and also to change certain procedural provisions to reflect more clearly
and accurately then current practices. The revised rules were published in the
Federal Register.
As revised, the Board's Rules of Organization and Procedure are divided into
four separate rules, as follows:
(1) Rules of organization~
(2) Rules regarding information, submittals, and requests,
(3) Rules of procedure, and
(4) Rules of practice for formal hearings.
Rules (2), (3), and (4) above, currently appear, respectively, as parts 201,
262, and 203 of title 12, Code of Pederal Regulations. The Rules of Organization,
rules (1) above, setting forth the Board's composition and location, identifying
the makeup of its organization, and setting forth briefly the nature of the Board's
functions, are published in the U.S. Government Organization Manual, the official
organization handbook of the Federal Government. The Rules of Organization
and Procedure are also available in pamphlet form at the Board's otilce or through
the 12 Federal Reserve banks. Amendments in these rules occurring subsequent
to the last-mentioned major revision have been published In the Federal Register
and are reflected in appropriate provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations
and the Government Organization Manual as revised June 1, 1964.
2(c). Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see sec. 3(a) (3)
of statute).
As applied to the Board, "substantive rules adopted as authorized by law"
are represented almost exclusively by the Board's regulations as to which the
Board follows the rulemaking procedures set forth in section 4 of the act as to
giving notice of published rulemaking, affording interested persons an opportunity
to participtte in the rulemaking function, and the giving of required prior notice
of the effective date of such rule. Once adopted, regulations are published In
the Federal Register and, in due course, appear in the Code of Federal Regula-
tions. They also are published in pamphlet form available t~ the public.
Adopted or amended regulations also appear as promptly as possible following
Board action in the Board's Federal Reserve Bulletin, a monthly publication.
Promulgation of a new' regulation or an amendment to an existing regulation is
at times accompanied by the issuance of a press release ezplaining the nature
and purpose of the Board's action. Finally, a record of Board actions in respect
to promulgation of new regulations or amendments of existing regulations is
contained in the Board's annual report transmitted to the Speaker of the House
of Representatives pursuant to the requirements of section 10 of the Federal
Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 247).
2(d). Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and `adopted
by the agency for the guidance of the public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute).
45-213-- 65-pt. 2----12
PAGENO="0178"
450' FEDERAL PUELIO R~JORDS LAW
Statem~nt~ o*f general policy ~r interpretations formulatecl~and ad'o~ed by the
Board for the guidance of the public are publie]aed initially in ~ the Federal
Register and later in thëOede of Federal Regulations. Federal Register publica-
tion oceure a~ soon after Board action as practicable. The fact and content of
Board Interpretations, rules, and certain policy statements receive further pnblic
dissemination by appearance in the Board's Federal ReserVe Bulletin and by
publication in printed looseleaf form in `a volume of Published Interpretations of
the Board. The Published Interpretations were originally compiled and pub-
lished as of January 1, 1961, and contained the full text `of then currently eftective
interpretations and rulings issued by the Board since October 1, 1937, as well
as digests of certain additional interpretations and rulings published before that
date. The volume of Pixblished Interpretations has been kept current by means
of supplements issued at yearend 1961 and 1962, and most recently by a supple-
ment issued in July 1964 wbi~h included published interpretations, rulings', and
related actions of the Board through March 31, 1964.
2(e). Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with
law (see sec. 3(a)(3) of statute).
As' `a genreal rule, the Board does not publish in any official or unofficial publica-
tion "rules addressed to and served upon named persons In accordance with law."
Section 3(a) (3) of the act exempts such rules from the requirement of separate
statement and current publication. The Board's reliance on this exemption, is
premised upon a judgment that publication of such rules might be detrimental
to a particular bank or to individuals concerned.
3. Please describe the manner in which your agency publishes, or, in accordance
with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final and interim
opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, purnuant to section 3(b) of the
Administrative Procedure Act, or other authority.
In its adjudication of cases the Board does not utilize a procedure involving
interim or tentative opinions, decisions, or orders. As to final orders of the
Board, the manner in which these are published differs with the nature of the
adjudication, the following examples bei~ng generally representative of the method
of publication employed. Your attention is directed to the fact that the term
"adjudication of cases," as applied to the Board's function's, relates almost
exclusively to Board process respecting the grant, denial, renewal, withdrawal,
limitation, extension, or modification of a license or similar permission.
Purenant to section 3(a) of the Bank HoMing Company Act of 156 (1,2 U.S.C.
1842(a)), the Board's prior approval must be, given to `the formation of a bank
holding company and to action's propoaed by an established bank holding com-
pany that would result in the expansion of its holding company system. Section
18(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurahee Act, as amended (1,2 U.S.C. 1828(c)),
requires the Board's prior written consent to certain bank mergers, consolida-
tions, assets acquisitions, or assumptions of liabilities. Board action, either of
approval or denial, on an application filed pursuant to either of the above pro-
visions of law is publ1sh~d in the following manner: Following Board action on
an application, there is issued a press release announcing `the action, accompanied
by a copy of the Board's order and statement in support thereof. If there are
dissenting statements of individual Board members, copies of the dissenting
statements accompany the press release, Board order, and statement. In each
case the order is published in the Federal Register. The pubjished order is
accompanied by the statement that copies of the Board's statement, and any
dissenting statements, are on file at the Office of the Federal Register, and are
available at either the Board's office or the Federal Reserve bank in the district
where the applicant is located. The materials accompanying the aforementioned
press release are published also' in the Board's monthly bulletin.
Tn respect `to certain applications, public hearings are conducted by hearing
examiners selected afld design&ted by the Civil Service Commission. In such
cases the hearing examiner's report and recommended decision, filed with the
Board prior to the Board's final action on the application, is also distributed
to the public and published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin. It should be noted
that the monthly issues of the bulletin are published in paperback form and,
subsequent to yearend, are bound in a single volume. These bound volumes
are numbered consecutively, Identified by date, an'd are made available to the
public. Board actions in regard to applications having unusual significance or
interest are also summarized or commented upon in the Board's annual report.
Additional selected examples of applications received whereby Board approval
is requested are applications (1) for membership in the Federal Reserve System
PAGENO="0179"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 451
pursuant to `section 9 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S~O. 321); (2) for with-
drawal from membership in the system (12 U.SC. 328); (3) for the establish-
ment of a domestic 1~rancbby a State member bank pursuant to section 9 of the
Federal Reserve Act (12 tLS~Q. 321); (4) to carry reduced reserves pursuant
to section 19 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 462) ; (5) for the establish-
ment of an oversea branch pursuant to section 25 of `the Federal Reserve Act (12
U.S.C. 601); (6) for the organization of, or investment in, a corporation doing
foreign banking pursuant to sections 25 or 25(a) of the Federal Reserve Act
(12 U.S.C. 601 and 611) ; and (7) for a general voting permit pursuant to section
5144, Revised Statutes (12 U.S.C. 61).
In respect to the several types of applications mentioned above, the fact of
the Board's receipt thereof and, in addition, the fact and nature of the Board's
action thereon are made known to the public in a weekly 11.2 list published by the
Board. The 11.2 list shows the names and locations of institutions involved, the
date of receipt of an application and its nature, and the date and nature of
the Board's action on the application. The Board also makes known through a
published weekly K.3 list the fact and effective date of consummation of certain
of the proposals first identified in an 11.2 list.
4. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing interim
and' final opinions or orders where, In the opinion of your agency, good cause
requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
The only type of case adjudication as to which the Board would refrain from
publishing notice of its action, either in the form of an order or otherwise,
would be a proceeding conducted pursuant to section 30 of the Banking Act of
1933 (12 U.S.C. 77) for the removal of directors and/or officers of State member
banks. Section 30 expressly forbids disclosure to the public of the Board's order
or of the findings of fact upon which such order is based.
5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and. orders cited or used
as precedents in other proceedings?
There have been no proceedings in whleh the Board has had occasion to cite
or use as a precedent unpublished opinions and orders relating to an earlier
proceeding. It is conceivable, however, that~ a need for such citation or use
might arise. For example, in a section 30 adjudication (see answer to question
4, sm~pra) facts that might be in issue in a pending proceeding could parallel
in major respects facts that bad been the subjeç~t of a previous section 30
adjudication by the Board. In such a case, the Board's action in the earlier
case, reflected in an unpublished order, might reasonably be cited or used as
a precedent in the later proceeding. In such a case, the respondent in the later
proceeding would be given ample notice of the Board's intention to use Its earlier
action as a precedent, and would be afforded full opportunity to challenge the
applicabilty of the precedent cited, or to otherwise argue againut use of such
precedent.
6. What is the procedure for `making available to the general public the records
and files, interpretations and legal opinions of your agency?
A general description of the procedures whereby certain of the Board's
records such as interpretations, opinions, orders, ~nd other materals are made
known and available to the public has been given In answers to other questions.
As to Board records and files generally, the same are made available to the
general public pursuant to the Board's rules regarding information, submittals,
and requests (12 CFR 261), and the Board's rules of procedure (12 CFR 262).
Briefly summarizing certain of the more salient provisions of these rules,
matters of official record are made available to persons properly and directly
concerned through the office of the secretary. Under the secretary's direction
and supervision, the records section has responsibility for maintaining custody
of and providing reference service to official records of the Board. Matters of
official record such as published Board orders, statements, and interpretations
are available for studying and copying in the Board's office during regular
business hours. Also available for similar purposes are the administrative
records of public proceedings or hearings conducted by the Board. Upon
request, arrangements can be made for the reproduction at the Board's office
of these public records.
Within the Board's Division of Administrative Services there is operated a
publications services unit that has the responsibility of furnishing to the public
Board publications and published Information and data. The materials handled
by publications services are made available either on specific request or through
PAGENO="0180"
452 EIIaERAL PUBLIC RECOr~s LAW
Use of currently maintained mailing lists. Information as to available publica-
tions and published information, including the Federal Reserve Bulletin, the
Board's regulations, rules of organization and pvocednre, and pUbilshe~j in-
terpretations, is set forth in the Federal Reserve Bulletin.
Two members of the Board's official staff are assigned the responsibilty of
facilitating the furnishing to and interpretatjo~ for the press and the public
matters of public interest occurring in the course of the Board's performance
of its functions. Board members, members of the off1ci~l staff, and other author-
ized employees daily transmit to the public through various communication
media portions or summaries of and views on the Board's official records.
T. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and files to
the general public, either by statute, rule or practice?
The limitations which the Board has placed upon the availability to the gen-
eral public of Its records and files are set forth in the Board's Rules Regarding
Information, Submittais, and Requests (12 CFR ~61.2). The principal classes
of records and files as to which public access Is limited are as follows:
(1) Information covered by specific legal prohibition against disclosure.
Thus, public disclosure of findings of fact and orders issued lU Proceedings
for the removal of directors or officers of member banks is expressly tot-
bidden by Section 30 of the Banking Act of 1983.
(2) Information with respect to the determination of credit and monetary
policies in the national monetary field, premature disclosure of which could
very well play into the hands of speculators or public groups with a resulting
disruption of markets. Federal Reserve actions relating to discount rates,
reserve requirements, margin requirem~~~~, and like matters have, in par-
ticular, a direct effect on financial markets.
(3) Confidential Information obtained by the Board In the discharge of
its supervisory function.
Authority for nondisclosure of the categories of information referred to above,
and more fully described in the Board's Rules Regarding Information, Submit-
tals, and Requests, is based upon the Provisions of sectIon 8 of the Administra.
tive Procedure Act which permit nonpublic~tlon and nondisclosure of any in-
formation to the extent that it involves functions requiring nondisclosure in
the public interest or matters which for good cause found are held confidential.
In addition, as earlier mentioned, section 30 of the Banking Act of 1933 ex-
pressly provides that the Board's order and findings of fact in any proceedings for
the removal of directors or officers of member batiks shall not be made public or
disclosed to anyone except the director or officer involved and the directors of
the bank involved. The Board of Governors is authorized by statute to make
rules and regulations necessary to enable it effectively to perform Its dutIes
and functions or services (12 1LS.C. 248(1)). Except as provi~e~ by law,
employees of the United States are prohibited by statute (18 U.S.C. 1905) from
disclosing financial or business information regarding particular persons or
institutions.
Pursuant to authority granted by statute, the Board has promulgated rules
relating to the maintenance of the confidential character of System affairs.
In respect to employe~~ who are authorized to handle classified defense material,
the Board has issued "Regulatjon~ Relating to the Safeguarding of Defense
Information."
The foregoing summary reflects the limitations which have been placed by
statute, rule, or Practice on the availability to the general public of the Board's
records and files.
8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency re-
quired In any manner to resort to organization or procedure not Published in
the Federal Register (see section 3(a) of the APA)?
The Board believes that its procedures for making public its Rules oct Orga-
nization and Procedure, including but not limited to publication oct the same in
the Federal Register, are calculated to apprise the public adequately of existing
requirements in dealing with the Board. In no known circumstances have pri-
vate parties dealing with the Board been required to resort to organizati~~ or
procedure not published in the Federal Register pursuant to section 3(a) of
the act~ On the other hand, there have been numerous occasions when, in the
interest of facilitating a course of action initiated by a private party dealing
with the Board, the Board has excused failure to comply with published orga-
nizational or procedural rules.
PAGENO="0181"
]!EDEBAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 453
9. In what types of eases has your agency refrained from publishing roles
where there Is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy In
the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Applying to the word "cases" a broader meaning than that generaUy applied
in the context of the provisions of the act, th~ Board has refrained from publish-
ing rules In regard principally to actions taken in the course of formulating
and determining discount rates, reserve requirements, margin requirements,
and similar actions calculated to have a direct effect on financial markets. The
Board's action in refraining from publishing rules incident to the foregoing
functions is taken pursuant to section 3(1) of the act.
10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing rules
where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency management,
pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other authority?
The Board has followed what it has construed to be the intent of section 3 of
the act in refraining from publishing rules of internal management and opera-
tion not affecting the members of the public to any extent. Rules relating to
the organization of the Board's staff, the assignment and designation of staff
responsibilities and functions, and general housekeeping functions, including
budget procedures, are considered to be purely matters of internal management
and operation, and thus to be exempt from the publication requirement of section
3 of the act.
11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in section
3(c) oce the Administrative Procedure Act?
As related to the Board's functions, the term "official record" refers to and in-
cludes all materials in the Board's possession save those relating to the internal
operation of the Board.
Pursuant to your request for two copies of every regulation, directive, order, or
other document issued by the Board to implement section 3 of the act, two copies
of the following documents are enclosed:
1. Board's Rules of Organization and Procedure
2. Board's Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Defense Informa-
tion.
3. Board's Rules Relating to the Maintenance of the Confidential Char-
acter of System Affairs, etc.
Many of the publications hereinbefore discussed exemplify the steps taken by
the Board in implementing the directives of section 3 of the act. Most illustrative
of this implementation are believed to be the following documents, published at
or for the dates noted, two copies of which are enclosed :, the Fiftieth Annual
Report of the Board, covering operations for the year 1963; the February 19135
issue of the Federal Reserve Bulletin; a reprint from the December 1904 Federal
Reserve Bulletin containing a list of all Federal Reserve Board publications;
the Board's 11.2 list reflecting applications received, or acted on by the Board
during the week ended March 6, 1965; and the Board's K.3 list reflecting con-
summation of various proposals by State member banks as of the week ended
March 6, 1965.
Should your subcommittee desire other of the documents herein mentioned
than those enclosed, upon request copies of such documents will be furnished.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) WM. MoO. MARTIN, Jr.
REPLY FROM FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
FEDERAL TRADE CoMMIssIoN,
Washington, DXI., Merely 22, 1965.
Hon. Joux E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ~ubcovvm%ttee, Com-
mittee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Ma. CHAIRMAN: This letter replies to your request for answers to a ques-
~ionnaire which you transmitted to me on February 12, 1965. In accordance with
the last paragraph of your letter, there are attached hereto two copies of the
publication "Organization, Procedures, Rules of Practice, and Statutes" of the
Federal Trade Commission. The volume was published in August 1063 and is
available on request from the Government Printing Office. The same material
has been published in the Federal Register at the time it was adopted.
PAGENO="0182"
4~4 h~E1~ERAL ~TThLXCEP~1OR1~S LItW
The .quésti~éus w~il& you posed do not seem to inquire `what other means the
Commission might ado~it to bring to the attention of. interested parties its proec-
d'ures; opinions, arders~ and general ~5etivity. The Commission constantly issues
press notices of its opinions and orders and copies of the documents themselves.
At all times, official statements, opinions, orders, interpretations, and the like
are available to the public at the information counter of the Commission's docket
room. In addition, a series of "Advertising Alerts" are published to call atten-
tion to certain cases recently decided by the Commission, and a newsletter is
circulated to a mailing list to apprise the public of specific actions which the
Commission has taken in the recent past.
The Commission, acting in the public interest, is constantly attempting to
inform both professional counsel and the lay public of its activity.
Your questions and my answers are attached.
PAUL RAND DIxoN, Chairman.
Question 1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches or other constituent units of
your agency to which the section does not ~tpply?
Answer. Section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act, entitled "Public In-
formation," cited in your letter as 5 U.S.C. 1002, applies to all Federal Trade
Commission functions. There are no divisions, bureaus, branches, or other con-
stituent units of this agency to which the section does not apply.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish:
(a) Descriptions of Its central and field organization (see see. 3(a) (1) of
the APA);
(b) Statements of the. general course and method by which its functions are
channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute)
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see sec. 3(a) (3) of
statute)
(d) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and adopted
by the agency for the guidance of the public (see see. 3(a) (3) of statute)
and
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with law
(.see see. 3(a) (3) of statute)?
Answer. (a) This agency published its description of all its organization in
its baste manual in August 1963. Two copies are transmitted herewith. See
pages 1 through 6. Copies of this volume are available from the Government
Printing Office. The, basic material was also published in the Federal Register
and from time to time, when changes or additions might be made, such changes
and additions are likewise published.
(b) See answer to question (a) above. See also manual pages 7 through 32.
(o) This agency promulgates substantive rules In aceordance with authority
granted by Congress In the following acts: Section 6, Wool Products Labeling
Act of 1939, 54 Stat. 1131, 15 U.S.C.A. 68d; section 8(b), Fur Products Labeling
Act, 65 Stat. 179, 15 U.S.C.A. 69f; section 5(a), Flammable Fabrics Act, 67 Stat.
112, 15 U.S.C.A. 1194; sectIon 7(e), Textile Fiber Products Identification Act,
72 Stat. 1721, 15 U.S.C.A. 70e. The rules, when promulgated, are published in
the Federal Register and in pamphlets, and are announced by press releases to
the trade and public. Every known member of the affected industries is mailed
an Individual copy of the rules. They are also published in the Code of Federal
Regulations.
(d) In the event statements of policy for the guidance of the public were to
be promulgated they would, in accordance with Rule 1.182(4) of the General
Procedures of the Commission, page 27 of the manual, be published in the
Federal Register. In addition press notices would be distributed to the public
and to those most interested therein. Copies of the statements would be made
available on request to the Secretary and at the information counter of the
Commission's public docket room. Rule 1.132(4) of the General Procedures
also provides that administrative interpretations be published in the Federal
Register. The additional methods mentioned above would also be used.
(e) This agency does not use a method which involves the type of rule here
envisioned.
Question 3. Please describe the manner In which your agency publishes, or,
in accordance with published rule, makes available to public inspection, all final
PAGENO="0183"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 455
and interim opinions or orders in the adjudication of cases, pursuakt to section
3(b) of the ~,dminlstrativ~ Procedure Act or other authority,
Answer, "The decisions of the Commission in adjudicative proceedings and
in proceedings disposed of by the entry of consent orders to cease and desist
and texts or digests of selected advisory opinions are published periodical1~V
in official reports under the title `Federal Trade Commission becisions'." The
rule here quoted is 1,132, public information, subparagraph (3), page 2~ of the
manual. IntOrim and final orders are also published in the Federal Register.
Slip copies of opinions and orders are also available on request when the orders
originally issue and are always available in the public docket room. Texts or
digests of selected advisory opinions have not yet, at the time of this writing,
been published.
Question 4. In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing
interim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. It has not yet been necessary to issue an order or opinion which is
retained in camera for cause.
Question 5. In what circumstances are enpublished opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents in other proceedings?
Answer. In no circumstances.
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general public
the records and files, interpretations, and legal opinions of your agency?
Answer. For records and files generally, see answers to questions 7 and 11.
The records and files of this agency are, by statute and subject to the discretion
of the Commission, confidential. A procedure for the release of confidential
information is provided in rule 1.134 on page 28 of the manual.
Interpretations are published in the Federal Register in accordance with rule
1.132(4). See also answers to questions 2(c) and 2(d) above.
Legal opinions are published in accordance with rule 1.132(3). See also an-
swer to question & above.
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to the general public, either by statute, rule, or practice?
Answer. (a) The Commission is limited by the Federal Trade Commission Act
in its power to make available its records and files to the general public, as
follows:
SEC. 6. That the Commission shall also have power-
* * * * * * *
(f) To make public from time to time such portior~s of the information
obtained by it hereunder, except trade secrets and names of customers, as
it shall deem expedient in the public interest * * ~" (15 tT.S.C.A. 46(f)).
(b) The members of the Commission individually and the menTbers of the
stafe are limited by the Federal Trade Commission Act as follows:
Sno. 10. Any officer or employee of the Commission who shall make public
any information obtained by the Commission without its authority, unless
directed by a court, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon con-
viction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $5,000, or by im-
prisonment not exceeding 1 year, or by fine and imprisonment, in the
discretion of the court.
(C) There is also a rule making Commission information confidential, as well
as a rule describing procedure for the release of such information. Rule 1.133
describes Commission information and establishes that a portion of It, described
in rule 1.132, shall be considered public without further determination. Other
information is available in the discretion of the Commission if application is made
for its release under the provisions of rule 1.134. See pages 26, 27, and 28, of
the manual.
(d) As a matter of practice, the Commission exercises its discretion with re-
gard to confidential information in its possession, its investigatory, and internal
records and files, to the end that the greatest possible disclosure, consistent with
prudence, good judgment, and reasonable care to avoid injury to private persons,
may be made to Interested members of the public. Public interest is the con-
trolling element In the exercise of such discretion.
QuestionS. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency
required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act)?
PAGENO="0184"
456 FEDERAL PUBLIC EJIXJORDS LAW
Answer. Private parties dealing with this agency are not required in any man-
ner to resort to organ1za~~~ or procedures not published in the Federal Register.
Question 9. In what tyj~e~ of cases has your agency refrained ftom ~ubllshing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
ill the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Answer. In all cases in which this agency has made rules pertaining to any of
its functions, excepting matters of internal management (see the answer to
question 10), such rules have been published.
Question 10. In What circumstances has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any matter relating Solely to internal agency
management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or
other authority?
Answer. Section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act makes an exception
from publication of those rules which concern any matter relating solely to the
internal management of an agency. This agency has issued instructions to Its
staff in a number of areas concerned with internal management. They are:
Managem~n~, budget and finance, general services, personnel, and special instruc-
tions. Special instructions pertain to the preparation and routing of Internai
paperwork. All these instructions in these areas are contained in this agency's
administrative manual, which is distributed throughout bureau and division
offices of the Commission for use by all of the staff.
In the general category of personnel instructions, the agency has established
grievance and appeal procedures. These may be construed to be rules. While
these rules have been circulated among the staff members who are affected, or
Who may be affected, the Commission has refrained from publishing them to the
public at large.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in
section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Aflswer. This agency has not adopted a specific definition of the term "official
record." It considers all its acquired information to be matters of Official
record. However, not all of these matters are public, nor are all of them
required to be by the Administrative Procedure Act. The agency has provided
by rule that many of the matters are public without further determination, and
the remaining matters upon proper application and in the public Interest may be
disclosed to the public or properly interested persons. See rules 1.132 through
1.134, pages 26, 27, 28, of the manual. Statutory limitations on disclosure are
observed. See sections 6 and 10 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C.A.
46, 50. The Commission does not consider the following as matters of official
record: materials relating to internal manageme~f and personnel, personnel
actions, internal memorandums and reports by employees and individual Com-
missioners which reflect study, research, and analysis of acquired facts.
REPLY FROM FOREIGN CLAIMS SEITLEMENT COMMISSION
FommIoN CLAIMS SETTLEMnNP COMMI55i~~
or pun UNIPED SPATES,
Washington, DXL, March 15, 1965.
Hon. Jo~w E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Governmeat Information S~ubcommjttee Com-
mittee on Goiernme~ Operations, Hoit~ø of Eepresenta,tjveg
ITJRAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: In response to your letter of February 12, 196~, con-
cerning the Study by your subcommittee on the availability of information from
Federal depar~ents and agenci~~ under section 3 of the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002), the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission
submits the following answers to your questions, Should questions arise with
respect thereto, they should be directed to Mr. Andrew T. McGuire, general
counsel, code 128, extension 3125.
1. The functions of the Commission are performed in their entirety pursuant
to specific Statutory grants of authority to receive and determine certain claims
of nationals of the United States for certain property losses in foreign countries.
These functions are performed solely by the three Commissioners, who are
appointed by the President by and with the Consent of the U.S. Senate.
PAGENO="0185"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 457
Under the grants of authority the Commission is authorized to prescribe such
rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Regula-
tion~ established pursuant to the statutes are discussed and approved by the
Commission itself at regular Commission meetings, are published in the Federal
Register and become effective upon such publication. These regulations are
entirely procedural or interpretive in nature. Covered therein, are matters
regarding the time when and the limit of time within which claims may be
filed, the receipt, administration and establishment of standards for the exam-
ination of claims and granting of awards, conduct of hearings, submission of
evidence at hearings and related matters pertaining to the process of disposing
of claims.
The Commission is not a public regulatory agency and its rules and regula-
tions do not affect the public at large. Under the language of the statutes which
it administers authorizing the issuance of rules and regulations, the Commission
is not absolutely required to issue such rules and regulations, with the possible
exception of notice of the period of time within which claims must be filed.
They are designed for the convenience of the Commission and claimants before
the Commission and to give order and direction to the work of the Commission.
An example of the general grant of authority to prescribe rules and reg-
ulations is found in sectIon 2(b) of the War Claims Act of 1948, as amended
(62 Stat. 1240: 50 U.S.C. App. 2001-2016), which provides as follows:
(b) The Commission may prescribe such rules and regulations as may be
deemed necessary to carry out its functions, and may delegate functions to
any member, officer or employee of the Commission.
A similar provision is contained ~n section 3(c) of the International Claims
Settlement Act of 1949, as amended (64 Stat. 12; 22 U.S.C 1621).
Typical of the authority of the Commission regarding claims filing periods,
is the following provision of the War Claims Act of 1948, as amended by Public
Law 87-846, approved October 22, 1962 (76 Stat. 1107 (1962) 50 U.S.C. App.
2017). Therein it is stated:
Sue. 210. Within sixty days after the enactment of this title or of leg-
islation making appropriatiqns to the Commission for payment of admin-
istrative expenses incurred in carrying out its functions under this title,
whichever date is later, the Commission shall give public notice by publica-
tion in the Federal Register of the time when, and the limit of time within
which claims may be filed, which limit shall not be more than eighteen
months after such publication.
2. (a) Descriptions of the Commission's central and field operations are
published In the Federal Register: U.S. Government Organization Manual; and
semi-annual reports to the Co~igress.
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which the Commission's
functions are carried out are generally published in the Commission's semi-
annual reports to the Congress.
(c) Substantive rules are not macic and issued.
(ci) Statements of general policy or interpretations required only at congres-
sional hearings or in response to specific requests.
(e) Rules governing the general decisional process are published in the Fed-
eral Register. Rules are furnished directly to specific parties in question. Since
these rules are applicable for internal guidance only, public notice is not required.
3. Rules governing the availability for public inspection of opinions and orders
are merely administrative determinations designed for the implementation of
Bxecutive Order No. 10501, November 5, 1953. The Commission maintains pub-
lie dockets of claims. Notice of the issuance of decisions on claims are posted
on a public bulletin board and the decisions are available for public inspection
upon request.
4. The Commission does not issue Interim or final decisions in any cases which
are held to be confidential. All proposed and final decisions and opinions are a
matter of public record and are available for inspection upon request.
5. The Commission does not utilize unpublished opinions or orders in any of its
proceedings.
6. The records and files of the Commission are not made available to the
general public. Files on particular claims are available for inspection only by
the claimant involved therein or his authorized representative. Legal opinions
and decisions are available to the general public in the offices of the Coinmi~
sion and upon request and payment of minimum charge for duplication services
copies of such opinions and decisions aie furnished
PAGENO="0186"
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS i~w 459
6. The procedure varies somewhat, under the pr~scribeU rules, for the kind
of records involved-current GSA records (41 CFR 101-12.101-4), records in the
National Archives (41 CFR 101-7.101, 101-7.104), records in Federal records
centers (41 CFR 101-9.103), records in Presidential libraries (41 OFR 101-10.102,
101-10.202, 101-10.302, 101-10.402), and records for contract appeals (41 4J11'R
5-60.209). Copies of these rules are attached. Basically, the procedures require
the applicant to request specified records of a designated official and to explain
his interest. The official weigb~ the matter and, if he denies access, explains
why to the applicant. Provision is also made for copying and authenticating
records at the request of the applicant.
7. As shown in the attached rules, certain limitations are placed on the avail-
ability of records to persons otherwise properly concerned. Current GSA records
thus exclude those relating solely to internal management or requiring non-
disclosure In the public interest (41 OFR 101-12, 101-3). National Archives
records are subject to restrictions imposed by law, Executive order, the trans-
ferring agency, or the Archivist In Restriction Statements (41 CFR 101-7.101-3,
101-7.101-4). Records in Federal records centers are subject to restrictions
imposed by the agency whose records are involved, the GSA Regional Adminis-
trator, law, or regulations pertaining to the centers (4~ C1~'R 101-9.103). Records
in Presidential libraries generally are subject to restrictions imposed by deposi-
tors, the Archivist, law, Executive order, or where disclosure would prejudice
national interest or security (41 CFR 101-10.101-2, 101-40.202-4, 101-10.302-4,
101-10.042-2), Appeals case records exclude those relating solely to internal
management, confidential by law, security classified, or where otherwise not in
the public interest (41 CFR 5-60,209(e)).
8. None,
~. None.
10. Personnel managemen~ matters, and ancillary matters related to published
rules where these matters concern agency procedures on filing, distribution, re-
veiwing, preparation, and the like.
11. All books, papers, maps, photographs, or other docthnentary materials,
regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by any agency
of the U.S. Government in pursuance of Federal law or in connection with the
transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by
that agency or Its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions,
policies, decisions, procedures, operations, of other activities of the Government
or because of the informational value of data contained therein. Library and
museum material made or acquired and preserved solely for reference or ex-
hibition purposes, extra copies of documents preserved only for convenience of
reference, and stocks of publications and of processed documents are not in-
cluded within the ~1efinition of the word "records." (41 CFR 101-11.101-3,
101-12.101-1).
Records, for contract appeal cases only, include, but are not limited to, docu-
ments, papers, books, and letters (41 CFR 5-60.209(d)).
The GSA directives for implementing 5 U.S.C. 1002 are GSA Order DOA
5410.1, CIIGE 114, September 11, 1964, particularly paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 13b and
15; GSA Order ADM P 2800.1, CHGE 47, October 29, 1904, particularly § 5-60.209
of the attachment (published in the Federal Register of Nov. 4, 1954, p.
14930); arid Federal Property Management Regulations Amendment No. B-i,
December 22, 1964, particularly the sections appearing in the attachment which
are cited in answer to questions 6 and 7 (which sections were published in the
Federal Register of Dec. 8, 1964, p. 16797 et seq.),
There is also enclosed Federal Procurement Regulations Amendment No. 5,
December 22, 1964, the attachment to which was published in the Federal Regis-
ter of December 29, 1964, page 18477. The latter attachnient together with the
attachments to GSA Order ADM 2800.1, ORGE and Federal Property Manage-
ment Regulations Amendment No. B-i, Illustrate the cardinal regulations of
GSA, viz the Federal Property Management R~gulatious, the Federal Procure-
ment Regulations, and the Geperal Services Administration Procurement
Regulations.
Two copies of these documents are enclosed as requested.
PAGENO="0188"
PAGENO="0189"
FEDEBAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 461
3.100 et seq.) URA r~Ies and regulations other than those dealing with reloca-
tion payments do not affect the public but inste~td l~ave g~neral application only
to state and local governmental bodies or their instrumentalities with which URA
enters into contractual relationships.
Program guides and information sheets describe procedures applicable to
particular programs.
2(d). Statements of general policy or interpretations for the guidance of the
public appear in the Federal Register (see citations under sections 2(a) and
2(c), supra), and the Urban Renewal manual.
Manuals, program guides, and information sheets are available for all Agency
programs to acquaint prospective applicants with administrativ~ interpretations
and details.
It should be noted that a majority of Agency programs do not involve dealing
with "the public" but with State and local governmental bodies and their instru-
mentalities, i.e., local housing authorities (PHA), and local urban renewal au-
thorities (URA). As to such programs the provisions of section 3(a) (3) of the
Administrative Procedure Act would appear to be inapplicable (see Attorney
General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act (Department of Justice,
1947) 22).
2(e). Not applicable to our functions, which are contractual, rather than regu-
latory.
3. It is assumed that the information requested relates to adjudications re-
quired by statute to be determined on the record after opportunity for Agency
hearing (5 U.S.C. 1004). This Agency has no adjudicatory functions of this
nature.
4. None.
5. None.
However, URA. has made numerous rulings in connection with relocation
claims which have been collated for use as precedents in the interpretation of
relocation regulations, Arrangements are. now being made to disseminate these
interpretations to local public agencies so as to assure uniformity of interpreta-
tion throughout the country. Certain basic interpretations of the relocation
payment regulations have already been assembled in an Urban Renewal Service
Technical Guide which has been distributed to local public agencies and is also
available for distribution to any interested person on request.
URA and PHA, in deciding issues that arise in administering the urban
renewal and public housing programs, apply criteria, standards, and principles
which are set forth in written material furnished directly to local public author-
ities in the form of manuals, bulletins, handbooks, circulars, and similar publi-
cations.
6. It is Agency policy to make records and files fully available to the general
public upon request except as explained in our answer to question 7. With
respect to PITA practices see 24 CFR 200.185, 186. PHA regulations pertaining
to this question are contained in 24 CFB 1500.1 et seq.
Certain documents relating to urban renewal projects are specifically re-
quired to be made available to the public. For example, section 105(e) of title
I of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, requires a local public agency to make
publte certain information relating to a prospective redeveloper prior to the
execution of a contract or understanding for the disposition of project land. This
requirement is implemented by section 14-4-1 of the Urban Renewal Manual
which requires the publication of a redeveloper's statement for public dis-
closure in a local newspaper. Another example may be found in section 16-1 of
the Urban Renewal Manual, which requires that a local public agency make the
"relocation program" for an urban renewal project available at its office to any
interested groups or individuals during a certain period prior to the public hear-
ing on the project. The requirement contained in section 105(d) of title I
prohibiting acquisition of land for an urban renewal project until after a p~bl1c
hearing has been held by the local public agency, also provides the public with
access to Information pertaining to each urban renewal project,
FNMA operates on the principle of complete disclosure of all material infor-
mation to all persons actively or prospectively interested in the corporation.
Complete disclosure means the disclosure of all information germane to the trans~
action at hand, revealed in accordance with generally accepted corporate practices.
For example the corporation makes prompt and timely publication to all con
tractors (and to noncontractors upon request) in connection with-
(1) changes that occur in standard requirements for doing business
with the corporation The corporation also uses newspaper dissemination
PAGENO="0190"
462 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
to in~form the public generally of mortgage price changes and other develop-
ments affecting the ope~at1ohs oi~ the corporation;
(2) changes that occur in the financial condition of the corporation's
operations (all financial statements on FNMA's operations are a matter of
public record); and
(3) newly adopted programs, such as the recent creation of the Gov-
ernment mortgage liquidation trust.
Copies ot' typical FNMA publicatious iii each of these catogories are enclosed.
7. The availability of agency records to the general public Is limited by the
provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1905, 12 `U.S.C. 1701d-3(d), 5 U.S.C. 139b; and ExOcu-
tive Orders 10450, 10501, and 10561.
Title 18 U.S.C. 1905 forbids the disclosure of information which. relates to
"trade secrets, processes, operations, style of work, or u4paratus, or to `the identity,
confidential statistical data, ~amount or Source ot~any income, profits, Ioss~s, or
expenditure of any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association." This
statute appears to prohibit generally making available to the public credit ratings,
investment holdings, and other matters involving the personal and financial
affairs of applicants, contractors, and others. It also appears to prohibit di~-
closure of financial statements or information relating to operating technique,
maniffaOtiiring ~h~ocë~ses secret Or confidential devices, plans, or formulas and
other secret or confidential data furnished by an applicant, borrower, grantee,
or contractor except to the extent authorized by law or as n result of appropriate
principles of statutory construction as exemplified by 41 Ops. Att'y Gen. 166
(1953).
Title 12 tT.S.C. 1703d-3(d) provides that the Rousing and Home Finance
Administrator, in undertaking housing research, is authorized to request and
receive "such information or data as he deems appropriate from private individ-
uals, organizations, and other public agencies." However, "any such informa-
tion or data shall be used only for the `purposes for which It is supplied, and
no publication shall be niade by the Administrator whereby the Information or
data furnished by any particular person or establishment can be Identified, except
with the consent of such person or estab1i~bment."
Title 5 U.S.C. 139b, section 4 of the Federal Reports Act of 1942, provides that,
when information obtained in confidence by one Federal agency is released by that
agency to another Federal agency, the provisions of law relating to the unlawful
disclosure of that information apply to the second agency to the same extent as
the first.
Executive Order No. 10450 (18 P.R. 2489' (1953), reprinted in Federal Per-
sonnel Manual Supp. 99G-I, p. Il-iT), dealing with security requirements for
Government employment, provides that reports and other investigative materials
and information shall remain the property' of the investigative agencies conduct-
ing the investigation, but may, subject to considerations of the nation security,
be retained by the department or agency concerned; and that such reports and
other Investigative material and Information shall be maintained in confidence,
and no access shall be given thereto, except with the consent of the investigative
agency concerned, to other departments and agencies conducting security pro-
grams, as may be required for the effIcient conduct of Government business~
Executive Order No. 10501, as amended (18 P.R. 7049 (1953)), which author-
izes the classifying of defenSe information or material by specified categories
of agencies and Ia certain ways, provides that knowledge or possession of classi-
fied defense information shall be permitted only to persons who, official duties
require such access in the interest of promoting national defense and only if
they have been determined to be trustworthy. It also prohibits the dissemination
of classified Information outside the bxecutive branch except under conditions
and through channels authorized by the head of the disseminating agency. Also,
in general, it prohibits the dissemination of classified defense information origi-
nating in another agency without the consent of the originating agency.
The Civil Service Commission, acting under the authority of Executive Order
No. 10561 (19 P.R. 5963 (1954); also in Federal Personnel ]~anual Supp. 990-1,
p. 11-25) has issued inStructions to agencies to control the review of restricted
material in official personnel folders, including examination papers and other
material attached to applications, and medical documents. See Federal Per-
sonnel Manual, chapter 23, section 2-5.
The great majority of papers in agency operation files concern preliminary
processing of applications. Most of these materials are not matters of official
record and are, therefore, not generally available to the public. For e±ample,,
PAGENO="0191"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RE:CORDS LAW 463
URA files might contain acquisition or disposition appraisals of property or the
contents of certain market or economic studies. Premature disclosure of these
materials could have an adverse effect on program operations. Files also contain
intra-agency reports and recommendations and other internal memorandums
involving the exchange of preliminary views, as contrasted to action by author-
ized officials.
Investigative reports and preliminary unreviewed au it reports are not gen-
erally disclo~ed to the public. Such reports contain raw nd unevaluated investi-
gative material, including the napies of persons furnisbi g the Information. On
many occasions such information is obtainable only in strict confidence. Fur-
thermore, these reports reflect research and analysis w ich is only preliminary
to formal agency action which will result in an official re ord.
8. Private parties deal directly with this agency only o a very limited extent.
URA and PHA deal directly with State and local gover mental bodies ap~d their
instrumentalities. To the extent that CPA program (e.g., college housing,
housing for the elderly) involve dealing with the pu lie, such programs are
covered in the Federal Register (44 CFR 701.1 et seq.). All PHA programs are
d~scribed in the Federal Register (24 CFR 200.1 et seq.)
The OA has delegated most of its operational pro ram authorities to the
Oommissioners who head the constituent units of the gency (OFA and URA).
However, there are four operating programs in the OA hich require discussion.
The Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 (49 U. .C. 1601-10) authorizes
loans and grants to States or local public bodies or agencies. Thus, private
parties are not involved in this program. Informati ii is made available to
participants through information and fact sheets, prog am guides, and manuals.
The mass transportation demonstration grant prog am (42 U.S.C 1453(h);
49 U.S.C. 1605) authorizes the Housing Administrate to undertake research,
development, and demonstration projects in all phases f urban mass transporta-
tion, which demonstrations will assist in the reductio of urban transportation
needs, the improvement of mass transportation servic , or the contribution of
such service toward meeting transportation needs at inimum cost. Althotigh
there is no statutory limitation on the parties with bich the Administrator
may enter into contracts, it has beOn administratively etermined that contracts
should be entered into only with public bodies or a encies. As in the other
transportation programs, full information about the program is available to
potential participants.
The low-income housing demonstration program (4 U.S.C. 1436) authorizes
grants for the purpose of developing and demonstrating new and improved theans
of providing housing for low-income persons and famili a. The statute authorizes
the Administrator to contract with public oi~ private odies or agencies; it has
been administratively determined that private indivi uals are not eligible for
grants. Although there has been no publication in he Federal Register con-
cerning this program, there has been wide circulati n of the Program Guide
which describes the program. Each grant is announc d publicly and there has
been substantial newspaper publicity about the progr in. Procedures to be fol-
lowed in carrying out a demonstration are set forth n a Low-Income Housing
Demonstration Manual which is furnished to all app icants whose applications
for grants are approved.
In both the mass transportation demonstration gr nt program and the low-
income housing demonstration grant program, pot ntial participants are a
relatively limited class of local public bodies or tee nical groups which have
special competence in the two fields Involved. Such potential participants, be-
cause of their special competence, axe already famil ar with the opportunities
to participate in the two programs~
The community disposition program Is authorized by the Atomic Energy Com-
munity Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2301). Under Executive Orders
10657 (21 P.R. 1063 (1956)) and 11105 (28 ~R. 390 (1963)), the Administra-
tor is responsible for the sales and financing functio s under the act. The sale
of property in Oak Ridge, Penn., is complete, and t at in Richland, Wash., is
virtually so. Sales of property in Los Alamos, N. M x., have not yet begun, but
it is expected that the procedures used in the earlier d~spositions will be followed
there. The AEO, pursuant to statute, establishes a system of priority rights
applicable to the sale of the Government-owned prope ty (42 U.S.C. 2332). These
priorities are published in the Federal Register (see 10 CFR 130.1 et seq.) and,
in Oak Ridge, were distributed on a house-to-house basis by the AEC. Lists
showing the appraised value of each parcel of prope ty to be offered for sale to
PAGENO="0192"
464 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
priority purchasers are required b~ law to be available for public inspection at
the ARC office in the community (42 U.S.C. 2824).
In the case of Oak Ridge, a genqral statement of policy governing the sales dis-
posal was contained in a leaflet of May 11, 1956, "Information for Prospective
Purchasers of Government~Owned Single-Family and Duplex Houses and Resi-
dential Lots in Oak Ridge, Tenn." Notice of the availability of this informa-
tional p~unphlet was given through news items in the Oak ~Flidge newspaper well
in advance of the commencement of the sales program. The newspaper advised
its readers that copies of the pamphlet Were available to anyone upon request
at the community diSposftioij office. In addition, the general conditions for the
sale of the properties were carried verbatim in the newspaper and a number
of copies of these conditions were posted in public places wherever a general
offering was made of a particular block of properties.
9. In no case has this agency refrained from publishing a rule on the ground
that there was involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy in
the public interest.
10. Although the agency has no rulemaking powers as that term is defined
by 5 U.S.C. 1003 (see question 2c., supra), there are a number of Internal agency
policies which have general applicability and future effect. These include such
matters as travel and leave policies, budget controls, stenographi~ procedures,
personnel standards, and priorities in correspondence~ Most of these policies
for the OA, CPA, and URA are set forth in the OA manual series, Volume II:
Policies and Procedures of the Administrator, Part 3. The other constituent
agencies describe their internal policies by means of similar issuances. A cOpy
of volume II of our manual series will be made available to your subcommittee
on request.
11. In defining the term "official record" this agency relies generally on the
interpretation in the Attorney General's Manual on the Administrative Pro-
cedure Act (Department of Justice, 1947) 24, 25. The definition which PEA has
adopted is typical of the general agency policy:
* * * documents which embody the official acts of the PEA and the
documents which are filed with the PEA pursuant to statute, PEA regula-
tions, or contract with the PEA, as determined by the Chief of the Records
Administration Section, Office Services Branch. It does not include memo-
randums and other reports which reflect research and analysis Preliminary
to official action or which are otherwise merely part of the background
upon which official action is predicated (24 CFR 1500.1 (a) (2)).
For example, In the CPA, the entire project file, consisting of the loan or grant
application, supporting documentation, project summary, loan or grant' agree-
ment, and the entire bond or mortgage txanscript would be considered as "official
records."
REPLY l~ROM INDIAN CLAIMS COMMISSION
INDIAN CLAIMS COMMISSION,
Waa%ington, D.C., February 18,1965.
Eon. Jo~x B'. Moss,
Chairman,, ~eboom~mfttee o'a Foreign Ope tien~~ and GoDemn,men,~ Information,
Hou~~e of Repre3entatj4,e~.
ThSAR OHAInMAN Moss: This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of Feb-
ruary 12, regarding your study of the Administrative Procedure Act and listing
a number of questions on the public information section of that act.
I have gone over the questions presented and am convinced that tbi~ regula-
tion has very little, if any, application to this Commission. Our work is en-
tirely judicial since the Commission Is an Indian court Which hears the claims
of tribes, bands, or identifiable groups of Indians against the U.S. Government for
land taken without compensation.
We do not issue regular reports or publications, but our findings of fact and
opinions are sent to all interested parties and are available to the public if they
call at the office. We have no secret or confidential opinions and we have no
field offices, so no publications are issued'for this Commission from any sonrce
outside of Washington, D.C.
Under the circumstances I do not believe a more detalind answer to your ques-
tions is necessary, but If you need more information than I have given, I will
be glad to try to supply it.
Sincerely.
~ V. WATKINS, Chief Co1n4nj$s~O'n,e~~
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 465
REPLY FROM INTERSTATE COMMERCE CoMMissIoN
INTERSTATE COMMERCE CoRrMIssIoN,
Washington, D.C., March 15, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
Chairman,, Foreign Operations and Government Information Subcommittee, Corn-
mittee on Government Operations, House of Hepresentatives.
DEAR CHAIRMAN Moss: This letter responds to your letter of February 12,
1965, requesting answers to the questions contained therein no later than March
15, 1965. The answers are attached to this letter. In addition, I am including
two copies each of the description of central and field organization of the Com-
mission revised as of January 1, 1964, the Commission's General Rules of Prac-
tice, and the organization minutes of the Commission. I assume that the above
attachments are the documents which you are interested in rather than the
mass of substantive rules which have been published in title 49 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
If there is any further information which you desire from the Commission,
please let me know.
Sincerely yours,
CHARLES A. WEBB, Chairman.
Question 1(a). Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 1J.S.C. 1002
apply?
Answer. In the administration of the Interstate Commerce Act and related
acts, the Commission performs rulemaking, adjudicatory, and administrative
functions. The provisions of 5 U.S.C. section 1002 apply to each of these func-
tions in varying degree depending upon the subject matter, the applicable sub-
stantive law and the type of proceeding in which the subject matter is developed
before the Commission. In this connection it must be observed that the Commis-
sion in keeping with its organic act, more specifically section 17(3) 49 ILS.O.
section 17(3) which requires that every vote and official act of the Commission
be made a matter of record and available to the public on request, traditionally
has favored disclosure of information to the public except in those instances
where specific statutory requirements or national security inhibit disclosure.
Examples of the former are the accident reports filed by motor carriers (see.
220(f) of the Interstate Commerce Act 49 U.S.C. sec. 320(f)), and by rail car-
riers (see. 4 of the Accident Reports Act 45 U.S.C. sec. 41). (See answer to No. 7
below.)
Additionally there are several sections oi~ the Interstate Commerce Act relating
to inspection of records and accounts of carriers which specifically prohibit any
employee of the Commission from disclosing information gained in such Inspec-
tions except as directed by the Commission or by a court. See sections
20(7) (f), 322(d), 317(e), and 421 (e) of the Interstate Commerce Act 49 U.S.C.
sections 20(7) (f), 322(d), 917(e) and 1021(e). (See also answer to No. 7
below.) On rare occasion and when specifically requested by the Department of
Defense in the interest of national security temporary motor carrier authority
has been issued without publication to permit the performance of highly classi-
fied transportation.
Question 1(b). Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent
units of your agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer. There are no areas of the Commission to which the provisions of 5
U.S.C. section 1002 do not apply.
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals, does
your agency publish:
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see sec. 3(a) (1) of the
APA).
Answer. The Commission's description of its central and field organization
is published in the Federal Register. Amendments to the description are pub-
lished in the Federal Register from time to time as changes are made. After
the issuance of a number of amendments, then the Commission republishes the
entire description Incorporating the amendments. The last complete revision
occurred January 1. 1964, and superseded the 1962 description.
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are
channeled and determined (see sec. 3(a) (2) of statute).
Answer. Statements of the general course and method by which the Com-
mission's fimctioi~s are channeled and determined may be found in its descrip-
4ZS-213--65---pt. 2--13
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466
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 467
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general pub-
lic the records and files, interpretations, and legal opinions of your agency `1
Answer. The procOdure for making available to the general public the Com-
mission's records and files, interpretations and legal opinions ave set forth
in section 2 of its Description of the Central and Field Organization. Section 2
provides:
"2. Public information:
"(a) Releases by the Commission.-~-All releases to the public and press are
issued through the Office of the Secretary, which is the first point of contact for
information relating to any matter or proceeding pending before the Commission.
"(b) Requests for inforrnation.-Requests for information or advice con-
cerning any matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission may be addressed
to the Secretary, the Director of the bureau or office which handles the par~lc-
ular subject matter, or to field offices of various bureaus to the extent stated
in the description of bureau organization.
"(e) Reports and orders-The reports and orders of the Commission are nil-
tially prepared for service upon the parties to the procee,iings In duplicated
form~ Copies of all such reports and orders are made available for public
inspection at the time of issuance through the Secretary's office and, to the ex-
tent that copies are available, are furnished to interested persons without
charge.
"The more important reports of the Commission are printed and sold in ad-
vance sheet form and in bound volumes by the Superinte~~dent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402. Reports concerning other
than valuation and motor carrier application matters are published in volumes
entitled "Interstate Commerce Commission Reports," commonly cited "-
ICC -." Reports concerning motor carrier application matters are pub-
lished in a separate series of reports entitled, "Interstate Commerce Commis~
sion Reports, Motor Carrier Cases," commonly cited "- MCC -." The first
21 volumes of reports relating to valuation matters are included in the "T~C"
series of reports, but beginning with Volume 22, these reports are published
in a separate series entitled, "Interstate Commerce Commission Valuation Re.
ports," commonly cited "- Val Rep -."
"Copies of reports and orders, including those printed as described above
may be examined at the Washington office of the Commission.
"(d) Inspection of records.
"(1) The following specific files and records in the custody of the Secretary
are available to the public (sees. 16, 204, 816 and 417 of the act, 49 U.S.C. 16,
304, 916, and 1017), and may be inspected at the Commission's office hi Wash-
in~ton, upon reasonable request:
"(I) Copies of tariffs, rate schedules, section 22 quotations or tenders, i~lass1-
flcations, powers of attorney, concurrences and contracts filed with the Com-
mission pursuant to sections 6, 22, 217, 218, 306. 405, and 409 of the act (49
U.S.C. 6,22, 317,318,906, 1005, and 1009).
"(ii) Annual and other periodic reports filed with the Commission pursuant
to sections 20, 220, 313, and 412 of the act (49 U.S.C. 20, 320, 913, and 1012).
"(ill) Annual reports, maps, profiles, and other data filed with the Commis-
sion pursuant to section 19a.
"(iv) All docket files, including pleadings, depositions, exhibits, transcripts
of testimony, recommended and proposed reports, exneptlons, briefs, and
reports and orders of the Commissioii In any proceeding.
"(v) File of instruments or documents recorded pursuant to section 20c and
index thereto.
"(vi) Other files and records, depending on their nature, niay be available
for public inspection where the disclosure would be consistent with the pUblic
interest and the duties of the Commission.
"(2) Requests to inspect records.-Reqnests to inspect public reCords should
be made at the Secretarl's office or at one of the public reference rooms, in the
Commission's Washington office. Copies of certain rate schedules, tariffs,
reports and operating authorities filed by and applicable to motor carriers are
available for inspection at field offices where personnel of the Bureau of Motor
Carriers are located.
"(3) Certified copies of records, etc.-Copies of and extracts from public
records will be certified by the S~cretgry, under the seal of the Commission.
Persons requesting the CotamissiOn to prepare such copies should cletirly state
the material to be copied, and whether they shall be certified. A charge will be
made for certification and for the preparation of copies."
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468 FEDEIIAL PUBLIC REiCORDS LAW
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to the general public, either by statute, rule or practice?
Answer. Pursuant to the Intent of Congress as set forth in several statutes
including section h of the Administrative Procedure Act which are referred
to below, 1irnitation~ are placed upon the availability of specific records and
files to the general public.
The Congress has imposed several specific restrictions upon disclosure of
inforthation by the Commission. Perhaps the most important of these pro-
visions is contained in section 20 of the act. It empowers the Commission
and its employees to inspect and copy carriers' records and to inspect car-
riers' physical properties. Section 20(7) (f) provides that it shall be a crim-
inal offense for a COffimisajon employee to knowingly and willfully divulge any
fact or information ~thlch comes to his knowledge in the course of any ex-
afuination or Inspection made pursuant to section 20, unless be is directed
to do so by the Commission or by a court or jl4dge. Similar provisions appear
in sections 222(d), 317(e) and 421(e) of the Interstate Commerce Act.
Those statutory provisions provide part of the basis for the Commission's policy
of withholding its investigatory files from public inspection. A further dis-
cussion of the withholding of such investigatory files follows later.
Section 220(a) (49 ILS.C. § 320(a)), concerning the filing of contracts by
motor contract carriers, provides in part:
"The Commission shall not, however, make public any contract, agreement, or
arrangement between a contract carrier by motor vehicle and a shipper, or any
of the terms of conditions thereof, except as a part of the record in a formal 9
proceeding where it considers such action consistent with the public interest:
Provided, That if it appears from an examination of any such contract that
it fails to conform to the published schedule of the contract carrier by motor
vehicle as required by section 218(a), the Commission may, in Its discretion, make
public such of the provisions of the contract as the Commission conslder~ neces-
sary to disclose such failure and the extent thereof."
Section 15(11) of the act provides that it shall be unlawful for a rail carrier
or its employees to disclose without the consent of the shipper or consignee:
"~ * * any information concerning the nature, kind, quantity, destination,
consignee, or routing of any property tendered or delivered to such common car-
rier for intersta~ transportation, which information may be used to the detri-
ment or prejudice of such shipper or consignee, or which may improperly disclose
his business transactions to a competitor; and it shall also be unlawful for any
person or corporation to solicit or knowingly receive any such information which
may be so used: Provided, That nothing in this part shall be construed to pre-
vent the giving of such information in response to any legal process Issued under
the authority of any State or Pederal Court, or to any offtcer or ag'ent of the
Government of the tJnite4 States, or of any State or Perritory, in the exercise of
his powers * *
In accordance with this legislative purpose to protect shippers and consignees,
the Commission does not make available for public inspection the 1 percent waybill
sample which it requires railroads to file with it for statistical purposes.
In addition to express statutory restrictions upon the disclosure of informa-
tion, the Commission may prohibit disclosure of information which would impede
effective administration of the act. Section 17(3) provides that "The Commis-
sion shall conduct its proceedings under any provisions of law in such manner as
will best conduce to the proper dispatch of business and to the endsi of justice."
Section 204(a) (6) provides that "It shall be the duty of the Cox~imjssion * * *
to administer, execute, and enforce all provisions of this part Ipt. II relating
to motor carriers] to make all necessary orders in connection therewith, and to
prescribe rules, regulations, and procedure for such administration." Com-
parable rulemaking provisions are found in section 304(a) (in pt. III of the act,
relating to water carriers) and in section 403(a) (in pt. IV of the act, relating
to freight forwarders),
The broad scope of the rulemaking power which Congress has conferred upon
the Commission In section 204(a) (s), for example, is illustrated by the Supreme
court's decision in American Trucking Association, Inc. v. United States, 344 U.S.
298, 311-312. It has been held that under a general grant of rulemaking power
such as that contained in section 204(a) (a), an independent regulatory commis-
sion may prescribe regulations governing the custo4y and use of its records,
Appeal of Securities an~t Ikrchange Commission, 22f1 P. 2d 501, 516~-51~ (CA. 6,
1955).
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 469
In aecordanëe with the Commission's rules regarding freight commodity statis-
tics of motor carriers (49 C.F.R. 20G.7, Dee. 1G. 191E14) the reports of individual
motor carriers pertaining to traffic for the year 19G5 will be open to public in-
spection. However, carriers may file supplemental reports not open to public
inspection on traffic involt~ing less than three shippers. These reports may be
inspected upon approval by the Commission.
Another area related to disclosure or withholding of information concerns
the Commission's investigatory files. These files contain the results of investi-
gations of possible violations of the statutes administered by the Com~nission.
This material consists primarily of complaints against persons subject to the
jurisdiction of the Commission and of information obtained by the Commission's
agents from examination of carriers' reeords and equipment and from other
sources. It is the Commission's practice not to make such investigatory files
available for public inspection for several reasons. First, disclosure of such
files would reveal the identity of certain sources of information which would
become unavailable to the Commission under a general practice of disclosure.
It is well established that law enforcement agencies may treat as privileged or
confidential the identity of persons who furnish information as to possible viola-
tions of law. Second, sections 20(7) (f) and 222(d) of the Interstate Commei~ce
Act provide that It shall be a criminal offense for an ~tgent, accountant, or an
examiner of the Commission to knowingly or willfully divulge any fact or in-
formation which comes to his knowledge during the course of any examination
or inspection made under the authority of section 20 or 220, except as he may
be directed by the Commission or by a court. Third, indiscriminate disclosure
of such files which sometimes contain unevaluated raw material would oft~m
produce injustice to innocent persons by permitting publicity of groundless
charges against them.
Another area concerns the legal power and the policy of the Commission with
respect to the disclosure or nondisclosure of accident reports which carriers
are required to file with the Commission. The Accident Reports Act requires
rail carriers to submit monthly accident reports, empowers the Commission to
investigate and make reports on accidents, and provides:
That neither said report nor any report of said investigation nor any part
thereof shall be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose In any suit
or action for damages growing out of any matter mentioned in said report
of investigation, 45 U.S.C. 38,40,41.
Similarly, section 220(f) of the Interstate Commerce Act provides that:
No report by any motor carrier of any accident arising in the course of the
operations of such carrier, made pursuant to any requirement of the Com-
mission, and no report by the Commission of any investigation of any such
accident, shall be admitted as evidence, or used for any other purpose, in
any suit or action for damages growing out of any matter mentioned in
such report or investigation.
The Commission's regulations with respect to railroad accident reports (49
CFR 125.9) provide that:
Accident reports made by railroads in compliance with these rules shall
be for the information of the Commission and shall be open to public in-
spection only upon prior approval of an application by this Commission.
Applications for public inspection will be granted if the CommissiOn is satis-
fied that such inspection will not result in a violation of section 4 of the
Accident Reports Act and is for the purpose of obtaining information to be
presented before Federal and other governmental bodies, or which will
contribute to the promotion of safety in railroad operations.
The Commission's regulations with respect to motor carrier accident reports
(49 CFR 194.1) provide that:
- - e with these regula-
- shall
PAGENO="0198"
470 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
The hours of service regulations, 49 CFR 195, require that certain motor
carriers must file ep each month with respect to excess hours of service
of drivers The minute of division 1. entered December 1~3, 1956, provides that
the reports will be made available only upon a request, in writing to be approved
by division 1. The information in such reports is of value only to the Com-
mission staff, and the restriction is imposed to encourage full and accurate re-
porting by carriers. As a matter of fact, since 1956, th~ date the restriction
was imposed, there has been only one request for making a report available.
This request~ was approved.
Certain internal administrative records, such as payroll, budget, personnel,
fiscal and related materials are not available to the public since these records
are within the exemption of the introductory provision of 49 U.S.C. 1002.
Likewise the internal memorandums between members and employees of the
Commission are not available to the public. Correspondence dealing with any
of the docket proceedings is made a part of the correspondence section of the
docket `and iS available to inspection by the public. With respect to general
correspondence unrelated `to any speefic proceeding, such correspondence may
be available for public inspection where disclosure would not be inconsistent
with the public interest and the duties of the Commission,
Question 8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your
agency required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not pub-
lished in the Federal Register (see see. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure
Act)?
Answer. There are no circumstances where private parties dealing with the
Commission are required in any manner to' resort to unpublished organization
or procedure.
Question 9. In what types of cases ~ your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there Is involved any function of the United States reqtiiring
secrecy in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. The Commission has refrained from publishing rules only with re-
spect to the transportation of explosives for the Armed Forces by Railway Ex-
press Agency, Inc., on passenger trains in time of war or a national emergency
proclaimed by the President. See 49 CFR 75.675(a), exception No.2.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency
management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or
other authority?
Answer. The Commission does not publish any `of its rules relating to per-
sonnel, payroll, budget, fiscal and related materials.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in
section 3(c) of the Administrative Procdure Act?
Answer. The "official record" of the Commission as used in section 3(c) of
the Administrative Procedure Act Is set forth in section 2(d) (1) of the descrip-
tion of the central and field office of the Commission and is as follows:
"2(d) (1)
"(1) Copies of tariffs, rate schedules, section 22 quotations or tenders, classi-
fications, powers of attorney concurrences and contracts filed with the Com-
mission pursuant to sections 6, 22,' 217, 218, 306, 405, and 409 of the act (49
U.S. Code 6, 22, 317,318,906, 1005, and 1009).
"(ii) Annual and other periodic reports filed with the Commission pursuant to
sections 20, 220, 313, and 412 of the act (49 U.S. Code 20, 320, 913, and 1012).
"(iii) Annual reports, maps, profiles, and other data filed with the Commis-
sion pursuant to section 19a.
"(iv) All docket files, including pleadings, depositions, exhibits, transcripts
of testimony, recommended and proposed reports, exceptions, briefs, and re-
ports and orders of the Commission in any proceeding.
"(v) File of instruments or documents recorded pursuant to section 20c and
Index thereto."
The practical effect of the foregoing is to classify as "official records" all
documents which are required to be filed with the Commission and all docu-
ments which are filed as a part of the record in Commission proceedings. As
noted above, there are statutory restrictions upon the disclosure of certain
types of information filed with or obtained by the Comm
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FEDERAL PUBLIC R~1CORDS LAW 471
REPLY FROM NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ~&DMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION,
Waslvtngton, D.C., Maroh 17, t965.
Hon. JoHu E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and GovernQnent Inform~ation ~S'ubeominSttee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: The following constitutes the replies to the questions
posed in your letter of February 12, 1965, concernIng the interpretation, and
implementation by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of section
3 of the Administrative Procedure Aèt (5 U.S.C. 1002) pertaining to public
information:
Question 1. Generally, to what functions of your agency does 5 U.S.C. 1002
apply? Are there any divisions, bureaus, branches, or other consistuent units
of your agency to which the section does not apply?
Answer. Information pertaining to all NASA activities is either published
or is otherwise generally available to the public. No organizational element,
activity, or function of NASA is considered exempt from section 3 of the Ad-
ministrative Procedure Act. In this regard, we note that two sections of the
National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, impose upon NASA
disclosure requirements at least as extensive as those imposed by section 3 of
the Administrative Procedure Act. Section 203(a) (42 U.S.C. 2473(a)) provides:
"The administration, in order to carry out the purpose of this Act, shall-
* * * * * * *
"(3) provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of in-
formation concerning its activities and the results thereof."
In addition, section 303 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act (42 U.S.C.
2454) provides:
"Information obtained or developed by the Adthinistrator In the performance of
his functions under this Act shall be made available for public inspection, except
(A) information authorized or required by Federal statute to be withheld, and
(B) information classified to protect the national security: Provided, That noth~
ing in this Act shall authorize the withholding of information by the Adminis-
trator from the duly authorized committees of the Congress,"
Question 2. In what official or unofficial publication, and at what intervals,
does your agency publish;
(a) Descriptions of its central and field organization (see section 3(a) (1)
of the Administrative Procedure Act).
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are
channel and determined (see s~iction 3(a) (2) of statute)
(a) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law (see section 3(a) (3) of
statute)
(4) Statements of general policy or interpretations formulated and adopted
by the agency for the guidance of the public (see sec. 3(a) (3) of statute) ; and
(e) Rules addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with law
(see sec. $ (a) (3) of statute).
Answer. (a) Descriptions of organizational elements of NASA headquarters
and field installations are published in the U.S. Government Organization Manual
and the NASA Management Manual, both of which publications are available
to the public.
(b) The missions and procedures of NASA headquarters offices and field in-
stailatlons, and subdivisions thereof, are described in detail in the NASA Man-
agement Manual or other directives published as part of the NASA issuance
system. These issuances are available to the public. Descriptions' of functions
and procedures are published and incorporated into the issuance system as
changes occur.
(a) Unlike the various regulatory agencies, NASA is not empowered with
formal rulemaking authority pursuant to which a certain segment of private
activity is regulated. NASA does not promulgate "rules" as that term is used
in section 3(a) (3) of the Administrative Procedure Act.
(4) Statements of NASA policy interpretations and procedures which affect
the public, including the entire "NASA procurement regulations," are published
in the Federal Register. Any other statement of policy- or implementation thereof
is incorporated into the NASA issuance system.
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FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 473
Answer. Private parties are not required to deal with NASA pursuant to
procedures not published in the Federal Register. NASA's programs come into
contact with the public most frequently in the area of procurement. All
applicable procurement regulations are published in the Federal Register. Other
procedures formulated with a view to guidance of the public, e.g., settlement
of tort claims, procedures before NASA boards, and patent waiver regulations
are also published in the Federal Register. In instances where a member of
the public wishes information or otherwise desires to deal with NASA for a
purpose not covered by a formally established procedure, his request will be
channeled to the cognizant office. However, in no instance will the request of a
private individual be refused for failure to comply with a procedure not published
in the Federal Register.
Question 9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring secrecy
in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act or other authority?
Answer. The only circumstances under which NASA has refrained from pub-
lishing regulations, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure
Act, are those related primarily to the national defense and security.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publish-
ing rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to internal agency
management, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or
other authority?
Answer. All regulations established by NASA are published as part of the
NASA issuance system regardless of whether they affect only the actions of
NASA employees or whether, in addition, they may have `a direct effect upon
members of the public. Thus, regulations on personnel, financial management,
security, administrative operations, programs, etc., are published in the NASA
Management Manual or other NASA `publications concerned specifically with a
particular subject matter. Publication in the Federal Register has heretofore
been selective on the ground that the `bulk of regulations concerned solely with
administrative operations is of little concern to the general public. However,
regulations of greater interest to the public or which affect private rights and
obligations have been published in the Federal Register, e.g., procurement, tort
claims, patent waivers, procedures before NASA hoards, real property man-
agement, etc.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used in
section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Answer: No guidelines are established in the Administrative Procedure Act for
determining what is meant by "official record." However, NASA is subject,
along with other agencies, to the statutes governing the disposition of public
records which ~ippear in chapter 10 of title 44 of the tinited States COde. 44
U.S.C. 366 defines "records" to include "all books, papers, maps, photographs,
or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics,
made or received `by any agency of the U.S. Government in pursuance of Federal
law or in connection with the transaction of public `business and preserved or
appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evi-
dence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, oferations,
or other activities of the Government or because of the informational value of
data contained therein." NASA would apply the same definition to the term
"official record" as used in section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act.
Enclosed herewith are two co'pie~ of a memorandum by the Administrator,
NASA, and a policy directive specifying uniform criteria for the publication of
materials within the NASA issuance system. These enclosures do not cover
the subject of poliles and procedures for the publication of regulations hi the
Federal Register, which will be the subject of a forthcoming issuance, a CODY
of which will he forwarded.
Sincerely yours,
RIOHAnD I~. OALLAGIIAN,
Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs.
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FEDERAL
PLY FRoM NATIONAL LABC
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FEDFIhAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 475
the Division of Information. Regional offices make copies available to the public
by placing them on a table at or near the entrance to the regional office for a
period of approximately 30 days; thereafter, copies arefurnished on request.
The Division of Information also issues and distributes a weekly summary of
NLRB eases, which includes a digest of every unfair labor practice case decision
and order of the Board. Any interested individual or organization may receive
the weekly summary upon request. The weekly summary contains the notice
that a full text copy of any case summarized may be requested from the Division
of Information.
Question 4 In what types of cases does your agency refrain from publishing
interim and final opinions or orders where, in the opinion of your agency, good
cause requires they be held confidential, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Admin-
istrative Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. This is not applicable since the agency does not classify any of its
decisions as confidential.
Question 5. In what circumstances are unpublished opinions and orders cited
or used as precedents in other proceedings?
Answer. There are no circumstances In which unpublished Board decisions or
orders are cited as precedent for other proceedings.
Question 6. What is the procedure for making available to the general publlc
the records and files, interpretations, and legal opinions of your agency?
Answer. The official records and formal files of this agency are available for
public inspection at any time upon request-see section 102417 of the rules and
regulations. We do not have any special issuances of "interpretations and legal
opinions" as such, although they may be contained in Board decisions (in which
case, see Item 3 above).
Question 7. What limitations are placed upon the availability of records and
files to the general public, either by statute, rule or practice?
Answer. Limitations placed on the availability of files, records, etc. are set
forth in sections 102.117 and 102.118 of the Board's Rules and Regulations (as
authorized by ~30 Stat. 237, 1946, 5 U.S.C. sec. 1001 et seq.).
Question 8. In what circumstances are private parties dealing with your agency
required in any manner to resort to organization or procedure not published in
the Federal Register (see sec. 3(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Answer. None.
Question 9. In what types of cases has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any function of the United States requiring
secrecy in the public interest, pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative
Procedure Act or other authority?
Answer. None.
Question 10. In what circumstances has your agency refrained from publishing
rules where there is involved any matter relating solely to Internal agency man-
agement, pursuant to section 3(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
authority?
Answer, None.
Question 11. What is your agency's definition of "official record" as used In
section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act?
Answer. The designation of the "official record" as used by this agency is de-
fined in sections 102.45 and 102.68 of the Board's Rules and Regulations as
follows:
102.45(b). The charge upon which the complaint was issued and any
amendments thereto, the complaint and any amendments thereto, notice of
hearing, answer, and any amendments thereto, motions, rulings, orders, the
stenographic report of the hearing, stipulations, exhibits, documentary evi-
dence, and depositions, together with the trial examiner's decision and ex-
ceptions and any cross-exceptions or answering briefs [as provided in 102.46]
shall constitute the record in the [unfair labor practice] case.
102.68. The record In the [representation] proceeding shall consist of:
the petition, notice of hearing with affidavit of service thereof, motions,
ruling, orders, the stenographic report 0± the hearing and of any oral argu-
ment before the regional director, stipulations, exhibits, documentary evi-
dence, affidavits of service, depositions, and any briefs or other documents
submitted by the parties to the regional director or to the Board, and the
decision of the regional director, if any.
PAGENO="0204"
PAGENO="0205"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 477
of the Foundation for 1964, beginning on page 89. Further discussion of this
point appears in Item 8, below.
(c). The issuances which we consider to be substantive rules of the Founds-
tion are published in the Federal Register. Thus, in the Federal Register of Octo-
ber 28, 1964, beginning on page 14540, the Foundation published its "Procedures
and Criteria for Resolving Questions Involving Moral Character or Loyalty of
Applicants for and Holders of National Science Foundation Fellowships." In
addition, on December 4, 1964, the Foundation published in the Federal Register,
beginning on page 16305, its regulation to effectuate the provisions of title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
(d). The Foundation has not bad occasion to develop statements of general
policy or interpretations for the guidance of the public.
(e). This item is not applicable to the Foundation.
3. The Foundation does not have occasion to adjudicate cases or to issue
opinions or orders.
4. This is covered by item 3 above.
5. This item is also covered by 3 above.
6. The primary guidelines used by the Foundation for making available to the
general public the records and files of the Foundation are set forth In a state-
ment of the Federal Council for Science and Technology of February 11, 1963,
entiled "Statement Relating to the Release of Information on Grants or Grant-
type O~ntracts Made in Support of Non-Classified Basic Scientific Research at
Non-profit Institutions," as amplified by the Foundation's letter to you of April
5, 1963. As indicated in that letter, a statement has been included in the Foun-
dation's grant booklet pointing out that proposals submitted to the Foundation
may be made publicly available. In. addition, the procedures set forth in the
letter relating to the release of information are being followed by the Foun-
dation. The Foundation does not have occasion to render legal opinions affect-
ing the general public so that the question of the availability of such opinions
does not arise.
7. In general, the answer here would appear to be covered by the comments
set forth in item 6. There are no limitations imposed upon such availability,
either by statute, rule, or practice, except those limitations imposed by statutes
of general applicability to Federal agencies as, for example, 18 iJ.S.C. 1905, re-
luting to disclosure of confidential information by Federal offices or employees.
8. As indicated earlier, some oragnizational information about the Foundation
is presently published in two places. In 1951, such information also was pub-
lished in the "Notice" section of the Federal Register. As you may know, no-
tices filed at that time were never codified, although present practice is to do so.
Through an oversight, this material was allowed to go out of date. We appreci-
ate your bringing the matter to our attention and are arranging to have orga-
nizational information about the Foundation republished in the Register in the
near future.
Along with this material we will include the republishing of information re-
lating to fellowships and grant programs of the Foundation, originally pub-
lished in the Register in 1951 and 1955 but removed from the Register In 1900
because of its need for extensive revision. I understand that it was planned
that the material would be updated and republished at tlmt time, Such revision
was unfortunately overlooked, in part due, I believe, to organizational changes
which were taking place in the Foundation. I might point out, however, that
information on Foundation grant and fellowship programs is distributed on an
extremely wide basis. For example, announcements of the Foundation's Summer
Fellowships for Secondary School Teachers of Science and Mathematies are
mailed to every chief State school officer In the United States, to the principles
of all secondary schools in the United States and to the presidents, graduate
deans and science deans in colleges apd universities supporting post-baccalaure-
ate studies in science and mathematics. Furthermore, press releases explain-
ing the program are provided to science and education journals which publish
this information. In addition, 10,000 or more copies of our brochure on fél-
lowships and traineesbips are sent out in response to requests. Appropriately
wide distribution is given to announcements and brochures relating to our other
programs.
9. In no case has the Foundation refrained from publisbin~ rules because of
possible secrecy requirements.
10. Tui rio circumstances has the Foundation refrained from publishing rules
on the basis that the matter related solely to internal agency management.
PAGENO="0206"
478
PAGENO="0207"
FEDERAL ?UBLIC EE:CORDS LAW 479
of the acts which the Board administers. Examples of substantive rules may be
found, however, in sections 250.1-250.6 and 345 of the regulations (20 CFR
250.1-250.6 and 345).
(e) Although there may have been a few rare instances, we are not aware of
any Board rules having been addressed to and served upon named persons in
accordance with law; if there have been any such rules, they have not been
published. Rules of this nature might possibl~y be issued under sections 250.1-
250.6 of the regulations (20 013'R 250.1-250.6), but In practice general instructions
to all employers have been released, together with copies of the Board's regula-
tions, and individual formal demands for particular compliance have not been
necessary. (Copies of such instructions accompany the copies of the regula-
tions we are submitting in compliance with the final paragraph of your letter.)
3 and 4. For the reasons mentioned in the answer to question 7, below, the
Board does not publish its final orders in the adjudication of individual claims for
benefits under the acts it administers. The legal principles forming the bases
for Its decisions are published in the regulations, and with respect to specific
points of general Interest legal principles are summarized in the administrative
rulings and court review section of the Board's annual report, in the Board's
monthly review in earlier years, and in Railroad Retirement Board-legal
opinions with respect to some recent years.
5. Unpublished opinions and order.s of the Board are not cited or used as
precedents in other proceedings.
6. tn addition to the methods noted in answer to question 3, above, opinions
on particular questions are furnished to any interested persons upon request,
the requirements noted in answer 7, below, having first been complied with,
and the Board's records and files are available to inspection subject to the same
requirements.
7. The availability of records and files to the general public is limited by
the prohibition of disclosures from Board records appearing in section 12 (d)
and (n) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 362 (d) and
(n)) and section 262.16 of the Board's regulations (20 CFR 262.16). The in-
formation and records not available to the public upon request are those which
identify the individuals concerned and which consist either of medical informa-
tion or any other information if its disclosure would not be in the interest of the
individual, In addition, records (usually medical) received froin the Social
Security Agency or the Veterans' Administration are subject to any limitation
upon disclosure imposed by the acts administered by those agencies (5 U.S.C.
139b(a)).
8. Private parties dealing with the Board are not required in any manner
to resort to organization or procedure not published in the Federal Register.
This may be qualified by noting that in infrequent cases the parties request the
Board to vary its procedures, particularly appeal procedures, or the Board may
suggest such a variance subject to agreement by the parties. It may also be
noted that the instructions to employers, referred to In answer 2(e), above, do
not appear in the Federal Register, but these are designed primarily to assist
employers in complying with the requirements of the published regulations.
9. The Board has had no occasion to refrain from published rules involving
any function of the United States requiring secrecy in the pt~blic interest,
whether pursuant to section 3(1) of the Administrative Procedure Act or other
authority. /
10. Rules governing personnel activities and instructions to e1i1plo~ees, ad-
ministrative manuals, operating manuals, etc., concerning the manner in Which
the employees are to carry on their functions, are the types of materials relat-
ing solely to internal agency management which, pursuant to section 3(2) of the
Administrative Procedure Act, are not published by the Board.
11. The Board's records and files maintained in the administration o~f the Rail-
road Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts are considered to
be within the official record designation used in section 3(c~) of the Administra-
tive Procedure Act.
In compliance with the request in the final paragraph of your letter, I am
transmitting herewith two copies of the Board'~ regulatIons (20 CFR 20~J-395)
and the accompanying instructions to employers, together with two copies of the
statement in the U.S. Government OrganizatiOn Manual describing the central and
field organization of the Board.
Sincerely yours,
HowAun W. HABERMSYEn, Chairman.
PAGENO="0208"
480 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
REPLY FROM THE RENEGOTIATION BOARD
Tim RRNEGOTIAPION BOARD,
Washington, D.C., March ~9, 1965.
Hon. JonN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information subcommittee,
Committee on Government Operations, Rouse of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: This is in response to your letter dated February 12,
1965, requesting information on the relation of section 3 of the Administrative
Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1002) to the activities of this agency. The paragraphs
that follow are numbered to correspond with the questions in your letter.
1. The only functions of the Renegotiation Board are those delineated in the
Renegotiation Act of 1951. Section 111 excludes such functions from the
operation of the Adminis~ative Procedure Act, except as to the require'men~~ of
section 3 thereof. Thus, section 3 applIes to all the functions of this agency.
There are no divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units of this
agency to which the section does not apply.
2. (a) Official descriptions of the central and field organization of the
Board are published in the Federal Register in the form of Renegotiation
Board Regulations from time to time, as changes are made, and annually in the
U.S. Government Organizati~~ Manual. Publication thereof is also made in the
Renegotiation Board Regulations manual printed by the Government Printing
Office and available to the general public by subscription. The central and field
organization is also described in a pamphlet entitled ~
It Is, How It Works," available to the general public.
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which the functions of
the Board are channeled and determined are published officially in the Federal
Register in the form of Renegotiation Board Regulations, as adopted from time
to time. Publication thereof is also made in the manual of such regulations,
referred to in (a) above. Explanations thereof are also furnished to the gen-
eral public in a booklet entitled "Instructions for Filing Renegotiation Reports"
and the' pamphlet entitled "Renegotjation~wh5~ It Is, How It Works."
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law are published officially
in the form of Renegotiation Board Regulations, as adopted from time to time.
Publication is also made in the manual of such regulations.
(d) Statements of general policy and interpretations formulated and adopted
by the Board for the guidance of the public are publlshed officially in the Federal
Regis~e~ In the form of Renegotiation Board Regulations, as adopted from time
to `time. They are also `published in the manual of such regulations. Additional
guidance to the public is issued from time to time in the form of renegotlatjo~
rulings and renegotiation bulletins~
(e) The Board does not publish its orders to or agreements with contractors
for the elimination of excessive profits (see 3 and 4, below).
3. The extent to which the Board makes Its records available for public in-
spection is described in its regulatio~~, as follows:
(a) Section 1480.4(a) of the Renegotiation Board Regulations provides:
(a) The public.--Upon request to the Secretary of The Renegotja~jo~
Board, Washington, D.O.,~ any person may inspect during usual business
hours, at the office of the Secretary, a copy of the `transcript of any official
Board actions granting e~cemptio~s of contracts from renegotja~io~ under
the act, except in cases where such Board action is of a nature required to be
held confidential for good cause. The purpose of this paragraph (a) is to
make available for public `inSpection Board actions on applications for ex-
emptions, when such actions are not issued as regn~ati~ns and are not re-
quired to be held confidential for goo4 cause.
(b) Section 1480.8 of the Renegotiation Board Regulations provides:
OpinSons and Orders.-Except as authorized in section 1480.4(a), opinions
and orders will not be published or made available to the public under sec-
tion 3(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act, inasmuch as they are re-
garded as confidential for good cause shown, by reason of the confidential
data furnished by contractors and relating to their business, and included
therein. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "opinion" Includes
a statement furnished pursuant to `part 1477 of this subchapter and the term
"order" includes an agreement to eliminate excessive profits, as well as a
unilateral determination. Opinions and orders are not cited as precedents
in any renegotiatjo~ proceedings.
PAGENO="0209"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 481
.. The Board conducts only one type of case. All of its cases are proceed-
ings to determine and eliminate excessive profits, if any, under the Renegotiation
Act of 1951, as amended. Its practice with respect to the publication of interim
and final opinions or orders is described In paragraph 3 above.
5. Opinions and orders of the Board are not cited, nor are they used, as con-
trolling precedents in any renegotiation proceedings (see RBR 1480.8, quoted in
paragraph 3 above, and RBR 1460.2(d)).
6, RBR 1480.4(d) provides that persons properly and directly concerned with
any renegotiation proceeding, or their duly authorized representatives, may apply
in writing to the Secretary to the Renegotiation Board for access to records of
such proceeding, and that access will be granted at times and places which are
convenient in the light of the physical location of the records to which access is
sought. The procedure for obtaining access to actions of the Board granting ex-
emptions of contracts from renegotiation is described in paragraph 3 above.
Interpretations and legal opinions of the Board on particular matters are made
available to the general public by the issuance of renegotiation rulings and renego-
tiation bulletins.
7. Part 1480 of the Renegotiation Board Regulations provides that renegotia-
tion agreements, reports, records, files, correspondence, memorandums, and all
other data, documents, and material which have been transferred to, or have been
prepared by, the Board in connection with any renegotiation proceediug are not to
be distributed, nor are their contents to be revealed, to any person other than
as provided in such regulation or as may be prescribed by the Board in any
specific instance. Limitations are imposed by the regulation upon the availabil-
ity of the Board's records and files to the general public as follows:
(a) Pursuant to section 55(f) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code, access is not
afforded to copies of Federal tax returns, revenue agents' reports, or other Fed-
eral tax data in the custody of the Board.
(b) Access is not afforded by the Board to any information or material classi-
fied as "Top Secret," or "Secret" or "Confidential" within the meanings assigned
to those terms in Executive Order 10501 dated November 5, 1953 (18 P.R. 7049),
or to any "restricted data" as that term is defined in the Atomic Energy Act of
1946, as amended.
(c) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1905, access is not afforded to information which
concerns or relates to the trade secrets, processes, operations, style of work, or
apparatus, or to the identity, confidential statistical data, amount or source of
any income, profits, losses, or expenditures of any contractor.
(4) When access is granted to "persons properly and directly concerned" in
any renegotiation proceedings, pursuant to RBR 1480.4(d) (referred to in para-
graph 6 above), this does not include access to "memoranda and reports pre-
pared by Government employees for use within the Government or to any other
material which, in the opinion of the Board, should be held confidential for good
cause."
8. Private parties dealing with this agency are not required to resort to or~
ganization or procedure not published in the Federal Register.
9. Section 106(d) (4) of the Renegotiation Act of 1951 authorizes the Board
to exempt from some or all of the provisions of the act, any contract or sub-
contract the renegotiation of which would jeopardize secrecy required in the
public interest. Contracts and subcontracts exempted pursuant to this provision
are not available for inspection under RBR 1480.4(a), quoted in paragraph 3
above.
10. Internal management instructions and directives of the Board are not
available to the general public. These are of three types, as follows:
(a) Ge~veral orders.-These are directives of the Board with respect to internal
procedures relating to the operation of the renegotiation process.
(b) Operational bulletina.-These contain technical instructions by staff units
of the Board to their own personnel.
(c) Administrative orders.-These provide instructions and procedures on
matters not related to the renegotiation process, such as personnel, property,
and funds.
11. The term "official record," as used in section 3(c) of the Administrative
Procedure Act, in relation to this agency, is considered to mean all agreements,
orders, reports, records, files, correspondence, memoranda and other data. docu-
ments or material relating to any renegotiation proceeding.
Two copies of the Boards regitiatiorts, as aniemied ~.o (late, are funiislwd
herewith.
Sincerely yours,
LAwRENCE E. ITARTWIG, Cilia friui (in.
45-213--CS-pt. 2----14
PAGENO="0210"
482 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS lAW
REPLY FROM SECURITIES AND EXChANGE CoMwssIoN
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
Washington, March 17, 1965.
lion. JOHN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ~ubcommitt'ee, Corn-
mitte~ on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: This is in response to the inquiries in your letter of
February 12, 1965, concçning the operation of section 3 of the Administrative /
Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 1002, with respect to the activities of this Commission.
In addition to the answers below, we are providing copies of the Commission's
recent comments to the Committee on Government Operations on H.R. 5012, which
provide additional information relevant to the subject inquiries.
1. Congress has assigned to this Commission the responsibility of administering
the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the Investment
Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Commission's
functions under these statutes to which section 3 of the Administrative Procedure
Act, 5 U~S.C. 1002, applies include ru1em~king, adjudication, and examination of
the various filings made with the Commission by private persons such a registra-
tion statements relating to public offerings of securities, broker-dealer registra-
tions and reports and issuer reports. The Commission also has certain advisory
functions to the courts in corporate reorganizations under chapter X of the Bank-
ruptcy Act; the Commission adopts no substantive rules, opinions, or orders there-
under within the meaning of section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act.
As shown more fully below and in the attached comment on H.R, 5012, the
Commission makes public all of the information required by section 3 to be public
and keeps private only materials permitted by that section or other statutes to
be nonpublic.
2 (a), (b), (o), and (d). Descriptions of the Commission's central and field
organization, statements of the general course and method by which its functions
are channeled and determined, substantive rules, statements of general policy,
Interpretations, and amendments to the foregoing are published in the Federal
Register, the Code of Federal Regulations (17 CFR Parts 200-286), and in
pamphlet form and as individual releases made available to the public.
Changes in the above~described material are published in the Federal Register
promptly upon adoption, are reflected in the supplements to and revisions of the
Code of Federal Regulations, and are promptly distributed as individual releases,
copies of which are included in pamphlet copies of rules and are also distributed
by commercial publishers.
2(e). Pursuant to rule 25(e) of the Commission's Rules of Practice, 17 CFR
201.25(c), all final opinions, orders and rules, including rules that are addressed
to and served upon named persons in accordance with law, are released for gen-
eral public publication except where confidential treatment has for good cause
been directed by the Commission. As rule 25(c) provides, copies of such material
are published, mailed out on request and made available for public inspection. See
attached comment on ER. 5012 at page 2. Normally rules addressed to named
persons take the form of "orders" entered on "opinions" rendered in proceedings
conducted under various provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act
of 1935 or the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such opinions', together with
`the Commission's, other opinions, are published for general distribution and in
bound volumes.
3. As described in answer 2(e), supra, pursuant to rule 25(e) of the Commis-
sion's Rules of Practice 17 OFR 201.25(c), all final opinions and orders are pub-
lished, except where confidential treatment has for good cause been directed
by the Commission. These are widely distributed. Interim opinions and orders
are published or made available for public inspection in all except nonpublic
proceedings. The Commission maintains public reference rooms where the public
may examine all public documents; a detailed description of the material and
the manner in which it is made available is published in 17 CFR 200.80.
4. As described in detail in the attached comment on H.R. 5012 at pages 2,
3, and 9, certain proceedings and opinions and orders therein are nonpublic
These Include proceedings pursuant to specific statutory provisions requiring
confidential treatment of documents tiled by members of the public and cer-
tain proceedings of a disciplinary nature, where the unfairness of adverse
PAGENO="0211"
I~EDE1~AL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 483
publicity ~hou1d charges not be proved appears to outweigh possible disadvan-
tages to the public.
5. The Commission does not cite or use unpublished opinions or orders as
precedents in other proceedings.
The Commission's staff renders interpretative and advisory assistance to
the public, as described in 17 OFR 202.2. Where there have been numerous in-
terpretations dealing with a particular subject, the Commission sometimes pub-
lishes summaries of the views expressed. See answer No. 6, infra. On at
least one occasion some years ago a brief submitted on behalf of the Commission
in litigation referred to a body of such interpretations, even though they had
not yet been summarized in a document made publicly available.
6. Public material in the Commission's records and files may be inspected In
the Commission's public reference rooms during regular business hours. Copies
of such material are sold to any person. Transcripts of public hearings may be
purchased by anyone. See 17 CFR 200.80, rule 25 of the Commission's Rules
of Practice, 17 CFR 201.25, and answer No. 3, supra.
Interpretations and legal opinions are expressed in Commission's decisions
and substantive rules and also in briefs filed in courts on the Commission's
behalf. When proposed substantive rules are published for public comment,
interpretations or legal opinions are occasionally included with the explanation
of the proposed rule. As described in answer No. 5, supra, and in the attached
comment on H.R. 5012 at pages 4 and 6, the Commission's staff renders inter-
pretative and advisory assistance to members to the public, as does the Com-
mission itself on occasion, and summaries of a body of these interpretations
are sometimes published for the general public. See, e.g., Statement of the
Commission Regarding Limitations of the Availability of So-called "Private
Offering Exemption," Securities Act Release No. 4552, November 6, 1962, 27
Fed. Reg 11316. See generally, 17 CFR 211, 231, 241, 251, 261, 271, 276, and 281.
Commissioners and senior members of the staff also express their interpretations
of statutes and rules in speeches, briefing conferences, law review articles, etc.
7. The past bulk of material contained in this Commission's files is public
and the Commission makes every effort to have it readily available to the press
and to individual members of the public. With respect to section 3 of the
Administrative Procedure Act, we attempt to comply not only with the letter
of its provisions but with the spirit thereof, as is shown in answers 2, 3, and 6,
supra, and in the attached comments on EI.R. 5012 at pages 1-2.
We are of the view, however, that certain material in the Commission's files
should not be subject to general public scrutiny and limitations on its availability
are accordingly imposed. Some material is accorded confidential treatment under
certain statutory procedures, as described in the attached comment on H.R. 5012
at pages 2-3. Certain other material is treated as nonpublic to further the use-
fulness of the advisory assistance provided by the Commission's staff,,to protect
members of the public from unfair Injury and to facilitate free communication
among Government officials, all as described in the attached comment at pages
3-9. In addition, the Commission's Investigatory files are treated as nonpublic
to protect innocent persons, those who provide ihforniatlon concerning possible
violations of law and the efficacy of our investigative and prosecutive activities.
8. The Commission does not require private parties dealing with it to resort
to organization or procedure not published in the Federal Register.
9. The Commission does riot titilize the provision In section 3 of the Administra-
tive Procedure Act that excuses the publication of rules where there is involved
a function of the United States requiring secrecy in the public interest.
10. The Commission does not publish its directives to the staff concerning
internal agency management relating to such subjects as budgetary matters,
travel, personnel administration and building, equipment and supplies manage-
ment.
11. The materials which are available to the public as being matters of official
record within the meaning of section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act
are described in answers numbers 3 and 6, supra, in rule 25 of the Commission~s
Rules of Practice, 17 CFR 201.25, and at 17 C13'R 200.80. In addition, see the
itemization of public materials In the enclosed list which the Commission has
prepared and issued to the public entitled "Compilation of Documentary Materials
Available in the SEC."
You have also asked us to provide two copies of every regulation, directive,
order or other document Issued by the Commission to implement 5 U.S.C. 1002.
For the most part section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act merely codified
procedures that had already been followed by this Commission. Therefore the
PAGENO="0212"
484 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
Commission has not found it necessary to issue directives to Implement that
section's provisions. The classification of types of documents as public or non-
public, the procedures under which public material is available to members of
the public and related matters are set forth in various pamphlets, entitled "Orga-
nization, Procedures and Rules of Practice," at pages 16-18, "Rules of Practice
and Rules Relating to Investigations," at pages 16-17 and 23, "United States
Securities and Exchange Commission-Its Functions and Activities," at pages
25-30, as Well as the aforementioned "Compilation of Documentary Materials
Available in the SEtL" Two copies of each of the foregoing are included
herewith.
Sincerely yours,
BYRON D. WoonsInE,
Coinnvtssioner.
REPLY FROM SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM J
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERs,
SELECTIVE SEnVWE `SYSTEM,
Washington, D.C., March 15, 1965.
Hon. JOHN El. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Government Information ~ubcommSttee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: The following is presented in response to your letter of
February 12, 1965. Two copies of every regulation, directive, order, or other
document issued by this agency to implement 5 U.S.C. 1002 are enclosed.
The functions performed by the `Selective Service System are excluded from
the operation of the Administrative Procedure Act, except as to the requirements
of section 3 of such act, by the provisions of section 13(b) of the Universal
Military Training and Service Act, as amended. Male persons registered with
the Selective Service `System are classified as available or not available for
military service on `the basis of information furnished to local boards `by `or on
behalf of the individual registrants. Registrants are classified by some 4,000
local boards, subject to appeal to State appeal `boards, and in some instances to
the National `Selective Service Appeal Board which acts for the PresIdent. The
classifying boards do nOt write opinions concerning their determination of these
classifications. There are approximately 30 mIllion men registered with the
Selective `Service System and over 2 million individual classifications are deter-
mined annually by the local boards and appeal board's.
We submit the `following answers `to the questions asked in the subcommittee's
letter. T~e answers have been given `the same numbers as the questions.
1. Generally, section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act applies to all
functions of the `Selective `Service `Sys'tem with respect to the registration, exam-
ination, classification, seleCtion, assignment, `delivery for Induction, and mainte-
nance of records of the men registered under the Universal Military Training
and Service Act, as amended. There are no segments of the System to which
section 3 does not apply.
2. (a) Descriptions `o'f the central and field organization of `the System~ are
published in the Federal Register as changes occur therein. These are published
both in the form of `regulations and as a statement of organization. These
descriptions are also published annually in the U.S. Government Organization
Manual.
(b) `Statements of the general course and method `by which the functions of
the `Selective Service System are channeled aHd determined are published in the
same publications and in `the `same manner as are descriptions of its organization,
as explained in 2. (a), above.
(c) Rules and regulations for the `administration of the Universal Military
Training and `Service Act, as amended, and the Selective `Service System are
prescribed `by the President In Executive orders and in proclamations fixing the
ages and times for registration. These are published in the Federal Register.
Included in such regulations are descriptions of the organization of the System
and statements of the general course and methods `by which its functions are
carried out~ The President has delegated to the Director of Selective Service
authority to prescribe regulations goveriithg the internal management of the
System such as personnel and fiscal matters and `the `maintenance of its records.
PAGENO="0213"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 485
These regulations, when codified, are also `published in the Federal Register.
(4) Since its substantive regulations are prescribed by the President, the
Selective Service System has not formulated or adopted any statements of
general policy or interpretations for the guidance of the public.
(e) `The System issues n~ rules addressed to and served upon named persons.
3. The Selective Service System does not adjudicate cases which require the
preparation of final or interim opinions or orders. As mentioned previously,
over 2 million ipdlvidual cla,~sifications of registrants are determined annually
by local and `appeal boards. Section 6(h) of the Universal Military Training
and Service Act, as amended, provides in part as follows:
* * * There shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the office of each local
board a list setting forth the names and classifications of those persons who
have been classified by such local board. * * *
A record of classifications is maintained at each local board, which is open
to the public.
4. Since the System does not prepare interim or final opinions or orders in the
adjudication of cases, this question is not applicable to its operations.
5. There are no cases in which opinions or orders in other proceedings are cited
or used as precedents. Section 6(h) of the Universal Military Training and
Service Act, as amended, provides that no deferment from induction into the
Armed Forces "shall be made in the case of any individual except upon the
basis of the status of such individual." Thus, the classification of a registrant
must be determined solely on the basis of his own status without giving con-
sideration to matters arising out of the cases of other registrants.
6. Since the System does not issue interpretations or legal opinions, there
would remain the records and files of individual registrants which would be of
interest to the public. There are available in the manner described in 7, below.
There is no restriction on the availability of other files or records and requests
that they be made available are seldom received.
7. Limitations have been placed upon the availability to the general public
of the records and files of individual registrants because of the personal nature of
the information contained therein involving ~ucb matters as the registrant's
income and property, his family and marital status, hi~ physical and mental
condition, and that of members of his family, and other personal information
required for the determination of his classification on the basis of his individual
status.
Limitations placed upon the availability of records are prescribed by sections
1606.31 and 1606.32 of the Selective Service Regulations (32 OFR 1606.31 and
1606.32), as follows:
"1606.81. What records conftdential.-Except as provided by law or by the
regulations in this part, the records in a registrant's file and the information
contained in such records shall be confidential,
"1606.82. Ana%iabilitY and nse of confidential records and in! ornsation.-(a)
Information contained in records in a registrant's file may be disclosed or
furnished to, or examined by, the following persons, namely:
"(1) The registrant, or any person having written authority dated and signed
by the registrant: Provided, That, whenever the time of the expiration of
such authority is not specified therein, no information shall be disclosed, fur-
nished, or examined under that authority after the expiration of a period of
one year from its date.
"(2) The legal representative of a deceased or incompetent registrant, or
where there is no legal representative appointed for the estate of a deceased reg-
istrant, his next of kin: Provided, That proof of the registrant's death and
proof of the relationship of the next of kin to the registrant have been submitted
and are in his file. For the purpose of this subparagraph, the next of kin to the
registrant shall be limited to his widow, child, mother, father, brother, or sister.
"(3) All personnel of the Selective Service System while engaged in carrying
out the functions of the Selective Service System,
"(4) Any other agency, official, or employee, or class or group of officials or
employees, of the United States or any State or subdivision thereof upon written
request in individual cases, but only when and to the extent specifically au-
thorized in writing by the State Director of Selective Service or the Director of
Selective Service.
"(b) Information contained in records in a registrant's file may be disclosed or
furnished to, or examined by, a United States Attorney and his duly authorized
representatives, including agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, when-
PAGENO="0214"
486 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
ever the registrant has been reported to the United States Attorney as a de-
linquent or for prosecution for violating the Universal Military Training and
Service Act, as amended, or the rules, regulations, or directions made pursuant
thereto.
"(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the regulations in this part,
information contai~ied in an~~ record in a registrant's file may be disclosed or
furnished to, or examined by, any person having specific written authority from
the Director of Selective Service. No person shall use any information so dis-
closed, furnished, or examined for any purpose other than that designated in
such written authority.
"(d) No Information shall be disclosed or furnished to, or examined by, any
person under the provisions of this section, until such person has been properly
identified as a person, or as the authorized representative of an agency, entitled
to so obtain such information."
8. There are no circumstances under which private parties dealing with the
Selective Service System would be required in any manner to resort to organi-
zation or procedure not pttbllshed In the Federal Register.
9. The System has had no eases involving any function of the United States
requiring secrecy in the public interest.
10. No rules or regulations prescribed by the Director of Selective Service
which relate solely to the internal management of the Selective Service System
are published in the Federal Register. Copies of such rules are distributed to
all offices of the System and made available to its officers and employees.
11. The term "official record" as used in section 3(c) of the Administrative
Procedure Act has been de1~ned within the Selective Service System as meaning
those records and files created or obtained by the System in carrying out its
functions with respect to the registration, examination, classification, selection,
assignment, and delivery for induction of perso~is registered under the Uni-
versal Military Training and Service Act, as amended. These official records
are contained in the individual files of registrants.
Transmitted herewith are copies of each of the following:
1. Presidential registratio~n proclamations.
2. SelectIve Service regulations.
3. Statement of organization-Federal Register.
4. Statement of organization-U.S. Government Organization Manual.
If I may be of further service, please call on me.
Sincerely yours,
Lnwis B. HnnsHflv, DirectorS
REPLY FROM SMALL Busnni~ss ADMINISTRATION
SMALi~ BUsINESS AnMINI5TRATI0N,
Washington, D.C., March 29, 1965.
Hon. JOHN B. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Governiment Information ~S~ubcommittee,
Committee on GoDernment Operations, House of Representatives.
DEAR CONGRESSMAN Moss: This is in further reply to your letter of February
12, 19Gb, inquiring `about interpretations and practices of the Small Business
Administration under section 3 `of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.
1002), the public information section.
With respect to the legal interDreta'tlon of `section 3, SEA generally follows
`the guidelines on this section set forth in `the Attorney General's Manual on
the Administrative Procedure Act. Our policy i's to release all agency informa-
tion, except that required to be kept confidential to protect the public Interest.
INrOEMATI0N PtJRLISH15~
SBA regulations are codified in 13 Code `of Federal Regulations, chapter 1.
The agency publishes in the Federal Register from time to time (as changes
occur) `the following:
(a) Descriptions `of it~ central and field `organizations;
(b) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are
channeled an'd determined, including delegations of `authority and location of
field offices;
(c) Substantive rules adopted as authorized by law;
PAGENO="0215"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECO~DS LAW 487
(d) Statements of general policy and Interpretations formulated and adopted
by the agency for `the guidance of the public;
(e) "Show cause" orders and other regulatory proceedings concerning small
business investment companies licensed by `the agency;
(f) Disaster declarations for financial assistance purposes under section 7(b)
of the Small Business Act; and
(g) Exemptions from `the antitrust laws provided for joint actions by small
business concerns under sectionS 7(a) (6), 9(d), and 11 of `the act.
Another important `publication is SEA's annual report to the President and
the Congress. This contains much data concerning agency programs, activities,
and actions, as well as information on SBA's financial `and administrative
matters.
Agency actions providing financial assistance, and `small `business investment
company licenses granted, are generally `announced by means of press releases
issued by SBA's Office of Public Information. Major policy determinations also
are sometimes publicized `by this means (and in speeches by agency officials) as
well as by formal promulgation in `the Federal Register. SEA also publicizes
in appropriate localities, pursuant `to Public Law 88-273, certain `data relating
to so-called conflict of interest `transactions affecting small business investment
company licensees.
INF0nMATI0N MADE AVAILAflLE
Except for matters involving solely internal agency management, current SBA
rulings, directives, and interpretations (such as tho~e contained in agency
manuals, handbooks, or `opinions) which are not published, are made available
upon reques't `to interes'ted persons. This data is generally available both in
Washington, D.C., and at SBA field offices throughout `the country. With respect
to small `business investment company matters, the agency issues to all such
licensees and to other interested persons who request it, a "guide" which contains
pertinent SEA rules, interpretations of broad applicability, and policy and pro-
cedural information.
SBA's Office of Public Information maintains constant contact with members
of the daily and business press corps, trade associations, chambers of commerce
and similar groups in order to keep them Informed of the agency's programs
and objectives; issues news releases and reports' on SEA programs and opera-
tions; and answers questions from the press on Agency activities. The Office also
prepares and distributes fact sheets and leaflets on SBA programs, and informa-
tional materials to be issued locally by field offices of the agen~y.
Information is also available concerning particular SEA actions such as size
determinations (whether a firm is a "small business" for purposes of SEA legis-
lation), and procurement and technical assistance provided. Additionally, in
circumstances set forth in agency manual SBA-100, chapter XVII (copy en-
closed), banks and other financially interested persons may obtain certain data
from SBA about firms receiving loans from the agency.
INI?ORMATION NOT MADE AVAILAflLE
SBA does not make its records and files generally available to `the public. The
bases and necessity for this limitation are set forth in the attached agency reg-
ulations and manual provision concerning disclosure of information.
Neither does SBA disclose identifying information concerning applicants for
assistance when such assistance was not granted by the agency. It is believed
that such disclosure could injure the reputation of `the affected firm.
Copies are enclosed herewitb of part 102 and part 105 (sec. 105.6) of SBA reg-
ulations, and of chapter XVII of the SBA-100 manual.
I hope this information will be of assistance to the subcommittee. If any
further data is needed, please contact Mr. Philip F. Zeidman, our General
Counsel.
Sincerely,
EUGENE P. Pon~, AdministratOi~.
(NOTE.-Reference material in subcommittee files.)
PAGENO="0216"
488 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
REPLY FRo~x TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
TENNESSEE VALLEY AuTnoRm~,
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF Dutacrons,
Knoci'vlZle, Tenn., March 11, 1965.
Hon. JOHN E. Moss,
Chairman, Foreign Operations and Govern~ient Information Suboomm~ttee,
Committee on Government Operations, House of Representativer.
DEAR Mn. Moss: This is in response to your letter of February 12, 1965, con-
cerning section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946.
Before answering the specific questions raised in your letter, we should like
to explain that TVA engages in very few activities of the type to which the
Administrative Procedure Act is directed. The only area jn which TVA exercises
regulatory authority with respect to members of the general public is in the
administration of section 26a of the Penne~see Valley Authority Act. Under
this section, the TVA Board reviews and approves plans for the Construction,
operation, and maintenance of structures across, along, or in the Tennessee River
or its tributaries which would affect navigation, flood control, or public lands
or reservations. TVA's procedures for the administration of section 26a were
published in the Federal Register and are included in the Code of Federal Regu-
lations (18 C.F.R. 301.2-301.3).
TVA has also issued regulations giving effect to title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964~ These regulations were published in the Federal Register of January 9,
1965 (30 P.R. 311).
The answers to your specific questions are as follows:
1. Title 5, United States Code, chapter 1002 applies to all the funcions of TVA,
except those within the specific exceptions stated in that section. There are no
TVA divisions, bureaus, branches, or other units to which section 1002 does
not apply.
2. (a) A description of TVA's central and field organization is included in
the U.S. Government Organization Manual, which is published annually by the
office of the Federal Register as a special edition of the Federal Register.
(b) Same as 2(a) above.
(c) TVA has not published such substantive rules.
(d) The limited amount of such material which TVA issues is published in
the Federal Register and in the Code of Federal Regulations. Changes or revi-
sions are published In the same manner.
(e) TVA does not issue rules addressed to and served upon named persons.
3. TVA's procedure for making available the 1nforrnatio~ described in ques-
tion 3 is stated in 18 CFR 301.1, a copy of which is enclosed.
4. TVA has not had a case such as that described in question 4.
5. PVA has not had a case which involved the situati~n described in ques-
tion 5.
6. TVA's procedure for making available the information described in ques-
tion 6is stated in 18 CPR 301.1, a copy of which is enclosed.
7. The limitations which are placed upon the availability of TVA's records
and files to the general public are stated in 18 CFR 301.1, a copy of which is
enclosed.
8. Many of TVA's procurement contracts contain a disputes provision which
establishes a. procedure whereby the contractor and TVA may resolve any con-
troversy through successive appeals to the contracting officer and to the TVA
General Manager or his representative. The entire procedure is stated in the
disputes provision which is included in each contract to which it is to apply.
This procedure is not published in the Federal Register since, in our opinion, it
is not the type of procedure contemplated by section 3(a) of the Administrative
Procedure Act.
9. TVA has not had a case which involved the situation described in question 9.
10. TVA makes internal publication of an administrative release system which
contains a large number of TVA policies, procedures and rules to guide the offi-
cial actions expected of TVA. employees. Also, many TVA offices and divisions
issue instructions to guide the employees of that office or division. These docu-
ments are not published in the Federal Register because they relate solely to
TVA's internal management. A copy of the TVA administrative relesse system
is available at TVA's Washington office. We would be glad to make it available
for examination by a member ?~ your staff, if you so desire.
PAGENO="0217"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
489
11. The only definition which TVA has made of the term "official record" as
used in section 3(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act Is contained in 18 CFR
3011(a), a copy of which Is enclosed.
We are enclosing two copies of the documents requested in the last paragraph
of your letter. Miss Marguerite Owen, TVA's Washington representative (tele-
phone 343-4537), will obtain for you any further information which you may wish
to have. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely yours,
Aunnux J. WAGNER, Chairman.
TITLE 18-CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS
CHAPTER Il-TENNESSEE VAu~Er AuTHoRITY
PART 301-PROCEOiJRES
Sec.
301.1 Public records.
301.2 Obtaining of approval for construction in the Tennessee River system. -
301.3 Drawings, plans and designs.
Aurrroairr: §~ 301.1 to 301.3 issued under 48 Stat. 58, as amended; 16 U.S.C.
831-881dd. Statutory provisions interpreted or applied are cited to text in parentheses.
~ 301.1 Public records.
Matters of official record of TVA shall be made available to persons properly
and directly concerned, excepting matters relating solely to the internal man-
agement of TVA and excepting information held confidential for good cause
found.
(a) Scope. Subject to the limitations stated above, matters of official record
of TVA include invitations for the procurement of material or for construc-
tion, bids, and awards; maps, plans and diagrams of reservoir areas and other
real property held by TVA, including easements and rights of way; and final
decisions of the Board of Directors in regard to proceedings under section 26a
of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act.
(b) Requests. Requests for such information shall be made in writing to
the "Director of Information, Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, Tennessee,"
and shall contain sufficient information (1) to identify the matter of official rec-
ord sought to be made available, and (2) the circumstances which make the per-
son making the request one who is properly and directly concerned.
(c) Action upon requestr. Upon receipt of such a request, TVA shall promptly
determine whether the matter can be made available under the provisions of
this section and shall notify the person making the request (1) where and when
the matter can be made available, or (2) that the matter is not available, giving
the reasons therefor.
(d) Manner of making avcAkible. TVA shall not be required to make and
furnish copies of such matters, but shall fulfill its obligation by making the mat-
ter available for inspection; where, however, for reasons of convenience or ne-
cessity TVA determines that it is more practicable to fulfill its obligation by
furnishing a copy of the matter, TVA may fulfill its obligation by furnishing a
certified true copy thereof.
[11 P.R. 177A-749, Sept. 11, 1946, redesignated at 13 P.R. 6749, Nov. 18, 1948]
REPLY FROM U.S. ARMS CoNTRoL AND DISARMAMENT AGENCY
U.S. ARMs C0Nm0L AND DISARMAMENT AGENCY,
Washington, March 16, 1965.
lIon. JOHN B. Moss,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Foreign Operations and Oovernment Information,
House of Representatives.
DEAR Mn. CHAIRMAN: I enclose detailed answers to the 11 questions posed in
your letter of February 12, 1905.
That letter also requested two copies of any written document implementing
5 U.S.C. 1002, which deals with the publication of information, rules, opinions,
orders and public records. ACDA has not issued such a document. None has
been deemed necessary because ACDA is a small agency (opproximately 200
PAGENO="0218"
490 FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW
employees) with only a handful of employees directly' concerned with matters
that might fall within the terms of 5 U.S.C. 1002. Those employees are, of
course, fully aware of the requirements imposed by that statute.
Before issuance, all rules of the Agency are checked to determine whether
publication in the Federal Register is required. In addition, periodic reviews
of the Agency's activities and rules are undertaken to ii~sure that the require-
ments of 5 U.S.C. 1002 are being met.
As the subcommittee's staff has already been informed by telephone, liaison
with respect to the questions in the letter may be maintained with Mr. Alan
Washburn, code 182, extension 7788.
Sincerely,
WILLIAM C. Fosran.
1. The provisions of 5 U.S.C. 1002 apply to all functions of the U.S. Arms
Control and Disarmament Agency (hereafter referred to as the Agency). There
are no divisions, bureaus, branches, or other constituent units to which that
section does not apply.
2, (a) and (b). The Agency annually publishes in the United states Govern-
ment Organization M~tnual a description of its organization and a stateme'nt
of the general course and methods by which its functions are channeled and
determined. Comparable information, along with a statement of the means by
which the public can obtain information, has been submitted to the Federal
Register. Changes will be published in the Federal Register when they are
made.
2 (c). The Agency has not yet published any substantive rules. Except as
indicated below with respect to its contracts, the Agency has adopted no substan-
tive rules applicable to the public. The Agency operates under the extensively
detailed ~Federal Procurement Regulations, which have been published (41 CFR
subtitle A). A few special Agency rules appropriate for publication and imple-
menting or supplementing the Federal Procurement Regulations are in the
process of formulation. Such Agency rules will be published In the Federal
Register when ready In definitive form.
Under an agreement with the Agency, the Atomic Energy Commission is
responsib'e fo~ screening the results of security investigations of contractors'
personnel. ABC actions on behalf of the Agency are taken in accordance with
the established ABC procedures published in 10 CFR part 10. By contract
provision and by other means, the Agency's contractors are informed of the
applicability of the procedures in 10 CFR part 10. It has, therefore, not been
deemed necessary for the Agency to republish those procedures.
2. (d) and (e) The Agency has not. had any occasion to formulate and adopt
statements of general policy or Interpetations for the guidance of the public
or to issue rules addressed to and served upon named persons. Consequently,
no such documents have been published.
3, 4, and 5. The Agency has not adjudicated any cases and therefore, has not
issued Interim or final opinions or orders or used any such documents In other
proceedings.
6 and 7. The Agency has not issued any interpretations or legal opinions. The
following statements thus apply to the Ageay's records and files.
The only statutes limiting the availability of the Agency's records and files to
the public relate to security classification (18 U.S.C. 37, 42 U.S.C. 2274~ 2277,
and implementing Executive orders). Because the Agency functions in a highly
sensitive area of foreign affairs and national defense, an appreciable portion of
the Agency's records is classified because of security requirements.
There are no rules limiting the availability to the public of those portions
of the Agency's records and files not controlled in the interest of the national
defense or foreign policy. The practice is to make those portions freely available
to persons properly and directly concerned. Except as described below, there are
no formal procedures by which the Agency's records and files are made available.
Since the Agency has barely 200 employees and only a single office in the United
States, no such procedures are deemed necessary. Persons seeking information
or documents are easily referred to the appropriate official.
Pursuant to section 2 of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act (22 U.S.C.
2551), the Agency is charged with ensuring "the dissemination * * * of public
information concerning arms control and disarmament." To discharge this
duty, as well as to provide maximum availability of information in conformity
with the spirit of the Administrative Procedure Act, several procedures have
been established for giving the public access to those portions of the Agency's
PAGENO="0219"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 491
records and files not controlled in the interest of the national defense or foreign
policy.
The most significant proposals and statements of the United States and `other
nations on arms control and disarmament are published in the annual publica-
tions, Documents on Disarmament. Various specific aspects of arms control
and disarmament are also dealt with in other Agency publications. All these
publications are widely distributed. They are sent to the persons and institu-
tions, including public and institutional libraries, on a long mailing list. The
publications are distributed free on request to the extent that the stockpile
permits. They are also distributed through the Government Printing Office,
and their availability from that source Is announced in GPO catalogs.
The Agency's files also contain the verbatim reports of the Conference of the
18 Nation Disarmament Committee in Geneva. Arrangements are being made
to have copies of those reports placed in depository libraries throughout the
United States.
It is the Agency's practice to make wide distribution of the reports rendered to
the Agency by research contractors and grantees. The procedure is to mall
any of those reports not controlled in the interest of the national defense or
foreign policy to the names on a mailing list that includes leading academic insti-
tutions, research centers, and 20 public depository libraries throughout the
United States. The mailing list also Includes the Defense Documentation Center,
which publishes information about the research reports in the Technical Abstract
Bulletin sent to Government agencies and contractors. The procedure then is
for the Defense Documentation Center to forward reports to a Clearinghouse for
Federal Scientific and Technical Information, maintained by the Department of
Commerce. The Clearinghouse publishes information about the research re-
ports in a biweekly catalog to which the public can subscribe. The Clearing-
house, on payment of the costs, will furnish copies of the research reports to
the public.
Arrangements are also being made to have the Government Printing Office
catalog, which is widely distributed, list all reports mentioned in the catalor'
issued by the Commerce Department's Clearinghouse.
To the extent that the Agency's stocks will permit, the practice is to give free
to the public upon request any research report not controlled in the interest
of national defense or foreign policy.
8. In no circumstances are private parties dealing with the Agency required
in any manner to restort to organization or procedure not published in the
Federal Register.
9. The Agency has had no occasion to refrain from publishing rules where
there was involved a function of the United States requiring secrecy in the
public interest.
10. The following are illustrativeof the types of rules the Agency has refrained
from publishing on the ground that they involve only internal `management:
(a) Handling of documents, e.g., procedures for signing congressional mail;
authorization to sign cables and correspondence; identification of papers and
memoranda; clearance of telegrams referring to State Department or White
House personnel or functions; procurement of reprints of published articles;
distribution of action documents.
(b) Security classification procedures, e.g., automatic, time phased, down-
grading, declassification, and decontrol of classified and administratively con-
trolled documents; authorization to originate top secret classification; special
rules for access to atomic weapons data.
(o) Duties of certain officers, e.g., duty officer procedures nonfinal delegations
of authority.
(d) Personnel matters, e.g., compensation; attendance and leave; grievances;
incentive awards; conduct of employees (including conflicts of interest, outside
employment, writing for publication, privilege of joining employee organizations).
(e) Supplies and services, e.g., official long-distance telephone calls; requisi-
tioning procedures.
The Agency has also Issued a number of instructions regarding the Agency's
contracting program, for example, on the submission of proposals for and admin-
istration of research grants. Agency practice has been to make these instruc-
tions available to any contractor or prospective contractor that requested them
or whom the Agency believed might have an interest in them. These instruc-
tions are being reviewed to determine which points, if any, should be Incorporated
into the forthcoming procurement regulations, which will be published in the
Federal Register.
PAGENO="0220"
492 FEDERAL PUI3LIC RE~CORDS LAW
11. The Agency has taken as its guide on the meaning of "official record," as
used in the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, the following statement from
the Attorney General's Manual on the Administrative Procedure Act (1947):
The term "official record" is difficult of definition. In general, it may
be stated that matters of official record will include (a) applications,
registrations, petitions, reports and returns filed by members of the public
with the agency pursuant to statute or the agency's rules, and (b) all docu-
ments embodying agency actions, such as orders, rules and licenses. In
formal proceedings, the pleadings, transcripts of testimony, exhibits, and
all documents received in evidence or made a part of the record are `matters
of official record.' * * *~ The great mass of material relating to the internal
operation of an agency Is not a matter of official record.
The Agency has no matters of "official record" within the guidelines thus
established. It has, therefore, not been necessary to formulate a precise
definition.
The fact that the Agency has no matters of official record does not mean that
public access to the Agency's files and records has been precluded. Some of the
steps taken with respect to making files and records of the Agency available
to the public are discussed above in response to questions 6 and 7.
REPLY FROM U.S. INFORMATION AGENCY
UxiTzD STATES INF0nMATI0N AGENcY,
Washington, 1~.C., March 15, 1965.
Hon. Jonx El. Moss,
Chairman, Po'reign Operations and Government Information /S'ubcommittee,
Honse of Representatives.
DEAR MR. Moss: I am enclosing the information requested in your letter of
February 12, to assist you in evaluating section 3 of the Administrative Proce-
ure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002).
While the Agency has not issued any specific regulation, directive, or order
to implement 5 U.S.C. 1002, the Office of Administration is responsible, generally,
for its implementation.
Miss June Miller, code 182, extension 3120, has been designated liaison officer
for any additional information that you may require.
Sincerely yours,
STANLEY PLE5ENT,
GeneraZ Counsel and Congressional Liaison.
1. Generally, 5 U.S.C. 1002 applies to the following functions of the U.S. In-
formation Agency:
(a) Informational Media Guaranty program.
(b) Contract and Procurement operations.
(e) Program facilitating the circulation abroad of U.S. visual and auditory
materials of an educational, scientific and cultural character.
(d) Federal Tort Claims procedure.
There are no elements or units of the Agency to which the section does not
apply.
2. (a) Section 3(a) (1) of the APA: A description of the Agency's central
and field organization is published annually in the U.S. Government Organiza-
tion Manual.
The Federal Procurement Regulations (FPR), by which the Agency is guided
In its contract and procurement operations, are published in the Federal Register.
The Agency implementation of the FPR was initiated by publication of 41 CFR
19-1,000 through 19-1.108-2. Delegations of authority for procurement trans-
actions to certain officials of the Agency are also published in the Federal Register.
The place and method whereby the public may secure information or make
requests pertaining to the program listed in paragraph i.e. above were published
in the Federal Register on December 24, 1953, 22 CFII 502. For distribution
abroad by USIS posts to ministries of education, heads of audiovisual centers,
universities, professional organizations. etc., the Agency compiles and publishes
a catalog entitled "U.S. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Motion Pictures
PAGENO="0221"
FEDERAL PUBLIC RECORDS LAW 493
and Filnistrips Selected and Available for Use Abroad" The history of the
catalog is as follows:
Motion picture Catalog, April 1950.
Motion Pictures and ~`ilmstriPs:
Supplement, June 1951.
July 1952.
Supplement, May 1954.
Science section, December 1956.
Education section, July 1959.
Science section supplement (currently being prepared).
Cultural section (currently being prepared).
Procedures pertaining to the Informational Media Guaranty program were pub-
lished in the Federal Register on December 2, 1953, 22 OFR 501.
Procedures under the Federal Tort Claims Act were published in the Federal
Register 011 August 10, 1955, and September 22, 1955, 22 CFR 511.
Both 22 CFR 501 and 502 are being updated.
(b) Section 3(a) (2) of the APA: See paragraph 2(a) above.
(c), (d), and (e), Section 3(a) (3) of the APA: Substantive rules adopted
as authorized by law and statements of general policy or interprGt~tti0flS formu-
lated and adopted by the Agency for the guidam~6 of the public, but not rules
addressed to and served upon named persons in accordance with law.
Not applicable, except as stated in paragtapb 2(e) above.
3, Not applicable.
4. Not applicable.
5. Not applicable.
6. See paragraph 7 below.
7. LimitationS placed upon the availability of records and files to the general
public are contained in the Agency's Manual of Operations and Administration,
MOA 111-526, NonoffiCial Use of Records for Research Purposes, and MOA
ITIII-136, Dissemination of Classified Information. Copies of the pertinent
sections are attached. The regulations pertaining to classified material are de-
signed to carry out the requirements of E.O. 10501 which relates to 5afeguarding
official information in the interest of the defense of the United States. The
Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended, section 612, also limits the availability
of certain records and files to the general public. A. copy of section 612 is
attached.
8. ProcedureS for applicants for employment in the ~3'oreign Service of the
Agency, or for service in a Binatioflal Center abroad have not as yet been pub-
lished in the Federal Register.
9. None.
10. The Agency issues a Manual of Operations and Administration for the
guidance of Agency personnel in the performance of their duties covering such
subjects as commufllCatiohls and records, administrative services, personnel,
finance, media operations, etc. The Agency also issues circulars and announce-
ments that are for internal Agency manageflient and information.
11. The Agency uses the definition in the Records Disposal Act of July 7, 1943,
and amended July 6, 194~; i.e., the term "records" includes all books, papers,
maps, photographs, or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form
or characteristics, made or received by an agency of the U.S. Government in
1mrsuanCe of Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business
and preserved or appropriate for preservatiofl by that agency or its legitimate
successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisiofis, pro-
cedures, operations, or other activities of the Government or because of the
informational value of data contained therein. As used In section 3(c) of the
Administrative Procedure Act, material relating to the internal operation of
the Agency is not considered "official records."
FonnIGN SnavIon Aen or 194(3, AS AMENDED
TITLE vi_PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
Section 612-To Whom Records Shall Be Available
The correspondence and records of the Department relating to the officers
and employees of the Service, including efficiency records as defined in section
601(1) but not including records pertaining to the receipt, disbursement, and
accounting for public funds, shall be confidential and subject to inspection only
PAGENO="0222"
494 FEDERAL PVBI4IC RECORDS LAW
by the President, the Secretary, the Under Secretar~y, the Counselor of the De-
rartment, the legislative and Appropriations Committees of the Congress
charged with considering legislation and appropriations for the Service or rep-
resentatives duly authorized by such committees, the members of the Board of
the Foreign Service, the Director General, and such officers and employees of
the Government as may be assigned by the Secretary to work on such records.
Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe and in the interest of
efficient personnel administration, the whole or any portion of an efficiency rec-
ord shall, upon written request, be divulged to the officer or employee to whom
such record relates,
REi?LY FROM U.S. TARIYF COMMISSION
V.5. TArurv COMMTS$IQN,
lVain.qtan, D.C., March16, 1t~65.
Hon. JOHN E~ Moss,
C1wirnva~, 1~oreifm Operations and Government Information bcomwitt~~e,
Commtttee on GOvernment Operations, .t.fovse of Representatives,
DzAim Mn. CHAnmMAN The following paragraphs contain the answers of the
U.S. Tariff Commission to the questions concerning the effect of section 3 of the
Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 1002) submItted in your letter
of February 12, 1965, The numbering of the answering paragraphs corresponds
to that of the questions.
1. It is the opinion of the Commission that those requirements of the public
information section of the Administrative Procedure Act which are directed to
an "agency" Of the Government of the United States apply to the U.S. Tariff Com-
mission, but that those requirements concerned with publicity to be given "sub-
stantive rules" or "final opinions or orders" are not so applicable. These latter
requirements do not apply to the Commission, because it generates neither sub-
stantive rules nor final opinions o~ orders in the adjudication of cases. The
primary duty of the Commission is to investigate and report upon tarW and
foreign trade matters, as required by statute. It makes such investigations
and reports at the request of the President, either branch of the Congress, the
House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance.
Investigations into the effects on domestic industries of Increased Imports re-
sulting from trade agreement concessions may be Initiated by an industry, firm,
group of workers, or other interested parties. The Commission also makes
studies, surveys, or investigations on its own initiative. The facts found by
the Commission In the course of these investigations may serve as the basis for
a rule or order issued by some other arm of the Government. In some cases
determination of a certain nature by the Commission is a prerequisite to affirma-
tive action by ~the ENecutive. It~ all of these cases, however, the affirmative
action is by others, and the factflndlng by the Commission is in no sense an order
or rule.
The Tariff Commission has no div1s1ons~ bureaus, branches, or other con~
stituent units to which the public information section does not apply to the
degree stated above.
2. The Tariff Commission :publlsbes in official and unofficial publications
materials at the intervals described below:
(a) A description of the central and field organization of the Tariff Commission
was published in 14 F.R. 7300 (1949). A description of the organization of the
CommissiOn and Its functions also appears annually in the U.S. Government
Organization Manual.
(b) Statements of "the general course and method" by which the "functions"
of the Tariff Commission are "channeled and determined" appear in the Com-
mission's Rules of Practice an