LETTER TO EDWARD P. BOLAND FROM WILLIAM J. CASEY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88B00443R000903770019-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 27
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 28, 2011
• Sequence Number: 19
• Publication Date: May 25, 1983
• Content Type: LETTER

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The Director of Central Intelligence
VVtnhinston. D C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Edward P. Boland
Chairman, Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation o1 a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
/s/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Clement J. Zablocki
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Zablocki:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotations a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
1s/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C.20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Louis Stokes
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Stokes:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation oT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central intelligence
Washington. D. C 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Romano L. Mazzoli
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Mazzoli:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation o1= a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
/s/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central intelligence
Washington. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation oT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Wyche Fowler, Jr.
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Fowler:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation oi: a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
/s/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Hamilton:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation o1' a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of t1he Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Albert Gore, Jr.
Permanent Select Committee
on intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Gore:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation oT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
/s/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Bob Stump
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Stump:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotat of oT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
/s/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable J. Kenneth Robinson
permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Robinson:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation oT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washmglon. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable G. William Whitehurst
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Whitehurst:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotationo' a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D C 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable C. W. Bill Young
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Young:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation oT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
/s/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C 20SOS
25 May 1983
The Honorable James C. Wright
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Wright:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotationT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
/S/
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C.20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Dave McCurdy
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. McCurdy:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation--OT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington. D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable William F. Goodling
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Goodling:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation of a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, D. C. 20505
25 May 1983
The Honorable Robert H. Michel
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr. Michel:
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotation oT a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression.
Sincerely,
William J. Casey
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The Director of Central lntelli2.ence
N
The Honorable Wyche Fowler, Jr.
Permanent Select Committee
on Intelligence
U. S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Mr.-Fowler:
25 May 1983
The New York Times of 18 May 1983 published what purports to be a
quotat-lonF a statement by a member of the House Intelligence Committee
that, "the CIA lies to us anyway." While I have less than complete confidence
in the accuracy of press reporting, that comment has offended our entire
organization and impugns the integrity of our fine employees. In obligation
to them I feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
The possibility that any Committee member harbors the thought that CIA
lies to the Committee is so appalling that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the Committee actually feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between the Agency and the Committee essential
to make the oversight process work requires that any such impression be
addressed. I therefore ask you to let me know whether you have made or heard
anybody make such a statement or know of any member of the Committee who would
be under that impression. 0-1
VV qv-"-\ A--, rvlljp
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2 7 MAY 198
Sincerely ~
Willlqfn Casey
L11 tat
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ROMANO L. MAZZOLI
THIRD (DISTRICT
KENTUCKY
June 3, 1983
The Honorable William J. Casey
Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, D. C. 20505
N&Cutiw Ratty
While some could object to the tenor
of your letter of May 25th, I have decided
to respond to it.
I have never felt Agency witnesses were
lying to me or to the Intelligence Committee.
However, it's fx".-Lr to say that I have often
had to verbally "arm wrestle" with witnesses
to get the information I needed.
I cannot, of course, address the re-
actions and feelings of my colleagues on the
Committee.
Best wishes.
RLM: aoc
brely
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,,oBINSON
VIRGINIA
COMMITTEES,
APPROPRIATIONS
INTELLIGENCE
2233 13AYRURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE: [phone]
~o ire ~ of the niteb'tato
Sou;e of Aeproentatibeq
Wa.gtjington, 9.(C. 20515
Honorable William J. Casey
The Director of Central Intelligence
Washington, D.C. 20505
OFFICES IN THE 7Th DISTRICT,
112 N. CAMERON STREET (P.O. Box 714)
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA 22601
TELEPHONE: [phone]
100 COURT SQUARA ANNEX (P.O. Box 13G)
CHARLOTTESVILLE. VIRGINIA 22902
TELEPHONE: [phone]
Sum 305. 904 PRINCESS ANNE STREET
(P.O. Box 336)
FREDERICXSBURG. VIRGINIA 22404
TELEPHONE: [phone]
I've noted carefully your letter of 25 May 1983 citing the publication
in The New York Times of 18 May 1983 of a purported comment by a member_ of
the House Intelligence Committee to the effect that, "the CIA lies to us
anyway."
While I understand your concern, I have to report that I have no
knowledge as to any statement in that vein by a member of the Committee.
Sincerely yours J
c o
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ROBERT GARCUL N.Y.
JOHN J. BRAOY, JR.
CHIEF OF STAFF
The Honorable William J. Casey
Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Dear Mr. Casey:
June 1, 1983
This is to thank you for your letter of May 25 regarding a New York
Times article purporting to quote a House Intelligence Committee member
to the effect that "the CIA lies to us anyway."
Assuming both the accuracy and authenticity of the report, I would
certainly regret that it was made. Assuredly, it was not made by me.
CJZ:gbg
Sincerely yours,
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E.APP ED
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
2 June 1983
The .fine art of spying
-was ''quoted as -saying he did not
believe the CIA ought to engage in
any covert operations. Taxed as to
exactly why . he thought this, he
answered that . it was simply not
ossibl
i
p
e,
n a political democracy,
%%i li$jn F. for an agency to keep secrets, and
- Buckley Jr.
that under the c'urcumstances one
-had to *weigh .the value of covert
activity over against the embarrass-
.;ment of public - exposure of that
., activity. He concluded that the latter
~eXceeded the former and that there-
I.WE: "'CASEY ASKS -.'fore there should be'no covert ,activ-
ANEL: WHO SAS 'THE ity. To which Machiavelli might add:
CIA' LIES'?" William Casey, There should.beno covert activity if
the director of the Central Intelb %here there -is .any reasonable
gence Agency, can be a very cool cat,- --possibility that it will be exposed.
but occasionally -his Irish is dan-.-__,,That is to say something a little bit
dered, and the other day 'it was A different from what Mr. Kennan was
member of a congressional commit
tee was anonymously quoted as., .saying, but that-difference is vital.
saying, apparently with resignation In the past seven or eight years I
"The CIA lies to us anyway." This
drew from Director Casey a com-
munication that is scorching by the
standards governing exchanges - be-
tween executive agencies and con-
gressional committees. What Mr.
Casey wrote, one-half gut-anger, one-
half euphemism, was:
"While I have less than complete
confidence in the accuracy of press
reporting, that comment has
offended our entire organization and
impugns the integrity of our fine
employes.' In obligation to them I
feel that I must pursue its accuracy. society's laws. -
have written five spy novels in the
course of which I have attempted to
conjugate a theme. Not a mysterious
'theme, but not one that is entirely
easy to expound. It is this, that the
counterespionage.discipline is some
times the transaction not of a law,
but rather of an art. I mean by this
that there is written into the inexpli?
cit mandate -o . f an intelligence
organization an ambivalence that
simply can't be wrung out by the
conventional processes that go into
the codification of most of a free
'The possibility that any committee Let us take a .hypothetical situe-
member harbors the thought that tion. Our CIA agents in Uganda smell
CIA lies to the committee is so something big. Very big. An atom
appalling that I feel obliged to deter- bomb. Never mind for the moment
mine if any member of the committee how Idi Amin got an atom bomb, but
actually feels that way and, if so, to there it is, about the size of the
seek the particulars. The confidence Hiroshima bomb. What in the name
between the agency and the commit- -of God does he propose to do with it?
tee -essential to make the oversight Well, he intends, exactly three hours
process work requires that any such .from now, to dispatch a plane-from
impression be addressed." -his little airforce and drop the bomb
A few years ago, George Kennan `over Jerusalem, in retaliation against
the Israelis' Entebbe raid. Idi Amin is
scheduled to so to the air base
personally to wave off the bomber on
.a mission that will mean the ex-
termination 'of an entire city and not
inconceivably the beginning of a
third world war. The -mission could
be aborted by a sniper who, properly
.situated, can -end the career of this
madman before his bomber takes off.
But isn't assassination wrong?
.-Yes,- assassination is wrong. But
can't one say that assassination is
:wrong, but that there are worse
things than , assassinations? Like
death for a quarter million people,
and perhaps-e war? -
Yes, one can say that.
Question: is there-machinery that
can act-on such a moral calculus?
Answer: Depends. Depends on the
built-in resiliency of the appropriate
mechanisms.
Sir. Are you saying that the CIA is
entitled to lie' to a congressional
committee?
N O, I AM NOT. I am saying that
there are worse things imagin-
able than the -CIA l
i
y
ng to a
congressional committee.
. Do you doubt that Mr. Casey - is
telling the truth when he insists that
the CIA does not lie to congressional
committees?
No, I am not saying anything of
the sort
What then are you saying?
I am saying that circumstances
hypothetically exist in which the di.
rector of the CIA would need to
choose between 1) lying, or b) expos-
ing a deed the exposure of which
runs a risk of collapsing a vital organ
of a free society, and that the prudent
way of steering clear of such schema-
tic collision courses is for both par-
ties to just cool it; just don't talk
about it; just let It go.
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OPERATIONS CENTER/CURRENT SUPPORT GROUP ~Cr-
News Bulletin
NEW YORK TIMES
pg. A-7 .
Casey Asks Panel:
Who Said `the C.I.R. Lies'?
9p.datomeNiwYatT on
WASHINGTON, May 26 - William J.
Casey, Director of Central Intelligence,
has written to members of the House in-
telligence committee demanding to
know who told a reporter that "the
C.I.A. lies to us anyway."
The letter, sent Wednesday, referred
to an article in The New York Times on
May 18 that discussed differences be-
tween the House and Senate intelli-
gence committees regarding Con-
gress's role in curbing covert aid to the
Nicaraguan rebels. The article men-
tioned a House intelligence committee, report that accused the Reagan Admin-
istration of misleading and ignoring
Congress about covert operations in
Nicaragua.
A Democrat on the committee who
asked not to be named was quoted as
saying, "The C.I.A. lies to us anyway."
This member believes that all aid to the
rebels should be ended, as the House
committee has recommended, rather
than conditioned upon an explanation
by intelligence officials, as the Senate
committee has recommended. The Sen-
ate committee has also asserted Its
right to veto specific covert operations.
Mr. Casey wrote: "While I have less
than complete confidence in the as
curacy of reporting, that com-
ment has offended our .entire organiza-
tion and impugns the integrity 'of our
am employees. In obligation to them I
feel that I must pursue its accuracy.
"Tbe possibility that any Committee
member harbors the thought that C.I.A.
lies to the Committee is so appalling
that I feel obliged to determine if any
member of the committee actually
'feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars. The confidence between
the Agency and the Committee essen-
tial to make the oversight process work
requires that any such impression be
addressed.
"I therefore ask you to let me know
whether you have made or beard any-
body make such a statement or know of
any member of the Committee who
would be under that impression."
One committee member who re-
C.ivW the letter today was incredulous.
"Tbey stopped just short of asking us to
take a lie-detector test," be said.
Dale Peterson, a spokesman for the
agency, Said tonight, "We'll have no
comment on the letter." House
Meantime, Speaker of the 'T'homas P. O'Neill Jr. criticized negoti-
ations between Democrats an the House
Foreign Affairs committee and Admin-
istration officials concerning legislation
to and the covert Nicaraguan aid. The
Foreign Affairs Committee has concur-
rent jurisdiction with the intelligence
panel on the legislation.
"The President of the United States
broke the law and then laughed to the
American people that he broke the
law," Mr. O'Neill said. Referring to the
negotiations, he said, "I hope there is no
agreement to allow them to continue to
break the law for the rest of theyear."
The committee has selected Repre-
sentative Lee H. Hamilton, Democrat
of Indiana, to negotiate with the Admin-
istration, which is represented by
Thomas O. Enders, Assistant Secretary
of State for Inter-American. Affairs.
"We're a long way away from any
agreement," Mr. Hamilton said.
Ina report supporting ending the aid, .
4he House intelligence committee dis-
elosed that a year ago Congress baq
any assistance to the rebels that was or
the purpose of overthrowing the Saadtn-
ist Government.
27 May ]983
Item No. 4
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AR TL !_
NEW Y O P K TINE S
7
c
Z7 NAY 1983
Casey Asks Panel: Who Said
Spe: - w 7b N.w Y.rt Y1r
WASHINGTON, May 26 - William J.
Casey, Director of Central Intelligence,
has written to members of the House in-
telligence committee demanding to
know who told -b reporter that "the
C.I.A. lies to us anyway."
The letter; sent Wednesday, referred
to an article in The New York Times on
May 18 that discussed differences be.
tween the House .and Senate intelli-
gence committees regarding Con-
gress Is role in curbing covert aid to the
Nicaraguan rebels. The article men-
tioned a House intelligence committee
report that accused the Reagan Admin-
istration of misleading and ignoring
Congress 4bout covert operations. in
Nicaragua.
A Democrat on the committee who
asked not to be named was quoted as
saying, "The C.I.A. lies to us anyway."
This member believes that all aid to the
rebels should be ended, as the House
committee has recommended, rather
than conditioned upon an explanation
by intelligence officials, as the Senate
committee has recommended. The Sen-
ate committee has also asserted its
right to veto specific covert operations.
Mr. Casey wrote: "'While I have less
than complete confidence in the ac-
curacy of press reporting, that com-
ment has offended our entire organiza-
tion and impugns the integrity of our
fine employees. In obligation to them I
feel that 1 must pursue its accuracy.
"The possibility that any Committee
member harbors the thought that C.I.A.
lies to the Committee is so appalling
that I feel obliged to determine If any,
member of the Committee actually
feels that way and, if so, to seek the
particulars: The confidence between
the Agency and the Committee essen-
tial to make the oversight process work
requires that any such Impression be
addressed
the C.I.A. Lies'
"I therefore ask you to let me know
whether you have made or heard any-
body make such a statement or know of
any member ' of the Committee who
would be under that impression."
One committee member who re.
ceived the letter today was incredulous.
"They stopped just short of asking us to
take a lie-detector test," he said.
Negotiations Criticised
Meantime, Speaker of the House
Thomas P. O'Neill Jr..today criticized
negotiations between Democrats on the
House Foreign Affairs committee ,and
Administration .officials concerning
legislation to .end the covert Nicara-
guan aid. The Foreign Affairs Commit-
tee tee has concurrent jurisdiction with the
intelligence committee on the legisla.
tion.
."The President of the United States
broke the law and then laughed to the
American people that he broke the
law," Mr. O'Neill said. Referring to the
negotiations, he said, "I hope there is no
agreement to allow them to continue to
break the law for the rest of the year,"
The committee has selected 'Reps
sentative Lee H. Hamilton, Democrat
of Indiana, to negotiate with the Admin-
istration, which is represented by
Thomas 0. Enders, Assistant Secretary
of State for Inter-American Affairs.
"We're a long way away .from any
agreement," Mr. Hamilton said. .
Ina report supporting ending the aid,
the House intelligence committee dis-
closed that a year ago Congress barred
any assistance to the rebels that was for
the purpose of overthrowing the Sandin-
ist Government. That prohibition, in ~
April 1982, appeared in a classified
annex to an authorization bill. Last
December, Congress publicly adopted
the same language, allowing covert aid
only for the purpose of halting weapons
flowing from Cuba and Nicaragua to in-
surgents in El Salvador.
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ARTl S APPS ''rD ----- NEW YORK =s
oil
t r.~.
it Apr` - .r 18 MAY 1983
Intelligence; Units in Congress
At Odds-on Covert Latin Aid
WASHINGTON, May 17 -The House ! _ .
and Senate intelligence committees are Foreign Affairs Committee has concur.
in sharp conflict over Congress's role in rent juriodictio?'over, .the .intelligence
curbing covert aid to the Nicaraguan eommitteePian.
h Nicaraguan
iri7~7QLT member
Senate telligence cotftmitteeme
f b
.
s O
ot
m
teee3
I indicatedtoday. bens, on.the ether hand, are sxitical Hof
The House Select Committee 011 irnel. - the Houseaoommittee'gproposed ban an
ert,aid to Nicaragua, while the Senate House committee sad
aid, but asserted its right to approve that the House. committee approved Its
specific -tovert operatio la
ns
e a
beli
Oct.
that rtbe committee fiat itself
Representative Edward P. Boland by failing to gain a consensus -that In.
ch
airman ` of the Horse committee, -claded Republk ans.
strongly opposes the Senate commit- '"They'd like to set themselves, outof
tee's plan as an inappropriate intrusion the predicament they found themselves
Congress into the President's prerog. in;" said Senator Barry Goldwater. Re.
. am concerned about a ane-House Senate intelligencecommittee.`"I think
committee veto;" the Massachusetts that .party-line vote pretty near de-
Democrat said in an interview. stroyed the effectiveness of the House
- Role of Executive Branch committee." .
specifically, Mr. Boland and others
on the House committee have told Sen-
ate Democrats that it was the executive
branch's role to initiate and conduct
covert operations. They do not want
Congress to be the President's partner
in such actions.
Some feared that Congress could be
id recess when an emergency -arose,
and therefore be blamed for a delayed
ooin to response to an interna-
ti Crisis.
A House.intelligence committee re-
port, made public on Monday, accused
the Administration of misleading and
ignoring Congress about covert opera.
tions in Nicaragua. Some House mem-
bers fear that if the Administration con-
tibues such a practice Congress will
nonetheless be held fully accountable
s"Tbe C.I.A. lies to us anyway," said a
Democrat on the House committee.
`Legislators, Not Administrator,'
,Some House Republicans also ques-
tioned the wisdom of the Senate. plan.
"Politically, I don't know how smart
their posture is," said Representative
Henry J. Hyde, Republican of Illinois,
wbo_ has played a leading role in the.
House Foreign Affairs Committee de.
bate on the intelligence committee bill.
"It makes them partners in the success
or failure of the operation. They sharld
be legislators, not administrators." The
Million in Contingency Funds
Some House committee Democrats
wanted to reduce, drastically, if not
eliminate, all contingency money for
covert operations, which total $50 mil.
lion, and can be used by the Administra-
tion without Congress's approval. The
.proposal asked support,- however, and
was abandoned before being put to 41
vote.
The -Senate intelligence committee,
whose plan was approved with biparti-
san support, believes that its oversight
role demands more than simply being
informed of covert activities, as is re.
quired underpresent law.
The committee has asked the Admin.
isftation to present a new plan with its
objectives and strategies by. Sept. 30,
a4d ?Mr. Goldwater noted that the Ad-.
ministration had changed both objec-
tives and strategies since the covert aid
began in1981.-
$ome :Senate committee members
,contend-that committee approval of
specific covert operations is necessary
because-such operations necessarily
vihlate existing treaties with nations in
which the operations occur. Those trea-
tles,.they note, are the law of the land.. I
?'lt's a question of how you exercise
oversight, ' said Senator Patrick J.
Leahy, Democrat of Vermont, a -com-
mittee member.
House Republins Are Spilt.
Republicans on the House Foreign Af-
fairs Committee were divided, mean-
while, over the prospects of bipartisan
action on the House intelligence com-
mittee bill. The Foreign Affairs Com-
mittee is expected to vote on the meas-
ure Wednesday.
Mr. Hyde, a conservative Republi-
can, doubted the possibility of a biparti-
san compromise. "Tbeyhaven't left us
any room," he said. "It has become a
partisan issue."
But Representative Jim Leach, a
moderate Republican of Iowa and a for.;
mer Foreign Service officer who *tteW
votes with the committee's Democratd;
said, "My guess is that if only the
Democrats' measure can come out, Re-
publicans will be forced to vote for it."
Democrats on the House Foreign Af-
fairs committee decided tonight to -bar j
the public from the debate Wednesday i
on the ground that floor considerationof
the measure would also be closed.
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