Thomas H.

Kean October 24, 2003

CHAIR

Lee H. Hamilton
VICE CHAIR
Eric H. Holder, Esq.
Richard Ben-Veniste Partner
Covington and Burling
Max Cleland
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Frederick F. Fielding Suite 1107 A
Washington, DC 20004
Jamie S. Gorelick

Slade Gorton Dear Mr. Holder:

John F. Lehman The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (better
Timothy J. Roemer known as the 9-11 Commission) is directed by statute to prepare a full and
complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001
James R. Thompson terrorist attacks, including the nation's preparedness for, and immediate response
to, the attacks. The Commission is also chartered to identify and evaluate lessons
Philip D. Zelikow learned and provide recommendations to prevent future acts of terrorism upon our
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR nation.

Interviews with former senior policymakers are essential to developing an

authoritative narrative of the September 11, 2001 attacks. As the former Deputy
Attorney General, your perspective is vital to the Commission's collective
understanding of 9-11, and we are therefore writing to request an interview with
you during the week of January 5, 2004.

The Commission wishes to discuss a wide range of topics with you, including (but
not limited to) your description, analysis, and assessment of:

• USG efforts to combat terrorist organizations, especially al Qaeda, during

your tenure. This includes the Justice Department's overall role as well as
your participation in relevant Principals' and Deputies' Committee meetings.

• The Justice Department's role in formulating counterterrorism policy and

programs, with a particular emphasis on the role of the FBI, the formulation of
border security strategy and programs by the INS, the administration of justice
involving aliens, and the sharing of law enforcement information with other
agencies involved in combating terrorism.

• The FBI's capability to conduct counterterrorism investigations and disrupt

terrorist attacks during your tenure.

301 7' 1 'Street SW, Room 5125

Washington, DC 20407
T 202.331.4060 F 202.296.5545
www.9-1 lcommission.gov
Eric H. Holder, Esq.
October 24, 2003
Page 2

• Your view of where the balance should be struck between security and other
interests, such as the economic and foreign policy interests of the United
States and the protection of constitutional and human rights.

You may wish to review notes and other materials you may have to refresh your
recollection of these matters prior to the interview.

We are, of course, interested in any other issues you deem important to the
Commission's understanding of 9-11 specifically and counterterrorism policy
generally, as well as your thoughts on policy recommendations for the future.
The Commission anticipates that classified information will be discussed at this
private session, requiring that the interview take place at the Commission's 2100
K Street, NW, location. Members of the Commission may attend, but the
interview will be conducted by Commission staff. It is the general policy of the
Commission to record interviews.

Please have a member of your staff contact Daniel Leopold at (202) 331-4064 to
indicate your availability for such an interview and to relay any questions you or
your staff may have. Thank you in advance for your time and cooperation with
the Commission and its staff in this important matter.

Yours sincerely,

Thomas H. Kean Lee H. Hamilton

Chair Vice Chair