Memorandum from Stephen J. Spingarn to Donald S. Dawson

June 29, 1950 MEMORANDUM FOR MR. DAWSON Subject: Conversation with Senator Hoey about his Committee Counsel's request to several agencies for names and file information about known or suspected homosexuals. I talked to Senator Hoay about this matter this after- noon. I told him about the letter which his Committee Counsel, Mr. Flanagan, had sent to Secretary Sawyer on June 15 as well as a similar request, oral or inwriting, to other agencies. I told the Senator that in view of the conversation which Jin Webb, Charlie Surphy and I had had with him yesterday it was our understanding that we could tell the agencies to disregard these requests from Mr. Planagan for the time being at least and until the Hoay Subconnittee had net and established its procedures and policy. Senator Rosy said my understanding was entirely right and that we could proceed on that basis. I return herewith the letter to you from Secretary Sawyer and its attachments. Just to be on the safe side, it occurs to as that it would be a good idea to make sure that all the principal agencies at least understand this situation. It occurs to me that it is possible that sone of then may have received previous requests from Mr. Planagan which we have not heard about and may be taking steps to honor these requests without consulting the white House, perhaps unaware of the fact that the matter comes within the pur- view of the President's directives of March 13 and August 5. 1948 dealing with non-disclosure of file information to Congressional committees and others. S.J.S. Cc: mm. Ebey Beer Longel Hachler Original