WASHINGTON, Feb 4: The Pentagon’s inspector general is investigating undisclosed allegations of improprieties levelled at US Army General Tommy Franks, the commander who would likely lead US forces in any invasion of Iraq, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.
Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld expressed “full trust, respect and confidence” in Franks, calling him an enormously talented commander and a man of the highest integrity.
The Washington Post, which first disclosed that the general was being investigated for abuse of office, said investigators have concluded tentatively that he violated some restrictions concerning his wife, Cathy.
The Post quoted an unnamed official as saying General Franks was alleged to have allowed his wife sit in on meetings at which classified information was discussed, had a soldier assist her on an almost full-time bases, and assigned a military bodyguard to protect her.
Another official told the newspaper that investigators also were looking into whether the government was properly reimbursed for all of her travel aboard military aircraft.
The investigation, which began last summer, was expected to conclude in several weeks with recommendations for some disciplinary action, the Post said.
Lt Col Gary Keck, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that a Department of Defence inspector generals investigation was open on Franks but would not say what he was alleged to have done.
“I can’t talk about the allegations at this time,” he said. “We have to protect the integrity of the investigation.”
In his statement, Rumsfeld extolled Franks as a career army officer who rose from forward observer in Vietnam to four star general and commander of the US Central Command, which is responsible for all US forces in the Gulf.
“General Franks has demonstrated extraordinary skill in preparing our forces for any potential action that may be necessary,” he said. “I am confident that, as was the case in Afghanistan, our forces under his leadership will prevail if called upon.”
“In addition he has demonstrated great skill and success in organizing our coalition efforts, based at the Central Command, of some three or four dozen nations in the global war on terrorism,” he said.
Rumsfeld noted that inspector general investigations were “not unusual and properly are required whenever the Office of the Inspector General is made aware of an allegation.”
“Without commenting on the merits of the investigation, which is not yet before me, I want to emphasize that General Franks has my full trust, respect and confidence,” he said.—AFP
