Archivists Block Release of Clinton Papers
AOL ^ | Mar.7,2008 | Peter Eisler
March 7) -- Federal archivists at the Clinton Presidential Library are blocking the release of hundreds of pages of White House papers on pardons that the former president approved, including clemency for fugitive commodities trader Marc Rich.
Photo Gallery Charlie Riedel, AP Battling to Release Presidential Papers1 of 5 Federal archivists recently refused to release hundreds of pages of White House papers on pardons approved by Bill Clinton when he was president. The decision is based on guidelines from Clinton aimed at restricting the disclosure of advice that aides gave him. Above, Clinton speaks at a campaign rally for his wife Jan. 26.
That archivists' decision, based on guidance provided by Bill Clinton that restricts the disclosure of advice he received from aides, prevents public scrutiny of documents that would shed light on how he decided which pardons to approve from among hundreds of requests.
Clinton's legal agent declined the option of reviewing and releasing the documents that were withheld, said the archivists, who work for the federal government, not the Clintons.
The decision to withhold much of the requested material could provide fodder for critics who say that the former president and his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, now seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, have been unwilling to fully release documents to public scrutiny.
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