THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

WASHINGTON, DC 2O3O1-1OOO

DEC 29 2003
Honorable Thomas H. Kean
Chairman
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks
upon the United States
301 Seventh Street, NW
Room 5125
Washington, DC 20407

Dear Mr. Chairman:

The New York Daily News (December 19, 2003) attributes to you the assertion
that the attacks on the World Trade Center could have been prevented, "but officials in
Washington 'simply failed' in their vigilance." The article quoted you as saying, "This
was not something that had to happen." You are also cited to the effect that some of the
people who failed in their vigilance before September 11 continue to hold their jobs
today.

If you believe any current officials - civilian or military - anywhere in the U.S.
Department of Defense failed to discharge their duties properly on or before September
11, 2001, please provide their names to me so that I can look into it promptly. Also,
please provide me the information that led you to conclude that these individuals failed in
their duties.

As you know, the enemies who attacked our country on September 11, 2001,
continue to threaten us. As I arn sure you can well understand, in my position I have a
responsibility to take all appropriate steps to ensure that we correct any possible
deficiencies. The information you have indicated could be helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,