Clarke Investigation - August 17, 1945 Memorandum

Memorandum for the Chief of Staff

17 AUGUST 1945

Subject: Investigation regarding certain testimony of William F. Friedman, Director of Communications Research, Signal Security Agency, War Department, regarding alleged destruction of certain War Department records pertaining to Pearl Harbor.

1. The report of the investigation regarding statements of fact made by William F. Friedman in testimony before Admiral H. K. Hewitt of the U. S. Navy sometime prior to 5 July 1945 is attached hereto as TAB A.

2. In view of the fact that the investigation being conducted by Admiral Hewitt is on the same level as that being conducted by Lt. Col. Henry C. Clausen, JAGD, it would seem that the release of information to the Navy, as requested by Admiral Hewitt in his letter of 5 July 1945, is a matter for determination by the Secretary of War. It is recommended, therefore, that the request of Admiral Hewitt and the results of this investigation be referred to Lt. Col. Clausen for preparation of such portion of the testimony in this case as the Secretary's office deems desirable to furnish Admiral Hewitt.

CARTER W. CLARKE Brigadier General, GSC Deputy Chief, MIS

1 Include.

  Tab A