Fbi Balks At Releasing Assassination Papers

The FBI wants to block the release of 15 documents containing classified information about informants and the agency’s contacts with foreign governments, according to an independent board probing materials related to President Kennedy’s assassination.

The FBI is the first government agency to clash with the Assassination Records Review Board, which reviews records that agencies want to keep secret for possible release. The board’s recommendations go to President Clinton, who has 30 days to agree or disagree.

The 15 FBI documents have previously been available, but only with sections blocked out.

Last week, the board voted to fully release the documents, but the FBI has said it will appeal the decision to Clinton, board spokesman Tom Samoluk said Tuesday.

A telephone call to the FBI seeking comment was not immediately returned.