Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
135839940
label
Chron File (04/01/1985-04/10/1985)
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
135839940
contentType
document
title
Chron File (04/01/1985-04/10/1985)
citationUrl
identifierLocal
485
collections
Records of the Office of Counsel to the President (Reagan Administration)
John Roberts' Chronological Files
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
135839940
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1986-12-31
year
1986
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1982-01-01
year
1982
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
88e52c2e48a8546a
ocrText
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Roberts, John G.: Files
Folder Title: Chron File (04/01/1985-04/10/1985)
Box: 65
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name ROBERTS, JOHN: FILES
Withdrawer
DLB
8/6/2005
File Folder
CHRON FILE (04/01/1985-04/10/1985)
FOIA
F05-139/01
Box Number
65
COOK
8DLB
DOC Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
NO
Pages
1
MEMO
ROBERTS TO FRED FIELDING, RE:
1 4/4/1985
B6
857
ALLEGATION Released in part 4/21/66
2
LETTER
FIELDING TO GARY CARBONE
1 4/4/1985 B6
858
3 MEMO
ROBERTS TO DIANA HOLLAND, RE:
1 4/10/1985 B6
859
APPOINTMENT
TO THE COMMISSION
OF FINE ARTS
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose Internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial Information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
E.O. 13233
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name
Withdrawer
DLB 8/30/2005
File Folder
CHRON FILE (04/01/1985-04/10/1985)
FOIA
F05-139/01
Box Number
65
COOK
8DLB
DOC Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
NO
Pages
COPY Reagan Presidential Record
1 MEMO
ROBERTS TO FRED FIELDING, RE:
1 4/4/1985 B6
857
ALLEGATION
2
LETTER
FIELDING TO GARY CARBONE
1 4/4/1985 B6
858
3 MEMO
ROBERTS TO DIANA HOLLAND, RE:
1 4/10/1985 B6
859
APPOINTMENT ... TO THE COMMISSION
OF FINE ARTS (PARTIAL)
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information complied for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical Information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
E.O. 13233
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
THE WHITE HOUSE
MABHINGTO!
April 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS 27
SUBJECT:
Requested Views Regarding Fairness in Media
Charles Donovan of Presidential Correspondence has asked us
to review a proposed reply to an individual who wrote
requesting the President's views on Fairness in Media and
that organization's efforts -- sponsored by Senator Helms --
to gain financial control of CBS. (Donovan indicates that a
small volume of similar letters has been received.) The
proposed reply advises that the President generally does not
comment on the merits of efforts undertaken by private
organizations, with exceptions such as the Boy Scouts and
the Red Cross.
The "policy" stated in the proposed reply strikes me as too
broad. The President rather often comments on the activities
of private organizations, as a review of any videotaping
schedule would indicate. I think it would be better simply
to note that it would be inappropriate for the President to
become involved in this dispute between two private organizations.
A revised draft reply is attached, and a transmittal memorandum
to Donovan.
Attachments
THE { E - HOUSE
1701
April 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR CHARLES DONOVAN
OFFICE OF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Requested Views Regarding Fairness in Media
You have asked for the views of this office on a proposed
reply to letters requesting the President's views on the
dispute between Fairness in Media and CBS. I think the
"policy" announced in the draft reply is too broad. A more
narrowly tailored proposed reply is attached.
Thank you for raising this matter with us.
FFF: JGR:aea 4/1/85
cc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THE - - TE C :
April 1, 1985
Dear Mrs. Cooper:
Thank you for your message to President Reagan requesting
his views regarding the activities of Fairness in Media.
Although your interest in contacting the White House is
appreciated, I must inform you that it would be inappro-
priate for the President to become involved in a dispute
between a private organization such as Fairness in Media and
commercial entities such as the television networks.
Consequently, this office is unable to be of any assistance
to you. I can only suggest that you contact the organization
you mentioned directly if you desire more information about
its policies and programs.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Anne Higgins
Special Assistant to the President
and Director of Correspondence
Mrs. G.A. Cooper
84 Elm Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
AH; JGR:aea 4/1/85
bcc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
April 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Request for Acknowledgment from the President
in Celebration of 100th Anniversary of Sears,
Roebuck & Co.
Nancy Clark Reynolds has written to ask you to make an
exception to the rule against Presidential messages for
commercial entities and approve such a message for the 100th
anniversary of Sears. The justification? "Sears is more
than a corporation -- its's an integral part of American
life. " No doubt, but I do not think the status of Sears
justifies an exception to the rule. J.C. Penny and other
competitors of Sears would have the right to complain or
demand equal treatment, and the many companies that have
been denied 100th anniversary messages -- such as Norwich
Eaton and Pittsburgh and Midway Coal Mining Company this
month alone -- could certainly complain. A draft reply is
attached.
Attachment
PHEMHIEHOLSE
April 1, 1985
Dear Nancy:
Thank you for your letter of March 27, requesting a message
from the President to commemorate the 100th anniversary of
Sears, Roebuck and Company.
I cannot disagree that Sears is "an integral part of American
life," but I do not see how I can authorize an exception to
the strict policy against Presidential messages for commercial
entities. I know you are aware of the reasons underlying
that policy. The President receives countless requests for
congratulatory messages to commercial entities. Both
because it would be impossible to honor some requests
without unintentionally offending those whose requests were
declined, and because of concerns about the President
sending congratulations to any particular company in a given
competitive industry, it was decided that the only fair
method of dealing with such requests would be to adopt a
general rule that the President would not send messages for
commercial events. You may be interested to know that in
the past twc weeks alone this office declined two other
requests from companies celebrating 100 years in business.
Obviously, Sears, Roebuck δ Company is celebrating an
important event, and I can understand your seeking a message
for this occasion. At the same time, though, I know you can
understand the reasons we must adhere to the policy described
above, in fairness to all who have requested such Presidential
messages.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Ms. Nancy Clark Reynolds
Wexler, Reynolds, Harrison
& Schule, Inc.
Suite 600
1317 F Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
FFF:JGR:aea 4/1/85
bcc: FFFielding/JGRoberts/Subj/Chror
THE WAITE HOUSE
April 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Request for Handwritten Letter from
the President Expressing Thoughts
About Previous Presidents in Return
For Donation to Any Charity
Mr. Deaver has asked for guidance on a letter to the President
from Benjamin Shapell of Beverly Hills. Shapell has offered
to donate $10,000 to any charity designated by the President
in exchange for a handwritten letter from the President
expressing his thoughts on Presidents Jefferson and Lincoln.
The letter would "become a permanent part of the Shapell
Family Presidential Collection. "
I do not think we should approve such selling of the prestige
of the Office, even for a good cause. In addition, there is
something unseemly about creating an historical document in
return for cash, particularly when the historical document
is given not to the public but to a private collector for
his personal collection. Finally, established White House
policy generally precludes offering White House memorabilia
to be auctioned off to raise money for charity. Shapell's
proposed "exchange" is really no different.
The attached proposed reply focuses on the last point, so as
not to unduly offend Shapell, who may be well-intentioned.
Attachment
SE
ALE.
April 1, 1985
Dear Mr. Shapell:
Thank you for your letter of March 7 tc the President. In
that letter you offered to donate $10,000 tc a charity
designated by the President, in exchange for a handwritten
letter from the President discussing Presidents Jefferson
and Lincoln.
We are unable to accept your offer. The White House receives
countless requests to provide memorabilia to be auctioned
off for the benefit of particular charities. We obviously
cannot grant all such requests, nor is there any fair way to
discriminate among the requests. Accordingly, the White
House has adopted the policy of generally declining tc
provide memorabilia for charitable auction.
Your proposed exchange of a charitable contribution for a
particular item of Presidential memorabilia, while not an
auction per se, bears many of the same essential character-
istics and, in our view, must be governed by the same
policy. I hope you will understand the reasons we must
decline your offer.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Mr. Benjamin Shapell
9401 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1200
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
FFF:JGR:aea 4/1/85
bcc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THEWHITEHOUSE
April 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR MICHAEL K. DEAVER
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Request for Handwritten Letter from
the President Expressing Thoughts
About Previous Presidents in Return
For Donation to Any Charity
You have asked for my thoughts on a reply to a letter to the
President from Benjamin Shapell of Beverly Hills. Mr.
Shapell offered to donate $10,000 to a charity chosen by the
President in exchange for a handwritten letter expressing
the President's thoughts on two of his predecessors, Jefferson
and Lincoln.
I have prepared a reply for my signature declining the
offer. I do not think WE should approve such selling of the
prestige of the Office, even for a good cause. Ir. addition,
there is something unseemly about creating an historical
document in return for cash, particularly when the historical
document is given not to the public but to a private collector
for his personal collection. Finally, established White
House policy generally precludes offering White House
memorabilia to be auctioned off to raise money for charity.
Shapell's proposed "exchange" is really no different.
The attached proposed reply focuses on the last point, so as
not to unduly offend Shapell, who may be well-intentioned.
FFF: JGR:aea 4/1/85
cc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
April 1, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DIANNA G. HOLLAND
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Attached
Both of these matters may be closed out. I discussed both
on March 11 with Jerry Jennings of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy. I advised Mr. Jennings that the require-
ment in the OSTP appropriations bill that OSTP reimburse
other agencies for at least one-half of the personnel
compensation costs of detailees was not unconstitutional. I
also advised him that we could not support revising the
Executive Order establishing the National Commission on
Space to vest certain responsibilities under the Federal
Advisory Committee Act with respect to that Commission in
the Director of OSTP rather than NASA. I have discussed
both items with Mr. Hauser.
Attachments
ID
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o . OUTGOING
of
H INTERNAL
I - INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent:
Richard Hauser
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Limitation on Detailees on
office Policy of Science and Technology
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency
(Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CUHICL
ORIGINATOR
/ /
1 /
Referral Note:
WAT18
D
85,02,25
5.85,0307
Referral Note:
/
/
I /
-
Referral Note:
1 /
1 1
-
Referral Note:
1
1
1
-
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A - Appropriate Action
I - Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
C Completed
C - Comment/Recommendation
R Direct Reply w/Copy
B - Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D - Draft Response
S. For Signature
F P Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
ID #.
CU
WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
8R
O . OUTGOING
H . INTERNAL
I - INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD)
/
/
Name of Correspondent: Richard Hauser
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject: Executive Order national Commission
on Space
ROUTE TO:
ACTION
DISPOSITION
Tracking
Type
Completion
Action
Date
of
Date
Office/Agency (Staff Name)
Code
YY/MM/DD
Response
Code
YY/MM/DD
CUHOLL
ORIGINATOR
1 1
1 /
CUAT18
Referral Note:
D
85,02,25
5 85,03 07
Referral Note:
1 1
/ /
-
Referral Note:
/
1
1
/
-
Referral Note:
/ 1
1 1
-
Referral Note:
ACTION CODES:
DISPOSITION CODES:
A - Appropriate Action
I . Info Copy Only/No Action Necessary
A Answered
c Completed
c Comment/Recommendation
R - Direct Reply w/Copy
B - - Non-Special Referral
S Suspended
D - Draft Response
S For Signature
F - - Furnish Fact Sheet
X Interim Reply
to be used as Enclosure
FOR OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE:
Type of Response = Initials of Signer
Code = "A"
Completion Date = Date of Outgoing
Comments:
Keep this worksheet attached to the original incoming letter.
Send all routing updates to Central Reference (Room 75, OEOB).
Always return completed correspondence record to Central Files.
Refer questions about the correspondence tracking system to Central Reference, ext. 2590.
5/81
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 3, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILE
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS DDR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Child Safety Meeting, April 3, 1985
By telephone on April 2 I advised Fred Ryan that care should
be taken to avoid triggering the Federal Advisory Committee
Act in connection with the proposed "National Partnership
for Child Safety." I told Ryan that this office should
review any documents or agreements to be executed to ensure
that an advisory committee is not inadvertently created.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS PSR
SUBJECT:
Draft Proclamation: Law Day USA 1985
Duncan Clark has asked for comments by close of business
today on the Law Day proclamation. You have already
reviewed and approved the text, which underwent only
insignificant stylistic changes at OMB. I have no
objections.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DUNCAN CLARK
OFFICE OF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENCE
FROM:
FRED F. FIELDING
COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Draft Proclamation: Law Day USA 1985
Counsel's Office has reviewed the above-referenced draft
perspective. proclamation, and finds no objection to it from a legal
FFF: JGR:aea 4/4/85
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
857
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 4., 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS offer
136
SUBJECT:
David Waller and I called Mr. Hayes this morning and advised
him of the anonymous allegation received on the GAO hotline.
B6
I do
not think we need to ao anything else at this point beyond
sharing Mr. Hayes's response with GAO.
CC: David B. Waller
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name
Withdrawer
ROBERTS, JOHN: FILES
DLB 8/6/2005
File Folder
FOIA
CHRON FILE (04/01/1985-04/10/1985)
F05-139/01
COOK
Box Number
65
8DLB
DOC Document Type
No of Doc Date Restric-
NO Document Description
pages
tions
2
LETTER
1
4/4/1985 B6
858
FIELDING TO GARY CARBONE
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
E.O. 13233
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 11, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DIANNA G. HOLLAND
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS offor
SUBJECT:
Request to Furnish Financial Information
on 50th Inaugural to Accountants
This item may be closed out. As I have discussed with Mr.
Fielding, Bruce Soll is responding to the accountants'
request.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WABHINGTON
April 8, 1985
Dear Mr. Wray:
You recently wrote to Senator Barry Goldwater concerning the
purchase of foreign automobiles by certain members of a
White House advance team at a discount available to holders
of diplomatic passports. Senator Goldwater has referred
your correspondence to the White House for a reply.
Regulations promulgated by the Department of State generally
permit the acceptance of discounts available to holders of
diplomatic passports. The offering of such discounts by
foreign automobile manufacturers is a long-standing practice
in several countries.
The acceptance of such discounts is not illegal, but the
practice had never been reviewed by the White House and the
White House had never given guidance on it to members of the
staff. After review, we decided to prohibit members of the
White House staff from accepting such discounts in the
future, unless they are out of the country for 30 days or
more. This office has alerted members of the staff to this
new policy, and has also suggested to other departments and
agencies that they review their policies on this question.
With respect to your comments on the particular make of
automobile chosen by the individuals in question, I can only
state that such decisions are matters of personal consumer
preference which it would be inappropriate for the Government
to regulate.
I hope the foregoing information responds to your concerns.
Sincerely,
John G. Roberts
Associate Counsel to the President
Mr. Park Q. Wray
11813 N. Oakhurst Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 8, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS Jrf
SUBJECT:
Correspondence Concerning Duracell Case
Robert Wagner, an attorney from Chicago, has written an
apparently gratuitous letter to the President, objecting to
his decision to disapprove the proposed International Trade
Commission order in the Duracell case. As you know, that
case is presently in litigation before the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Accordingly,
comment by this office or any other to an attorney (apparently
not involved in the case) would be inappropriate. A brief
reply noting this is attached.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 8, 1985
Dear Mr. Wagner:
Thank you for your letter to the President concerning his
action with respect to the proposed order of the Inter-
national Trade Commission in the Duracell case. As you may
be aware, that case is presently in litigation before the
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for us to comment
upon it at this time.
Thank you for sharing your views on this matter with us.
Sincerely,
Fred F. Fielding
Counsel to the President
Robert E. Wagner, Esquire
Wallenstein, Wagner, Hattis,
Strampel & Aubel, Ltd.
100 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
FFF: JGR:aea 4/8/85
bcc: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subj
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 8, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILE
FROM:
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL 826 TO THE PRESIDENT
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Request for a Presidential Message
to Ducks Unlimited for Their Auction
I orally noted no objection to sending a message to the
Ducks Unlimited auction. Ducks Unlimited is a charitable
conservation organization, and the auction is conducted to
raise funds to preserve wetlands for waterfowl. I reviewed
the message before it was sent, to ensure that it did not
endorse any particular artist or commercial entity.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 8, 1985
Dear Mr. Knies:
Thank you for your recent letter to Joan DeCain requesting a
Presidential message congratulating Bernard's Department
Store on its 70th anniversary.
I am sorry to advise you that we must decline this request.
Throughout the Administration, the White House has sought to
adhere to a policy of not sending Presidential congratulatory
messages to commercial entities. As you might expect, the
White House receives numerous requests for such messages.
Both because it would be impossible to honor some requests
without unintentionally offending those whose requests were
declined, and because of concerns about the President
sending congratulations to any particular company in a given
competitive business, it was decided that the only fair
method of dealing with such requests would be to adopt a
general rule that the President would not send messages for
commercial events.
Obviously, Bernard's is celebrating an important event, and
I can understand your seeking a message for this occasion.
At the same time, though, I know you can understand the
reasons we must adhere to the policy described above, in
fairness to all who have requested such Presidential
messages.
Sincerely,
John Robert
John G. Roberts
Associate Counsel to the President
Mr. Frank J. Knies
Vice President, Energy Bank
Post Office Box 650
Kingston, TN 37763
April 21
office
ENERGY
BANK
FRANK J. KNIES
P.O. Box 650, Kingston, TN 37763
Vice-President
Telephone (615) 376-5555
March 22, 1985
Mrs. Joan DeCain
Room 39, Greetings Office
White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mrs. DeCain,
We have a business in Roane County that I think warrants your
special attention and/or a greeting similar to the greetings that
you mail out to 50th anniversary and older individuals. Bernard's
Department Store has been operating in Rockwood, Tennessee for 70
years. They are having their 70th anniversary celebration the 21st
of April 1985. The principals of Bernard's Department Store are
Maurice and Carolyn Grief.
If we would research our records back, I wonder how many businesses
in the United States have survived 70 years. Because of this I think
this business and the principals deserve the greetings that your office
sends out for special anniversary occasions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Frank B. Knies
Vice President
FJK/ta
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASH NGTON
April 8, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DUNCAN CLARK
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES
FROM:
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL $222 TO THE PRESIDENT
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Opening of Saguaro Factory Outlet Mall,
Tucson, Arizona
You have asked this office if it would be appropriate for
the President to send a message to the opening ceremonies
for the Saguaro Factory Outlet Mall in Tucson. Based on the
information available to me, it appears that the mall is a
purely commercial entity and that the opening ceremony is
designed to promote that commercial entity. As you know,
White House policy generally precludes messages for commercial
entities or activities, and accordingly, a Presidential
message to be read at the opening ceremonies for this mall
would be inappropriate.
Thank you for raising this matter with us.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 8, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR THE FILE
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS 822
SUBJECT:
Request to Auction a White House Tour for
the Cerebral Palsy Benefit Anniversary Ball
I orally advised Fran in Pam Turner's office that tours of
the White House by staff members may be auctioned off to
benefit charity if an individual staff member is willing to
provide the tour because of the staff member's own personal
interest in or association with the particular charity in
question. I cautioned her that tours provided by the White
House as an institution, or by offices in the White House
(such as Legislative Affairs) were not available for auction.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WABHINGTON
April 10, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DIANNA G. HOLLAND
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR 828R
SUBJECT:
Appointment of Robert Fryer to the
John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts Board of Trustees
I have reviewed the Personal Data Statement submitted by the
above-named individual in connection with his prospective
appointment to the JFK Center for the Performing Arts Board of
Trustees. I have advised you orally that I have no objection to
proceeding with this appointment. The President is authorized to
appoint 30 general trustees to this board under 20 U.S.C. § 76h (a).
Mr. Fryer satisfies the only statutory requirement for trustees,
i.e., that they be citizens of the United States. The duties of
the Board consist of maintaining and administering the Kennedy
Center.
Mr. Fryer is a well-known producer of both theatrical productions
and films, and is the artistic director of a theater group based in
Los Angeles. Certainly conflicts could arise in the course of his
duties, for example if the Kennedy Center were considering putting
on one of Mr. Fryer's plays. Normally such questions would not be
decided by the trustees, however, and Mr. Fryer could and should
recuse himself should any situation of this sort arise.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR JOHN C. MURPHY
GENERAL COUNSEL
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR. JJR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Correspondence from Joseph Scovitch
The attached letter to Counsel to the President Fred F. Fielding
from Joseph Scovitch of College Park, Maryland, is referred to
you for whatever action you consider appropriate. The letter
contains several complaints concerning the Philadelphia FDIC
office.
Thank you.
Attachment
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1985
Dear Mr. Scovitch:
This is written in reply to your letter of March 7, 1985 to
Counsel to the President Fred F. Fielding. In that letter you
raised several complaints concerning the Philadelphia office of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
In light of the nature of the allegations contained in your
letter, I have taken the liberty of referring it to the General
Counsel of the FDIC, for whatever review and action he considers
appropriate.
Sincerely,
John G. Roberts, Jr.
Associate Counsel to the President
Mr. Joseph M. Scovitch
4815 Calvert Road
Number 355
College Park, MD 20740
FFF: JGR:mbg
CC: FFFielding
JGRoberts
Subject
Chron
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR D. LOWELL JENSEN
ACTING DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS, JR. .JZR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Congressional Correspondence Concerning
Henry Liu Murder
The attached letter to the President from Congressman Matthew
Martinez was recently referred to this office by the White House
Office of Legislative Affairs. In his letter, Congressman
Martinez urges that steps be taken to extradite the Taiwanese
suspected of killing Henry Liu. (It is my understanding that
Taiwan recently convicted and sentenced to death two of the
suspects.) In light of the subject matter involved, the letter
is referred to the Department of Justice for consideration and
reply. The White House has not responded to Congressman Martinez
in any fashion.
Attachment
854
THE WHITE HOUSE
WABHINGTO
April 10, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR DIANNA G. HOLLAND
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS Jr6
COPY Reagan Presidential Record
SUBJECT:
Appointment of Frederick Hart to the
Commission of Fine Arts
I have reviewed the Personal Data Statement submitted by
Frederick Hart in connection with his prospective appointment to
the Commission of Fine Arts. I also discussed certain issues
raised by the PDS with Mr. Hart by telephone this morning.
Pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 104, the President is authorized to
appoint "seven well-qualified judges of the fine arts" to the
Commission of Fine Arts, for four-year terms. It is the duty of
the Commission to advise upon the location of statues and
monuments in the District of Columbia, and upon the selection of
artists to execute the same, as well as to advise generally on
the arts as requested by the President or any committee of
Congress.
Mr. Hart is the sculptor who created the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial sculpture (not the wall). There was considerable
controversy surrounding the design of the memorial, but that
has generally abated.
b6
I have no objection to preceding with the appointment.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 10, 1985
Dear Mr. Hicks:
Thank you for your letter to the White House Press Office,
requesting permission to quote from the State of the Union
Address in a contemplated book.
Please be advised that the State of the Union Address is in
the public domain, and that permission is not required to
quote from it. The text or portions of the text of the
President's address should not, however, be used in your
book in any manner that conveys the impression that the
President has endorsed or is otherwise associated with the
book.
Sincerely,
John G. Roberts, Jr.
Associate Counsel to
the President
Professor Maynard Hicks
237 Faculty Office Building
California State University
Northridge, CA 91330
THE WHITE HOUSE
WAEHINGTON
April 10, 1985
MEMORANDUM FOR FRED F. FIELDING
FROM:
JOHN G. ROBERTS
SUBJECT:
Reprinting of the President's Abortion
Article
Kathleen Bursley, an attorney for Harcourt Brace Jovanovich,
Inc., has written to ask for a public domain copy of
"Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation,' by the
President. Harcourt wants to include the article in a
college rhetoric text as an example of argumentation. They
approached Thomas Nelson, Inc., which published the article
in book form, for permission. Thomas Nelson is demanding a
fee of $1,000, which Bursley considers exorbitant under the
circumstances.
You will recall that this article first appeared in the
Summer 1983 issue of Human Life Review, and was copyrighted
at that time by the publisher of Human Life Review, The
Human Life Foundation, Inc. The article was later published
in book form by Thomas Nelson, pursuant to an arrangement
whereby royalties benefit The Human Life Foundation. You
approved the Nelson reprint and the royalties arrangement by
letters dated November 7, 1983. The article has also been
distributed by the White House in pamphlet form, bearing the
Seal of the President, with no copyright notation.
As I read the law, no copyright protection is available for
the article. There was no basis for the publishers of Human
Life Review to copyright it when it first appeared. The
article was clearly Government work, and not the private
product of the President. It was drafted by OPD and Speech-
writers, with editing by Peter Rusthoven of this office, and
went through the White House clearance process. There is no
copyright protection "for any work of the United States
Government." 17 U.S.C. § 105. "Work of the United States
Government" is defined to be "a work prepared by an officer
or employee of the United States Government as part of that
person's official duties." 17 U.S.C. $ 101. The article
clearly fits that definition from the perspective of those
on the White House staff who prepared it. Since it
expresses the President's view on a public policy issue, and
was designed to shape the debate on that issue, the article
should also be considered to have been prepared by the
President in the course of his official duties.
The Presidential Records Act confirms this conclusion. The
article certainly qualifies as a Presidential record, see 44
U.S.C. § 2201, and ownership, possession, and control of
such records is retained by the United States, 44 U.S.C. §
2202.
My recommendation would be to send Harcourt one of the White
House pamphlets of the article, advising that no permission
is necessary to reprint it. I would alert The Human Life
Foundation and Thomas Nelson before doing so, since they are
apparently under the impression that they have some rights
to the article. I have not called them yet, however, since
the fact that the article was copyrighted by the Foundation,
and the fact that this office has granted reprint permission
(to Thomas Nelson) and denied reprint permission (to
Charisma) suggest my view of the law may not have been
previously operative in this area. Peter may have discussed
these issues with you; perhaps there are some facts (not
revealed in the file, which I have reviewed) of which I am
unaware. Please advise.