Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

September 13, 2002

MEMORANDUM
To: Associate Directors
From: Michael R. Anastasio

Subject: Response to Information Requests

The Laboratory already has had inquiries and could be deluged by requests from the news media, Congress, and other interested parties for information on the status of weapons-of-mass-destruction programs in Iraq and other countries of proliferation concern, on the implications for the threat of catastrophic terrorism worldwide, and on Laboratory involvement and capabilities in particular. Per DOE Office of Intelligence (IN) and DOE/NNSA, please handle all such requests as follows:

• Respond with “no comment” to all requests from the news media or other non-governmental organizations. Inform the LLNL Public Affairs Office of all requests for information, comment, or briefings. DOE and NNSA Public Affairs will coordinate any responses.

• Direct all requests for information or briefings from Congressional members or their staff to Ron Cochran’s office. DOE and NNSA Congressional Affairs offices will coordinate with the DOE Office of Intelligence and NNSA in crafting appropriate responses.

• Inform the Head of the Field Intelligence Element, Melanie Elder, about any requests for information from executive branch agencies who do not sponsor the work. Responses need to be coordinated with DOE/IN and NNSA.

This applies to all LLNL employees, not just those in the Field Intelligence Element or holding SCI clearances. Many Laboratory employees are known by name or personally to reporters, consultants, and Congressional staffers and thus may receive direct inquiries. Please caution your employees to be vigilant in referring all such inquiries as indicated above and to be rigorous in refraining from comment even in “informal” or “confidential” situations.

Z Division, in collaboration with Q Division, will host an invitation-only Senior Executive Intelligence Briefing on issues surrounding Iraq and U.S. response options the week after the 50th celebration, if possible. Please direct any questions to Melanie Elder at extension 3-1444.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. National security is truly at stake.

Distribution:

Chou, CK
Cochran, Ron
Crawford, Dona
Diaz de la Rubia, Tomas
Fisher, Dennis
Goldstein, Bill
Goodwin, Bruce
Graboske, Hal
Hunt, Steve
Hurd, Merna
Mahler, Jens
Mara, Glenn
Miller, George
Schultz, Phil
Shotts, Wayne
Tarter, Bruce
Tulk, Jan
Weinstein, Bert
Yon, Lynda
Younker, Lee