Intelligence chief cleared of foreign-agent violation

April 9, 1982

A Justice Department investigation found Central Intelligence Director William J. Casey did not violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act while working as a lawyer representing Indonesia in 1976. Attorney General William French Smith said the probe cleared Mr. Casey of any violation of the act. The investigation began in January after a Washington Post story alleged that Casey failed to file as a foreign agent while working for the Indonesian government. But Casey's work did not involve any efforts to change US policy, and therefore Casey was not required to register, Mr. Smith said.