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The original documents are located in Box 5, folder "Clemency Program - General (6)" of
the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
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The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
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E. FREDERIC MORROW
1270 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York
[sept 1975?]
10029
To The Editor:
The September 20th issue of the Times contained a major story with
the headline: "Clemency Board Minority Finds Program Distorted by
Majority." The body of the story proceeded to accuse the chairman,
Charles E. Goodell, and his staff of misinterpreting, circumventing
and violating at least the spirit of the Presidential order establishing
the amnesty program for Vietnam war resisters. It also suggested that
when the Board was expanded in May from nine to eighteen members,
Senator Goodell "stacked" the panel so that it became "a more
amnesty-oriented, Goodell-influenced group."
Most of the members of the Board had never met Senator Goodell,
and were appointed by the President for reasons he considered pertinent.
It is therefore presumptuous for anyone to accuse Senator Goodell of
"stacking" the President's Board.
The cloak-and-dagger tactics of the "minority four" in preparing their
report would shame the C.I.A. No other Board members were ever
permitted to see the report, and these four members - all military men-
were afflicted with an anti-clemency attitude that was hard to comprehend.
They were never able to rise above their mistaken convictions of why they
were there or the reason for the creation of the Board.
No American has a monopoly on patriotism - no matter what his rank,
position or economic status. And I am certain the "majority members" of
the Board resent bitterly the impugning of their motives, their acts, and
velled assertions of disloyalty to the President and our country.
The sincerity of the "minority" report is suspect. It would have been
much more convincing if these disenchanted members had resigned in pro-
test against the "Incompetence" of the majority early in the Board's
deliberations. But they chose to hang on, basking in the glory of a
Presidential appointment and offering only negative assistance.
(continued...)
FORD is LIBRARY
Digitized from Box 5 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Anyone can function one hundred percent as a critic. What
the Clemency Board needed this past hot summer in Washington
was not Inside critics, but dedicated, sincere workers offering
solutions to difficult problems.
in
E. Frederic Morrow
Member,
President's Clemency Board
New York, New York
September 26, 1975
GERALD LIBRARY ? FORD
[sept 1975?]
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Forday
FORD - 074820 LIBRARY
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
Memorandum For:
Philip Buchen
From:
General Lewis W. Walt
Subject:
Applicants with felony convictions who have been
recommended for a Presidential Pardon by the PCB
Attached is a summary of 100 cases who have been convicted of a felony
and either have been or will be submitted to the President. This
represents approximately 5% of the applicants who have a felony con-
viction on their record. The following represents the recommendations
of the PCB for these cases:
2 - No Clemency
26 - Full and Unconditional Pardon
8 - Pardon after 3 months Alternative Service
1 - Pardon after 4 months Alternative Service
2 - Pardon after 5 months Alternative Service
26 - Pardon after 6 months Alternative Service
2 - Pardon after 7 months Alternative Service
20 - Pardon after 9 months Alternative Service
1 - Pardon after 10 months Alternative Service
12 - Pardon after 12 months Alternative Service
I voted for No Clemency on all of these cases but was out-voted.
I recommend that the President disapprove the above recommendations of
the PCB and that No Clemency be granted. Further, I recommend that all
future recommendations of the PCB pertaining to applicants who have
been convicted of a felony be properly identified in a separate packet
to the President.
DRD
Case Number
Decision
Date of Decision
Felony
634
6 months
8/13
Sale of Marijuana
1077
months
7/2
Burglary
1825
12 months
8/23
Transportation of
Stolen Vehicle
2209
6 months
8/30
Carnal Knowledge of
a female under 12
2253
6 months
8/24
Larceny & Forgery
2382
3 months
8/23
Stolen Vehicle
2415
6 months
7/2
Burglary
2698
9 months
6/26
Possession of Stolen
Property
2888
10 months
8/7
2nd degree Burglary
2964
12 months
8/13
Unauthorized use of
Automobile
3079
9 months
8/6
Burglary 2 counts
3091
5 months
9/4
Burglary Currently
Confined
3148
6 months
8/20
Breaking and Entering,
Possession of Drugs
3681
6 months
7/2
Theft, Burglary
3856
9 months
8/24
Unarmed Robbery
FORD LEGRARY
3914
9 months
6/25
Drugs
4384
12 months
6/5
Forgery
Case Number
Decision
Date of Decision
Felony
4443
3 months
8/24
Bad Checks
4481
Pardon
8/6
False Statement
to Secure Firearms
4640
3 months
8/24
House Burglary
4697
Pardon
8/24
Possession of
Dangerous Drugs -
2nd degree Burglary
4912
12 months
8/22
Grand Larceny
4998
9 months
8/20
Attempted Escape &
Auto Theft
5174
12 months
8/7
Larceny
5246
12 months
8/6
Breaking & Entering
Unauthorized use
of Motor Vehicle
5329
Pardon
8/7
Armed Robbery
Currently Confined
5688
6 months
7/8
Burglary
5734
6 months
8/14
Involuntary Manslaughter
Currently Confined
6076
Pardon
8/30
2nd degree Robbery
Currently Confined
6440
9 Months
8/6
Attempted Burglary
Currently Confined
6630
Pardon
8/23
Robbery Probation
Case Number
Decision
Date of Decision
Felony
7082
3 months
6/23
Possession of Drugs
On Probation
7599
Pardon
8/23
Bank Robbery
On Parole
7940
6 months
6/17
Stolen Vehicle
False Statement on
Passport
Currently Confined
10006
Pardon
7/2
Breaking & Entering
Parole
10040
12 months
7/2
Accessory to Theft
over 200,00
Currently Confined
10044
6 months
8/13
Firearms Violation
Escape from Prison
10420
7 months
8/31
Dist. LSD
10462
No Clemency
6/4
Two Assault Charges
11942
Pardon
7/16
Forged Checks
Currently Confined
11613
12 months
8/23
Breaking & Entering
Currently Confined
16673
Pardon
8/22
Passing Counterfeit
Money
Currently Confined
8181
Pardon
8/6
Breaking & Entering
8194
Pardon
8/24
Breaking & Entering
Case Number
Decision
Date of Decision
Felony
8295
6 months
8/30
5 felony Charges
2 counts Grand Larceny
2nd Degree Burglary
8704
Pardon
8/23
Grand Larceny
Assault w/Intent to
Murder
8711
Pardon
7/8
2nd Degree Forgery
Currently Confined
8715
6 months
8/13
Sale & Possession of
narcotics
8717
9 months
8/24
Interstate Transportation
Motor Vehicle & Escape
from Confinement
8843
5 months
8/3
Burglary
9246
9 months
8/6
Burglary, Larceny
Auto Tampering
Currently Confined
9399
Pardon
8/31
Theft of Mail
9411
6 months
8/24
Grand Larceny
Auto
9538
Pardon
8/13
Assault & Battery
Forgery
12121
No Clemency
6/26
Breaking & Entering
Presently Confined
12162
Pardon
7/8
Burglary & Robbery
12240
Pardon
8/6
Unauthorized Use of
Motor Vehicle
Case Number
Decision
Date of Decision
Felony
12255
6 months
8/23
Possession of Marijuana
12780
Pardon
8/23
Burglary & Possession
of Marijuana
12988
9 months
8/13
House Breaking
13007
4 months
8/23
Attempted Burglary
13032
9 months
8/30
Burglary 2 Convictions
13057
6 months
8/13
Larceny of Weapon and
Cash
13159
Pardon
7/25
Aggravated Assault
13267
7 months
8/20
Possession of Heroin
13593
3 months
7/8
Possession of Controled
Substance
Currently Confined
13722
Pardon
8/21
Fraud, Impersonating a
Naval Officer
13747
9 months
8/23
Controled Substance
Violation
Currently Confined
14043
9 months
8/31
Possession of Stolen
Mail & Treasury Checks
Currently Confined
14464
3 months
7/9
Grand Theft Auto
Possession of Dangerous Drugs
14531
6 months
8/31
Involuntary Manslaughter
Case Number
Decision
Date of Decision
Felony
14551
3 months
8/23
Delevery of Heroin
Currently Confined
14623
3 months
8/13
Possession of Stolen Goods
Breaking & Entering of
Automobile
Pardon
8/13
1st Degree Manslaughter
14938
9 months
8/13
Burglary
Currently Confined
14950
6 months
8/21
Burglary
14951
Pardon
8/14
Burglary, Possession
of Marijuana
Currently Confined
14992
12 months
8/13
Armed Robbery
Currently Confined
15293
6 months
8/20
Armed Robbery
Presently Confined
15305
Pardon
8/23
Grand Larceny
15343
Tabled
8/30
Possession of Dangerous
drugs w/intent to sell
Drawing weapon on officer
15359
6 months
8/23
Violation of Control
Substance Act (Heroin)
Presently Confined
15368
6 months
8/13
Distribution of Narcotics
Presently Confined
15381
6 months
8/13
Uttering Forged
FORD
Instruments
Presently Confined
Case Number
Decision
Date of Decision
Felony
15400
Pardon
8/24
Statutory Rape
Presently Confined
15477
9 months
8/24
Burglary
Presently Confined
15487
6 months
8/13
Forgery - failure to
support minor children
NCG Homicide
15518
Pardon
8/13
Possession of Stolen
Money Orders, Escape
federal custody
Presently confined
15539
9 months
8/23
Theft, forgery and
Possession of U.S. Treasury
check. Presently Confined.
15926
Pardon
8/23
Attempted Murder
Shot up a Bar
Gunfight with Police
17063
6 months
9/4
writing Bad Checks
Presently Confined
FORD
LIBRARY
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 2, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
DON RUMSFELD
Subject: Clemency Board Proposal
We visited this morning on the subject. It is my understanding
that the Counsel's office is reviewing each one of the Clemency
Board's recommended actions and that thus far you have con-
curred with each decision of the Clemency Board. Is that
correct? I assume you are taking a good hard look at what
is being proposed by way of specific actions both with respect
to individuals and recommendations. In any event, that's the
President's desire.
to LENALE FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
9/3
Mr. Buchen
General Walt has
given permission for you
to mention Walt's
meeting with you and
Jack Marsh, and to
refer to the attached
letter which was called
to your attention.
Jay
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
June 4, 1975
Mr. L. T. McKnelly
College Coordinator
United States Penitentiary
P.O. Box 1000
Leavenworth, Kansas 66048
Dear Mr. McKnelly:
As we discussed in our telephone coversation today I am
enclosing 75 Presidential Clemency Board application kits
for use by potential applicants currently incarcerated
in the penitentiary at Leavenworth. These should be
completed as fully as possible and returned to us no
later than June 15 for processing.
Due to our previous error and the consequent delay, we would
appreciate your sending all the completed applications in
one return package.
Once again, I want to offer my sincere apologies for the
mix-up. Please be assured that these applications will
receive our fullest attention.
Sincerely,
Carolyn
Carolyn J. Swanson
Staff Assistant
FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 12, 1975
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM TO:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
JIM CONNOR
DICK CHENEY
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
R
General Walt called me again this morning to make one final comment
with regard to the wrap-up of the Clemency Board.
He has agreed to cancel the press conference he had scheduled for
today and to reject the invitation he had to be a guest on "Meet the
Press". He has, however, met with a number of veterans organiza-
tions and newspaper and magazine reporters concerning what he feels
are the "excesses" of the Board. In brief, it is General Walt's view
that the majority of the Board is commited to a program of general
amnesty and that the actions of the Board, thus far, have been an effec-
tive precursor to that end.
In the best interests of the President, General Walt simply suggests
that the President do nothing and say nothing that would be interpreted
as an endorsement of the actions taken by the Board. Walt is convinced
that a number of reporters, having been briefed by him and others, are
prepared to pounce on the Board, once its final report is made public.
If the President endorses the actions of the Board, they will turn on him
with equal vigor.
General Walt is interested in seeing to it that the President does not
place himself in a vulnerable position.
For the above reasons, it is suggested that no statement be released
by the President, or in his behalf, at the conclusion of the Board's work.
Secondly, General Walt advises against the scheduling of any reception
for the members of the Board and the detailees who worked with the Board.
He agreed that a meeting with the President for a small representative
group from the Board was a practical, if not unavoidable, necessity.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Clamancy
WASHINGTON
September 12, 1975
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM TO:
PHIL BUCHEN
JACK MARSH
JIM CONNOR
DICK CHENEY
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
R
General Walt called me again this morning to make one final comment
with regard to the wrap-up of the Clemency Board.
He has agreed to cancel the press conference he had scheduled for
today and to reject the invitation he had to be a guest on "Meet the
Press". He has, however, met with a number of veterans organiza-
tions and newspaper and magazine reporters concerning what he feels
are the "excesses" of the Board. In brief, it is General Walt's view
that the majority of the Board is commited to a program of general
amnesty and that the actions of the Board, thus far, have been an effec-
tive precursor to that end.
In the best interests of the President, General Walt simply suggests
that the President do nothing and say nothing that would be interpreted
as an endorsement of the actions taken by the Board. Walt is convinced
that a number of reporters, having been briefed by him and others, are
prepared to pounce on the Board, once its final report is made public.
If the President endorses the actions of the Board, they will turn on him
with equal vigor.
General Walt is interested in seeing to it that the President does not
place himself in a vulnerable position.
For the above reasons, it is suggested that no statement be released
by the President, or in his behalf, at the conclusion of the Board's work.
Secondly, General Walt advises against the scheduling of any reception
for the members of the Board and the detailees who worked with the Board.
He agreed that a meeting with the President for a small representative
group from the Board was a practical, if not unavoidable, necessity.
LALO FORD LIBRAN
15 September 1975
9/17/75
MEMORANDUM
givents Buss Rounks
at Col, Benson's
TO:
Chairman Charles Goodell
request.
FROM:
General Walt
Mr. Dougovito
SUBJECT: Upgrade Cases, Recomendation
Concerning
To date there have been 25 cases tentatively recommended for upgrade.
There are still over 200 cases which have not been considered and due
to the Board's termination date of 15 September 1975, they cannot be
considered. It was the consenses of the Full Board and the strong
position of the Department of Defense that all the upgrade cases should
be considered at one time. We also believe that each case must have a
careful final check to make sure that all facts presented in the brief
are accurate and that the applicant is not now in trouble with the law.
We, therefore, are definitely opposed to approving only the 25 cases
which have been tentatively acted on by the Upgrade Panel.
We recommend that the upgrade program of the Clemency Board be abandoned
and that the 25 tentatively above cases and the 207 cases not yet acted
on by the Upgrade Panel be turned over to the Review Boards of the Da-
fense Department for special consideration. We are still firm in our
belief that there are many deserving applicants in this group who should
be given the veteran's benefits.
FORD is LIBRARY 0ERALD
Lowis W. Walt
James P. Dougovito
Board Member
Board Member
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
10/20
Mr. Buchen:
Marty Hoffmann's
office asks that we
ignore this letter; no
response is necessary.
DOD has directed
already that these 200
cases be Processed.
Day
FORD
LIBRARY is ALD -
For Jay to review
of Provide me with
advise.
in
FORD
LII check Tray G-
GERALD
VERARY department incolved
are thro other
Clemency
DEFENSE
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON
AMERICA
OF
11 OCT 1975
The Honorable Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Phil:
The Department of the Army has been asked by the Presidential
Clemency Board, through the Office of the Secretary of Defense, to
process certain individuals for executive clemency under the provi-
sions of Presidential Proclamation 4313. Essentially, the cases all
involve deserters-at-large who contacted the Presidential Clemency
Board prior to March 31, 1975, and indicated their desire to partici-
pate in the program of presidential clemency. As a result of adminis-
trative neglect at the Presidential Clemency Board, it was not dis-
covered until after the expiration of the period of eligibility that these
individuals were properly subject to military jurisdiction, and thus,
not within the authority of the Board.
Department of the Army believes that individuals in this situation
are entitled to consideration of some kind. Their failure to return to
military control and be processed under the procedures established for
the program of presidential clemency was due to no fault of their own.
When the program originally expired on March 31, 1975, there were 51
individuals who, again through no fault of their own, were physically
unable to return to military control for processing under the program,
e.g. jail, hospital, etc. We determined at that time to treat prior
expressions of interest as a "constructive reporting" for purposes of
the program. Indications are that there are approximately 200 individ-
uals who have applied to and been overlooked by the Board.
FORD LIBRAFT
Unless you have some objection, we plan to treat the previous
attempt of these individuals to report to the Presidential Clemency
Board as a "constructive reporting" and process them for executive
clemency under the same rules that obtained with respect to the
military deserter part of the President's Clemency Program.
Sincerely,
Marty Hoffmann
FORD LIBRAR,
2
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
October 20, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
Charles PHIL BUCHEN E. Goodell
FROM
:
CHARLES E. GOODELL
SUBJECT
:
DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PAPERS OF
BOARD MEMBERS
With the completion of the work of the Presidential Clemency
Board, a number of Board Members have expressed their
intention to retain their personal copies of the materials
generated during the year. One member is now using her
papers as part of a course in government at the Kennedy
School of Government. Father Hesburgh will be depositing
his papers at the University of Notre Dame where his Civil
Rights Commission papers are now located. The University
wishes to have them conveniently available for research
purposes and is already planning an initial research project.
I will probably deposit my own papers with the New York
Public Library where my Congressional papers are located or
with Father Hesburgh's at his University.
The Board developed a wealth of information during the course
of its work and it would be extremely worthwhile if this
knowledge were made available for future scholarship. All of
these materials are personal copies of Board Members. The
originals are being submitted to the Archives for official
retention. I see no problems in the planned disposition of
the duplicates, and I am writing you this memo merely to inform
you of these intentions. If you see any difficulties, I hope
you will contact me promptly.
THE WHITE HOUSE
dimary
WASHINGTON
November 6, 1975
Dear Charlie:
Thank you for your recent memorandum concerning the disposition
of the papers of former members of the Presidential Clemency
Board. However, there are two problems that should be resolved
prior to the disposition of these papers outside of Government
control.
As I am sure you are aware, the question of ownership of Presidential
papers is now in litigation. Enclosed are the guidelines used by the
previous Administration which describe the categories of materials
that staff members can take with them on departure. Inasmuch as
the present litigation does not appear to affect these guidelines, we
have continued to follow them in order to preserve the status quo.
In view of the unique nature of the Board's functions, these guide-
lines should be applied in this instance.
The second problem relates to the confidentiality of the materials
which the guidelines authorize to be taken on departure. Although
the Board's papers are not now subject to the specific safeguards
of the Privacy Act of 1974, P.L. 93-579, any disposition of these
papers should also take into account the protection of individual
privacy which the Act seeks to assure. In effect, the Board has
already made this determination by its regulation guaranteeing the
confidentiality of communications to the Board from applicants
and potential applicants, 2 CFR 100. 12(a).
In view of this regulation and in order to comply fully with the
spirit of the Privacy Act, appropriate guidelines should be developed
FORD
-2-
prior to the disposition of any of these materials to points outside
government control. My staff would be pleased to discuss further
these matters with you at your convenience.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Thil
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The Honorable Charles E. Goodell
Hydeman, Mason & Goodell
1225 - 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
October 20, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
Charles PHIL BUCHEN E. Goodell
FROM
:
CHARLES E. GOODELL
SUBJECT
:
DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PAPERS OF
BOARD MEMBERS
With the completion of the work of the Presidential Clemency
Board, a number of Board Members have expressed their
intention to retain their personal copies of the materials
generated during the year. One member is now using her
papers as part of a course in government at the Kennedy
School of Government. Father Hesburgh will be depositing
his papers at the University of Notre Dame where his Civil
Rights Commission papers are now located. The University
wishes to have them conveniently available for research
purposes and is already planning an initial research project.
I will probably deposit my own papers with the New York
Public Library where my Congressional papers are located or
with Father Hesburgh's at his University.
The Board developed a wealth of information during the course
of its work and it would be extremely worthwhile if this
knowledge were made available for future scholarship. All of
these materials are personal copies of Board Members. The
originals are being submitted to the Archives for official
retention. I see no problems in the planned disposition of
the duplicates, and I am writing you this memo merely to inform
you of these intentions. If you see any difficulties, I hope
you will contact me promptly.
§ 101.11
Title 2-Clemency
(3) As to any person denied executive
plicant is entitled to representation and
clemency, again not recommend the ap-
will be encouraged to seek legal counsel
plicant for executive clemency.
experienced in military or selective serv-
§ 101.11 Referral to appropriate agen-
ice law. Upon request, Board staff
cies.
will attempt to refer an applicant to a
skilled volunteer representative.
After the expiration of the period
(b) An applicant who does not wish
allowed for petitions for reconsideration,
to file his application in person may have
the Chairman of the Board shall forward
his representative do so on his behalf.
for further action to the Secertaries of
the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the
§ 101.14 Requests for information about
Secretary of the Department of Trans-
the clemency program.
portation, the Director of the Selective
(a) Upon receipt by the Board of an
Service System, and the Attorney
oral or written request for information or
General, as appropriate, the President's
consideration concerning an individual
determination as to each recipient of
who is clearly beyond the jurisdiction of
executive clemency.
the Board, a member of the Board's staff
$ 101.12 Confidentiality of communica-
shall inform the individual:
tions.
(1) That jurisdiction does not lie;
(2) Whether jurisdiction may lie
(a) The Board has determined that it
within the Presidential clemency pro-
will take all steps possible to protect the
gram, and if so, with which agency;
privacy of applicants and potential ap-
(3) That in the event the individual
plicants to the Presidential clemency
prefers not to contact personally such
program. No personal information con-
other agency that an Action Attorney
cerning an applicant or potential ap-
will obtain from such other agency in-
plicant and related to the Presidential
formation concerning the individual's
clemency program will be made known
status with respect to the Presidential
to any agency, organization, or individ-
clemency program, and provide to the
ual, whether public or private, unless
individual that information.
such disclosure is necessary for the
(b) The Action Attorney shall submit
normal and proper functioning of the
to the Executive Secretariat of the Presi-
Presidential Clemency Board. How-
dential Clemency Board a summary of
ever, information which reveals the
the communication with, and informa-
existence of a violation of law (other
tion provided to, such individuals.
than an offense subject to the Presi-
ch
dential clemency program) will of neces-
APPENDIX A1
th
sity be forwarded to the' appropriate
APPENDIX B-INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION
ta
authorities.
FOR CLEMENCY
(b) In order to have his case con-
On September 16, 1974, the President an-
yo
sidered by the Board, an applicant
nounced a program of clemency. Depending
need submit only information sufficient
on your case, you may apply to the Presi-
for a determination of jurisdiction, and
dential Clemency Board, the Department of
lei
for the retrieval of necessary official
Justice, or the Department of Defense.
records and files. The application
You may be eligible for clemency by the
ac
form will therefore require the ap-
Presidential Clemency Board if you have
tic
been convicted of a drait evasion offense
plicant's name; date of birth; selective
such as failure to register or register on time:
service number; military service and
th
failure to keep the local board informed of
service number, if applicable; informa-
current address; failure to report for or sub-
tion concerning the draft evasion of-
mit to pre-induction or induction examina-
W
fenses or absence-related military of-
tion; failure to report for or submit to or
45
fenses and the disposition thereof; and
complete service, during the period from
se
the mailing address of either the appli-
August 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973; or if you
cant or his representative. If the appli-
have received an undesirable, bad conduct,
th
or dishonorable discharge for desertion, ab-
be
cant submits such information as part
sence without leave, or missing movement,
in
of his initial filing, the completion of the
and for offenses directly related, between Au-
30
application form itself is not necessary.
gust 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973.
be
§ 101.13 Representation before the
If you are now absent from military serv-
ice or have a charge against you for a Selec-
Board.
tive Service violation and have not been con-
i
FORD
sh
no
(a) Although an applicant may bring
victed or received a discharge. you may still
his case before the Board without a rep-
resentative or legal counsel, each ap-
1 Filed as part of original document.
LIBRARY
Sp
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pe
h:
6
Chapter I-Presidential Clemency Board
s 102.3
be eligible for clemency under another part
PART 102-SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDS
of the President's program. If you have any
OF THE PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY
questions, please contact the Board and we
BOARD
will try to answer your questions.
If you believe that you are eligible to be
Sec.
considered by the Presidential Clemency
102.1 Purpose and scope.
Board but are not sure, you should apply to
102.2
Board decision on whether or not to
the Board. If it turns out that you are not
recommend that the President grant
eligible for consideration by the Board, you
executive clemency.
may possibly qualify under another part of
102.3
Aggravating circumstances.
the clemency program. You do not have to
102.4
Mitigating circumstances.
identify your current location. We will then
102.5 Calculation of length of alternative
be able to notify you of the proper agency to
service.
contact. If you are appealing a conviction or
a military discharge you may continue your
AUTHORITY: E.O. 11803, 39 FR 33297.
appeal, and still apply to the Board at the
SOURCE: 39 FR 41353, Nov. 27, 1974, unless
same time.
otherwise noted. Correctly designated, 39 FR
I. The Board will not give its files to any
44709, Dec. 27, 1974.
other federal agency. It will keep any in-
formation you provide in strictest confidence,
§ 102.1 Purpose and scope.
except evidence of a serious crime which is
This part articulates the standards
not covered in the Presidential Clemency pro-
which the Presidential Clemency Board
gram.
will employ in deciding whether to rec-
II. Although you may apply to the Board
ommend that the President grant execu-
without attorney or any other representative
tive clemency to a particular applicant,
if you wish, we encourage you to obtain the
and in then deciding whether that grant
help of legal counsel. If you do not have a
counsel but desire one, we will be glad to
of celemency should be conditional. and,
refer you to a lawyers' organization which
if so, upon what specified period of alter-
will help you find one. These organizations
native service.
will help you get legal assistance even if you
§ 102.2 Board decision on whether or
cannot afford to pay.
not to recommend that the President
III. To apply to the Board, you need only
grant executive clemency.
supply the information necessary to find
your file from other departments. If you do
(a) The first decision which the Board
not wish to file your application personally,
will reach, with respect to an application
you may select 2 representative of your own
before it, is whether or not it will recom-
choice to do it for you, but you must tell us
mend to the President that the applicant
that he is authorized. The Board will main-
be granted executive clemency. In reach-
tain its own file on your case and that file
ing that decision, the Board will take
will be available for examination by you or
notice of the presence of any of the ag-
your own attorney.
IV. You are encouraged to submit evidence
gravating circumstances listed in § 102.3,
which you feel helps your case, and to submit
and will further take notice of whether
letters from other people on your behalf. You
such aggravating circumstances are bai-
may submit evidence in order to correct in-
anced by the presence of any of the miti-
accurate, incomplete, or misleading informa-
gating circumstances listed in § 102.4.
tion to the Board's file.
(b) Unless there are aggravating cir-
V. A personal appearance by you before
cumstances not balanced by mitigating
the Board will not be necessary.
circumstances, the Board will recommend
If you have any questions, please call or
write the Presidential Clemency Board. The
that the President grant executive clem-
White House, Washington, D.C. 20500, (202-
ency to each applicant.
456-6476). If application is made by a repre-
§ 102.3 Aggravating circumstances.
sentative on your behalf, it is not necessary
that your home address and telephone num-
(a) Presence of any of the aggravating
ber be included. Your representative should
circumstances listed herein either will
indicate his capacity (attorney, friend, etc.)
disqualify an individual for executive
and give us his address and telephone num-
clemency or may be considered by the
ber.
Board as cause for recommending to the
Application for people not in custody
President executive clemency conditioned
should be completed and mailed to the Board
no later than midnight, January 31, 1975.
upon a length of alternative service ex-
Special procedures will be established for
ceeding the applicant's "baseline period
persons incarcerated whether or not they
of alternative service," as determined
have been released on furlough.
under § 102.5.
FORD
7
is
GERALD
LIBRARY
WHITE HOUSE OFFICE PAPERS
By custom and tradition, all White House Office
of newspapers or magazine clippings; and copies
papers are regarded as the personal property of
of records of a personnel nature relating to a per-
the President and subject to such control and dis-
son's employment or service. Personal files should
position as he may determine. At the close of the
not include any copies, drafts or working papers
Administration, the entire collection of papers now
that relate to official business or any documents or
being created may be expected to be deposited in
records, whether or not adopted, made or received
a Presidential library similar to the libraries that
in the course of official business.
preserve the papers of the last six Presidents. To
3. Each staff office shall forward regularly to
provide the President with a complete and accu-
Central Files three copies of all outgoing official
rate record of his tenure in office, the White House
business consisting of correspondence and memo-
staff must oversee the preservation of the papers
randa. One copy of all other outgoing related
it generates.
materials should also be filed.
The procedures set forth in this document rep-
4. Each staff office shall forward regularly to
resent the collective thinking of many members of
Central Files any incoming official business from
the staff as to how best to preserve papers and
sources other than White House staff offices after
documents for the President. Compliance with
action, if any, has been taken. Each staff office, if
these procedures is an expression of loyalty by the
it so desires, may keep a copy of such incoming
staff to the President. For these procedures to be
official business for its own working files.
effective, it will require cooperation and assistance
5. Each staff office shall forward regularly to
of every staff member.
Central Files any originals of incoming official
The security classification of each document
business from other White House staff offices after
prepared in the White House is determined by the
action, if any, has been taken and if such originals
individual staff member writing it in accordance
were not intended to be returned to the sender.
with Executive Order 10501-or other applicable
If desired, a copy may be kept for the staff's work-
Executive Orders. He is responsible for insuring
ing files.
that the classification assigned to his work reflects
6. Each staff office shall forward to Central Files
the sensitivity of the material concerned, and also
at such times as it determines to be appropriate
for making certain that this classification is not
all working files of official business which are in-
excessively restrictive.
active and no longer needed. These files will be
stored by office as well as listed by subject matter.
White House Office Papers: Filing with Central
They will, of course, always be available for later
Files
reference.
7. Each staff office at its own discretion may seg-
1. It is requested that the maximum possible
regate any materials that. it believes to be partic-
use be made of Central Files, and the procedures
ularly sensitive and which should not be filed by
listed below be followed. This will aid in the faster
subject matter. Such sensitive materials should be
and more complete retrieval of current informa-
forwarded to the Staff Secretary on the same basis
tion, eliminate unnecessary duplication of files,
as outlined in paragraphs 3 through 6 in an en-
prevent excessive xeroxing, and maximize preser-
velope marked SENSITIVE RECORDS FOR
vation of White House papers.
STORAGE with the office or individual from
2. Each staff member shall maintain his per-
which they are sent marked on the outside and (as
sonal files separate from any working files he may
appropriate) a list of inventory in general terms
keep on official business and clearly designate them
attached. This list of inventory should also be
as such. Personal files include correspondence un-
sent to Central Files so that notations can be made
related to any official duties performed by the staff
in subject files that certain material is missing from
member; personal books, pamphlets and periodi-
the file. These materials will be filed in locked con-
cals; daily appointment books or log books; folders
tainers and will only be made available to the in-
FORD
DERALD
LIBRARY
dividual or office from whom they were received.
3. A staff member, upon termination of employ-
S. No defense material classified under Execu-
ment, may at his discretion make copies for his
tive Order No. 10501 with a classification of TOP
personal use of a carefully chosen selection of the
SECRET or Restricted Data under the Atomic
following types of documents within his files:
Energy Act of 1954 should be forwarded to Cen-
(A) Documents which embody original intel-
tral Files. All such material should be forwarded
lectual thought contributed by the staff member,
to the Staff Secretary for storage.
such as research work and draftsmanship of
9. No exceptions to the above shall be made
speeches and legislation.
without the express consent of the Counsel to the
(B) Documents which might be needed in
President. Additional advice on the operation of
future related work by the individual.
Central Files may be obtained from Frank
4. No staff members shall make copies as per-
Matthews, Chief of Central Files (Ext. 2240).
mitted in paragraph three of any documents which
contain defense material classified as CONFI-
White House Office Papers: Disposition of Papers
DENTIAL, SECRET OR TOP SECRET under
Upon Leaving Staff
Executive Order No. 10501, Restricted Data under
1. Upon termination of employment with the
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or information
staff, each staff member will turn over his entire
supplied to the government under statutes which
files to Central Files with the exception of any
make the disclosure of such information a crime.
personal files he might have maintained.
5. Each staff member who decides to make copies
2. Personal files include: correspondence unre-
of such documents described in paragraph three
lated to any official duties performed by the staff
shall leave a list of all such documents copied with
member; personal books, pamphlets and periodi-
Central Files. This will enable retrieval of a docu-
cals; daily appointment books or log books; folders
ment in the event that all other copies of it and the
of newspaper or magazine clippings; and copies
original should be later lost.
of records of a personal nature relating to a per-
6. The discretionary authority granted in para-
son's employment or service. Personal files should
graph three is expected to be exercised sparingly
not include any copies, drafts, or working papers
that relate to official business; or any documents or
and not abused. All White House Office papers,
records, whether or not adopted, made or received
including copies thereof, are the personal property
in the course of official business. The White House
of the President and should be respected as such.
Office of Presidential Papers, staffed by represen-
Any copies retained by a staff member should
tatives of the National Archives, is available to
be stored in a secure manner and maintained
assist staff members in the determination of what
confidentially.
are personal files. Any question in this regard
7. All confidential and sensitive materials will
should be resolved with their assistance by con-
be protected from premature disclosure by specific
tacting John Nesbitt, supervisory archivist of the
provisions of the Presidential Libraries Act of
Office of Presidential Papers (Ext. 2545).
1955 (44 U.S.C. 2108).
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
of
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 4, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHARLES GOODELL
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN
SUBJECT:
Disposition of the Personal
Papers of Clemency Board Members
Referencing your memorandum concerning the papers of persons
who were previously members of the Presidential Clemency Board,
there are at least two problems that must be resolved prior to the
disposition of any of these papers outside Government control.
Attached are the guidelines from the previous Administration
describing the types of papers which White House staff members
can take with them on departure. The current litigation concerning
the ownership of the Presidential materials of the Nixon Administration
does not appear in any way to affect the validity of these guidelines,
but instead deals with ownership between a former President and
the government. In order to preserve the status quo, these guide-
lines should be followed by former members of the Board as well
as the staff.
To the extent that these guidelines permit the taking of some materials,
the confidentiality of these files must be considered. The Department
of Justice has concluded that the papers of the Pardon Attorney at
the Department of Justice are Presidential papers because they relate
to a function which only the President can exercise. As such, they
are outside the scope of the Privacy Act of 1974, P.L. 93-579. For
the same reasons, OLC believes that the papers of the Board are not
subject to the specific safeguards imposed by the Act for the protection
of information relating to identifiable individuals. Even so, any
disposition of these papers should take into account the protection
of individual privacy which the Act seeks to assure. This point is
all the more important in that the Board's own regulations provide
for the confidentiality of communications to the Board from applicants
and potential applicants. Subsection (a) of 2 CFR 100. 12 states in
part that:
GERALD
LIBRARY
-2-
"The Board has determined that it will take all steps
possible to protect the privacy of applicants and potential
applicants to the Presidential clemency program. No personal
information concerning an applicant or potential applicant and
related to the Presidential clemency program will be made known
to any agency, organization, or individual, whether public or
private, unless such disclosure is necessary for the normal
and proper functioning of the Presidential Clemency Board. "
In view of this Regulation, and in order to comply with the spirit
of the Privacy Act, appropriate guidelines for the protection and
use of such materials must be developed prior to the disposition
of any of these materials to points outside government control. My
staff would be pleased to discuss these matters with you at your
convenience.
THE WHITE HOUSE
wASHINGTON
April 9, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR
THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
This is to formally approve the recommendation contained
in your memorandum of March 17, 1976, regarding proposed
procedures for review of future requests for reduction of
alternate service on a limited basis at the secretariat level
in accordance with the Presidential Clemency Program.
ThilipW.Buchen
Counsel to the President
FUED
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 9, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
KEN LAZARUS
SUBJECT:
Request of the Secretary of the Army/
Appeal of Alternate Service
Attached at Tab A is a memorandum to you from the Secretary
of the Army, Martin Hoffmann, requesting your approval of his
plan to establish procedures for review of future requests for
reduction of alternate service on a limited basis at the
Secretariat level in accordance with the Presidential Clemency
Program.
Attached at Tab B is a memorandum to me from the Pardon
Attorney indicating his approval of the Army recommendation.
Attached at Tab C is a memorandum to Martin Hoffmann from
you formally approving his recommendation.
Recommendation:
That you sign the memo at Tab C.
&
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
or DELINES
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON
CERTING AMERICA
17 MAR 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR PHILIP W. BUCHEN
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT: Appeal of Alternate Service
Pint.
The Department of the Army has received a number of requests from
individuals processed under the DoD portion of the Presidential Clemency
Program, to have their length of Alternate Service reduced. We have not
established procedures for this type review since each applicant had an
opportunity to request reconsideration of his case file by the Joint
Alternate Service Board (JASB) prior to executing the agreement to per-
form the prescribed period of Alternate Service. In this regard, the
Department of Defense has opined that determination of the period of
Alternate Service may not be reviewed by the Boards for the Correction
of Military/Navy records.
Department of the Army believes that individuals with bona fide
hardships and other mitigating factors, which may have arisen since
entering the program, should have the opportunity to appeal the length
of alternate service on a case by case basis. Indications are that of
the 1002 DoD applicants currently working at alternate service jobs
only a few would qualify for favorable consideration, but we want to
be responsive in bona fide cases.
Unless you have objection to such action, we plan to establish
procedures for review of future requests for reduction of alternate
service on a limited basis at the secretariat level. Only appeals
containing evidence of economic hardship, medical, or mitigating fac-
tors which have arisen since the individual case was decided by the
JASB will be considered. To be eligible, the individual must, at
time of the appeal, be performing Alternate Service. The other Ser-
vices are agreeable to this course of action
Martin Miater R. Hoffmann
VOND
LIBRARY
United States Department of Justice
Office of the Pardon Attorney
Washington, D.C. 20530
April 7, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO: Kenneth A. Lazarus
Associate Counsel to
the President
SUBJECT:
Appeal of Alternative Service
I have reviewed the memorandum from Secretary
of the Army Hoffman to Mr. Buchen dated March 17,
1976 concerning the Army's plan to establish procedures
to review appeals on the length of alternative service.
The Army's proposed procedures appear to conform to
the President's proclamation No. 4313 dated September 16,
1974 and are similar to procedures adopted by the
Department of Justice.
The Department of Justice has been considering
appeals to the length of alternative service and in
appropriate cases the length of service has been
reduced. We have been considering the same factors
as suggested in Secretary Hoffman's memorandum, namely,
economic hardship, medical or mitigating factors which
have arisen since the case was originally decided. We
have not required an applicant to be performing
alternative service before considering his appeal.
After an appeal decision we notify Selective
Service of the decision and then the applicant must
conform to their rules covering the performance of
alternative service. This procedure appears to work
well and no problems have surfaced.
I recommend that the Army procedures be approved
which would then bring all appeal procedures into
substantial conformity.
Lawrence
Lawrence M. Traylor
Pardon Attorney
FORD
AMERICAN REVOLUTION EXENTENNE
1776-1976
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 15, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Run
Jack, I would recommend continued opposition to the Attorney
General's position re the 950 known felons.
Lazarus should continue to work with Traylor on a conditional
amnesty proposal and the A/G should be advised of strong
White House feeling on this issue.
MEMORANDUM TO:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Jash
Phil, I concur with Russ' views.
TORD
LIBRA.
THE WHITE HOUSE
comments
WASHINGTON
are 15+P
April 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
TED MARRS
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN
T.
SUBJECT:
Presidential Clemency Board --
Recommendations Regarding Known
Felons
Attached is a memorandum to me from Ken Lazarus on
the above subject.
As time is running out on this matter, I would
appreciate your prompt response.
Attachment
LEVERIT FORD
jib
Wednesday 4/21/76
4:30 I called Ken to see if he had called Traylor as you
had requested.
1. He did speak to Traylor.
2. With respect to the convicted felons, there is no
immediacy to the problem.
3. Traylor is going to get together with Levi's guys
and outline the alternatives along the lines that
you and Ken discussed this morning.
Ken will set up a meeting which will be compatible
with your schedule some time within the next two weeks.
Concerning the drug abuse message, Ken is working
on a compromise between Justice and the Domestic
Council that will satisfy the concerns of the Attorney General.
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 2, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR: PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
KEN LAZARUS
St
SUBJECT:
Presidential Clemency Board
Recommendations Regarding Known Felons
You will recall that sometime back I sent you a copy of the attached
memorandum from Larry Traylor (Tab A) which suggested that
the recommendations of the Presidential Clemency Board
regarding the 950 known felons in question should not be revised.
You also will recall that you were at that time concerned with the
symbolism which might attach to an approval of Traylor's
recommendation. Therefore, you instructed me to work with
Traylor toward a form of conditional amnesty which would not
offend the more conservative followers of the Board.
Traylor and I had all but agreed to a solution of this problem
when I was alerted to the fact that the Attorney General feels
strongly that the Department's earlier recommendation should
be followed. His views in this regard are reflected in the
memorandum attached at Tab B.
May I have your guidance.
Attachments
TALL FORD LIBRARY
United States Department of Justice
Office of the Pardon Attorney
Washington, D.C. 20530
January 23, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
MR. KENNETH A. LAZARUS
Associate Counsel to the President
SUBJECT:
Felons
The Presidential Clemency Board recommended
clemency be offered to about 950 people who committed
felonies subsequent to the military-related offenses
for which they are now seeking a pardon. The
Department of Justice has been asked to consider
whether the Board's recommendations in these cases
are appropriate.
The Department has run FBI name checks on
the cases in question. In general, the name checks
have not furnished reliable information not previously
available to the Board. Much of the new information
obtained in the name checks is incomplete. Resources
not now available to those administering the continued
program would be required to develop this information
further and its added value in final form is questionable.
It is the view of the Department of Justice
that the recommendations of the Board regarding the
950 known felons in question should not be revised.
Although the clemency program offers pardons only
for Vietnam era military absence offenses, we understand
the Board did consider an applicants' other criminal
record and generally recommended no clemency in those
cases in which it considered the other offenses most
serious. In the cases in which clemency was recommended
for known felons, the existence of other offenses caused
the term of alternative service to be longer than it
FORD LIBRARY
REVOLUTION
1775-1976
- 2 -
would otherwise have been. Since even those now
incarcerated will be required to complete the
prescribed alternative service to obtain a pardon,
it is likely that the most serious offenders offered
an opportunity for clemency will not satisfy the
conditions required to actually receive a pardon.
As the program only offers and implies pardon for
military-related offenses and those with the most
serious other offenses have either been denied
clemency or are unlikely to be able to meet the
conditions for receiving it, the Department believes
the Board's recommendations regarding known felons
are reasonable and need not be revised.
However, there are at least two other options
for dealing with these cases. Clemency could be
denied to all those with other known felonies. This,
however, seems inconsistent with the limited, but
compassionate nature of the program. Alternatively,
the Department could expand the Board's policy of
denying clemency to some known felons and recommend
that clemency not be granted to the most serious
felons favorably considered by the Board. This might
amount to 25 percent of the cases in question and
would entail a case-by-case review requiring about
5 attorneys not now available for about 2 months.
The Department would need additional resources for
this purpose. This process, however, seems unlikely
to produce a final result significantly different
than that which will be obtained by relying on the
alternative service requirement.
Lawrence m Transor
Lawrence M. Traylor
Pardon Attorney
FORD
NO.
10
JULY 1973 EDITION
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.5
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Memorandum
TO
: Kenneth A. Lazarus
DATE:
March 16, 1976
Associate Counsel to the President
FROM
: Mark L. Wolf, Special Assistant
to the Attorney General HLW
SUBJECT: Presidential Clemency Board
Recommendations Regarding Known Felons.
As we discussed last week, it is the Attorney General's
personal view that the Presidential Clemency Board's policy re-
garding clemency for known felons was reasonable and that its
recommendations concerning them should not be revised.
As you know, although the Board requested only information
regarding military-related offenses within its jurisdiction, it
did in making its recommendations take into account other offenses
of which it was aware. In many cases these other offenses sub-
stantially contributed to the Board's decision to recommend de-
nial of clemency and in the remainder it caused the recommended
term of alternate service to be longer than it otherwise would
have been. In our view, this approach was both realistic and
compatible with the purpose and spirit of the President's program.
We believe that to deny clemency to applicants solely because they
are known to have committed other felonies would be inconsistent
with the limited nature of the program and unduly arbitrary,
since it is only by chance that we know that some of the appli-
cants have committed other offenses.
While we do believe the Board's policy was appropriate, the
Attorney General suggests that the Department of Justice might re-
view the most serious known felony cases in which the Board recom-
mended clemency to determine whether the Board gave these offenses
sufficient weight in reaching its decision. I understand that
about 25% of the approximately 800 cases in question would be
reviewed by the Department if this approach is adopted.
As you know, the Department has been hoping to substantially
complete this month the work inherited from the Board. Thus, it
is particularly desirable that these questions be resolved as
soon as possible. We appreciate your continued interest and
assistance in obtaining a decision.
FORD
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
5010-110
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Ken said he agrees with them.
Doesn't think it's anything
worth fighting about.
-
FORD
/
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Eva:
Ken says he doesn't need this -- he
needs a decision from Buchen.
dm
FORD & LIBRA
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 15, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Jack, I would recommend continued opposition to the Attorney
General's position re the 950 known felons.
Lazarus should continue to work with Traylor on a conditional
amnesty proposal and the A/G should be advised of strong
White House feeling on this issue.
MEMORANDUM TO:
PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
JACK MARSH
just
Phil, I concur with Russ' views.
APR 7 1976
THE WHITE HOUSE
comments
WASHINGTON
due ASAP
April 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
TED MARRS
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN
SUBJECT:
Presidential Clemency Board --
Recommendations Regarding Known
Felons
Attached is a memorandum to me from Ken Lazarus on
the above subject.
As time is running out on this matter, I would
appreciate your prompt response.
Attachment
FORD is LIBRARY BERALD
GSA FPMR (41 101-11.6
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Memorandum
TO
:
Kenneth A. Lazarus
DATE: March 16, 1976
Associate Counsel to the President
FROM
: Mark L. Wolf, Special Assistant
to the Attorney General
SUBJECT: Presidential Clemency Board
Recommendations Regarding Known Felons.
As we discussed last week, it is the Attorney General's
personal view that the Presidential Clemency Board's policy re-
garding clemency for known felons was reasonable and that its
recommendations concerning them should not be revised.
As you know, although the Board requested only information
regarding military-related offenses within its jurisdiction, it
did in making its recommendations take into account other offenses
of which it was aware. In many cases these other offenses sub-
stantially contributed to the Board's decision to recommend de-
nial of clemency and in the remainder it caused the recommended
term of alternate service to be longer than it otherwise would
have been. In our view, this approach was both realistic and
compatible with the purpose and spirit of the President's program.
We believe that to deny clemency to applicants solely because they
are known to have committed other felonies would be inconsistent
with the limited nature of the program and unduly arbitrary,
since it is only by chance that we know that some of the appli-
cants have committed other offenses.
While we do believe the Board's policy was appropriate, the
Attorney General suggests that the Department of Justice might rè-
view the most serious known felony cases in which the Board recom-
mended clemency to determine whether the Board gave these offenses
sufficient weight in reaching its decision. I understand that
about 25% of the approximately 800 cases in question would be
reviewed by the Department if this approach is adopted.
As you know, the Department has been hoping to substantially
complete this month the work inherited from the Board. Thus, it
is particularly desirable that these questions be resolved as
soon as possible. We appreciate your continued interest and
assistance in obtaining a decision.
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
5010-110
United States Department of Justice
Office of the Bardon Attorney
Bashington, D.C. 20530
January 23, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
MR. KENNETH A. LAZARUS
Associate Counsel to the President
SUBJECT:
Felons
The Presidential Clemency Board recommended
clemency be offered to about 950 people who committed
felonies subsequent to the military-related offenses
for which they are now seeking a pardon. The
Department of Justice has been asked to consider
whether the Board's recommendations in these cases
are appropriate.
The Department has run FBI name checks on
the cases in question. In general, the name checks
have not furnished reliable information not previously
available to the Board. Much of the new information
obtained in the name checks is incomplete. Resources
not now available to those administering the continued
program would be required to develop this information
further and its added value in final form is questionable.
It is the view of the Department of Justice
that the recommendations of the Board regarding the
950 known felons in question should not be revised.
Although the clemency program offers pardons only
for Vietnam era military absence offenses, we understand
the Board did consider an applicants' other criminal
record and generally recommended no clemency in those
cases in which it considered the other offenses most
serious. In the cases in which clemency was recommended
for known felons, the existence of other offenses caused
the term of alternative service to be longer than it
FORD LIBRARY
DIET
him
1775
:
- 2 -
would otherwise have been. Since even those now
incarcerated will be required to complete the
prescribed alternative service to obtain a pardon,
it is likely that the most serious offenders offered
an opportunity for clemency will not satisfy the
conditions required to actually receive a pardon.
As the program only offers and implies pardon for
military-related offenses and those with the most
serious other offenses have either been denied
clemency or are unlikely to be able to meet the
conditions for receiving it, the Department believes
the Board's recommendations regarding known felons
are reasonable and need not be revised.
However, there are at least two other options
for dealing with these cases. Clemency could be
denied to all those with other known felonies. This,
however, seems inconsistent with the limited, but
compassionate nature of the program. Alternatively,
the Department could expand the Board's policy of
denying clemency to some known felons and recommend
that clemency not be granted to the most serious
felons favorably considered by the Board. This might
amount to 25 percent of the cases in question and
would entail a case-by-case review requiring about
5 attorneys not now available for about 2 months.
The Department would need additional resources for
this purpose. This process, however, seems unlikely
to produce a final result significantly different
than that which will be obtained by relying on the
alternative service requirement.
Lawrence Transfor
Lawrence M. Traylor
Pardon Attorney
LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 2, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR: PHIL BUCHEN
FROM:
KEN LAZARUS
for
SUBJECT:
Presidential Clemency Board
Recommendations Regarding Known Felons
You will recall that sometime back I sent you a copy of the attached
memorandum from Larry Traylor (Tab A) which suggested that
the recommendations of the Presidential Clemency Board
regarding the 950 known felons in question should not be revised.
You also will recall that you were at that time concerned with the
symbolism which might attach to an approval of Traylor's
recommendation. Therefore, you instructed me to work with
Traylor toward a form of conditional amnesty which would not
offend the more conservative followers of the Board.
Traylor and I had all but agreed to a solution of this problem
when I was alerted to the fact that the Attorney General feels
strongly that the Department's earlier recommendation should
be followed. His views in this regard are reflected in the
memorandum attached at Tab B.
May I have your guidance.
Attachments
FORD LIBEROY
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
4.15.76
TO: Phil Buchen
For Your Information:
For Appropriate Handling:
RDC
Robert D. Linder
Hold FIE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
TED MARRS
FROM:
PHIL BUCHEN
T.
SUBJECT:
Presidential Clemency Board --
Recommendations Regarding Known
Felons
Attached is a memorandum to me from Ken Lazarus on
the above subject.
As time is running out on this matter, I would
appreciate your prompt response.
Attachment
Grand FORD LIBRARY
IMENT
OF
Capy
Office of the Attorney General
Ken
PRO
SEQUITUR
Washington, D. C. 20530
DONORA
JUSTITIA
April 14, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Subject: Termination of the
Clemency Office
On September 16, 1975, pursuant to Executive Order 11878,
the Department of Justice assumed responsibility for concluding
the unfinished business of the Presidential Clemency Board. The
Clemency Office, a temporary unit operating under the direction
of the Pardon Attorney, was assigned the task of carrying out this
responsibility. The Clemency Office adopted the policies, guide-
lines, rules and procedures of the Presidential Clemency Board, as
described in its final report. The Clemency Office has substan-
tially completed its work and closed on March 31, 1976 as contem-
plated by the Executive Order. The remaining Presidential Clemency
Board responsibilities will be discharged by the regular staff of
the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
The Department of Justice has made recommendations in 1,680
individual cases. These include the initial consideration of
1,325 applications for clemency which had not been processed by
the Presidential Clemency Board, 265 appeals and 90 requests to
reconsider the Board's recommendations. In addition, the Depart-
ment of Justice considered and developed a recommendation for the
disposition of approximately 800 cases in which the Presidential
Clemency Board had recommended clemency for individuals known to
have committed felonies in addition to the offense which brought
them within the jurisdiction of the Board; disposition of these
cases is now awaiting decision of the common question they raise.
In addition to developing proposed recommendations to the
President, the Clemency Office performed administrative tasks con-
cerning cases acted upon by the Presidential Clemency Board prior
to September 16, 1975. The Clemency Office notified more than
12,200 applicants of the actions taken on their cases and furnished
5,950 individual warrants of pardon. The Clemency Office also re-
quested that the Department of Defense issue more than 6,000 clemen-
cy discharges and that Selective Service enroll more than 6,700
- 2 -
applicants who were required to perform alternative service.
In cases involving offenses committed by civilians, the Clemency
Office advised the Federal Bureau of Investigation of each grant
of pardon for its records and advised the United States Probation
Service of actions affecting probation status.
On September 16, 1975, the staff of the Clemency Office
consisted of 161 individuals on detail from various Government
agencies. As the workload was reduced, the staff was correspond-
ingly diminished. When it closed March 31, 1976, the Clemency
Office consisted of 29 individuals on detail from the Departments
of Justice and Defense. In addition to personnel contributions,
the Clemency Office was financed by contributions of $125,000 from
the Department of Defense and $25,000 from the Department of Justice.
The remaining Presidential Clemency Board responsibilities
to be discharged by the Department of Justice include continued
consideration of about 100 cases in which information is incomplete,
administrative handling of approximately 400 cases being prepared
for or awaiting Presidential action, implementation of the pending
policy decision regarding cases involving known felons, disposi-
tion of future appeals and requests for reconsideration, final
certification of performance of alternative service in cases with-
in the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, and all related
administrative tasks. We expect that the majority of this work
will be complete in three months and the balance, consisting pri-
marily of determining whether prescribed alternative service has
been performed and issuing appropriate documents, should be com-
plete within 24 months.
Respectfully,
Edward H. Levi
Attorney General
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Office of the Attorney General
Mashington, D.C. 20530
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C.
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"ocrText": "The original documents are located in Box 5, folder \"Clemency Program - General (6)\" of\nthe Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.\nCopyright Notice\nThe copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of\nphotocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United\nStates of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.\nWorks prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public\ndomain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to\nremain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid\ncopyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.\nE. FREDERIC MORROW\n1270 Fifth Avenue\nNew York, New York\n[sept 1975?]\n10029\nTo The Editor:\nThe September 20th issue of the Times contained a major story with\nthe headline: \"Clemency Board Minority Finds Program Distorted by\nMajority.\" The body of the story proceeded to accuse the chairman,\nCharles E. Goodell, and his staff of misinterpreting, circumventing\nand violating at least the spirit of the Presidential order establishing\nthe amnesty program for Vietnam war resisters. It also suggested that\nwhen the Board was expanded in May from nine to eighteen members,\nSenator Goodell \"stacked\" the panel so that it became \"a more\namnesty-oriented, Goodell-influenced group.\"\nMost of the members of the Board had never met Senator Goodell,\nand were appointed by the President for reasons he considered pertinent.\nIt is therefore presumptuous for anyone to accuse Senator Goodell of\n\"stacking\" the President's Board.\nThe cloak-and-dagger tactics of the \"minority four\" in preparing their\nreport would shame the C.I.A. No other Board members were ever\npermitted to see the report, and these four members - all military men-\nwere afflicted with an anti-clemency attitude that was hard to comprehend.\nThey were never able to rise above their mistaken convictions of why they\nwere there or the reason for the creation of the Board.\nNo American has a monopoly on patriotism - no matter what his rank,\nposition or economic status. And I am certain the \"majority members\" of\nthe Board resent bitterly the impugning of their motives, their acts, and\nvelled assertions of disloyalty to the President and our country.\nThe sincerity of the \"minority\" report is suspect. It would have been\nmuch more convincing if these disenchanted members had resigned in pro-\ntest against the \"Incompetence\" of the majority early in the Board's\ndeliberations. But they chose to hang on, basking in the glory of a\nPresidential appointment and offering only negative assistance.\n(continued...)\nFORD is LIBRARY\nDigitized from Box 5 of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library\nAnyone can function one hundred percent as a critic. What\nthe Clemency Board needed this past hot summer in Washington\nwas not Inside critics, but dedicated, sincere workers offering\nsolutions to difficult problems.\nin\nE. Frederic Morrow\nMember,\nPresident's Clemency Board\nNew York, New York\nSeptember 26, 1975\nGERALD LIBRARY ? FORD\n[sept 1975?]\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nForday\nFORD - 074820 LIBRARY\nPRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON, D.C. 20500\nMemorandum For:\nPhilip Buchen\nFrom:\nGeneral Lewis W. Walt\nSubject:\nApplicants with felony convictions who have been\nrecommended for a Presidential Pardon by the PCB\nAttached is a summary of 100 cases who have been convicted of a felony\nand either have been or will be submitted to the President. This\nrepresents approximately 5% of the applicants who have a felony con-\nviction on their record. The following represents the recommendations\nof the PCB for these cases:\n2 - No Clemency\n26 - Full and Unconditional Pardon\n8 - Pardon after 3 months Alternative Service\n1 - Pardon after 4 months Alternative Service\n2 - Pardon after 5 months Alternative Service\n26 - Pardon after 6 months Alternative Service\n2 - Pardon after 7 months Alternative Service\n20 - Pardon after 9 months Alternative Service\n1 - Pardon after 10 months Alternative Service\n12 - Pardon after 12 months Alternative Service\nI voted for No Clemency on all of these cases but was out-voted.\nI recommend that the President disapprove the above recommendations of\nthe PCB and that No Clemency be granted. Further, I recommend that all\nfuture recommendations of the PCB pertaining to applicants who have\nbeen convicted of a felony be properly identified in a separate packet\nto the President.\nDRD\nCase Number\nDecision\nDate of Decision\nFelony\n634\n6 months\n8/13\nSale of Marijuana\n1077\nmonths\n7/2\nBurglary\n1825\n12 months\n8/23\nTransportation of\nStolen Vehicle\n2209\n6 months\n8/30\nCarnal Knowledge of\na female under 12\n2253\n6 months\n8/24\nLarceny & Forgery\n2382\n3 months\n8/23\nStolen Vehicle\n2415\n6 months\n7/2\nBurglary\n2698\n9 months\n6/26\nPossession of Stolen\nProperty\n2888\n10 months\n8/7\n2nd degree Burglary\n2964\n12 months\n8/13\nUnauthorized use of\nAutomobile\n3079\n9 months\n8/6\nBurglary 2 counts\n3091\n5 months\n9/4\nBurglary Currently\nConfined\n3148\n6 months\n8/20\nBreaking and Entering,\nPossession of Drugs\n3681\n6 months\n7/2\nTheft, Burglary\n3856\n9 months\n8/24\nUnarmed Robbery\nFORD LEGRARY\n3914\n9 months\n6/25\nDrugs\n4384\n12 months\n6/5\nForgery\nCase Number\nDecision\nDate of Decision\nFelony\n4443\n3 months\n8/24\nBad Checks\n4481\nPardon\n8/6\nFalse Statement\nto Secure Firearms\n4640\n3 months\n8/24\nHouse Burglary\n4697\nPardon\n8/24\nPossession of\nDangerous Drugs -\n2nd degree Burglary\n4912\n12 months\n8/22\nGrand Larceny\n4998\n9 months\n8/20\nAttempted Escape &\nAuto Theft\n5174\n12 months\n8/7\nLarceny\n5246\n12 months\n8/6\nBreaking & Entering\nUnauthorized use\nof Motor Vehicle\n5329\nPardon\n8/7\nArmed Robbery\nCurrently Confined\n5688\n6 months\n7/8\nBurglary\n5734\n6 months\n8/14\nInvoluntary Manslaughter\nCurrently Confined\n6076\nPardon\n8/30\n2nd degree Robbery\nCurrently Confined\n6440\n9 Months\n8/6\nAttempted Burglary\nCurrently Confined\n6630\nPardon\n8/23\nRobbery Probation\nCase Number\nDecision\nDate of Decision\nFelony\n7082\n3 months\n6/23\nPossession of Drugs\nOn Probation\n7599\nPardon\n8/23\nBank Robbery\nOn Parole\n7940\n6 months\n6/17\nStolen Vehicle\nFalse Statement on\nPassport\nCurrently Confined\n10006\nPardon\n7/2\nBreaking & Entering\nParole\n10040\n12 months\n7/2\nAccessory to Theft\nover 200,00\nCurrently Confined\n10044\n6 months\n8/13\nFirearms Violation\nEscape from Prison\n10420\n7 months\n8/31\nDist. LSD\n10462\nNo Clemency\n6/4\nTwo Assault Charges\n11942\nPardon\n7/16\nForged Checks\nCurrently Confined\n11613\n12 months\n8/23\nBreaking & Entering\nCurrently Confined\n16673\nPardon\n8/22\nPassing Counterfeit\nMoney\nCurrently Confined\n8181\nPardon\n8/6\nBreaking & Entering\n8194\nPardon\n8/24\nBreaking & Entering\nCase Number\nDecision\nDate of Decision\nFelony\n8295\n6 months\n8/30\n5 felony Charges\n2 counts Grand Larceny\n2nd Degree Burglary\n8704\nPardon\n8/23\nGrand Larceny\nAssault w/Intent to\nMurder\n8711\nPardon\n7/8\n2nd Degree Forgery\nCurrently Confined\n8715\n6 months\n8/13\nSale & Possession of\nnarcotics\n8717\n9 months\n8/24\nInterstate Transportation\nMotor Vehicle & Escape\nfrom Confinement\n8843\n5 months\n8/3\nBurglary\n9246\n9 months\n8/6\nBurglary, Larceny\nAuto Tampering\nCurrently Confined\n9399\nPardon\n8/31\nTheft of Mail\n9411\n6 months\n8/24\nGrand Larceny\nAuto\n9538\nPardon\n8/13\nAssault & Battery\nForgery\n12121\nNo Clemency\n6/26\nBreaking & Entering\nPresently Confined\n12162\nPardon\n7/8\nBurglary & Robbery\n12240\nPardon\n8/6\nUnauthorized Use of\nMotor Vehicle\nCase Number\nDecision\nDate of Decision\nFelony\n12255\n6 months\n8/23\nPossession of Marijuana\n12780\nPardon\n8/23\nBurglary & Possession\nof Marijuana\n12988\n9 months\n8/13\nHouse Breaking\n13007\n4 months\n8/23\nAttempted Burglary\n13032\n9 months\n8/30\nBurglary 2 Convictions\n13057\n6 months\n8/13\nLarceny of Weapon and\nCash\n13159\nPardon\n7/25\nAggravated Assault\n13267\n7 months\n8/20\nPossession of Heroin\n13593\n3 months\n7/8\nPossession of Controled\nSubstance\nCurrently Confined\n13722\nPardon\n8/21\nFraud, Impersonating a\nNaval Officer\n13747\n9 months\n8/23\nControled Substance\nViolation\nCurrently Confined\n14043\n9 months\n8/31\nPossession of Stolen\nMail & Treasury Checks\nCurrently Confined\n14464\n3 months\n7/9\nGrand Theft Auto\nPossession of Dangerous Drugs\n14531\n6 months\n8/31\nInvoluntary Manslaughter\nCase Number\nDecision\nDate of Decision\nFelony\n14551\n3 months\n8/23\nDelevery of Heroin\nCurrently Confined\n14623\n3 months\n8/13\nPossession of Stolen Goods\nBreaking & Entering of\nAutomobile\nPardon\n8/13\n1st Degree Manslaughter\n14938\n9 months\n8/13\nBurglary\nCurrently Confined\n14950\n6 months\n8/21\nBurglary\n14951\nPardon\n8/14\nBurglary, Possession\nof Marijuana\nCurrently Confined\n14992\n12 months\n8/13\nArmed Robbery\nCurrently Confined\n15293\n6 months\n8/20\nArmed Robbery\nPresently Confined\n15305\nPardon\n8/23\nGrand Larceny\n15343\nTabled\n8/30\nPossession of Dangerous\ndrugs w/intent to sell\nDrawing weapon on officer\n15359\n6 months\n8/23\nViolation of Control\nSubstance Act (Heroin)\nPresently Confined\n15368\n6 months\n8/13\nDistribution of Narcotics\nPresently Confined\n15381\n6 months\n8/13\nUttering Forged\nFORD\nInstruments\nPresently Confined\nCase Number\nDecision\nDate of Decision\nFelony\n15400\nPardon\n8/24\nStatutory Rape\nPresently Confined\n15477\n9 months\n8/24\nBurglary\nPresently Confined\n15487\n6 months\n8/13\nForgery - failure to\nsupport minor children\nNCG Homicide\n15518\nPardon\n8/13\nPossession of Stolen\nMoney Orders, Escape\nfederal custody\nPresently confined\n15539\n9 months\n8/23\nTheft, forgery and\nPossession of U.S. Treasury\ncheck. Presently Confined.\n15926\nPardon\n8/23\nAttempted Murder\nShot up a Bar\nGunfight with Police\n17063\n6 months\n9/4\nwriting Bad Checks\nPresently Confined\nFORD\nLIBRARY\nMEMORANDUM\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 2, 1975\nMEMORANDUM FOR:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nFROM:\nDON RUMSFELD\nSubject: Clemency Board Proposal\nWe visited this morning on the subject. It is my understanding\nthat the Counsel's office is reviewing each one of the Clemency\nBoard's recommended actions and that thus far you have con-\ncurred with each decision of the Clemency Board. Is that\ncorrect? I assume you are taking a good hard look at what\nis being proposed by way of specific actions both with respect\nto individuals and recommendations. In any event, that's the\nPresident's desire.\nto LENALE FORD\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\n9/3\nMr. Buchen\nGeneral Walt has\ngiven permission for you\nto mention Walt's\nmeeting with you and\nJack Marsh, and to\nrefer to the attached\nletter which was called\nto your attention.\nJay\nPRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON, D.C. 20500\nJune 4, 1975\nMr. L. T. McKnelly\nCollege Coordinator\nUnited States Penitentiary\nP.O. Box 1000\nLeavenworth, Kansas 66048\nDear Mr. McKnelly:\nAs we discussed in our telephone coversation today I am\nenclosing 75 Presidential Clemency Board application kits\nfor use by potential applicants currently incarcerated\nin the penitentiary at Leavenworth. These should be\ncompleted as fully as possible and returned to us no\nlater than June 15 for processing.\nDue to our previous error and the consequent delay, we would\nappreciate your sending all the completed applications in\none return package.\nOnce again, I want to offer my sincere apologies for the\nmix-up. Please be assured that these applications will\nreceive our fullest attention.\nSincerely,\nCarolyn\nCarolyn J. Swanson\nStaff Assistant\nFORD\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 12, 1975\nADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nJACK MARSH\nJIM CONNOR\nDICK CHENEY\nFROM:\nRUSS ROURKE\nR\nGeneral Walt called me again this morning to make one final comment\nwith regard to the wrap-up of the Clemency Board.\nHe has agreed to cancel the press conference he had scheduled for\ntoday and to reject the invitation he had to be a guest on \"Meet the\nPress\". He has, however, met with a number of veterans organiza-\ntions and newspaper and magazine reporters concerning what he feels\nare the \"excesses\" of the Board. In brief, it is General Walt's view\nthat the majority of the Board is commited to a program of general\namnesty and that the actions of the Board, thus far, have been an effec-\ntive precursor to that end.\nIn the best interests of the President, General Walt simply suggests\nthat the President do nothing and say nothing that would be interpreted\nas an endorsement of the actions taken by the Board. Walt is convinced\nthat a number of reporters, having been briefed by him and others, are\nprepared to pounce on the Board, once its final report is made public.\nIf the President endorses the actions of the Board, they will turn on him\nwith equal vigor.\nGeneral Walt is interested in seeing to it that the President does not\nplace himself in a vulnerable position.\nFor the above reasons, it is suggested that no statement be released\nby the President, or in his behalf, at the conclusion of the Board's work.\nSecondly, General Walt advises against the scheduling of any reception\nfor the members of the Board and the detailees who worked with the Board.\nHe agreed that a meeting with the President for a small representative\ngroup from the Board was a practical, if not unavoidable, necessity.\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nClamancy\nWASHINGTON\nSeptember 12, 1975\nADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nJACK MARSH\nJIM CONNOR\nDICK CHENEY\nFROM:\nRUSS ROURKE\nR\nGeneral Walt called me again this morning to make one final comment\nwith regard to the wrap-up of the Clemency Board.\nHe has agreed to cancel the press conference he had scheduled for\ntoday and to reject the invitation he had to be a guest on \"Meet the\nPress\". He has, however, met with a number of veterans organiza-\ntions and newspaper and magazine reporters concerning what he feels\nare the \"excesses\" of the Board. In brief, it is General Walt's view\nthat the majority of the Board is commited to a program of general\namnesty and that the actions of the Board, thus far, have been an effec-\ntive precursor to that end.\nIn the best interests of the President, General Walt simply suggests\nthat the President do nothing and say nothing that would be interpreted\nas an endorsement of the actions taken by the Board. Walt is convinced\nthat a number of reporters, having been briefed by him and others, are\nprepared to pounce on the Board, once its final report is made public.\nIf the President endorses the actions of the Board, they will turn on him\nwith equal vigor.\nGeneral Walt is interested in seeing to it that the President does not\nplace himself in a vulnerable position.\nFor the above reasons, it is suggested that no statement be released\nby the President, or in his behalf, at the conclusion of the Board's work.\nSecondly, General Walt advises against the scheduling of any reception\nfor the members of the Board and the detailees who worked with the Board.\nHe agreed that a meeting with the President for a small representative\ngroup from the Board was a practical, if not unavoidable, necessity.\nLALO FORD LIBRAN\n15 September 1975\n9/17/75\nMEMORANDUM\ngivents Buss Rounks\nat Col, Benson's\nTO:\nChairman Charles Goodell\nrequest.\nFROM:\nGeneral Walt\nMr. Dougovito\nSUBJECT: Upgrade Cases, Recomendation\nConcerning\nTo date there have been 25 cases tentatively recommended for upgrade.\nThere are still over 200 cases which have not been considered and due\nto the Board's termination date of 15 September 1975, they cannot be\nconsidered. It was the consenses of the Full Board and the strong\nposition of the Department of Defense that all the upgrade cases should\nbe considered at one time. We also believe that each case must have a\ncareful final check to make sure that all facts presented in the brief\nare accurate and that the applicant is not now in trouble with the law.\nWe, therefore, are definitely opposed to approving only the 25 cases\nwhich have been tentatively acted on by the Upgrade Panel.\nWe recommend that the upgrade program of the Clemency Board be abandoned\nand that the 25 tentatively above cases and the 207 cases not yet acted\non by the Upgrade Panel be turned over to the Review Boards of the Da-\nfense Department for special consideration. We are still firm in our\nbelief that there are many deserving applicants in this group who should\nbe given the veteran's benefits.\nFORD is LIBRARY 0ERALD\nLowis W. Walt\nJames P. Dougovito\nBoard Member\nBoard Member\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\n10/20\nMr. Buchen:\nMarty Hoffmann's\noffice asks that we\nignore this letter; no\nresponse is necessary.\nDOD has directed\nalready that these 200\ncases be Processed.\nDay\nFORD\nLIBRARY is ALD -\nFor Jay to review\nof Provide me with\nadvise.\nin\nFORD\nLII check Tray G-\nGERALD\nVERARY department incolved\nare thro other\nClemency\nDEFENSE\nSECRETARY OF THE ARMY\nWASHINGTON\nAMERICA\nOF\n11 OCT 1975\nThe Honorable Philip W. Buchen\nCounsel to the President\nThe White House\nWashington, D.C. 20500\nDear Phil:\nThe Department of the Army has been asked by the Presidential\nClemency Board, through the Office of the Secretary of Defense, to\nprocess certain individuals for executive clemency under the provi-\nsions of Presidential Proclamation 4313. Essentially, the cases all\ninvolve deserters-at-large who contacted the Presidential Clemency\nBoard prior to March 31, 1975, and indicated their desire to partici-\npate in the program of presidential clemency. As a result of adminis-\ntrative neglect at the Presidential Clemency Board, it was not dis-\ncovered until after the expiration of the period of eligibility that these\nindividuals were properly subject to military jurisdiction, and thus,\nnot within the authority of the Board.\nDepartment of the Army believes that individuals in this situation\nare entitled to consideration of some kind. Their failure to return to\nmilitary control and be processed under the procedures established for\nthe program of presidential clemency was due to no fault of their own.\nWhen the program originally expired on March 31, 1975, there were 51\nindividuals who, again through no fault of their own, were physically\nunable to return to military control for processing under the program,\ne.g. jail, hospital, etc. We determined at that time to treat prior\nexpressions of interest as a \"constructive reporting\" for purposes of\nthe program. Indications are that there are approximately 200 individ-\nuals who have applied to and been overlooked by the Board.\nFORD LIBRAFT\nUnless you have some objection, we plan to treat the previous\nattempt of these individuals to report to the Presidential Clemency\nBoard as a \"constructive reporting\" and process them for executive\nclemency under the same rules that obtained with respect to the\nmilitary deserter part of the President's Clemency Program.\nSincerely,\nMarty Hoffmann\nFORD LIBRAR,\n2\nPRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON, D.C. 20500\nOctober 20, 1975\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nCharles PHIL BUCHEN E. Goodell\nFROM\n:\nCHARLES E. GOODELL\nSUBJECT\n:\nDISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PAPERS OF\nBOARD MEMBERS\nWith the completion of the work of the Presidential Clemency\nBoard, a number of Board Members have expressed their\nintention to retain their personal copies of the materials\ngenerated during the year. One member is now using her\npapers as part of a course in government at the Kennedy\nSchool of Government. Father Hesburgh will be depositing\nhis papers at the University of Notre Dame where his Civil\nRights Commission papers are now located. The University\nwishes to have them conveniently available for research\npurposes and is already planning an initial research project.\nI will probably deposit my own papers with the New York\nPublic Library where my Congressional papers are located or\nwith Father Hesburgh's at his University.\nThe Board developed a wealth of information during the course\nof its work and it would be extremely worthwhile if this\nknowledge were made available for future scholarship. All of\nthese materials are personal copies of Board Members. The\noriginals are being submitted to the Archives for official\nretention. I see no problems in the planned disposition of\nthe duplicates, and I am writing you this memo merely to inform\nyou of these intentions. If you see any difficulties, I hope\nyou will contact me promptly.\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\ndimary\nWASHINGTON\nNovember 6, 1975\nDear Charlie:\nThank you for your recent memorandum concerning the disposition\nof the papers of former members of the Presidential Clemency\nBoard. However, there are two problems that should be resolved\nprior to the disposition of these papers outside of Government\ncontrol.\nAs I am sure you are aware, the question of ownership of Presidential\npapers is now in litigation. Enclosed are the guidelines used by the\nprevious Administration which describe the categories of materials\nthat staff members can take with them on departure. Inasmuch as\nthe present litigation does not appear to affect these guidelines, we\nhave continued to follow them in order to preserve the status quo.\nIn view of the unique nature of the Board's functions, these guide-\nlines should be applied in this instance.\nThe second problem relates to the confidentiality of the materials\nwhich the guidelines authorize to be taken on departure. Although\nthe Board's papers are not now subject to the specific safeguards\nof the Privacy Act of 1974, P.L. 93-579, any disposition of these\npapers should also take into account the protection of individual\nprivacy which the Act seeks to assure. In effect, the Board has\nalready made this determination by its regulation guaranteeing the\nconfidentiality of communications to the Board from applicants\nand potential applicants, 2 CFR 100. 12(a).\nIn view of this regulation and in order to comply fully with the\nspirit of the Privacy Act, appropriate guidelines should be developed\nFORD\n-2-\nprior to the disposition of any of these materials to points outside\ngovernment control. My staff would be pleased to discuss further\nthese matters with you at your convenience.\nWith best wishes,\nSincerely,\nThil\nPhilip W. Buchen\nCounsel to the President\nThe Honorable Charles E. Goodell\nHydeman, Mason & Goodell\n1225 - 19th Street, N.W.\nWashington, D.C. 20036\nPRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY BOARD\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON, D.C. 20500\nOctober 20, 1975\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nCharles PHIL BUCHEN E. Goodell\nFROM\n:\nCHARLES E. GOODELL\nSUBJECT\n:\nDISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PAPERS OF\nBOARD MEMBERS\nWith the completion of the work of the Presidential Clemency\nBoard, a number of Board Members have expressed their\nintention to retain their personal copies of the materials\ngenerated during the year. One member is now using her\npapers as part of a course in government at the Kennedy\nSchool of Government. Father Hesburgh will be depositing\nhis papers at the University of Notre Dame where his Civil\nRights Commission papers are now located. The University\nwishes to have them conveniently available for research\npurposes and is already planning an initial research project.\nI will probably deposit my own papers with the New York\nPublic Library where my Congressional papers are located or\nwith Father Hesburgh's at his University.\nThe Board developed a wealth of information during the course\nof its work and it would be extremely worthwhile if this\nknowledge were made available for future scholarship. All of\nthese materials are personal copies of Board Members. The\noriginals are being submitted to the Archives for official\nretention. I see no problems in the planned disposition of\nthe duplicates, and I am writing you this memo merely to inform\nyou of these intentions. If you see any difficulties, I hope\nyou will contact me promptly.\n§ 101.11\nTitle 2-Clemency\n(3) As to any person denied executive\nplicant is entitled to representation and\nclemency, again not recommend the ap-\nwill be encouraged to seek legal counsel\nplicant for executive clemency.\nexperienced in military or selective serv-\n§ 101.11 Referral to appropriate agen-\nice law. Upon request, Board staff\ncies.\nwill attempt to refer an applicant to a\nskilled volunteer representative.\nAfter the expiration of the period\n(b) An applicant who does not wish\nallowed for petitions for reconsideration,\nto file his application in person may have\nthe Chairman of the Board shall forward\nhis representative do so on his behalf.\nfor further action to the Secertaries of\nthe Army, Navy, and Air Force, the\n§ 101.14 Requests for information about\nSecretary of the Department of Trans-\nthe clemency program.\nportation, the Director of the Selective\n(a) Upon receipt by the Board of an\nService System, and the Attorney\noral or written request for information or\nGeneral, as appropriate, the President's\nconsideration concerning an individual\ndetermination as to each recipient of\nwho is clearly beyond the jurisdiction of\nexecutive clemency.\nthe Board, a member of the Board's staff\n$ 101.12 Confidentiality of communica-\nshall inform the individual:\ntions.\n(1) That jurisdiction does not lie;\n(2) Whether jurisdiction may lie\n(a) The Board has determined that it\nwithin the Presidential clemency pro-\nwill take all steps possible to protect the\ngram, and if so, with which agency;\nprivacy of applicants and potential ap-\n(3) That in the event the individual\nplicants to the Presidential clemency\nprefers not to contact personally such\nprogram. No personal information con-\nother agency that an Action Attorney\ncerning an applicant or potential ap-\nwill obtain from such other agency in-\nplicant and related to the Presidential\nformation concerning the individual's\nclemency program will be made known\nstatus with respect to the Presidential\nto any agency, organization, or individ-\nclemency program, and provide to the\nual, whether public or private, unless\nindividual that information.\nsuch disclosure is necessary for the\n(b) The Action Attorney shall submit\nnormal and proper functioning of the\nto the Executive Secretariat of the Presi-\nPresidential Clemency Board. How-\ndential Clemency Board a summary of\never, information which reveals the\nthe communication with, and informa-\nexistence of a violation of law (other\ntion provided to, such individuals.\nthan an offense subject to the Presi-\nch\ndential clemency program) will of neces-\nAPPENDIX A1\nth\nsity be forwarded to the' appropriate\nAPPENDIX B-INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION\nta\nauthorities.\nFOR CLEMENCY\n(b) In order to have his case con-\nOn September 16, 1974, the President an-\nyo\nsidered by the Board, an applicant\nnounced a program of clemency. Depending\nneed submit only information sufficient\non your case, you may apply to the Presi-\nfor a determination of jurisdiction, and\ndential Clemency Board, the Department of\nlei\nfor the retrieval of necessary official\nJustice, or the Department of Defense.\nrecords and files. The application\nYou may be eligible for clemency by the\nac\nform will therefore require the ap-\nPresidential Clemency Board if you have\ntic\nbeen convicted of a drait evasion offense\nplicant's name; date of birth; selective\nsuch as failure to register or register on time:\nservice number; military service and\nth\nfailure to keep the local board informed of\nservice number, if applicable; informa-\ncurrent address; failure to report for or sub-\ntion concerning the draft evasion of-\nmit to pre-induction or induction examina-\nW\nfenses or absence-related military of-\ntion; failure to report for or submit to or\n45\nfenses and the disposition thereof; and\ncomplete service, during the period from\nse\nthe mailing address of either the appli-\nAugust 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973; or if you\ncant or his representative. If the appli-\nhave received an undesirable, bad conduct,\nth\nor dishonorable discharge for desertion, ab-\nbe\ncant submits such information as part\nsence without leave, or missing movement,\nin\nof his initial filing, the completion of the\nand for offenses directly related, between Au-\n30\napplication form itself is not necessary.\ngust 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973.\nbe\n§ 101.13 Representation before the\nIf you are now absent from military serv-\nice or have a charge against you for a Selec-\nBoard.\ntive Service violation and have not been con-\ni\nFORD\nsh\nno\n(a) Although an applicant may bring\nvicted or received a discharge. you may still\nhis case before the Board without a rep-\nresentative or legal counsel, each ap-\n1 Filed as part of original document.\nLIBRARY\nSp\nGERALD\npe\nh:\n6\nChapter I-Presidential Clemency Board\ns 102.3\nbe eligible for clemency under another part\nPART 102-SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDS\nof the President's program. If you have any\nOF THE PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY\nquestions, please contact the Board and we\nBOARD\nwill try to answer your questions.\nIf you believe that you are eligible to be\nSec.\nconsidered by the Presidential Clemency\n102.1 Purpose and scope.\nBoard but are not sure, you should apply to\n102.2\nBoard decision on whether or not to\nthe Board. If it turns out that you are not\nrecommend that the President grant\neligible for consideration by the Board, you\nexecutive clemency.\nmay possibly qualify under another part of\n102.3\nAggravating circumstances.\nthe clemency program. You do not have to\n102.4\nMitigating circumstances.\nidentify your current location. We will then\n102.5 Calculation of length of alternative\nbe able to notify you of the proper agency to\nservice.\ncontact. If you are appealing a conviction or\na military discharge you may continue your\nAUTHORITY: E.O. 11803, 39 FR 33297.\nappeal, and still apply to the Board at the\nSOURCE: 39 FR 41353, Nov. 27, 1974, unless\nsame time.\notherwise noted. Correctly designated, 39 FR\nI. The Board will not give its files to any\n44709, Dec. 27, 1974.\nother federal agency. It will keep any in-\nformation you provide in strictest confidence,\n§ 102.1 Purpose and scope.\nexcept evidence of a serious crime which is\nThis part articulates the standards\nnot covered in the Presidential Clemency pro-\nwhich the Presidential Clemency Board\ngram.\nwill employ in deciding whether to rec-\nII. Although you may apply to the Board\nommend that the President grant execu-\nwithout attorney or any other representative\ntive clemency to a particular applicant,\nif you wish, we encourage you to obtain the\nand in then deciding whether that grant\nhelp of legal counsel. If you do not have a\ncounsel but desire one, we will be glad to\nof celemency should be conditional. and,\nrefer you to a lawyers' organization which\nif so, upon what specified period of alter-\nwill help you find one. These organizations\nnative service.\nwill help you get legal assistance even if you\n§ 102.2 Board decision on whether or\ncannot afford to pay.\nnot to recommend that the President\nIII. To apply to the Board, you need only\ngrant executive clemency.\nsupply the information necessary to find\nyour file from other departments. If you do\n(a) The first decision which the Board\nnot wish to file your application personally,\nwill reach, with respect to an application\nyou may select 2 representative of your own\nbefore it, is whether or not it will recom-\nchoice to do it for you, but you must tell us\nmend to the President that the applicant\nthat he is authorized. The Board will main-\nbe granted executive clemency. In reach-\ntain its own file on your case and that file\ning that decision, the Board will take\nwill be available for examination by you or\nnotice of the presence of any of the ag-\nyour own attorney.\nIV. You are encouraged to submit evidence\ngravating circumstances listed in § 102.3,\nwhich you feel helps your case, and to submit\nand will further take notice of whether\nletters from other people on your behalf. You\nsuch aggravating circumstances are bai-\nmay submit evidence in order to correct in-\nanced by the presence of any of the miti-\naccurate, incomplete, or misleading informa-\ngating circumstances listed in § 102.4.\ntion to the Board's file.\n(b) Unless there are aggravating cir-\nV. A personal appearance by you before\ncumstances not balanced by mitigating\nthe Board will not be necessary.\ncircumstances, the Board will recommend\nIf you have any questions, please call or\nwrite the Presidential Clemency Board. The\nthat the President grant executive clem-\nWhite House, Washington, D.C. 20500, (202-\nency to each applicant.\n456-6476). If application is made by a repre-\n§ 102.3 Aggravating circumstances.\nsentative on your behalf, it is not necessary\nthat your home address and telephone num-\n(a) Presence of any of the aggravating\nber be included. Your representative should\ncircumstances listed herein either will\nindicate his capacity (attorney, friend, etc.)\ndisqualify an individual for executive\nand give us his address and telephone num-\nclemency or may be considered by the\nber.\nBoard as cause for recommending to the\nApplication for people not in custody\nPresident executive clemency conditioned\nshould be completed and mailed to the Board\nno later than midnight, January 31, 1975.\nupon a length of alternative service ex-\nSpecial procedures will be established for\nceeding the applicant's \"baseline period\npersons incarcerated whether or not they\nof alternative service,\" as determined\nhave been released on furlough.\nunder § 102.5.\nFORD\n7\nis\nGERALD\nLIBRARY\nWHITE HOUSE OFFICE PAPERS\nBy custom and tradition, all White House Office\nof newspapers or magazine clippings; and copies\npapers are regarded as the personal property of\nof records of a personnel nature relating to a per-\nthe President and subject to such control and dis-\nson's employment or service. Personal files should\nposition as he may determine. At the close of the\nnot include any copies, drafts or working papers\nAdministration, the entire collection of papers now\nthat relate to official business or any documents or\nbeing created may be expected to be deposited in\nrecords, whether or not adopted, made or received\na Presidential library similar to the libraries that\nin the course of official business.\npreserve the papers of the last six Presidents. To\n3. Each staff office shall forward regularly to\nprovide the President with a complete and accu-\nCentral Files three copies of all outgoing official\nrate record of his tenure in office, the White House\nbusiness consisting of correspondence and memo-\nstaff must oversee the preservation of the papers\nranda. One copy of all other outgoing related\nit generates.\nmaterials should also be filed.\nThe procedures set forth in this document rep-\n4. Each staff office shall forward regularly to\nresent the collective thinking of many members of\nCentral Files any incoming official business from\nthe staff as to how best to preserve papers and\nsources other than White House staff offices after\ndocuments for the President. Compliance with\naction, if any, has been taken. Each staff office, if\nthese procedures is an expression of loyalty by the\nit so desires, may keep a copy of such incoming\nstaff to the President. For these procedures to be\nofficial business for its own working files.\neffective, it will require cooperation and assistance\n5. Each staff office shall forward regularly to\nof every staff member.\nCentral Files any originals of incoming official\nThe security classification of each document\nbusiness from other White House staff offices after\nprepared in the White House is determined by the\naction, if any, has been taken and if such originals\nindividual staff member writing it in accordance\nwere not intended to be returned to the sender.\nwith Executive Order 10501-or other applicable\nIf desired, a copy may be kept for the staff's work-\nExecutive Orders. He is responsible for insuring\ning files.\nthat the classification assigned to his work reflects\n6. Each staff office shall forward to Central Files\nthe sensitivity of the material concerned, and also\nat such times as it determines to be appropriate\nfor making certain that this classification is not\nall working files of official business which are in-\nexcessively restrictive.\nactive and no longer needed. These files will be\nstored by office as well as listed by subject matter.\nWhite House Office Papers: Filing with Central\nThey will, of course, always be available for later\nFiles\nreference.\n7. Each staff office at its own discretion may seg-\n1. It is requested that the maximum possible\nregate any materials that. it believes to be partic-\nuse be made of Central Files, and the procedures\nularly sensitive and which should not be filed by\nlisted below be followed. This will aid in the faster\nsubject matter. Such sensitive materials should be\nand more complete retrieval of current informa-\nforwarded to the Staff Secretary on the same basis\ntion, eliminate unnecessary duplication of files,\nas outlined in paragraphs 3 through 6 in an en-\nprevent excessive xeroxing, and maximize preser-\nvelope marked SENSITIVE RECORDS FOR\nvation of White House papers.\nSTORAGE with the office or individual from\n2. Each staff member shall maintain his per-\nwhich they are sent marked on the outside and (as\nsonal files separate from any working files he may\nappropriate) a list of inventory in general terms\nkeep on official business and clearly designate them\nattached. This list of inventory should also be\nas such. Personal files include correspondence un-\nsent to Central Files so that notations can be made\nrelated to any official duties performed by the staff\nin subject files that certain material is missing from\nmember; personal books, pamphlets and periodi-\nthe file. These materials will be filed in locked con-\ncals; daily appointment books or log books; folders\ntainers and will only be made available to the in-\nFORD\nDERALD\nLIBRARY\ndividual or office from whom they were received.\n3. A staff member, upon termination of employ-\nS. No defense material classified under Execu-\nment, may at his discretion make copies for his\ntive Order No. 10501 with a classification of TOP\npersonal use of a carefully chosen selection of the\nSECRET or Restricted Data under the Atomic\nfollowing types of documents within his files:\nEnergy Act of 1954 should be forwarded to Cen-\n(A) Documents which embody original intel-\ntral Files. All such material should be forwarded\nlectual thought contributed by the staff member,\nto the Staff Secretary for storage.\nsuch as research work and draftsmanship of\n9. No exceptions to the above shall be made\nspeeches and legislation.\nwithout the express consent of the Counsel to the\n(B) Documents which might be needed in\nPresident. Additional advice on the operation of\nfuture related work by the individual.\nCentral Files may be obtained from Frank\n4. No staff members shall make copies as per-\nMatthews, Chief of Central Files (Ext. 2240).\nmitted in paragraph three of any documents which\ncontain defense material classified as CONFI-\nWhite House Office Papers: Disposition of Papers\nDENTIAL, SECRET OR TOP SECRET under\nUpon Leaving Staff\nExecutive Order No. 10501, Restricted Data under\n1. Upon termination of employment with the\nthe Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or information\nstaff, each staff member will turn over his entire\nsupplied to the government under statutes which\nfiles to Central Files with the exception of any\nmake the disclosure of such information a crime.\npersonal files he might have maintained.\n5. Each staff member who decides to make copies\n2. Personal files include: correspondence unre-\nof such documents described in paragraph three\nlated to any official duties performed by the staff\nshall leave a list of all such documents copied with\nmember; personal books, pamphlets and periodi-\nCentral Files. This will enable retrieval of a docu-\ncals; daily appointment books or log books; folders\nment in the event that all other copies of it and the\nof newspaper or magazine clippings; and copies\noriginal should be later lost.\nof records of a personal nature relating to a per-\n6. The discretionary authority granted in para-\nson's employment or service. Personal files should\ngraph three is expected to be exercised sparingly\nnot include any copies, drafts, or working papers\nthat relate to official business; or any documents or\nand not abused. All White House Office papers,\nrecords, whether or not adopted, made or received\nincluding copies thereof, are the personal property\nin the course of official business. The White House\nof the President and should be respected as such.\nOffice of Presidential Papers, staffed by represen-\nAny copies retained by a staff member should\ntatives of the National Archives, is available to\nbe stored in a secure manner and maintained\nassist staff members in the determination of what\nconfidentially.\nare personal files. Any question in this regard\n7. All confidential and sensitive materials will\nshould be resolved with their assistance by con-\nbe protected from premature disclosure by specific\ntacting John Nesbitt, supervisory archivist of the\nprovisions of the Presidential Libraries Act of\nOffice of Presidential Papers (Ext. 2545).\n1955 (44 U.S.C. 2108).\nBERALD FORD LIBRARY\nof\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nNovember 4, 1975\nMEMORANDUM FOR:\nCHARLES GOODELL\nFROM:\nPHILIP BUCHEN\nSUBJECT:\nDisposition of the Personal\nPapers of Clemency Board Members\nReferencing your memorandum concerning the papers of persons\nwho were previously members of the Presidential Clemency Board,\nthere are at least two problems that must be resolved prior to the\ndisposition of any of these papers outside Government control.\nAttached are the guidelines from the previous Administration\ndescribing the types of papers which White House staff members\ncan take with them on departure. The current litigation concerning\nthe ownership of the Presidential materials of the Nixon Administration\ndoes not appear in any way to affect the validity of these guidelines,\nbut instead deals with ownership between a former President and\nthe government. In order to preserve the status quo, these guide-\nlines should be followed by former members of the Board as well\nas the staff.\nTo the extent that these guidelines permit the taking of some materials,\nthe confidentiality of these files must be considered. The Department\nof Justice has concluded that the papers of the Pardon Attorney at\nthe Department of Justice are Presidential papers because they relate\nto a function which only the President can exercise. As such, they\nare outside the scope of the Privacy Act of 1974, P.L. 93-579. For\nthe same reasons, OLC believes that the papers of the Board are not\nsubject to the specific safeguards imposed by the Act for the protection\nof information relating to identifiable individuals. Even so, any\ndisposition of these papers should take into account the protection\nof individual privacy which the Act seeks to assure. This point is\nall the more important in that the Board's own regulations provide\nfor the confidentiality of communications to the Board from applicants\nand potential applicants. Subsection (a) of 2 CFR 100. 12 states in\npart that:\nGERALD\nLIBRARY\n-2-\n\"The Board has determined that it will take all steps\npossible to protect the privacy of applicants and potential\napplicants to the Presidential clemency program. No personal\ninformation concerning an applicant or potential applicant and\nrelated to the Presidential clemency program will be made known\nto any agency, organization, or individual, whether public or\nprivate, unless such disclosure is necessary for the normal\nand proper functioning of the Presidential Clemency Board. \"\nIn view of this Regulation, and in order to comply with the spirit\nof the Privacy Act, appropriate guidelines for the protection and\nuse of such materials must be developed prior to the disposition\nof any of these materials to points outside government control. My\nstaff would be pleased to discuss these matters with you at your\nconvenience.\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nwASHINGTON\nApril 9, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR\nTHE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY\nThis is to formally approve the recommendation contained\nin your memorandum of March 17, 1976, regarding proposed\nprocedures for review of future requests for reduction of\nalternate service on a limited basis at the secretariat level\nin accordance with the Presidential Clemency Program.\nThilipW.Buchen\nCounsel to the President\nFUED\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nApril 9, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nFROM:\nKEN LAZARUS\nSUBJECT:\nRequest of the Secretary of the Army/\nAppeal of Alternate Service\nAttached at Tab A is a memorandum to you from the Secretary\nof the Army, Martin Hoffmann, requesting your approval of his\nplan to establish procedures for review of future requests for\nreduction of alternate service on a limited basis at the\nSecretariat level in accordance with the Presidential Clemency\nProgram.\nAttached at Tab B is a memorandum to me from the Pardon\nAttorney indicating his approval of the Army recommendation.\nAttached at Tab C is a memorandum to Martin Hoffmann from\nyou formally approving his recommendation.\nRecommendation:\nThat you sign the memo at Tab C.\n&\nFORD\nGERALD\nLIBRARY\nor DELINES\nSECRETARY OF THE ARMY\nWASHINGTON\nCERTING AMERICA\n17 MAR 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR PHILIP W. BUCHEN\nCOUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT\nSUBJECT: Appeal of Alternate Service\nPint.\nThe Department of the Army has received a number of requests from\nindividuals processed under the DoD portion of the Presidential Clemency\nProgram, to have their length of Alternate Service reduced. We have not\nestablished procedures for this type review since each applicant had an\nopportunity to request reconsideration of his case file by the Joint\nAlternate Service Board (JASB) prior to executing the agreement to per-\nform the prescribed period of Alternate Service. In this regard, the\nDepartment of Defense has opined that determination of the period of\nAlternate Service may not be reviewed by the Boards for the Correction\nof Military/Navy records.\nDepartment of the Army believes that individuals with bona fide\nhardships and other mitigating factors, which may have arisen since\nentering the program, should have the opportunity to appeal the length\nof alternate service on a case by case basis. Indications are that of\nthe 1002 DoD applicants currently working at alternate service jobs\nonly a few would qualify for favorable consideration, but we want to\nbe responsive in bona fide cases.\nUnless you have objection to such action, we plan to establish\nprocedures for review of future requests for reduction of alternate\nservice on a limited basis at the secretariat level. Only appeals\ncontaining evidence of economic hardship, medical, or mitigating fac-\ntors which have arisen since the individual case was decided by the\nJASB will be considered. To be eligible, the individual must, at\ntime of the appeal, be performing Alternate Service. The other Ser-\nvices are agreeable to this course of action\nMartin Miater R. Hoffmann\nVOND\nLIBRARY\nUnited States Department of Justice\nOffice of the Pardon Attorney\nWashington, D.C. 20530\nApril 7, 1976\nMEMORANDUM TO: Kenneth A. Lazarus\nAssociate Counsel to\nthe President\nSUBJECT:\nAppeal of Alternative Service\nI have reviewed the memorandum from Secretary\nof the Army Hoffman to Mr. Buchen dated March 17,\n1976 concerning the Army's plan to establish procedures\nto review appeals on the length of alternative service.\nThe Army's proposed procedures appear to conform to\nthe President's proclamation No. 4313 dated September 16,\n1974 and are similar to procedures adopted by the\nDepartment of Justice.\nThe Department of Justice has been considering\nappeals to the length of alternative service and in\nappropriate cases the length of service has been\nreduced. We have been considering the same factors\nas suggested in Secretary Hoffman's memorandum, namely,\neconomic hardship, medical or mitigating factors which\nhave arisen since the case was originally decided. We\nhave not required an applicant to be performing\nalternative service before considering his appeal.\nAfter an appeal decision we notify Selective\nService of the decision and then the applicant must\nconform to their rules covering the performance of\nalternative service. This procedure appears to work\nwell and no problems have surfaced.\nI recommend that the Army procedures be approved\nwhich would then bring all appeal procedures into\nsubstantial conformity.\nLawrence\nLawrence M. Traylor\nPardon Attorney\nFORD\nAMERICAN REVOLUTION EXENTENNE\n1776-1976\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nApril 15, 1976\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nJACK MARSH\nFROM:\nRUSS ROURKE\nRun\nJack, I would recommend continued opposition to the Attorney\nGeneral's position re the 950 known felons.\nLazarus should continue to work with Traylor on a conditional\namnesty proposal and the A/G should be advised of strong\nWhite House feeling on this issue.\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nFROM:\nJACK MARSH\nJash\nPhil, I concur with Russ' views.\nTORD\nLIBRA.\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\ncomments\nWASHINGTON\nare 15+P\nApril 6, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR:\nJACK MARSH\nTED MARRS\nFROM:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nT.\nSUBJECT:\nPresidential Clemency Board --\nRecommendations Regarding Known\nFelons\nAttached is a memorandum to me from Ken Lazarus on\nthe above subject.\nAs time is running out on this matter, I would\nappreciate your prompt response.\nAttachment\nLEVERIT FORD\njib\nWednesday 4/21/76\n4:30 I called Ken to see if he had called Traylor as you\nhad requested.\n1. He did speak to Traylor.\n2. With respect to the convicted felons, there is no\nimmediacy to the problem.\n3. Traylor is going to get together with Levi's guys\nand outline the alternatives along the lines that\nyou and Ken discussed this morning.\nKen will set up a meeting which will be compatible\nwith your schedule some time within the next two weeks.\nConcerning the drug abuse message, Ken is working\non a compromise between Justice and the Domestic\nCouncil that will satisfy the concerns of the Attorney General.\nFORD is LIBRARY GERALD\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nApril 2, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR: PHIL BUCHEN\nFROM:\nKEN LAZARUS\nSt\nSUBJECT:\nPresidential Clemency Board\nRecommendations Regarding Known Felons\nYou will recall that sometime back I sent you a copy of the attached\nmemorandum from Larry Traylor (Tab A) which suggested that\nthe recommendations of the Presidential Clemency Board\nregarding the 950 known felons in question should not be revised.\nYou also will recall that you were at that time concerned with the\nsymbolism which might attach to an approval of Traylor's\nrecommendation. Therefore, you instructed me to work with\nTraylor toward a form of conditional amnesty which would not\noffend the more conservative followers of the Board.\nTraylor and I had all but agreed to a solution of this problem\nwhen I was alerted to the fact that the Attorney General feels\nstrongly that the Department's earlier recommendation should\nbe followed. His views in this regard are reflected in the\nmemorandum attached at Tab B.\nMay I have your guidance.\nAttachments\nTALL FORD LIBRARY\nUnited States Department of Justice\nOffice of the Pardon Attorney\nWashington, D.C. 20530\nJanuary 23, 1976\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nMR. KENNETH A. LAZARUS\nAssociate Counsel to the President\nSUBJECT:\nFelons\nThe Presidential Clemency Board recommended\nclemency be offered to about 950 people who committed\nfelonies subsequent to the military-related offenses\nfor which they are now seeking a pardon. The\nDepartment of Justice has been asked to consider\nwhether the Board's recommendations in these cases\nare appropriate.\nThe Department has run FBI name checks on\nthe cases in question. In general, the name checks\nhave not furnished reliable information not previously\navailable to the Board. Much of the new information\nobtained in the name checks is incomplete. Resources\nnot now available to those administering the continued\nprogram would be required to develop this information\nfurther and its added value in final form is questionable.\nIt is the view of the Department of Justice\nthat the recommendations of the Board regarding the\n950 known felons in question should not be revised.\nAlthough the clemency program offers pardons only\nfor Vietnam era military absence offenses, we understand\nthe Board did consider an applicants' other criminal\nrecord and generally recommended no clemency in those\ncases in which it considered the other offenses most\nserious. In the cases in which clemency was recommended\nfor known felons, the existence of other offenses caused\nthe term of alternative service to be longer than it\nFORD LIBRARY\nREVOLUTION\n1775-1976\n- 2 -\nwould otherwise have been. Since even those now\nincarcerated will be required to complete the\nprescribed alternative service to obtain a pardon,\nit is likely that the most serious offenders offered\nan opportunity for clemency will not satisfy the\nconditions required to actually receive a pardon.\nAs the program only offers and implies pardon for\nmilitary-related offenses and those with the most\nserious other offenses have either been denied\nclemency or are unlikely to be able to meet the\nconditions for receiving it, the Department believes\nthe Board's recommendations regarding known felons\nare reasonable and need not be revised.\nHowever, there are at least two other options\nfor dealing with these cases. Clemency could be\ndenied to all those with other known felonies. This,\nhowever, seems inconsistent with the limited, but\ncompassionate nature of the program. Alternatively,\nthe Department could expand the Board's policy of\ndenying clemency to some known felons and recommend\nthat clemency not be granted to the most serious\nfelons favorably considered by the Board. This might\namount to 25 percent of the cases in question and\nwould entail a case-by-case review requiring about\n5 attorneys not now available for about 2 months.\nThe Department would need additional resources for\nthis purpose. This process, however, seems unlikely\nto produce a final result significantly different\nthan that which will be obtained by relying on the\nalternative service requirement.\nLawrence m Transor\nLawrence M. Traylor\nPardon Attorney\nFORD\nNO.\n10\nJULY 1973 EDITION\nGSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.5\nUNITED STATES GOVERNMENT\nMemorandum\nTO\n: Kenneth A. Lazarus\nDATE:\nMarch 16, 1976\nAssociate Counsel to the President\nFROM\n: Mark L. Wolf, Special Assistant\nto the Attorney General HLW\nSUBJECT: Presidential Clemency Board\nRecommendations Regarding Known Felons.\nAs we discussed last week, it is the Attorney General's\npersonal view that the Presidential Clemency Board's policy re-\ngarding clemency for known felons was reasonable and that its\nrecommendations concerning them should not be revised.\nAs you know, although the Board requested only information\nregarding military-related offenses within its jurisdiction, it\ndid in making its recommendations take into account other offenses\nof which it was aware. In many cases these other offenses sub-\nstantially contributed to the Board's decision to recommend de-\nnial of clemency and in the remainder it caused the recommended\nterm of alternate service to be longer than it otherwise would\nhave been. In our view, this approach was both realistic and\ncompatible with the purpose and spirit of the President's program.\nWe believe that to deny clemency to applicants solely because they\nare known to have committed other felonies would be inconsistent\nwith the limited nature of the program and unduly arbitrary,\nsince it is only by chance that we know that some of the appli-\ncants have committed other offenses.\nWhile we do believe the Board's policy was appropriate, the\nAttorney General suggests that the Department of Justice might re-\nview the most serious known felony cases in which the Board recom-\nmended clemency to determine whether the Board gave these offenses\nsufficient weight in reaching its decision. I understand that\nabout 25% of the approximately 800 cases in question would be\nreviewed by the Department if this approach is adopted.\nAs you know, the Department has been hoping to substantially\ncomplete this month the work inherited from the Board. Thus, it\nis particularly desirable that these questions be resolved as\nsoon as possible. We appreciate your continued interest and\nassistance in obtaining a decision.\nFORD\nBuy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan\n5010-110\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nKen said he agrees with them.\nDoesn't think it's anything\nworth fighting about.\n-\nFORD\n/\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nEva:\nKen says he doesn't need this -- he\nneeds a decision from Buchen.\ndm\nFORD & LIBRA\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nApril 15, 1976\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nJACK MARSH\nFROM:\nRUSS ROURKE\nJack, I would recommend continued opposition to the Attorney\nGeneral's position re the 950 known felons.\nLazarus should continue to work with Traylor on a conditional\namnesty proposal and the A/G should be advised of strong\nWhite House feeling on this issue.\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nFROM:\nJACK MARSH\njust\nPhil, I concur with Russ' views.\nAPR 7 1976\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\ncomments\nWASHINGTON\ndue ASAP\nApril 6, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR:\nJACK MARSH\nTED MARRS\nFROM:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nSUBJECT:\nPresidential Clemency Board --\nRecommendations Regarding Known\nFelons\nAttached is a memorandum to me from Ken Lazarus on\nthe above subject.\nAs time is running out on this matter, I would\nappreciate your prompt response.\nAttachment\nFORD is LIBRARY BERALD\nGSA FPMR (41 101-11.6\nUNITED STATES GOVERNMENT\nMemorandum\nTO\n:\nKenneth A. Lazarus\nDATE: March 16, 1976\nAssociate Counsel to the President\nFROM\n: Mark L. Wolf, Special Assistant\nto the Attorney General\nSUBJECT: Presidential Clemency Board\nRecommendations Regarding Known Felons.\nAs we discussed last week, it is the Attorney General's\npersonal view that the Presidential Clemency Board's policy re-\ngarding clemency for known felons was reasonable and that its\nrecommendations concerning them should not be revised.\nAs you know, although the Board requested only information\nregarding military-related offenses within its jurisdiction, it\ndid in making its recommendations take into account other offenses\nof which it was aware. In many cases these other offenses sub-\nstantially contributed to the Board's decision to recommend de-\nnial of clemency and in the remainder it caused the recommended\nterm of alternate service to be longer than it otherwise would\nhave been. In our view, this approach was both realistic and\ncompatible with the purpose and spirit of the President's program.\nWe believe that to deny clemency to applicants solely because they\nare known to have committed other felonies would be inconsistent\nwith the limited nature of the program and unduly arbitrary,\nsince it is only by chance that we know that some of the appli-\ncants have committed other offenses.\nWhile we do believe the Board's policy was appropriate, the\nAttorney General suggests that the Department of Justice might rè-\nview the most serious known felony cases in which the Board recom-\nmended clemency to determine whether the Board gave these offenses\nsufficient weight in reaching its decision. I understand that\nabout 25% of the approximately 800 cases in question would be\nreviewed by the Department if this approach is adopted.\nAs you know, the Department has been hoping to substantially\ncomplete this month the work inherited from the Board. Thus, it\nis particularly desirable that these questions be resolved as\nsoon as possible. We appreciate your continued interest and\nassistance in obtaining a decision.\nBuy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan\n5010-110\nUnited States Department of Justice\nOffice of the Bardon Attorney\nBashington, D.C. 20530\nJanuary 23, 1976\nMEMORANDUM TO:\nMR. KENNETH A. LAZARUS\nAssociate Counsel to the President\nSUBJECT:\nFelons\nThe Presidential Clemency Board recommended\nclemency be offered to about 950 people who committed\nfelonies subsequent to the military-related offenses\nfor which they are now seeking a pardon. The\nDepartment of Justice has been asked to consider\nwhether the Board's recommendations in these cases\nare appropriate.\nThe Department has run FBI name checks on\nthe cases in question. In general, the name checks\nhave not furnished reliable information not previously\navailable to the Board. Much of the new information\nobtained in the name checks is incomplete. Resources\nnot now available to those administering the continued\nprogram would be required to develop this information\nfurther and its added value in final form is questionable.\nIt is the view of the Department of Justice\nthat the recommendations of the Board regarding the\n950 known felons in question should not be revised.\nAlthough the clemency program offers pardons only\nfor Vietnam era military absence offenses, we understand\nthe Board did consider an applicants' other criminal\nrecord and generally recommended no clemency in those\ncases in which it considered the other offenses most\nserious. In the cases in which clemency was recommended\nfor known felons, the existence of other offenses caused\nthe term of alternative service to be longer than it\nFORD LIBRARY\nDIET\nhim\n1775\n:\n- 2 -\nwould otherwise have been. Since even those now\nincarcerated will be required to complete the\nprescribed alternative service to obtain a pardon,\nit is likely that the most serious offenders offered\nan opportunity for clemency will not satisfy the\nconditions required to actually receive a pardon.\nAs the program only offers and implies pardon for\nmilitary-related offenses and those with the most\nserious other offenses have either been denied\nclemency or are unlikely to be able to meet the\nconditions for receiving it, the Department believes\nthe Board's recommendations regarding known felons\nare reasonable and need not be revised.\nHowever, there are at least two other options\nfor dealing with these cases. Clemency could be\ndenied to all those with other known felonies. This,\nhowever, seems inconsistent with the limited, but\ncompassionate nature of the program. Alternatively,\nthe Department could expand the Board's policy of\ndenying clemency to some known felons and recommend\nthat clemency not be granted to the most serious\nfelons favorably considered by the Board. This might\namount to 25 percent of the cases in question and\nwould entail a case-by-case review requiring about\n5 attorneys not now available for about 2 months.\nThe Department would need additional resources for\nthis purpose. This process, however, seems unlikely\nto produce a final result significantly different\nthan that which will be obtained by relying on the\nalternative service requirement.\nLawrence Transfor\nLawrence M. Traylor\nPardon Attorney\nLIBRARY\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nApril 2, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR: PHIL BUCHEN\nFROM:\nKEN LAZARUS\nfor\nSUBJECT:\nPresidential Clemency Board\nRecommendations Regarding Known Felons\nYou will recall that sometime back I sent you a copy of the attached\nmemorandum from Larry Traylor (Tab A) which suggested that\nthe recommendations of the Presidential Clemency Board\nregarding the 950 known felons in question should not be revised.\nYou also will recall that you were at that time concerned with the\nsymbolism which might attach to an approval of Traylor's\nrecommendation. Therefore, you instructed me to work with\nTraylor toward a form of conditional amnesty which would not\noffend the more conservative followers of the Board.\nTraylor and I had all but agreed to a solution of this problem\nwhen I was alerted to the fact that the Attorney General feels\nstrongly that the Department's earlier recommendation should\nbe followed. His views in this regard are reflected in the\nmemorandum attached at Tab B.\nMay I have your guidance.\nAttachments\nFORD LIBEROY\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nwashington\n4.15.76\nTO: Phil Buchen\nFor Your Information:\nFor Appropriate Handling:\nRDC\nRobert D. Linder\nHold FIE\nTHE WHITE HOUSE\nWASHINGTON\nApril 6, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR:\nJACK MARSH\nTED MARRS\nFROM:\nPHIL BUCHEN\nT.\nSUBJECT:\nPresidential Clemency Board --\nRecommendations Regarding Known\nFelons\nAttached is a memorandum to me from Ken Lazarus on\nthe above subject.\nAs time is running out on this matter, I would\nappreciate your prompt response.\nAttachment\nGrand FORD LIBRARY\nIMENT\nOF\nCapy\nOffice of the Attorney General\nKen\nPRO\nSEQUITUR\nWashington, D. C. 20530\nDONORA\nJUSTITIA\nApril 14, 1976\nMEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT\nSubject: Termination of the\nClemency Office\nOn September 16, 1975, pursuant to Executive Order 11878,\nthe Department of Justice assumed responsibility for concluding\nthe unfinished business of the Presidential Clemency Board. The\nClemency Office, a temporary unit operating under the direction\nof the Pardon Attorney, was assigned the task of carrying out this\nresponsibility. The Clemency Office adopted the policies, guide-\nlines, rules and procedures of the Presidential Clemency Board, as\ndescribed in its final report. The Clemency Office has substan-\ntially completed its work and closed on March 31, 1976 as contem-\nplated by the Executive Order. The remaining Presidential Clemency\nBoard responsibilities will be discharged by the regular staff of\nthe Office of the Pardon Attorney.\nThe Department of Justice has made recommendations in 1,680\nindividual cases. These include the initial consideration of\n1,325 applications for clemency which had not been processed by\nthe Presidential Clemency Board, 265 appeals and 90 requests to\nreconsider the Board's recommendations. In addition, the Depart-\nment of Justice considered and developed a recommendation for the\ndisposition of approximately 800 cases in which the Presidential\nClemency Board had recommended clemency for individuals known to\nhave committed felonies in addition to the offense which brought\nthem within the jurisdiction of the Board; disposition of these\ncases is now awaiting decision of the common question they raise.\nIn addition to developing proposed recommendations to the\nPresident, the Clemency Office performed administrative tasks con-\ncerning cases acted upon by the Presidential Clemency Board prior\nto September 16, 1975. The Clemency Office notified more than\n12,200 applicants of the actions taken on their cases and furnished\n5,950 individual warrants of pardon. The Clemency Office also re-\nquested that the Department of Defense issue more than 6,000 clemen-\ncy discharges and that Selective Service enroll more than 6,700\n- 2 -\napplicants who were required to perform alternative service.\nIn cases involving offenses committed by civilians, the Clemency\nOffice advised the Federal Bureau of Investigation of each grant\nof pardon for its records and advised the United States Probation\nService of actions affecting probation status.\nOn September 16, 1975, the staff of the Clemency Office\nconsisted of 161 individuals on detail from various Government\nagencies. As the workload was reduced, the staff was correspond-\ningly diminished. When it closed March 31, 1976, the Clemency\nOffice consisted of 29 individuals on detail from the Departments\nof Justice and Defense. In addition to personnel contributions,\nthe Clemency Office was financed by contributions of $125,000 from\nthe Department of Defense and $25,000 from the Department of Justice.\nThe remaining Presidential Clemency Board responsibilities\nto be discharged by the Department of Justice include continued\nconsideration of about 100 cases in which information is incomplete,\nadministrative handling of approximately 400 cases being prepared\nfor or awaiting Presidential action, implementation of the pending\npolicy decision regarding cases involving known felons, disposi-\ntion of future appeals and requests for reconsideration, final\ncertification of performance of alternative service in cases with-\nin the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, and all related\nadministrative tasks. We expect that the majority of this work\nwill be complete in three months and the balance, consisting pri-\nmarily of determining whether prescribed alternative service has\nbeen performed and issuing appropriate documents, should be com-\nplete within 24 months.\nRespectfully,\nEdward H. Levi\nAttorney General\nGERALD FORD LIBRARY\nOffice of the Attorney General\nMashington, D.C. 20530\nThe President\nThe White House\nWashington, D. C."
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