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ak tn lO TD Melos sil oe es cette aa pcs ey et re MEMO: GALE TO DeLOACH RE: FRED B. BLACK, JR. authority for the use of microphones. The Attorney General Be indicated that Former Attorney General Kennedy stated he did not...’ ' give such over-all authority but he realized that the Bureau had , 7 certain documents which would raise a question concerning this * ..: contention. I informed him that we certainly did and once again. reviewed with him the document which Kennedy signed for the -4::-. New York Telephone Company, authorizing microphones, together with several memoranda of former Assistant Director Courtney A. Evans, indicating that the Attorney Generali was completely cognizant and had authorized the use of microphones in the field of organized crime. He was again advised that Kennedy had listened. to a number of tapes of microphone coverage played to him in Chicago and New York. The Attorney General made no further observations — concerning this point. 7 mo | | name of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy as having given. oa cons . The Attorney General then stated that he felt the . press would definitely want to know if these practices still exist and ask questions along the lines of the information in the footnote. He was much more concilliatory than when I was in hig office and stated that if the Bureau desired, he would eliminate instant footnote and have it answered by Departmental spokesmen when the press inquired. As the Director very quickly | REE: the Department would undoubtedly like to use this LSE BREA IER AMEE eins 9 tn Re laa en tactic so that Rosenthal could conveniently omit -that sentence about our having general Departmental authorization for the use of these devices.in answering press inquiries. Pursuant to the Director's instructions, the Attorney General was subsequently advised that we felt the statement should stand as it is on the record rather than by making reference — to it orally to the press. At this time the Attorney General made the observation, "The Solicitor.General is not going to like this very well." itil a hie ok Se as rn rrr A Ses It appears that the Attorney General now feels that the Department has boxed itself in to some extent by agreeing to the statement that we had general Departmental authority to use these ' devices. ACTION; This matter will be closely followed and you will be: advised of all pertinent developments. E: aE ON ee Ee aE eh DEOL LI INTE