President Clinton Responds - with just another form letter!

May 21, 1996

Note: This is a form letter.
Hundreds of others have received the same form letter.
There is no new petition for commutation.
The only petition for commutation is the one filed last December at President Clinton's request; it is still gathering dust on his desk.


THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington

Rabbi Marvin Hier
Dean
Simon Wisenthal Center
9760 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90035

Dear Marvin,

Thank you for taking the time to express your views concerning the executive clemency petition of Jonathan Pollard.

Mr. Pollard's petition for commutation of his sentence came before me more than a year ago. In making the difficult decision whether to grant or deny the petition, I considered the recommendations of the Attorney General and of the law enforcement and national security agencies. I also weighed the arguments made on Mr. Pollard's behalf by numerous groups and individuals.

Mr. Pollard committed a serious crime that posed a threat to our country. After carefully reviewing the arguments on both sides, I concluded that the extraordinary remedy of executive clemency was not justified in this case.

I have been informed that Mr. Pollard has submitted a renewed petition for clemency, which is under review by the Department of Justice. When Mr. Pollard's latest petition comes before me, you can be assured that I will give it due consideration.

I appreciate your concern about this important matter.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton