View Header

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release March 30, 1995

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today asked the Intelligence Oversight Board (IOB) to conduct a government-wide review of any and all aspects of the allegations surrounding the 1990 death of Michael Devine and the 1992 disappearance of Efrain Bamaca Valesquez in Guatemala, as well as any related matters. The review should also include any available information on the deaths or human rights abuses of other Americans, including the torture of Sister Dianna Ortiz in 1989, the death of Griffith Davis in 1985 and the death of Nicholas Blake in 1985.

The President asked the Board to consult the CIA and Justice Department Inspector Generals and the State Department, NSA and other components of the Department of Defense which are already reviewing these matters, along with appropriate officials at any other relevant departments and agencies. The President asked that the IOB determine the facts surrounding these cases and make recommendations based on its findings.

The President is concerned about recent allegations surrounding these incidents and is committed to determining all related facts. Once the findings are completed, the President intends to take any and all appropriate action and provide to the American public as much information about the review as possible.

The Intelligence Oversight Board (IOB) is a standing committee of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board (PFIAB). The IOB is charged with, among other things, reporting and making recommendations on intelligence matters referred to it by the President. PFIAB members are appointed by the President "from among trustworthy and distinguished citizens outside the Government who are qualified on the basis of achievement, experience and independence." The IOB is currently comprised of three members selected by the Chairman of the PFIAB. The timing and scope of the inquiry will be determined consistent with law enforcement requirements.

# # #