Sk B9 Tier A-b Interviews 1 Of 2 Fdr- Wolfowitz Interview Request 210

Thomas H. Kean CHAIR Lee H. Hamilton VICE CHAIR Richard Ben-Veniste Max Cleland

October 20, 2003 The Honorable Paul Wolfowitz Deputy Secretary of Defense 1010 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20310-1010

Frederick F. Fielding

Dear Dr. Wolfowitz: Jamie S. Gorelick Slade Gorton John F. Lehman Timothy J. Roemer James R. Thompson

Philip D. Zelikow EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As you know, 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. Public Law 107-306 authorizes the Commission to secure needed information directly from any agency. Thus far, with the strong support of you and your Department, the Commission has compiled an extensive written record numbering more than 2 million pages. Building on this record, meetings with senior policymakers are essential to developing an authoritative narrative of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Your perspective is vital to the Commission's understanding of 9-11 and its immediate aftermath, and we are therefore writing to request an interview with you during the week of January 18, 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 Department of Defense's role in the development of U.S. counterterrorism policy from January 20, 2001 through September 20, 2001, including the your participation in relevant Deputies Committee meetings and the positions articulated at these meetings.

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Your views on the Department's counterterrorism responsibilities and on the effectiveness of that policy.

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Your assessment of the effectiveness of interagency coordination on the al Qaeda threat, including an analysis of guidance provided by the Department for relevant national security presidential directives. 301 7th Street SW, Room 5125 Washington, DC 20407 T 202.331.4060 F 202.296.5545 www.9-llcommission.gov

The Honorable Paul Wolfowitz October 20, 2003 Page 2 •

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

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An assessment of discussions that took place from January 20, 2001 to September 11,2001 on possible al Qaeda attacks on U.S. soil and the Department's preparations for homeland defense.

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The Department's response to the 2000 attack on the U.S.S. Cole, including the various options requested, considered, rejected, or approved.

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Military options requested, considered, rejected, or approved in response to the 2000 attack on the U.S.S. Cole and al Qaeda from January 20,2001 to September 20, 2001, including paramilitary or special forces missions and steps taken by the Department in preparation for a possible order to strike al Qaeda or Taliban targets.

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

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

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

You may wish to review notes and other documents to refresh your recollection of these matters prior to the interview. We are, of course, interested in any other issues you deem relevant to the Commission's understanding of 9-11 specifically and counterterrorism policy generally, as well as your thoughts on policy recommendations for the future. 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 meeting is separate from your requested participation in a public hearing to be held in Washington, DC, on February 12,2004. 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

The Honorable Paul Wolfowitz October 20,2003 Page 3 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 cc:

Daniel Levin, U.S. Department of Justice Pat Downs, U.S. Department of Defense

Lee H. Hamilton Vice Chair