LETTER (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89T00142R000901360006-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 12, 2011
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: December 29, 1987
• Content Type: LETTER

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/09/09: CIA-RDP89T00142R000901360006-5
Central Intelligence Agency
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Now that the dust has settled, I want to express my thanks for the
wonderful job Printing and Photography Division did in preparing the Special
Counsel's Report. Your work was first-rate and your willingness to turn
around drafts on short notice was most appreciated. The resulting product
reflects the professionalism of you and your staff.
Again many thanks for your assistance.
Sincerely
Special Counsel to the Director
DD/P&PD
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
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STATEMENT OF WILLIAM H. WEBSTER REGARDING
THE IRAN-CONTRA MATTER
I have completed my study of a report prepared by a Special Counsel appointed by
me to review the role of the Agency and Agency personnel in the Iran-Contra matter.
The following is a summary of the Report's conclusions.
1. The Agency's first involvement in the Iranian initiative occurred in the fall of
1985 when the Agency increased intelligence collection on certain Iranian targets at the
request of the NSC Staff. This assistance did not violate any statutory provisions or
Agency regulations.
2. In November 1985, an Agency proprietary transported HAWK missiles from
Israel to Iran. Agency assistance in connection with this flight was in violation of an
Agency regulation that requires DCI approval in advance of assistance to the White
House staff. Moreover, this assistance should not have been undertaken in the absence
of a Presidential Finding.
3. In early December 1985, the Agency made known to the White House its
negative views of Manucher Ghorbanifar's reliability and trustworthiness, and ques-
tioned the purported existence of a moderate faction in Iran. Ghorbanifar subsequently
was polygraphed by the Agency and showed deception to virtually all questions. These
results were reported to Oliver North in January 1986.
4. After a Presidential Finding was signed, the Agency provided logistical and
other assistance in connection with the transfer of TOW missiles and HAWK missile
spare parts to Iran and in connection with a number of meetings between U.S.
Government officials and representatives of Iran. This assistance was appropriately
authorized by the Finding. The Finding instructed that the Agency not notify Congress
of these activities.
5. Agency officers heard references to a possible diversion of funds to the Contras
as early as January 1986. These references were thought to be implausible. During the
summer of 1986, these officers were also aware of Iranian complaints that they had
been overcharged for the missiles. These complaints raised concerns that the Iranians
might cancel the operation. In the fall of 1986, further information came to the
attention of the officers working on the initiative. This information was brought to the
attention of the National Security Advisor. The evidence was not so strong that anyone
concluded a diversion had occurred.
6. Two Agency field managers engaged in improper activities between September
1985 and February 1987 in connection with assistance to the Contras. The improper
activities included assistance in connection with private benefactor resupply flights,
transporting Contra supplies and equipment in Agency helicopters, and other logistical
assistance undertaken at a time when such assistance was prohibited by Agency policy
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I also have initiated actions to strengthen senior management review of covert
activities. The covert action review process will be institutionalized in Agency
headquarters regulations. The Agency's senior management must meet to review all
proposed Findings and related documents that are to be forwarded to the National
Security Council. Senior management also conducts a semi-annual review of each
covert action program. Additionally, steps have been taken to strengthen senior
management oversight of the use of Agency proprietaries.
Other actions taken include the issuance of guidelines for interagency intelligence
production intended to foster an environment for the maximum objectivity of
intelligence assessments and to help insulate intelligence analysis from political
influence. Additionally, periodic reports of ongoing assistance to the White House will
be provided to a senior Agency official to ensure that such requests stay within their
approved scope.
The Special Counsel commenced his review September 1, 1987. In compiling the
Report, the Special Counsel reviewed the findings of the Tower Commission, the
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Congressional Iran-Contra Committees,
and relevant reports of the Inspector General. The Special Counsel did not have access
to any materials or information developed during the course of the investigation being
conducted by Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh.
The Report of the Special Counsel, which is classified, will be furnished in its en-
tirety to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Select
Committee on Intelligence.
This has been a testing chapter in the history of the CIA. A number of people who
engaged in activities determined to be improper have been disciplined. On the other
hand, I am proud to note that evidence in the record suggests that the overwhelming
majority of our employees acted in a professional and competent manner within the
policy and legal guidance with which they were provided. I hope that the actions I have
announced today will put this chapter behind us, will strengthen us as an organization
and, with lessons learned, will enable us to continue to conduct our important mission
for the American people.
3
SECRET
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MEMORANDUM FOR:
As requested, enclosed are five copies of the Iran-Contra
Report. Each copy has a name and a number. Please
be sure the correct copy goes to each individual.
copy # 31
32
33
34
35
I O U S
5-75 101 EDITIONS
STAT
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