CIA NOMINEE PUT IN AWKWARD SPOT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00965R000504160046-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 9, 2012
• Sequence Number: 46
• Publication Date: February 27, 1987
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

ST Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/09: CIA-RDP90-00965R000504160046-9
0A_ I
USA TODAY
27 February 1987
CIA nominee put
in awkward spot
BY Bob Minzesheimer
Gates, at the time, ran the
CIA's intelligence operation.
The commission found the
NSC was "actively involved" in
preparing a CIA report in 1985
that hinted at encouraging al-
lies to sell arms to Iran.
"It is a matter of concern," it
said, if "the strong views of
NSC staff members were al-
lowed to influence the (CIA) In-
telligence judgments"
The Tower Commission re- It adds: "It is critical that the
port adds to the questions that line between intelligence and
could block, or at least delay, advocacy of a particular policy
Robert Gates' confirmation as be preserved. ... In this in-
CIA director. stance, the CIA came close
At issue: how much the Na- enough to warrant concern."
tional Security Council, push- -' Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., said
ing the Iranian arms deal, thanais MOM 'Key qUestions" for
tainted the "objectivity" of CIA Gates, whose nomination is be-
intelligence reports on Iran. ing considered by the Senate
intelligence committee.
Gates also can't remember
what he told White House aides
last year at the time they were
compiling a phony chronology.
"This could cause some trou-
ble," said Sen. William Cohen,
R-Maine, the panel's vice-
chairman.
By L. Mark, UPI
GATES: May have to remain acting director until congressional
committees, special prosecutor complete investigations.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/02/09: CIA-RDP90-00965R000504160046-9