September 30, 1996


The Honorable Eleanor Hill
Inspector General
Department of Defense
400 Army-Navy Drive, #1000
Arlington, Virginia 22201


Dear Ms. Hill,

I am writing to request that the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the February 24, 1996 downing of two Civilian U.S. Cessna airplanes by Cuban MiGs. As you know, four people ware killed in that incident - 3 American citizens and one legal permanent resident.

Since the tragedy occurred, seriously disturbing questions have arisen in regard to the actions of the U.S. Air Force and NORAD on that particular day. At a hearing of my subcommittee recently, Department of Defense witnesses were unable to answer basic questions about what happened that day. In addition, inconsistent information has emerged from correspondence I have received from various Air Force officials.

Some of the key questions that must be answered are the following:

**Why weren't the "Brothers to the Rescue" pilots warned that Cuban MIGs were in the air and heading towards them?

**Why were no U.S. Air Force fighters launched in response to the presence of MIGs so close to U.S. airspace?

**Did the Air Force fail to respond on that day to a threat to U.S. security, and if so, why?

The urgency and significance of this matter is quite obvious. I am determined to see to it that we get to the bottom of it. For this reason, I am requesting this full, no-holds barred investigation.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely yours,

Dan Burton
Chairman
Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere

cc: The Hon. William J. Perry
Secretary of Defense