A
BYTE OUT OF HISTORY
J. Edgar Hoover’s “Official & Confidential” Files
07/11/05
Today marks an historic
moment in FBI history: the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA) has formally accessioned the J. Edgar Hoover Official and Confidential
Files (O&C Files) from FBI Records.
Why historic? Because,
while much of the material has already been released, this transfer sets
the stage for future generations of historians to learn more about J.
Edgar Hoover’s FBI.
What exactly
are the “O&C Files”?
Some 17,000 pages
contained in 165 files that Hoover retained in the privacy of his own
office suite.
They evolved in an
interesting way. In the beginning—and Hoover’s FBI dates
back to 1924—Hoover kept most sensitive and national security files
in his office suite for safe keeping. By 1941, the collection had grown
exponentially, so he had them reorganized, sent the bulk of them to his
National Defense Division (now called the Counterintelligence
Division), and restricted to his office only “confidential
items of a more or less personal nature of the Director’s and items
which [he] might have occasion to call for from time to time.”
These were everything
from sensitive information from ongoing case files to sensitive administrative
matters; from notes (both benign and derogatory) on political leaders,
media, and other individuals to materials for congressional hearings
and briefings; from research for Attorneys General and Presidents to
notes on persons and organizations critical of the FBI. There were even
book and movie reviews. And there is also Richard Nixon’s background
investigation, as he had once applied to become an FBI Special Agent.
Why did Hoover
segregate these out from FBI Central Records?
Good question. And
given some of the derogatory materials, you can understand why the subject
has been controversial. But, as Hoover noted, it was convenient for him
to have at hand materials that he routinely used for internal business
and for Administration and congressional briefings. He also wanted to
closely hold highly sensitive information that, if leaked, could destroy
cases, careers, and reputations both inside and outside the Bureau. Only
two people had access to the files: Hoover and his secretary Helen Gandy.
Now you have access to them too.
Link: NARA
press release