The investigators examined the company's contracting activities and Mr. Meese's involvement with the firm when he was the Presidential counselor in 1981 and 1982.

"It's been a very positive trip for him," said David Gergen, the Presidential counselor.

Definitely not," said Paul Begala, a Presidential counselor.

Mr. Meese was the Presidential counselor at the time.

By this weekend, Paul Begala, a Presidential counselor, had declared victory.

David R. Gergen, the Presidential counselor, warned that a "cannibalism" was loose.

Mr. Meese, now the Attorney General, was Presidential counselor at the time.

Mr. Meese has acknowledged directing his staff to review a contract dispute between Wedtech and the Army in 1982, while he was the Presidential counselor.

Mr. Harlow also served as a Presidential counselor with the assignment of devising long-term strategy on domestic problems.

At that time Mr. Meese was Presidential counselor.