Attached hereto is a copy of a memorandum, dated October 31, 1986, from Judge Webster to Assistant Director Floyd Clarke of the Bureau's Criminal Investigative Division. Briefly, Judge Webster's memorandum advises that in accordance with a request from Associate Attorney General Steve Trott, the Bureau was to suspend its ongoing investigation of the captioned matter for a period of 10 days, because of possible prejudice to "some sensitive hostage negotiations."

As you know, this matter involves Eugene Hasenfus, the crew member of the C123 aircraft shot down over Nicaragua on October 7, 1986. The Bureau is anxious to resume its investigation, but, even though the 10-day period requested by Steve Trott has expired, it is unwilling to do so without the Department's approval.

Unless you advise to the contrary, I intend to advise the Bureau that it is free to resume its investigation without further delay.

Attachment

EXHIBIT