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1631-HQ-1462938 HUSSEIN was questioned regarding his decision directing the withdrawal of Iraqi forces to ignite Kuwaiti Oil wells. HUSSEIN denied Iragi forces ignited oil wells. He admitted that Iraqi forces burned "oil in trenches" as they retreated. The resulting smoke blocked target acquisition by coalition aircraft and prevented additional Iraqi troops from dying. HUSSEIN admitted that he was told "a4 few" oi1 wells had been ignited. He Stated that even if he were shown pictures or videos of these events, he would not believe Iraqi forces committed them because these forms of media are easy to manipulate and fabricate. HUSSEIN believes that it would not be a crime for the Iragi military to burn oil in order to prevent planes from attacking them. If such an event took place, this would have been an act of a desperate person who had no weapons remaining with which to defend himself. When questioned as to how he would respond if he was offered proof that the 150 Oil well fires in Kuwait were an act of sabotage by the Iraqi military and not an act of defense, HUSSEIN stated he would provide a response at that time. When questioned regarding ongoing Kuwaiti resistance during the Iragi occupation and efforts by the Iragi Intelligence Service (IIS) to stop it, HUSSEIN stated, "I do not have an answer with these details." When again asked, HUSSEIN replied he had given his answer and, "I am not a person who gives away his friends." HUSSEIN was questioned regarding a letter dated February 19, 1991, from HUSSEIN KAMIL (hereinafter KAMIL) in the name of Iraqi President HUSSEIN to AL-MAJID. The letter stated, in part, that the Iraqi military should remove any and all President was via letters from the Presidential Diwan. KAMIL was not a secretary but one of the Iraqi Ministers. KAMIL was "known for his way of doing things." HUSSEIN was read the letter by the translator and asked whether the letter referred to items used by the Iraqi Military in Kuwait or to things from Kuwait itself. HUSSEIN stated that he never instructed the Iraqi military to remove items, either their own equipment or Kuwaiti items. HUSSEIN opined that the letter may refer to equipment in Kuwait utilized by the various Iraqi Ministers for critical services such as electricity, water, transportation, and telephone service. He stated the letter was dated nine days before the cease fire. HUSSEIN denied the letter referred to Kuwaiti property. He stated it was simply a letter from one minister subordinate to another minister, asking for return of materials taken to Kuwait by Iragi forces. HUSSEIN Stated he did not issue 69