Secord Contempt Charge Urged

The Senate panel on the Iran- contra scandal voted today to start contempt proceedings against retired Air Force Gen. Richard V. Secord, a move that could mean jail if he refuses to release Swiss bank records that may show what happened to the profits from U.S. arms sales to Iran.

The committee voted unanimously to send a resolution to the full Senate, which would start the process for a court order requiring Secord to sign a document releasing the records or face punishment, Senate sources said.