WASHINGTON -- Newly appointed national security adviser Frank Carlucci is planning to name Lt. Gen. Colin L. Powell, one of the highest ranking black officers in the military, as his deputy, published reports said today.
Powell, 49, reportedly carried out instructions to transfer weapons from Army stocks to the CIA for sale to Iran, the New York Times said., but added that Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger has denied any link between Powell and the Contra funds.
The sale of arms to Iran with profits going to finance the Nicaraguan rebels, known as Contras, has engulfed the Reagan administration in a scandal.
Paul Hanley, an NSC spokesman, said 'There have been no announcements of any personnel changes.' But The Washington Times carried a similar report on Powell, saying that Carlucci and the three-star general worked together at the Pentagon when Carlucci was Weinberger's deputy.
Powell, a decorated paratrooper, is currently commander of the Army 5th Corps in Frankfurt, West Germany.
Carlucci, who takes over the NSC on Jan. 1, is being advised by a transition panel. In addition the NSC staff role and its operations is being investigated by a three-member board headed by former Sen. John Tower, R-Texas.
Carlucci, the Times said, plans to overhaul the agency and the current acting director Alton Keel will be removed. Others on the 53-member NSC will be leaving under the new Carlucci regime, the newspaper said.
Carlucci was appointed to succeed Vic Adm. John Poindexter who was deposed as national security adviser in the scandal.
