Ex-CIA chief won't answer questions about missing disks

Former CIA director John Deutch has refused to answer questions from Pentagon investigators about missing computer disks

In this story: Pentagon: Lawyers advised Deutch not to cooperate Deutch's security clearance revoked last year RELATED STORIES, SITES

From Jamie McIntyre
CNN Military Affairs Correspondent

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former CIA Director John Deutch has refused to answer Pentagon investigators' questions about an undetermined number of computer floppy disks that may have contained classified information, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Pentagon investigators believe Deutch used the disks to make copies of his journal, which included classified information and was stored on a computer he used while serving as deputy defense secretary in the mid-1990s.

The existence of the unaccounted-for disks was discovered during an ongoing Pentagon inspector general's investigation of Deutch's handling of classified material during his time at the Pentagon.

Pentagon: Lawyers advised Deutch not to cooperate

Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. Craig Quigley said Tuesday that Deutch was observed by co-workers making copies of computer files on 3 1/2 inch floppy disks during his tenure as Deputy Defense Secretary, but that investigators have been unable to determine what happened to the disks.

"As part of the IG's investigation they learned that there were indeed some number of floppy disks that were used initially by Dr. Deutch to take the information as he entered it into his computers. We know we don't have them, but that's about where our knowledge actually ends," Quigley said.

In response to reporters' questions, Quigley declined to say whether the disks might contain so-called "special access" material, some of the most sensitive national security information handled by Pentagon officials.

Quigley said that Deutch was refusing to cooperate with investigators on the advice of his counsel. "He has not volunteered the information on the floppies, and he has declined to answer questions from us on their whereabouts," Quigley said.

The Pentagon spokesman refused to say whether any legal effort might be launched to press Deutch for the information.

"I am not going to get into what we are pressing the Justice Department to do or not do," the spokesman said.

Deutch's security clearance revoked last year

The CIA inspector general conducted a separate investigation in July 1999, which resulted in CIA director George Tenet revoking Deutch's security clearance.

The CIA said Deutch cooperated with that probe, and that he apologized for his sloppy handling of classified material.

Sources told CNN the Justice Department has reopened the criminal investigation of Deutch.

The Justice Department has made no final decision about charging the former CIA director, sources said.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Pentagon continues to investigate ex-CIA director Deutch
September 16, 2000
Investigator might recommend that former CIA boss be prosecuted
August 26, 2000
CIA reprimands senior officials over probe of Deutch
May 25, 2000
U.S. expands probe of ex-CIA chief's handling of classified documents
May 6, 2000
Former CIA General Counsel Declines to Testify in Deutch Matter
February 29, 2000
Senate panel releases report on former CIA director
February 22, 2000
Deutch to testify before Senate on computer use
February 17, 2000

Central Intelligence Agency
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Senate Committee on Intelligence

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