LETTER TO FRANK DAVIES FROM GEORGE V. LAUDER RE REVIEW OF STANSFIELD TURNER'S B

Created: 7/10/1985

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Mr. Frank Davles THE MIAMI HERALDerald Plaza Miaul,

Dear Mr. Davles:

Your recent review of Admiral Stansfleld Turner's book suggests that the Central Intelligence Agency's pre-publication review process 'picked apart" Admiral Turner's book for political reasons. Your assertions are incorrect. In fact, the review process, whichpplied equally to all present and fonner employees of the CIA, exists solely to identify and delete classified material to avoid disclosure of Information potentially damaging to national security. Further, you allude to the reviewers as "editors." Thislso far from the truth. The CIA scrupulously avoided making editorial changes in Admiral Turner's manuscript to correct errors or changeny way the thrust of his book.

The CIA's record in avoiding any kind of partisan stance in its review processatter of record. We think your readers deserve to know that the CIA applied the same standards to Admiral Turner's work as we would to that of any other employee. We regret that Admiral Turner has chosen torocess that he established when he was Director of Central Intelligence and which he surely knows to be free of political taint.

Finally, you referred to the Central Intelligence as "vocal critics of Turner's tenure." This Is equally untrue. The CIA has taken no public position at all regarding the stewardship of Admiral Turner or any other former Director.

Sincerely,

George V. Lauder Director, Public Affairs

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