Never Put It in Writing

By Janice Castro

Just what was in those notes that got CAP WEINBERGER indicted last month for committing perjury and obstructing the congressional investigation of Iran- contra? Since Weinberger's handwriting is virtually unreadable, the Iran- contra committee had to persuade his former secretary, Kay Leisz, to translate. One note supposedly read, "McFarlane called re price of HAWKS for Israel." Said another: "McFarlane called re HAWKS and TOWS for Israel." Both could refer to illegal arms transfers to Iran in 1985. Said a source who has reviewed some of the notes: "Jeez, it sure looks bad." But he adds optimistically, "There is substantial ambiguity."