The only time I ever made the trip out to the Archives was to listen to the Nixon tapes with a few of my friends around 4 or 5 months ago. Yes, I had to sign in, get a tag, and had two people assisting us at all times; we were never a lone. The rules are made very clear to anyone who chooses to visit the Archives in Maryland. And the answer to your question is "no", not just anyone can walk in an view classified documents at the Archives. Berger was sent to testify to the Commission and was asked by Clinton to review and select all the documents to be sent to the 9/11 commission. I assume that Berger already had the relevant security clearance to view such documents. Either way, classified information is very carefully tracked by the Archives, which is why the personnel were so apt at locating exactly what was missing. In fact, they are so capable of knowing what they do and do not have, that I have serious doubts as to whether or not copies of the drafts actually exist. We know that copies of the finished report exist, but I want to know why Berger walked off with the drafts. There was a good reason, I am sure.
That's why I wondered about the procedures. I would assume that personnel didn't allow you directly in 'the stacks', but rather brought to you what you ordered, and then would request you sign for it.
But even if the 9/11 committee commandeered a separate room and preordered all likely documents to be placed there, you would assume that someone at the archives catalogued what was placed there, in some detail.
This happened months ago. This should have been discovered then. I wonder who the heck was in charge of this 'investigation', so-called? That might be story right there.
Yep, he did:
Executive Order 12958, As Amended, Classified National Security Information
PART 4--SAFEGUARDING
Sec. 4.1. General Restrictions on Access.
(a) A person may have access to classified information provided that: [snip]
(2) the person has signed an approved nondisclosure agreement; and
[snip]
(b) Every person who has met the standards for access to classified information in paragraph (a) of this section shall receive contemporaneous training on the proper safeguarding of classified information and on the criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions that may be imposed on an individual who fails to protect classified information from unauthorized disclosure.
(d) Classified information may not be removed from official premises without proper authorization.
Sec. 4.4. Access by Historical Researchers and Certain Former Government Personnel.
(a) The requirement in section 4.1(a)(3) of this order that access to classified information may be granted only to individuals who have a need-to-know the information may be waived for persons who:
[snip]
(2) previously have occupied policy-making positions to which they were appointed by the President under section 105(a)(2)(A) of title 3, United States Code, or the Vice President under 106(a)(1)(A) of title 3, United States Code
I want to know why Berger walked off with the drafts.
It appears from the reporting that he discarded (shredded) one or more of the earlier drafts, and it is ambiguous whether those were copies or originals.
It seems pretty clear he didn't want something in an early draft to go to the committee.