Reading Room Document

The authority and procedures for releasing for public disclosure certain of the documentary material that was produced or acquired by the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy (the Warren Commission)

The Archivist of the United States and the Deputy Administrator of General Services asked the OLC for guidance on releasing documents produced or provided to the Warren Commission in connection with its investigation into President Kennedy’s assassination. The OLC noted that because the Warren Commission no longer existed and had transferred all of its records, papers, and other documentary material to the National Archives, the National Archives had the authority to review the material and to determine what should be disclosed to the public. The OLC also suggested that the National Archives conduct subsequent reviews of withheld material until it would eventually all be released.

August 17, 1966