The New York Times > Washington > New C.I.A. Chief Tells Workers to Back Administration Policies: "Porter J. Goss, the new intelligence chief, has told Central Intelligence Agency employees that their job is to 'support the administration and its policies in our work,'' a copy of an internal memorandum shows.
'As agency employees we do not identify with, support or champion opposition to the administration or its policies,' Mr. Goss said in the memorandum, which was circulated late on Monday. He said in the document that he was seeking 'to clarify beyond doubt the rules of the road.'
While his words could be construed as urging analysts to conform with administration policies, Mr. Goss also wrote, 'We provide the intelligence as we see it - and let the facts alone speak to the policymaker.''
The memorandum suggested an effort by Mr. Goss to spell out his thinking as he embarked on what he made clear would be a major overhaul at the agency, with further changes to come. The changes to date, including the ouster of the agency's clandestine service chief, have left current and former intelligence officials angry and unnerved. Some have been outspoken, including those who said Tuesday that they regarded Mr. Goss's warning as part of an effort to suppress dissent within the organization."
- posted by geoff @ #