SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89T00142R000901360032-6
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 12, 2011
• Sequence Number: 32
• Content Type: MISC

Approved For Release 2011/09/09: CIA-RDP89TOO142R000901360032-6
SUMMARY OF 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. 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.
4. 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 conveyed to the National
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Security Advisor. The evidence was not so strong that anyone concluded a
5. Two Agency field managers engaged in activities between September 1985
and February 1987 that violated Agency policy or legal guidance restricting
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. One Agency field
manager authorized his subordinates to engage in these improper activities.
The other field manager undertook the activities on his own. There is no
evidence in the record, however, that any improper or illegal activities were
engaged in by the overwhelming majority of Agency employees involved in the
Contra program. Moreover, CIA Headquarters was not aware that these
activities were taking place.
6. Two Agency HQS managers testified to Congress in a manner that was not
candid or forthcoming with respect to their knowledge of assistance to the
Contras.
7. Five Agency employees were not cooperative with or were not candid in
providing information during an Inspector General's investigation of these
matters.
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8. Despite the complexities caused by seven different pieces of
legislation dealing with Contra assistance during a five year period, HQS
guidance with respect to these statutory restrictions was generally clear and
often more conservative than required by the applicable statutes.
In announcing his decisions yesterday to Agency employees, Director
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 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.
Approved For Release 2011/09/09: CIA-RDP89TOO142R000901360032-6