Oliver North

• Reagan relied upon a junior member of his staff, Lt. Colonel Oliver North, who was instrumental in the invasion of Grenada. Regarding Nicaragua, Reagan turned to North and said "take care of it Ollie."

• When Congress discovered that the Contras were being funded by the White House, they launched a lengthy investigation. Oliver North was called to testify before Congress. Reagan's enemies in Congress were anticipating that North would admit that Reagan violated the Boland law, and should be impeached.

• North pled the fifth when called to Congress.

• Congress removed North's fifth amendment privilege, by offering him "immunity"--the promise that whatever he says will not result in any punishment to him.

• North then opened up. He took all the blame for funding the Contras, and he sharply criticized the members of Congress for being unsupportive of the Contras. He admitted to violating the law, deceiving the Congress, and violating the Constitution.

• Congress attempted to have North convicted and imprisoned. The case ended up in the Supreme Court, which said that North's immunity protected him from any consequences.

• President Reagan was never charged with violation of the Boland law. Some people began to suggest that North should run for President.

• North is still a regular political commentator today.

RETURN to Cold War Decisions