Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.dni.gov/press_releases/20090824_release.pdf
DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
WASHINGTON, DC 20511
August 24, 2009
The following message by Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair was sent to employees
of the United States Intelligence Community:
As we approach the eighth anniversary of 9/11, we in the Intelligence Community can be proud of
the work that thousands of us have done, are doing, and must continue to do to help keep the
country safe. Against a ruthless enemy that violates the norms of civilized behavior, we along with
our teammates from other departments and agencies, have carried out our duties effectively, and in
ways that exemplify American values. Over the next several days there will be public discussion
about individual incidents from the past in which some intelligence officers fell short of the high
standards we set for ourselves. Their conduct tarnishes us all. However, the questionable actions of
a few should not obscure the dedicated, difficult and correct actions of the many. Most important,
we must continue to improve our effectiveness against an enemy still seeking to attack us.
In the future we will find and detain more important officials of al Qaida and sympathizer groups.
Based on the recommendations of a task force of which I was co-vice chair, the President has
decided that high-value interrogations will be conducted by a dedicated, expert interagency
interrogation team, backed by a strong analytical team. This team will not use enhanced
interrogation techniques and will be guided by the Army Field Manual.
Another important issue in the public domain over the next several days will be Congressional
oversight of the Intelligence Community. I and the other leaders in the Intelligence Community are
committed to keeping the Congress fully and currently informed. We have repeatedly demonstrated
our genuine commitment to serious oversight in partnership with the Congress during my seven
months as DNI and will continue to do so.
So, as you read the articles, watch the television reports and check out the blogs, remember that the
fundamental strength of this country is to learn from our past and do better in the future. Your job
is to sustain the best of what has been developed by those before you and to improve on the rest.
Meanwhile, we have work to do and a country to keep safe. Press on.
Dennis C. Blair
Note: The following text is a quote:
THE BRIEFING ROOM
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 2009
Statement from the Press Secretary on the Department of Justice Inquiry
The President has said repeatedly that he wants to look forward, not back, and the President agrees with the Attorney General that those who acted in good faith and within the scope of legal guidance should not be prosecuted. Ultimately, determinations about whether someone broke the law are made independently by the Attorney General.