scrutiny at the Veterans' Administration's central office and in various field offices.

(b) Benefits. The new Veterans' Administration policy assures a free flow of vital product information to the American consumer, and establishes possible guidelines for the public disclosure of consumergoods testing and rating data generated by other U.S. departments and agencies.

4. Right of Access to Federal Buildings.

(a) Summary.-In September 1969, news media representatives complained to the subcommittee that TV and radio reporters, and photographers had been barred from the Federal Building in Chicago, Ill., by Chief U.S. District Court Judge William J. Campbell. The ban was imposed in connection with a forthcoming trial of eight antiwar demonstrators.

Staff investigation revealed that Judge Campbell, acting in behalf of the entire court of the Northern District Court of Illinois, issued the order to conform to a recommendation adopted by the Judicial Conference of the United States on September 19, 1968, which states, in part:

The taking of photographs in the courtroom or its environs, or radio or TV broadcasting from the courtroom or its environs during the progress of or in connection with the judicial proceedings before a U.S. commissioner, whether or not court is actually in session, is prohibited.

Under Federal Court rules-Illinois (N.D.) Rule 34-term "environs" is defined as *** the halls and corridors immediately adjacent to the courtroom in a Federal building.

Before the trial was underway, Judge Campbell agreed to desig nate a room on the second floor of the building for interviews and photo sessions. Floors not containing courtrooms were also reopened to

newsmen.

Claimed authority for rules and precedents by which Federal judges control access to Federal buildings appear to stem from the general declarations of the duty of Federal judges set forth in title 28, United States Code, section 2071. This provides that the Supreme court and all courts established by act of Congress "may from time to time prescribe rules for the conduct of their business."

In connection therewith, in Sheppard v. Maxwell, 384 U.S. 333, the Supreme Court stated:

The carnival atmosphere at trial could easily have been avoided since the courtroom and the courthouse are subject to control of the court.

Regulations governing Federal buildings under the control of the General Service Administration were not at issue in the Chicago complaint. Further investigation is required to determine possible statutory jurisdictional conflict over the control of Federal buildings containing U.S. courts.

(b) Benefits.-Agreement to permit radio and TV reporters, and photographers, access to the Chicago Federal courthouse helped assure the basic principle of a free press and the "public's right to know." In addition, the action may serve as a guideline to other judicial districts if a court-press conflict arises.

V. Prior Activities of Current or Continuing Interest

1. Administration of Stars and Stripes.

(a) Summary.-Pursuant to a continuing study of the operations of Stars and Stripes-a U.S. military-owned daily newspaper published in the Far East and Europe for servicemen-the subcommittee staff, responding to a congressional request inquired into the economic impact of selling the European edition to private interests.

Investigation revealed that the European edition in fiscal year 1968 operated at a net loss of $1,622,600. The operation deficit is offset by revenues from job printing and sales of other publications on franchised newsstands. Appropriated funds are not used to publish the newspaper. There is no advertising revenue.

Staff inquiry indicates numerous offers have been made by individuals and publishers to purchase the European edition of Stars and Stripes. The U.S. Army European Command has rejected the offers on the grounds that a privately owned publication would not meet military requirements as a troop newspaper which is considered a "morale builder" and a "tool of command" designed to keep servicemen informed of worldwide news as well as official military matters. (b) Previously unreported benefits.-None.

2. Automation of Armed Forces Radio Networks.

(a) Summary.-The subcommittee is continuing its inquiry into a Department of Defense proposal to automate Armed Forces Radio and Television operations worldwide.

Announced purpose of the plan is to improve broadcasts by increasing efficiency of operations through elimination of unnecessary duplications; by more efficient utilization of manpower and existing Defense sources; by improved production through use of new technology and operational advances in the broadcast industry.

On the basis of a feasibility test conducted in May 1969 at the American Forces Network in Europe, the Department of Defense has concluded that with modification of equipment automation appears to be practical. On September 29, 1969, Secretaries of various military departments were requested to review the feasibility test report and findings, and to report within 60 days their recommendations about proceding with the plan.

(b) Previously unreported benefits.-The Department of Defense estimates that automation will improve the balance of payments by effecting substantial savings in the gold flow, and will effect a 30-percent savings in personnel, worldwide. The Department previously estimated a reduction in force of about 1,000 persons for a net savings of $1 million the first year and $2.8 million annually thereafter. 3. Freedom of Information Act Regulations.

(a) Summary. The staff continues its review and analysis of regulations issued by Departments and agencies to implement the Freedom of Information Act.

VI. Projected Program for Remainder of 91st Congress

The subcommittee plans to pursue its continuing study of overseas military information programs with possible onsite inquiries into Armed Forces Radio and Television, and Stars and Stripes newspaper operations. Also scheduled is the completion of a review and inquiry into the rights of the Congress to information from regulatory agencies. Surveillance over executive branch implementation of the Freedom of Information Act will continue.

LEGAL AND MONETARY AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE

HON. DANTE B. FASCELL, Chairman

I. Investigations

A. INVESTIGATIONS RESULTING IN FORMAL REPORTS

1. Search and Rescue Operations for U.S. Citizens and Craft in Foreign Areas, House Report No. 91-254, May 17, 1969. Sixth Report by the Committee on Government Operations.

(a) Summary of report.―This report is based upon a continuing study into search and rescue procedures and practices of Federal agencies applicable to U.S. persons and property missing or in distress in foreign areas.

In 1967, the subcommittee found that there were numerous obstacles that could impede immediate starts of search and rescue (SAR) operations. A tragic incident involving a U.S. private pilot reported missing off the coast of Central America was largely responsible for the subcommittee's undertaking the oversight study of U.S. Coast Guard operations. U.S. search efforts did not get underway until more than 3 days after U.S. authorities learned that the pilot was missing. The unwarranted delay was caused chiefly by the lack of any effective interagency arrangement for coordinating the communications and actions of the three Federal agencies that had received the reports that the pilot was missing.

Since the inception of this study the interagency operational coordination problem has moved a long way toward solution. The agencies have entered into a formal agreement which prescribes responsibilities and programs the actions each agency is to take in particular kinds of distress incidents. However, U.S. search and rescue facilities may not enter any foreign country except at that country's invitation or consent, a frustrating obstacle to rapid entry where diplomatic redtape has to be undone prior to the entry. For this and other reasons stated in the report, and in the continuing concern for the safety of Americans and their property in foreign areas, the report made numerous recommendations, most of which are currently being implemented.

The committee recommended that the State Department seek arrangements that will give greater assurance that foreign authorities with knowledge of emergency incidents involving Americans will immediately notify U.S. authorities. That Department has taken steps toward obtaining such assurances. For example, its instructions to foreign service officers have been amended to specifically direct foreign service posts to seek procedures to assure that local officials will promptly relay information to U.S. officials of distress situations involving U.S. citizens or property.

It was also recommended that the State Department diligently pursue arrangements for the rapid entry of U.S. SAR forces, when

needed, into countries where there is a high incidence of flights by U.S. citizens and aircraft. Communications received from the Department reflect that progress is being made in many such areas. Efforts are also being made by the Department and other concerned agencies to obtain better communications, navigation, aviation services and SAR resources in such areas.

The Federal Aviation Administration was urged to give further consideration to requiring U.S. general aviation aircraft on international flights to be equipped with survival radio equipment or other signaling devices which can aid in locating aircraft in the event of an emergency, and to the possibility of making such equipment available on a rental basis. It was also recommended that the FAA conduct a feasibility study on requiring all general aviation aircraft before proceeding on such flights to file flight plans at their points of departure from the United States. Installation of VHF survival radio equipment in general aviation flight was established as a standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization on September 18, 1969. The FAA is working on the feasibility of requiring the installation of crash locator beacons on aircraft used in air taxi operations. It also intends to encourage private enterprise to provide the devices as a rental service for U.S. private pilots when they contemplate interna tional flights. As regards a possible requirement for the filing of flight plans for general aviation aircraft, the FAA agrees they would be useful and desirable, but there may be problems in closing out such flight plans in many foreign areas. The FAA intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rules regarding the possible establishment of a requirement of such flight plans.

The recommendation that the U.S. armed services clarify the extent to which restrictions that they place on lending assistance to search and rescue operations for U.S. citizens in foreign areas has been implemented. The Air Force, Navy, and Army have stated that in every such SAR emergency they will react to a request for assistance, depending on availability of resources, distances to the scenes of emergencies, and other factors that may be involved.

Another recommendation sought to have the President consider establishing, or expanding, a governmental group or unit with responsibilities for the overall coordination of search and rescue policies, procedures, and operations of all kinds. Advice has been received that such consideration is being given to the feasibility of providing such a capability, possibly within the Department of Transportation or as a subgroup of an existing interagency group concerned with SAR

matters.

(b) Benefits. The primary benefit is increased probability of rescue through coordinated rapid search and rescue procedures involving foreign countries and U.S. Government agencies, as applicable. Such coordination would also economize the efforts of Federal Government agencies concerned with search and rescue operations by providing for quick determinations of such questions as whether to participate, and if so, with what strength. It would also avoid duplicated efforts by several agencies.

(c) Hearings.-Hearing, March 5, 1969. Hearing transcript printed.