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311A443F.FIN Page 1 of 2 MSMail DATE-TIME 08 February 96 10:41 FROM Baker, James E. CLASSIFICATION UNCLASSIFIED SUBJECT WSG Article on Groom Lake [UNCLASSIFIED] TO Cullin, Brian P. Fetig, James L. Johnson, David T. Naplan, Steven J. Schuker, Jill A. Wozniak, Natalie S. CARBON_COPY Bass, Peter E. Bell, Robert G. Kreczko, Alan J. Sestak, Joseph A. TEXT_BODY Heads Up The WSJ on page one has a lengthy article about ongoing litigation against the Government at a classified Air Force facility in Nevada known as "the operating location near Groom Lake." The article incorrectly refers to "Area 51." We may get some inquiries, because as the article notes in the very last paragraph, consistent with the applicable statutes, President Clinton exempted the "operating location near Groom Lake" from any federal or state laws governing solid and hazardous waste that would require the disclosure of classified information. BUT NOTE: The President expressly stated in his exemption that it was not intended to "limit the applicability or enforcement of any requirement of law applicable to the Air Force's operating lcoation near Groom Lake, Nevada, except thouse provisions, if any, that would require the disclosure of classified information." The article is grossly inaccurate and appears to have been planted in response to recent rulings adverse to plaintiffs, including the dismissal of one of the two companion lawsuits. It will, however, be difficult for you to respond without knowing a great deal about the case, the Government's position, and the signficant state secrets at stake. I recommend that you refer all press inquiries to DOJ press person Jim Sweeney, 514-2008. He is familiar with the case. Please call if you need further background. I also have press briefing sheets (a few weeks old) from the USAF.