Part 32, page 26

Transcript

The scan is the source; the transcript is machine-generated from it.

LOS ANGELES TIMES, June 8, 1973

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Mr. Nixon's New FBI Choice

What the Federal Bureau of Investigation has most conspicuously lacked in the 13 months since J. Edgar Hoover died is firm and visible professional leadership, a phrase that in terms of the FBI's needs implies not only high technical competence in law enforcement, but also an unshakable dedication to the political independence of the bureau.

Clarence M. Kelley, President Nixon's choice as new FBI director, could fill those needs. He is trained in the law and has had extensive experience in enforcing the law, including nearly 21 years with the FBI and 12 years as police chief of Kansas City. He has been described by aides as a steady, unemotional, fair man, a tough administrator who insists on efficiency. He has an enthusiasm for the FBI that suggests a necessary appreciation for maintaining—or more properly now, restoring —its integrity and freedom from political misuse.

These would seem to be rather basic requisites for any FBI director, but after the inglorious and demoralizing tenure of Mr. Nixon's old friend, L. Patrick Gray III, it is necessary to make mention of them again. The plain fact is that in the last year the FBI has had its reputation sullied and its independence challenged, not because of any known corruption in its ranks, but because its acting direc-

tor was more experienced as a political loyalist than as a custodian of power. Gray was used, and through him the FBI was used, for deceitful and self-protective purposes by the White House. Gray is gone but the FBI remains, and the task of undoing the damage that has been done to it looms large.

A primary job is to restore confidence within the bureau itself. An absence of sound and knowledge-able leadership has apparently exacted a heavy toll in morale and, sources in the FBI say, in efficiency as well. There have been an unusually large number of resignations in recent months and, reported-ly, an unusual confusion and uncertainty about important policy matters.

On paper Kelley appears to have the credentials to reenergize the FBI. First, though, he must win the approval of the Senate, where he could face some tough questioning. There have been allegations that Kelley is insensitive toward Kansas City blacks. There was also Kelley's action, revealed in 1969, in releasing a large number of confiscated weapons to a former Army general, who later sold the guns for profit. No charges were ever brought against Kelley in this matter, but the incident is likely to be recalled during the confirmation hearings.

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