Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Peter Jennings

(DC) CIA manual on terrorist warfare tactics, "Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare", disseminated among anti-Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua examined; documents' contents outlined, discussed. United States law violated by manual's promotion of assassinations noted; President Reagan recalled signing legislature to that effect in 1981. [Representative Michael BARNES, Senator Edward KENNEDY - question manual's propriety, if and how much President Reagan knew about it.] Senator Barry Goldwater reported calling for CIA director William Casey to explain while mbrs. of House and Senator mentioned seeking investigation. [Representative Thomas O'NEILL - demands Casey's resignation.] United States intelligence community said aware of guerrillas' use of political assassinations for past two years; Defense Intelligence Agency report quoted on screen. CIA director, secys. of State and Defense and President's top White House advisers said expected to have read report and informed Reagan of guerrilla tactics.
REPORTER: John McWethy

(NYC) Reagan reported learning of manual's existence from newspapers, consequently ordering investigations by CIA and intelligence oversight board; deputy press secretary Larry Speakes' statement on administration's position regarding political assassinations outlined on screen. Uniden. senior official reported claiming manual appeared to have been prepared by low-level CIA employee with previous Vietnam experience and allegedly not approved by intelligence community. [Walter MONDALE - suggests Reagan reconsider his position in Nicaragua.] Elec.-yr. implications for Reagan, especially with upcoming foreign policy debate, considered.
REPORTER: Sam Donaldson

(Studio) CIA noted required by law to inform Congress intelligence cmtes. of such programs as manual. [Senate Intelligence Committee vice-chairperson Senator Dan. Patrick MOYNIHAN - believes CIA delayed acknowledgement of manual due to upcoming presidential debate; fears White House will destroy intelligence community by such incompetent handling of affairs; denies Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) informed his committee as required by law; claims entire government hierarchy is aware of information once DIA is; calls for investigation of present CIA leadership.
REPORTER: Peter Jennings