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 Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.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 A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item.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: 2.5 in.
- Approximate number of pages: 415
The Subversive Activities Control Board was established by the Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950. The Board neither conducted investigations nor originated actions, but functioned as a quasi-court to hear and decide cases brought before it by parties as specified in the Act. The Board was an independent agency composed of five members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for terms of 5 years.
The records consist of originals, carbons, and copies of correspondence; memorandums; notes; newsclippings; telegrams; press releases; petitions; and nominations. Primary correspondents include the President, John R. Brown III, Noble Melencamp, John D. Ehrlichman, Max L. Friedersdorf, Mike Smith, Board Chairman John W. Mahan, Board members Paul J. O’Neill and Otto Otepka, and private citizens. Topics include possible legislation or executive order to remove the jurisdictional statute limiting the Board; the definition of subversive activities; the inactivity of the Board; support for and opposition to the Board’s activities; support for the President’s appointment of Otto Otepka to the Board; other nominations to and resignations from the Board; and closure of the Board’s activities. Corresponding oversized attachments 3989, 6427, and 10990 have been processed and are available in White House Central Files: Processed Oversized Attachments. Oversized attachments 3630, 3631, and 3632 are available in White House Central Files: Staff Member and Office Files: Darrell Trent. Confidential File Oversized Attachments 605 and 606 are available in White House Special Files: Staff Member and Office Files: John W. Dean III.
Related materials may be found in White House Central Files: Subject Files: FG 17 (Department of Justice).
The terms Executive and General are used before the code FG 220 generally to determine the source of the materials. Items designated Executive are communications among national, foreign, state and local governments and their agencies, Members of Congress, and other prominent people. Items designated General are communications between Government officials and private citizens, institutions, and other private interests.
Box 1
[EX] FG 220 Subversive Activities Control Board [1969-1970]
[EX] FG 220 Subversive Activities Control Board 1/1/1971-[12/31/1972]
[EX] FG 220 Subversive Activities Control Board 1/1/1973-[8/9/1974]
[GEN] FG 220 Subversive Activities Control Board [1969-1970]
[GEN] FG 220 Subversive Activities Control Board 1/1/1971-[12/31/1972]
[GEN] FG 220 Subversive Activities Control Board 1/1/1973-[8/9/1974]
[EX] FG 220/A [1969-1970]
[EX] FG 220/A [1971-1972]
[EX] FG 220/A [1973-1974]
[GEN] FG 220/A