(a) The Agency will open its records on an equitable basis to all individuals engaged in private research as soon as such action may be taken without adversely affecting the national security, the maintenance of friendly relations with other nations, the efficient operation of the Agency, or the administrative feasibility of servicing requests for access to such records.
(b) Access for research purposes to the classified foreign policy records in the Agency's custody will be governed by the regulations of the Department of State with respect thereto, as set forth in part 6, chapter II of title II of the Code of Federal Regulations. Application for such access may be made to the Chief, Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, at the address listed in Sec. 212.33(a) of this part. That officer, or his/her designee, in consultation with the Director, Historical Office, Department of State, or his/her designee, will determine the action to be taken and will so advise the researcher.