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WASHINGTON — Rear Adm. John M. Poindexter’s first words in response to scores of questions at the Iran-_ contra _ hearings--”I don’t recall”--might seem surprising in light of Navy

superiors’ evaluation of his performance over the years. To them, he had a “photographic memory,” according to fitness reports released today. A May 1, 1976, report by one of his commanding

officers said Poindexter, a career Navy officer, had a “spectacular mental capacity. He reads and understands every paper or report that comes into the office. Furthermore, he retains fully,

recalls accurately and evaluates with a keen sense of what is important--and what isn’t.” Another report two years later said Poindexter “has everything: . . . a photographic memory, a

brilliant mind, a logical approach to problem solving. . . .” The reports were released by the congressional panels investigating the Iran-contra scandal, which have been hearing

Poindexter’s testimony for the last four days. Poindexter has testified that he is unable to remember details of several critical events, including a Nov. 25, 1985, Israeli arms shipment to

Iran, the focus of an attempted Reagan Administration cover-up. He has also testified to being unable to recall details of his briefing to President Reagan on a nine-point plan negotiated

secretly with Iranian officials last October. The plan included U.S. positions contrary to stated American policy, including support for the removal of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. MORE

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