Poindexter Defense Donations Sought

Naval officers across the nation are contributing to a legal defense fund for Vice Adm. John M. Poindexter, in response to a letter from a former chief of naval operations, officers said Thursday.

The letter, from retired Adm. James Holloway III, asks for donations to help pay legal costs for Poindexter, identified as a central figure in the Iran arms- contra aid scandal. Poindexter resigned as White House national security adviser in November.

Holloway, who was chief of naval operations from 1974 to 1978, and two other retired naval officers--Vice Adm. Gerald Miller and Rear Adm. Clarence Hill Jr.--are trustees of the defense fund.