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118565788
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Iran/Arms Transaction: ABC (Arthur B. Culvahouse) Notes (1)
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118565788
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Iran/Arms Transaction: ABC (Arthur B. Culvahouse) Notes (1)
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Records of the Office of Counsel to the President (Reagan Administration)
Arthur Culvahouse's Office Files
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118565788
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1988-12-31
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1988
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1987-01-01
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1987
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Culvahouse, Arthur B.: Files
Folder Title: Iran/Arms Transaction: ABC (Arthur
B. Culvahouse) Notes (1)
Box: CFOA 1132
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name CULVAHOUSE, ARTHUR .:FILES
Withdrawer
DLB
10/2/2014
File Folder
IRAN/ARMS TRANSACTION: ABC (ARTHUR B.
FOIA
CULVAHOUSE) NOTES (1 OF 2)
S643
Box Number
CFOA 1132
SYSTEMATIC
188
ID
Doc Type
Document Description
No of Doc Date Restrictions
Pages
165885
NOTES
HANDWRITTEN NOTES FROM 3/16/1987
1 3/16/1987 B1
WITH RR, HHB, ETC.
165886
NOTES
HANDWRITTEN NOTES RE: TELEPHONE
6 3/18/1987 B1
CALLS WITH DUBERSTEIN, GARMENT
The above documents were not referred for declassification review at time of processing
Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
Hits
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WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name
Withdrawer
CULVAHOUSE, ARTHUR B.:FILES
DLB 10/2/2014
File Folder
FOIA
IRAN/ARMS TRANSACTION: ABC (ARTHUR B.
S643
CULVAHOUSE) NOTES (1 OF 2)
SYSTEMATIC
Box Number
CFOA 1132
188
ID
Document Type
No of
Doc Date
Restric-
Document Description
pages
tions
165885 NOTES
1
3/16/1987
B1
HANDWRITTEN NOTES FROM 3/16/1987 WITH
RR, HHB, ETC.
The above documents were not referred for declassification review at time of processing
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
Indges
- - March 16 - -
- - Tele Wanen Rodenam - -
David H. Stattan
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Rhoder Schoem
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Take Bouns take Seven states -
Imm clarl //emit
WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection Name
Withdrawer
CULVAHOUSE, ARTHUR B.:FILES
DLB 10/2/2014
File Folder
FOIA
IRAN/ARMS TRANSACTION: ABC (ARTHUR B.
S643
CULVAHOUSE) NOTES (1 OF 2)
SYSTEMATIC
Box Number
CFOA 1132
188
ID
Document Type
No of
Doc Date
Restric-
Document Description
pages
tions
165886 NOTES
6 3/18/1987
B1
HANDWRITTEN NOTES RE: TELEPHONE CALLS
WITH DUBERSTEIN, GARMENT
The above documents were not referred for declassification review at time of processing
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
B-1 National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
B-2 Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
B-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
B-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
B-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
B-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
B-8 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
B-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
Fle I pum
Telc
control
JOE Small--
3/23
Require for that documents Boors 1,9an /
8
to Peter
Wallison
documents available w/o 3 days
/
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of request is for clars to prepare for
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2
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request for closs really modest
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3
3/27 Shilds
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/ April 86-
cler Camel Mo walle aurount
walles requirements to deversion
/ vasion North
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aff versing
2
Rest of docs IN North's Upre
L NOT fallen by FBI
BROWER
- Olever any Greent to revew
- INVEWNING of other Dues
other releasent ders
- FBI went lake again / went 5 Documents though spen for
4/3/87
IRAN/COMPACE
Beakler- May 201 3
She Docs of any 14ND
Prepare testing
Met w/ IC/ Not he Sympathem
to problem
Are Geluses Beckler would Not
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Meeting with Walsh
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- - PIOB
- - BECKLER - -
- APPEARANCE at Interview - -
- Going Forward
[ our effort 11
P. Stevens
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people in when we reports levels, etc.
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w/o Count
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
APRIL 6, 1987
AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION
WITH INDEPENDENT COUNSEL
1.
1/85 - 4/85, multiple checks received on at least three
occasions.
2.
Disclosure of above is indicative of WH cooperation.
(a) extra personnel working to meet IC's deadlines
(b) we agreed to IC's request not to disclose documents to
lawyers for North, Poindexter & McFarlane
(c) IC working with Biff Henley to design a way to search
the WH & NSC systems
3.
We believe it appropriate for WH to be present at IC's
interviews of WH personnel.
(a) President has instructed us to insure that all evidence
is disclosed
(b) we can facilitate that disclosure (as evidenced by #1 &
#2 above)
(c) we should be present when WH employees are providing
information about their activities as WH employees
*
(d) we will not be present at interviews of targets or
subjects
(e) no conflict of interest:
--
WH & President not targets or subjects
--
our interest is same as IC's
(f) it is only an appearance problem if IC makes it one
(g) WH Counsel present at other IC investigatory interviews
(h) pursuant to prior agreement w/FBI, WH should at least
be notified in advance of all interviews
(i) alternatives:
1.
we advise all WH employees in advance of their
options
2.
some WH employees get private counsel
--
cost nonreimbursable
--
slows down IC
4.
IC shown docs to Senate & House staffers.
(a) IC gets docs which, in some cases, Senate & House may
see, but not have, or which have been redacted -- as a
result of Inter Agency Review Process concerning highly
classified information.
(b) If IC shows or provides docs to congressional staff,
1.
6(e)?
2.
Inter Agency Review Process nullified
3.
serious security concerns
(c) Solution:
1.
no document shown to congressional staff or
members
2. all requests declined by IC and referred to ABC
5.
Paul Stevens
(a) Has recused himself
(b) Has only helped schedule times for interviews
(c) Has not interviewed anyone or conducted any
investigation
6.
Other non-issues:
(a) FBI already has ability to (Kevin Fryslie) to check all
Poindexter, McFarlane files to double check relevancy
determination
(b) FBI-IC communications seem lagging
7.
Review of President's diaries
(a) draft letter in process
(b) treat Tower Board's notes of its interviews w/President
and former President same way we are treating diaries,
i.e., access only
(c) any private handwritten notes of President remain
private, access only
8.
reclassification of documents per Guy Struve's letter of
March 26, 1987
--
Defer for time being because time and effort involved
in meeting IC's document production timetables
File Inm/mmmm
1. Does the President want the Counsel to the President to
be present when the President and Mrs. Reagan sign their
income tax return? Roy Miller, the President's tax
attorney, will be present at the April 13 signing at the
ranch. Although the Counsel to the President apparently
always has been in attendance, I profitably can work on
BZ
other matters back here in Washington. In addition, Roy
Miller advises me that the President's tax return will
be non-controversial; and, presumably, I can review a
draft in advance to confirm that it is routine.
Finally, Howard Baker or you could attend the signing
ceremony. I am happy to attend if that is the
President's desire, but want to confirm the appropriate
priorities.
2. Advise the President that Howard Baker, Ken Duberstein
ov
and A. B. Culvahouse need to spend some time with him on
Wednesday, April 8, to discuss and confirm the procedures for
reviewing the President's diary notes.
3. Consider whether you wish to inquire of the President
regarding the delivery of the Adnan Khashoggi letter to the
President dated January 10, 1987.
don't know
Tal 5/5 - - LF6
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provide ancent
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want to
Nume 24
BRIEF:
Arms Export Control Act. Jack Brooks order Ollie
North to cooperate.
I. ARMS EXPORT CONTROL ACT.
Who told the President about $14m requirement?
December 7, 1985 NSPG?
Who briefed him?
Exactly what was his understanding?
Who told him?
II. COVERT ACTION FINDING.
Was he advised about delay of notification to Congress?
Who advised him on legality of delay?
III. BOLAND AMENDMENT.
PIOB report in September of 1985.
Did McFarlane discuss the Boland Amendment with him?
Did Poindexter? Casey? Regan?
IV. SAUDI FUNDING.
May 1984?
Did McFarlane tell him?
V. Public statements that Contras running out of money in
May 1984. Then they did not -- -- what was the President
told about how they survived?
VI. Shultz, Weinberger, Casey, Regan.
PROPOSED TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
I. The Contra Diversion -
You have been reported as saying that the President was not
aware, and did not approve, of any diversion to the Contras of
proceeds from the Iranian arms sales. Various news media reports
state that sources close to Admiral John Poindexter say that he
may testify that he discussed the diversion with the President on
two occasions and/or that he had "broad authority" to justify his
activities relating to the diversion.
A. Admiral John Poindexter -
1. On what basis did you conclude that Admiral
Poindexter did not inform the President, or at least tip him off,
that a diversion might occur?
a. Mr. Regan's conversation with Admiral Poindexter
on November 25, 1986, the date of his resignation (see Regan
Tower Board Tr. 57-58).
b. The President's reaction on November 24, 1986,
upon being informed by Attorney General Edwin Meese III of the
possibility that a diversion had occurred (see Regan Tower Board
Tr.
57:
"horrified
He [the President] couldn't believe it").
2. Are there any other reasons?
3. Assume, merely as a matter of hypothesis, that
Admiral Poindexter claims that he was just trying to protect the
President when he suggested on the morning of November 25, 1986,
that he had not told the President of the diversion. What
objective, or subjective, factors would lead one to discount such
a claim?
4. Are there any other examples of items coming to light
where Admiral Poindexter had failed to keep the President fully
advised?
B. William Casey -
Recent testimony suggesting a close relationship between
Casey and North has spurred speculation that Casey may have
encouraged a diversion and, as a close confidant of the
President, informed him of it in advance. There is, of course,
no evidence that any such thing occurred. For his part, DCI
Casey testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee that
North had assured him in October 1986 that no money from the arms
sales had been diverted to the Contras. What objective or
subjective factors would lead one to discount speculation that
the President was informed of the diversion by Mr. Casey?
C. CIA Control of the Sale of Arms to Iran -
The President has stated that he assumed the CIA managed
the sale of arms to Iran after the January 1986 Iran Finding.
Are you aware of any information on which the President based
that assumption? Was information available to the President
which should have led him to any other assumption? Are you aware
of any discussion about how the arms sale was to be managed after
the January 1986 Finding?
D. LtCol Oliver North -
In his Congressional testimony, General Secord stated
that Oliver North had said to him several times that he had
mentioned to the President that it was "very ironic" that "some
of the Ayatollah's money was being used to support the Contras."
What, if any, objective or subjective factors would lead one to
discount the possibility of such a comment having been made by
North in the presence of the President?
II. Private Funding of the Contras -
A. Conceding that there is no documentary evidence to prove
it, Senator Inouye has stated: "I'm certain the President was
aware that Oliver North was in the process of raising funds, not
specifically for bullets or bandaids, but I'm certain he knew
that." Asked about this, the President stated: "there was
nothing in the nature of a solicitation by the Administration to
my knowledge." Approximately one day later, the President said:
"I don't know how that money was to be used and I have no
knowledge that there was ever any solicitation by our people."
1. To what extent was the President made aware of
North's private fundraising activities?
2. The President on several occasions spoke to groups
of supporters of aid to the Freedom Fighters. His briefing
papers for those meetings describe these groups as individuals
who have purchased TV ads and engaged in other educational
activities to support the President's policies. On other
occasions, the President met with individuals such as Ellen
Garwood and Barbara Newington. It has been alleged that Spitz
Channell told private contributors that for a $300,000 donation
they would receive an "off the record" meeting with the
President. Did the President know that the groups or individuals
with whom he was meeting were giving direct aid to the Contras?
What did the President know about these "off the record"
meetings? Were such meetings unusual?
B. A recent issue of Time Magazine reported that "[a]fter
setbacks in Congress [in 1984], Reagan instruct[ed] McFarlane to
fund the Contras 'any way you can. McFarlane testified that
the President wanted the democratic resistance held together,
"body and soul." In a PROFS note dated May 2, 1986, from
Poindexter to Don Fortier, he quoted the President as having said
to him [in Bali on the way to Japan]: "I am really serious. If
we can't move the Contra package before June 9, [1986,] I want to
figure out a way to take action unilaterally to provide
assistance." Poindexter then commented that the President "was
taken with the examples of Presidential actions in the past
without Congressional approval" and that "the President is ready
to confront the Congress on the Constitutional question of who
controls foreign policy." Two weeks later, at an NSPG meeting on
May 16, 1986, dealing with proposed legislation for aid to the
Contras, after being informed by Secretary Shultz of unsuccessful
approaches to Third Countries for aid to the Contras in
accordance with the FY 1986 intelligence authorization bill, the
President stated: "What about the private groups who pay for ads
for the Contras. Have they been contacted? Could they do more
than ads?" According to the minutes, you responded: "We have
contacts."
1. What, if any, Presidential action on this issue
followed this May 16, 1986, meeting? What would have been your
understanding of the President's instructions to McFarlane and
Poindexter?
C. By PROFS note dated May 16, 1986, North stated: "I have
no idea what Don Regan does or does not know re my private U.S.
operation, but the President obviously knows why he has been
meeting with several select people to thank them for their
'support for Democracy' in CentAm." Poindexter responded: "Don
Regan knows very little of your operation and that is just as
well." Why would the President know more about North's operation
than you?
D. The Boland Amendments were an inconsistent patchwork of
statutes that purported to limit the use of intelligence agencies
in providing direct or indirect support for paramilitary or
military operations in Nicaragua. Robert McFarlane testified
that the President had a more liberal view of what was permitted
under the Boland Amendments than did McFarlane. Were you ever
present during discussions with the President concerning the
limitations of the Boland Amendments? Did the President ever see
or even hear about the PIOB opinion that the Boland Amendments
did not apply to the NSC? Was any other legal advice ever sought
on the President's behalf concerning the Boland Amendments'
limitations? What is your understanding of what the President
knew concerning the Boland Amendment?
E. Third Country Solicitations -
1. Do you know of any discussion with the President
about the reported Saudi contributions for the Contras in
preparation for the February 1985 state visit by King Fahd?
Do you have any reason to believe that, as the Washington Post
reported, McFarlane went to Prince Bandar's residence in McLean,
where King Fahd was staying, to discuss Contra aid during the
King's visit? Do you recall anything the President said after
the visit? Was the President advised of any effort to link Saudi
aid to the Contras to favorable Administration treatment of the
then pending Saudi arms package?
2. As noted above, the idea of soliciting Contra aid
from Third Countries was discussed at a May 16, 1986, NSPG
meeting. Other than with respect to Saudi Arabia, would the
President have had reason to know at that time that other nations
had made contributions? If so, how did he find out?
3. Did the President know of any discussions by anyone
in the government (e.g., North, Gaston Sigur, McFarlane,
Poindexter, Abrams) with representatives of any other foreign
governments about making contributions to the Contras?