Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: John Hart) Special prosecutor reported informing President Reagan's aides that Attorney General Edwin Meese is being investigated for his role in oil pipeline deal in Iraq and that close friend of Meese was involved in deal's fins. "Los Angeles Times"' report that memo showed payoff to Israeli official in deal reported Report introduced.

(DC: Robin Lloyd) Meese's avoiding of reporters following address to conservative youth group reported; scenes shown from Crystal City, Virginia. [On "Face the Nation", White House chief of staff Howard BAKER - says President Reagan has confidence in Meese.] Discussion of memo held by special prosecutor James McKay reported; alleged proposal by Meese's friend E. Robert Wallach that payoff be made to Israel to prevent attack on Iraqi pipeline reported [On Jan 30, White House spokesperson Marlin FITZWATER - says administration will have to wait to see how investigation progresses.] "New York Times" report on Meese's role in project detailed. [Representative Thomas FOLEY - says Reagan and Meese should decide if Meese stays in office] [BAKER - says no action should be taken until it can be shown that Meese did something wrong.]

(DC: Jim Miklaszewski) Background to Iraqi oil pipeline reported; map shown. Hiring by Bechtel corporation of busman. Bruce Rappaport, who hired Wallach, thus establishing Meese connection to deal reported Denial by Shimon Peres that he was bribed noted. [On phone, RAPPAPORT - says no one proposed money to Israel.] McKay reported investigating ties between Rappaport and late CIA director William Casey; role of ex-ntl. security advisor Robert McFarlane mentioned.