On 4 December 1968, Greg Scarpa attended a Christmas party attended by some captains and the members who reported direct to Colombo. At that party, Colombo gave a speech where he updated those present on the leadership of the New York families and gave a history of LCN in America:

'COLOMBO explained that the first "family" came from Sicily and settled in New Orleans and inasmuch as they were the predecessor of all subsequent "families" have always been afforded the highest respect and esteem and have always maintained themselves highly. In fact, COLOMBO pointed out that whereas other "families" would have to go to the "Commission", of which COLOMBO proudly boasted being a member, the New Orleans "family", because of exalted position, could make decisions on its own. COLOMBO then cited the example that at the present time the New Orleans "family" under MARCELLO had only five remaining members, the "boss", "underboss", "consulieri", and two "soldiers", the youngest of which was either 44 or 46 years of age, and faces the possibility of dying out unless new members are made. COLOMBO said New Orleans could have, on its own, "opened the books", but because of the tact and diplomacy of MARCELLO, went before the "Commission" for approval in making new "soldiers", which the "Commission" naturally granted. (Informant believes this was the reason for the La Stella Restaurant meeting). Informant said COLOMBO then explained that in the near future, New Orleans would be enlarging its "family" and that if anyone heard of new members being "made", this would not be the case in the tri-state area.'

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