These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.
Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.
- Linear measurement of materials: 7 in.
- Approximate number of pages: 1,150
The Communications Act of 1962 (Public Law 87-624) established Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT) as a stockholder owned for profit corporation rather than as an agency or establishment of the U.S. Government. COMSAT was to plan, initiate, construct, manage, and operate itself or in conjunction with foreign governments or business entities a commercial satellite system. As part of the system, COMSAT was required to furnish, for hire, channels of communication to U.S. communications common carriers and to other authorized entities foreign and domestic.
The records consist of correspondence, memorandums, reports, and press releases. Primary correspondents include the President, John D. Ehrlichman, Peter Flanigan, Clay T. Whitehead, Joseph V. Charyk, Joseph H. McConnell, and James McCormack. Topics include COMSAT contracts, COMSAT's relationship with the Federal Communications Commission, communications with the White House, domestic satellite communications program, shareholder information, construction of a satellite earth station in Alaska, COMSAT's relationship with the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT), and appointments to and resignations from COMSAT. Oversized attachments 2891, 6142, and 9804 have been processed.
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