North Once Treated for Distress

Marine Lt. Col. Oliver L. North, a key figure in the investigation of the diversion of funds from the sale of arms to Iran to the contra rebels, was hospitalized 12 years ago for treatment of emotional distress, the Miami Herald reported today.

Associates of North told the Herald that it was widely known within the Marine Corps that he suffered an undisclosed emotional illness that required three weeks of treatment at Bethesda Naval Hospital. It said North had just returned from a short tour of duty in Okinawa at the time. White House officials said they were unaware of the incident.