Page "Iran–Contra affair" Paragraph 2

While President Ronald Reagan was a supporter of the Contra cause, the evidence is disputed as to whether he authorized the diversion of the money raised by the Iranian arms sales to the Contras.

Handwritten notes taken by Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger on December 7, 1985 indicate that Reagan was aware of potential hostages transfers with Iran, as well as the sale of Hawk and TOW missiles to " moderates elements " within that country.

Weinberger wrote that Reagan said " he could answer to charges of illegality but couldn't answer to the charge that ' big strong President Reagan passed up a chance to free the hostages.

'" Still, many believe that it is unclear exactly what Reagan knew and when, and whether the arms sales were motivated by his desire to save the U. S. hostages.

After the weapon sales were revealed in November 1986, Reagan appeared on national television and stated that the weapons transfers had indeed occurred, but that the United States did not trade arms for hostages.

The investigation was impeded when large volumes of documents relating to the scandal were destroyed or withheld from investigators by Reagan administration officials.

On March 4, 1987, Reagan returned to the airwaves in a nationally televised address, taking full responsibility for any actions that he was unaware of, and admitting that " what began as a strategic opening to Iran deteriorated, in its implementation, into trading arms for hostages.