Sk B9 Tier A-b Interviews 1 Of 2 Fdr- Shelton Interview Request 202

Thomas H. Kean CHAIR Lee H. Hamilton VICE CHAIR

October 30, 2003

Frederick F. Fielding

General H. Hugh Shelton (USA, ret.) President of International Operations and Vice Chair MIC Industries 11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000 Reston, VA20190

Jamie S. Gorelick

Dear General Shelton:

Richard Ben-Veniste Max Cleland

Siade Gorton John F. Lehman Timothy J. Roemer James R. Thompson

Philip D. Zelikow EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (better known as the 9-11 Commission) is directed by statute to prepare a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including the nation's preparedness for, and immediate response to, the attacks. The Commission is also chartered to identify and evaluate lessons learned and provide recommendations to prevent future acts of terrorism upon our nation. Interviews with former senior policymakers are essential to developing an authoritative narrative of the September 11, 2001 attacks. As the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, your perspective is vital to the Commission's collective understanding of 9-11, and we are therefore writing to request an interview with you during the week of January 26, 2004. The Commission wishes to discuss a wide range of topics with you, including (but not limited to) your description, analysis, and assessment of: •

The role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in the development of U.S. counterterrorism policy from January 1, 1998, through September 20, 2001, including your participation in relevant Principals' Committee meetings, the JCS position articulated at these meetings, and your advice to the Secretary of Defense, White House officials, and other principals about the proper strategic and tactical responses to the al Qaeda threat.

•

The military's counterterrorism responsibilities, the effectiveness of U.S. counterterrorism policy, and the readiness of the military to carry out possible orders to strike al Qaeda targets in Afghanistan or elsewhere.

301 7 th Street SW, Room 5125 Washington, DC 20407 T 202.3.31.4060 F 202.296.5545 www.9-1 lcommission.gov

General H. Hugh Shelton (USA, ret.) October 30, 2003 Page 2 •

The effectiveness of interagency coordination on the al Qaeda threat, including guidance provided to the Department of Defense and JCS in relevant presidential decision directives and national security presidential directives.

•

The Department of Defense and JCS response to the 1998 East Africa embassy bombings, the Millennium plots, and the 2000 attack on the U.S.S. Cole, including the military's views on the various response options considered.

•

Military options requested, considered, rejected, or approved regarding al Qaeda from January 1, 1998, to September 20, 2001, including paramilitary or special forces missions and steps taken by the JCS in preparation for a possible order to strike al Qaeda or Taliban targets.

•

The handling of counterterrorism issues during the Clinton-Bush transition period, including a detailed discussion of briefings given and recommendations offered.

•

Intelligence support to the military on the al Qaeda threat, including the cooperation between the CIA and the military in responding to that threat and discussions on the use of UAVs.

•

The military's efforts to ensure international military cooperation against al Qaeda, including with the government of Uzbekistan.

•

Discussions that took place from January 1, 1998, to September 11, 2001, on possible al Qaeda attacks on U.S. soil and the Department of Defense's preparations for homeland defense.

•

The Pentagon's immediate response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, and your personal involvement in that response.

You may wish to review notes and other materials you may have to refresh your recollection of these matters prior to the interview. We are, of course, interested in any other issues you deem important to the Commission's understanding of 9-11 specifically and counterterrorism policy generally, as well as your thoughts on policy recommendations for the future. The Commission anticipates that classified information will be discussed at this private session, requiring that the interview take place at the Commission's 2100 K Street, NW, location. Members of the Commission may attend, but the

General H. Hugh Shelton (USA, ret.) October 30, 2003 Page 3 interview will be conducted by Commission staff. It is the general policy of the Commission to record interviews. This proposed interview is separate from your requested participation in a public hearing to be held in Washington, DC, on March 22, 2004. You will receive a separate invitation to testify in the coming weeks, and we hope that you will agree to appear before the Commission for this important public forum. Please have a member of your staff contact Daniel Leopold at (202) 331-4064 to indicate your availability for such an interview and to relay any questions you or your staff may have. Thank you in advance for your time and cooperation with the Commission and its staff in this important matter. Yours sincerely,

Thomas H. Kean Chair

Lee H. Hamilton Vice Chair