◆ SpookStack

Memorandum to Mr. Adaros Re: Freedom of Information Act Request Concerning Martin Luther King, Jr. access to file material concerning King. He explained that they could not take appropriate steps to protect the privacy of King and his surviving family against publication by Congress or leaks to the press unless they knew what the material was. Young suggested that it might be possible for any material on King to be transferred to the King Memorial Library to be held free from inspection for future historical purposes. I reminded Mr. Young that such a move would not protect the material from Congressional subpoena and I suggested to him that if material exists: in FBI files concerning King, it would have greater protection in the custody of the FBI because of the opportunities available for the Executive Branch to deal on an equal basis with the Congress, and therefore to deny access to the material in the face cf a Congressional subpoena. Mr. Young agreed that he had not considered that aspect of his proposal. Mr. Wachtel asked for a specific timetable for the preparation of the Attorney General's proposed guidelines and asked whether any specific arrangements have been made to date with any of the Congressional committees that might involve material on King. Assistant Attorney General Scalia told him that no specific timetable has been set for the development of guidelines but the Attorney General has indicated that they must be developed at an early date. He said that no arrangements have been made with any Congressional committees concerning file material on King. Mr. Wachtel and Congressman Young requested an opportunity to meet again to discuss this matier further and indicated that they would call and request another meeting. Mr. Scalia then advised that he would present to the Attorney General the request for them to have access to the file material if any exists on King and indicated that he would advise Mr. Wachtel by March 17, 1975, of the developments concerning the Attorney General's proposed guidelines. It was indicated that there was no request made under the | FOIA. The purpose of the meeting was to attempt to find an informal way of disposing of material that might exist concerning King of a j derogatory nature. After the conference had concluded, I discussed -3- CONTINUED - OVER .