Sk B9 Tier A-b Interviews 1 Of 2 Fdr- Talbott Interview Request 208

Thomas H. Kean CHAIR Lee H. Hamilton VICE CHAIR

October 20, 2003

Frederick F. Fielding

The Honorable Strobe Talbott President The Brookings Institution 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036

Jamie S. Gorelick

Dear Mr. Talbott:

Richard Ben-Veniste Max Cleland

Slade 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 Deputy Secretary of State, 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 5, 2004. The Commission wishes to discuss a wide range of topics with you, including (but not limited to) your description, analysis, and assessment of: •

USG efforts to combat terrorist organizations, especially al Qaeda, during your tenure, with particular emphasis on the period between January 1, 1998, and January 20, 2001. This includes the State Department's overall role as well as your participation in relevant Principals' and Deputies' Committee meetings.

•

The State Department's counterterrorism policy in general with a particular emphasis on diplomatic instruments considered and used to combat terrorism. This would include U.S. pressure on Pakistan and the Taliban to address the al Qaeda presence in Afghanistan.

•

The State Department's diplomatic relations with other countries (especially Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan) in connection with 301 7th Street SW, Room 5125 Washington, DC 20407 T 202.331.4060 F 202.296.5545 www.9-llcommission.gov

The Honorable Strobe Talbott October 20, 2003 Page 2 counterterrorism. This would include your meetings and communications with officials from such countries in connection with counterterrorism. •

The role of, and your interaction with, the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.

•

The State Department's recommended responses to the 1998 East Africa bombings and the 2000 attack on the U.S.S. Cole.

•

The State Department's visa issuance policy and practice in the context of counterterrorism.

•

The Clinton-Bush transition period as it related to counterterrorism policy.

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 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 February 23,2004. 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