Replies

Reed (D-RI): This is disastrous.

Rumsfeld: We will give you draft charge. Can call individuals.

Reed: First report: need unified strategy to collect info. Miller was in Gitmo; sent to Iraq. Does not think Maj Gens make policy.

Rumsfeld: Doesn't recall that policy came to him for approval. they knew from 9/11 had 3 issues: get them off the street; criminal prosecution; interrogation for info to prevent future attacks.

Steve Cambone, undersecretary for intelligence: had to see whether we had proper arrangements to gain intelligence. Large number captured; recommendations of Miller made to commander about interrogation -- get better coordination. Was not aware of using military police to enable interrogation -- objects to wording.

Rumsfeld: two different functions -- detaining and interrogating. Linkage between the two desirable for info to prevent, here, killing of our forces in Iraq. Can be put with bad connotation.

Susan Collins (sounds like she's on downers, but maybe she always sounds that way): Must now try to convince the world that horrific images are not the real America. Troubled by Pentagon's failure to come forward to reveal abuse, to express outrage and concern. Believes that had they done that would have mitigated perception, esp. in Muslim communities. Doesn't mean press releases; Rummy should have come forward. Do you believe you erred in not coming forward to world community? [God what an idiot she is!]

Rumsfeld: Thinks he responded in full in his statement. He see swift corrective action. DoD announced that abuse was being charged, criminal investigations underway. No one in Pentagon had seen photos; they were part of investigative process. It is the photos that gives vivid realization; words don't do it. 1200 court martials underway. Importance of protecting rights of people charged and seeing they don't get off because of command influence. Did not release Taguba to press -- against the law. Shocked everyone. But can't suggest CENTCOM did not take swift action.