October 18, 1984
The United States Government has historically approved support to people and small countries
resisting subversion or totalitarian oppression. Where such assistance is required, it is important
that such support be consistent with American values and carried out so as to win and increase the
loyalty and confidence of the civilian population. The administration has not advocated or
condoned political assassination or any other attacks on civilians, nor will we. That is the clear
policy of this administration as expressed in the President's Executive Order 12333 of December
4, 1981.
The President today asked the Director of Central Intelligence to direct the CIA Inspector
General to investigate the possibility of improper conduct on the part of employees of the Central
Intelligence Agency in regard to the publication of a manual for the Nicaraguan democratic
resistance forces. This investigation will determine whether there were any violations of law or
policy and whether there were any managerial deficiencies. All available information is being
gathered, and the Director of Central Intelligence will be prepared to brief the congressional
oversight committees promptly on the facts when they are determined.
The President has asked the Intelligence Oversight Board to investigate this matter, as well, and
to report its findings directly to him as soon as possible.