Edwin Meese to face probe

Press, 28 July 1987, Page 10

Edwin Meese to face probe

NZPA-Reuter Washington United States AttorneyGeneral Edwin Meese, who headed the initial inquiry into the Iran-con-

tra scandal last November, is expected to face stiff questioning when Congressional panels resume their probe into the affair.

When Mr Meese begins his scheduled appearance today before joint Congressional investigating committees, lawmakers will be expected to grill him on published reports that President Reagan led an initial effort last November 10 to conceal details of the covert sales of United States arms to Iran.

One report placed Mr Meese at the meeting, saying he supported President Reagan’s move to conceal the arms sales. The vice-chairman of the Senate investigating panel said Mr Meese also faces tough questions on his handling of the initial investigation into the diversion of profits from the arms sales to Nicaraguan contra rebels. The probe has been criticised by members of the Investigation committees.

According to news reports, newly-released notes from a high-level White House meeting quote President Reagan as telling top officials: “We don’t talk TOWs. Don’t talk specifics,” in a reference to United States anti-tank missiles secretly sold to Iran. The President’s comments were recorded in handwritten notes taken by Alton Keel, then deputy national security adviser, and . released by the Congressional committees last week.

According to the “Washington Post,” the notes show that Secretary of State George Shultz asked at the November 10 meeting, “Do we trade any more arms for hostages?” and Mr Reagan responded only by saying, "Appreciate people saying you support policy — will not comment on.”

Mr Meese at that stage is reported Interjecting: "Agree.”