No Iran-Contra Aid Papers Seem to Be Missing--Speakes

Officials are not aware of any missing documents in their search of White House files for information about the covert Iran arms- contra aid scheme, a spokesman said today.

Asked about reports that Marine Lt. Col. Oliver L. North, the National Security Council staff member fired for his part in the scandal, had shredded some of his files, White House spokesman Larry Speakes said: “If there was shredding, it was very limited. We are not aware of any missing documents. We had prompt access to the shredding machine.”

Speakes said he has learned from the White House lawyers that there are no gaps in the documents. He said there is “no evidence of any missing documents.”

Speakes said the FBI moved in quickly to secure the files after the dismissal of North and the resignation of national security adviser John Poindexter, who also has been linked to the scheme.