Ford Vetoes Effort to Improve Access to GovernmenT Data; Original Bill Opposed
Date: 18 October 1974
By MARTIN ARNOLD
Martin ARNOLD
Pres Ford on Oct 17 vetos legis, in form of 17 amendments to '66 Freedom of Information Act, that would have made Govt-held information more accessible to public; most of pressure against amendments came from Justice Dept, Natl Security Council and other depts involved in domestic and foreign intelligence; Ford says he will soon submit his own legis to amend act; 1 of 17 amendments calls for judicial rev of classified foreign policy and natl defense information before it could be withheld; Ford in veto message says that he objected to cts being permitted to make what would amount to 'initial classification decision in sensitive and complex areas where they have no expertise'; calls amendments unconst and unworkable; says that he hopes Cong will enact his own proposals in next session; Sen Edward Kennedy issues statement after veto calling it 'distressing new example of the Watergate mentality that still pervades that White House' (M)