From: Bob Franken/CNN
In: Washington
Posted 6-3-97

Subject: Starr Rejects Clinton Attorney's Suggestions Of Impropriety

Whitewater Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr has written President Bill Clinton's lawyer David Kendall, saying he will "adamantly reject the suggestion of impropriety" in a Kendall letter.

Kendall had charged Starr with a "leak-and-smear" effort and with violating "legal and ethical obligations of silence." While specifically citing a Sunday New York Times Magazine article, Kendall also referred to various Starr speeches. The article quoted unnamed prosecutors from Starr's office.

"The examples you cite are referred to in public court proceedings," Starr wrote.

"In our view," wrote Starr, "it is proper for a prosecutor to fulfill the public's right to be as fully informed as possible." 

"We will continue," Starr said, "in appropriate and limited circumstances to carry on this public information function."