ACCESSION NUMBER:00000
FILE ID:96050602.txt
DATE:05/06/96
TITLE:06-05-96  TEXT:  CLINTON STATEMENT ON DEATH OF WILLIAM COLBY

TEXT:
(President praises former CIA Director)  (250)

Washington -- President Clinton praised William Colby for his "pivotal
role" in shaping the U.S. intelligence community May 6 and said he was
"saddened" to learn of Colby's death.

Colby, director of central intelligence from 1973 to 1975, presided
over the Central Intelligence Agency in a time of turmoil over its
clandestine practices. His body was found near his weekend home on the
Wicomico River on Maryland's Eastern Shore earlier May 6. Colby, 76,
was last seen April 27, and his canoe was discovered the next day, on
its side and wallowing in the water. News accounts attributed his
death to drowning accompanied by hypothermia.

Clinton described Colby as "a dedicated public servant" who was called
on to make "tough decisions," and was "always guided by the core
values of the country he loved."

Following is the official text of the president's statement:

(begin text)

Hillary and I were saddened to learn of the death of former Director
of Central Intelligence William Colby. Through a quarter century at
the CIA William Colby played a pivotal role in shaping our nation's
intelligence community. A dedicated public servant, he ably led the
Agency through challenging times. He made tough decisions when
necessary -- and he was always guided by the core values of the
country he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and
friends in this time of sorrow and grieving.

(end text)
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