Probing the 'October Surprise'

Regarding the opinion-page column "On Hostages and Captivity," Aug. 21, on the "October surprise": One should not fall into the easy delusion that if something actually happened, the secret died with CIA chief Bill Casey. In addition to the many individuals who claim that the Paris meetings happened, there are no less than three individuals who claim that they attended those meetings. While it is entirely possible that those men are lying, what cannot be denied is that they all share a common background of being steeped in skulduggery. Jon Arnold, Chicago Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.