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Wolfowitz questioned in spy probe Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/nation/9541631.htmhttp://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/nation/9541631.htm
Posted on Tue, Aug. 31, 2004
U.S.-ISRAELI RELATIONS
High-ranking officials briefed in spy inquiry
By Curt Anderson
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON - High-ranking officials at the Pentagon and State Department have been interviewed or briefed by FBI agents investigating a Defense Department analyst suspected of passing classified Bush administration materials on Iran to Israel.
Among those briefed by the FBI was Douglas Feith, the Pentagon undersecretary for policy who is a superior of the analyst under investigation, said government officials familiar with the sessions. The officials spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because the probe is ongoing.
The FBI agents briefed Feith on Sunday in his office at the Pentagon and also asked questions, the officials said. Also recently briefed by the FBI was Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, they said.
Others at State and Defense have been interviewed or briefed over the course of the probe, but the officials declined to provide other names.
The investigation focuses on whether analyst Larry Franklin, who works in an office dealing with Middle East affairs, passed classified U.S. material on Iran to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the Israeli lobbying organization in Washington, and whether anyone in that group forwarded the information to Israeli officials. AIPAC and Israel have denied the allegations. Franklin has not responded to phone messages seeking comment.
Israeli officials did confirm Monday that a senior Israeli diplomat in Washington has met with Franklin. Those officials, also speaking on condition of anonymity, identified the diplomat as Naor Gilon, head of the Israeli Embassy's political department.
Gilon told the Israeli newspaper Maariv that he did nothing wrong but was concerned that he may no longer be able to work in Washington because of the investigation.
"Now, people will be scared to talk with me," Gilon said in a report published Monday.
Prosecutors still were deciding whether to bring the most serious charge of espionage against Franklin or others, or opt for a lesser charge such as mishandling classified information. U.S. Attorney Paul McNulty of Virginia's eastern district, who is overseeing the probe, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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