Ladies and Gentleman,
The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society;
and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to
secret societies, to secret oaths and secret proceedings.
We decided long ago that the dangers of excessive and
unwarranted concealment of pertinent facts far outweighed
the dangers which are cited to justify it. Even today,
there is little value in opposing the threat of a closed society
by imitating its arbitrary restrictions. Even today,
there is little value in insuring the survival of our nation
if our traditions do not survive with it.
And there is very grave danger that an announced need
for increased security will be seized upon those anxious
to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship
and concealment. That I do not intend to permit to the extent
that it is in my control.
And no official of my Administration,
whether his rank is high or low, civilian or military,
should interpret my words here tonight as an excuse to censor
the news, to stifle dissent,
to cover up our mistakes or to withhold from the press
and the public the facts they deserve to know."
