Reading Room Document

Certain stories published in the newspaper, "The Government Employees Exchange"

The document is a memorandum from William H. Rehnquist, Assistant Attorney General, in response to a request to review and reply to a memorandum concerning false statements published in a newspaper about a government official. The conclusion reached is that it is doubtful that any violation of law was involved, and it is unlikely that the statements would give rise to a civil action for damages against the newspaper. The questions presented for review include whether the publication of false statements involved any violation of law and whether any legal action was indicated.

November 26, 1969