LETTER TO DAVID R. GERGAN FROM GEORGE V. LAUDER RE WASHINGTON POST ALLEGATION T

Created: 12/8/1986

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

86

Hr. David R. Gergan.ORLD.

Dear Dave:

U.S.ORLD REPORT, fn Usecember edition,ASHINGTON POST allegation that profits fron the jran arms sales *ere depositedIA-nanaged account and Mere "dispersed not only to the contrasentral America, but to the rebels fighting Soviet troops. NEWS, however, neglected to publish CIA's on-the-record refutation of the POST'S assertion.

We are surprised by the oalssion. Host major media, including THE WASHINGTON POST, clearly reported our denial which was carried by the news services to. NEWS subscribes. One can only speculate. NEWS' motiveseclining to give Its readers the same balanced view of the situation that the rest of the media chose to give thefr viewers and subscribers.

Your readers should know that6 the Agency issued the following statement:

"The only funds related to the Iranian program that passed through

Agency hands wereillion owed to the Pentagon for arms. The

funds received from the Iranians were segregated when received and were

passed on promptly to the Pentagon. The Agency received no profits from

any activities with the Iranians, nor were any funds which passed through

Agency hands from the Iranians diverted to the contras or any other covert action programs."

Sincerely,

1

A George V. Lauder n Director, Public Affairs

Original document.

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