◆ SpookStack

e o _ TO: Director FROM: SAC, Los &ngeles SUBJECT: ELIZABETH SHORT Information Voncerning - assistance in the investigation. This is true, as we have made records available to the local officers which they were not in a position to obtain and have rendered them assistance in contacting the Veterans Bureau, Navy Department and other similar organizations. Wo actual investization has been made of the murder case and none is contemplated. The Chief wanted me to know that if the Mayor did make any statement abdut the Bureau's partici- pation in this case that it was entirely the Mayor's and over the objection of HORRALL as he did not want to bring the Bureau into this situation for it was not his practice to have anyone else involved in his own difficulties. He pointed out that his department could take the criticism that might be directed to them and he would take it personally if necessary and under no circumstances would he do anything that might give the appearance of attempt- ing to pass it on to this Bureau. He stated that the Mayor meant well but that when the newspapers put the pressure on him his judgment is not good and he might say something that would appear to involve this Bureau in the in- vestigation. I informed the Chief that I understood the Mayor was going to call upon me for assistance but that if he did so, it would be explained that there is no Federal jurisdiction for us to enter the case but our usual facilities would be available at any time as they have always been in the past. For the Bureau's information, reporters were, at the scene of the murder before the law enforcement officers arrived and had the evidence in their possession before the officers, and throughout the entire investigation the reporters have talked to witnesses and published facts which were bound to hinder the investigation of the local department. Reporters are in the offices of the Detective Bureau and it is not possible for the investigators to have a confidential telephone conversation or even read mail without having some news reporter looking it over-to see if it relates to this case. As Tir. ROSEN of the Bureay was informed February 18th, the Mayor, if he requests assistance from us, would be informed of the Bureau's lack of jurisdiction in the case and newspaper inquiries will be met witha direct statement that we have no investigative jurisdiction, and if any state~ ment the Mayor might make calls for a clarification, the matter will be dis- cussed with the Bureau immediately before any comment is made, noe Since dictation of the above material, Chief HORRALL has telephonically advised me that he had another talk with the tiayor and he be- lieves the entire situation is taken care of and he does not anticipate that anything further will be heard on it. RBH: AB 62-2929 13