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 For Immediate Release
Oct 24, 2000 Contact: Press Office
202-646-5172


Defense Department Stonewalls On Camp David Sleepover List

Claims Release of Information Would Not Be “Meaningful”

Judicial Watch Will Continue Pursuit of Documents

(Washington, DC) Judicial Watch said today that the Department of Defense Directorate of Freedom of Information and Security Review is “dragging its feet” to comply with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request concerning controversial Clinton fund-raising “sleep-overs” at Camp David. Nestled in the Catoctin Mountains north of Washington, DC, the presidential retreat is technically a Department of the Navy installation. Judicial Watch filed a FOIA request with the Navy on September 14, 2000, seeking “The names of all persons (other than U.S. government employees) who have stayed overnight at Camp David since January 21, 1993.” The request languished in various Navy and Defense offices until October 13, 2000 – the last possible day for response before Judicial Watch would file suit – when Director H. J. McIntyre faxed a denial of expeditious handling of the request, writing: “. . .I have determined that any responsive information that may be found would not significantly contribute to the public understanding of the operations or activities of the government. I have determined that a list of persons who stayed overnight at Camp David as guests of the President does not make a meaningful contribution to the public’s understanding of the operations or activities of the government.”

“The Clintons have obviously ordered the Defense Department to illegally stonewall this request,” stated Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman. “The arrogance of the Defense Department’s October 13th letter demonstrates the contempt with which this Administration holds the American public – but that same public can rely on Judicial Watch to dig out the truth from these prevaricators and hold the responsible parties accountable for selling access to Camp David and the White House,” added Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

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