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Clearance Information

Universal Newsreels

The Universal Newsreels are the most widely used source of historical footage available in this country. Donated to the National Archives in two segments, beginning in 1970 and ending in 1974, Universal has effectively removed all restructions on their use and abondoned all copyrights.

Here is the actual wording from the Deed of Gift:

"Universal Pictures, a Division of Universal City Studios, Inc., does hereby give to the National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, acting for and in behalf of the United States of America, all of its right, title and interest in and to the entire Universal Newsreel Film Collection exclusive of that portion heretofore deeded to the National Archives. Such rights herein transferred specifically include the rights reserved to Universal Pictures in paragraph 2 of the Agreement between Universal Pictures, a Division of Universal City Studios, Inc., and the National Archives dated November 25, 1970. This gift is exclusively for public purposes."

"Major portions of the subject matter of this gift have already been delivered to the donee at its film vaults in Suitland, Maryland, and the remainder of the gift will be delivered to the donee at such vaults by June 30, 1974, or as soon as practicable thereafter."

It is signed by the Vice President for Universal Pictures on March 12, 1974 and further signed as "accepted" by the, then, archivist of the United States James B. Rhoads on March 19, 1974.