Starr text

    Your letter ... is strange and inappropriate for three reasons. First, you elevate mere suspicion to specific accusation without any facts other than the press's often misleading attributions of sources. Second, the timing of your letter -- arriving in the midst of what appears to be an orchestrated plan to deflect and distract this investigation -- undermines your expression of outrage. Third, we are aware that as of several days ago, the President's defense attorneys had most, if not all, of the material information (whether true or not) set forth in today's New York Times article.
    In my service as Independent Counsel, particularly with regard to the secrecy of the grand jury, I have insisted on a high commitment to professional conduct. I have expressed this commitment to you repeatedly. ... In the case of each allegation of improper disclosure, we have thoroughly investigated the facts and reminded the staff that leaks are utterly intolerable.
    In light of the unclear press attributions in some examples cited in your letter, I have undertaken an investigation to determine whether, despite my persistent admonitions, someone in this Office may be culpable. I have no factual basis -- as you likewise do not have -- even to suspect anyone at this juncture. ...
    Indeed, the "facts" from the press that you cite as evidence of misconduct were, in each case, known to individuals outside my Office. These individuals include witnesses, lawyers, and others. Let me cite one noteworthy example: Monica Lewinsky's attorney, William Ginsburg, has told the world that he is in touch with lawyers on both sides of the pending civil case. The "leaks" that you complain about, thus, may have come from sources close to those under investigation. ...
    Finally, your role as private defense counsel and your loyalty to your client does not qualify you to lecture me on professional conduct and my legal responsibilities. I believe you know where I stand and have always stood on theses issues. Fiercely aggressive representation, including through media grandstanding, cannot be an excuse for smearing a lawyer through reckless accusations. Let's stick to facts. Let's find out the truth.

This article was published on Saturday, February 7, 1998