Office of the Governor February 27, 1981 TO: William P. Clements, Jr. FROM: Willis Whatley MEMO Austin, Texas 78711 Phone (512) 475-3021 Joe Kirven advised me today at about 10:30 a.m. that he had been called by Patty Kilday, a reporter for the Dallas Times-Herald, concerning Don Bell, a young black who worked in the primary campaign. Joe advised that you had interceded at SEDCO and from this Don Bell, through misrepresentations as to his educational background, obtained a fairly high position and travelled ex- tensively for SEDCO. Don Bell is now facing a hearing on March 6 for revocation of felony probation. I checked with the Dallas District Attorney's Office and they advised that Don Bell had pled guilty to a jury for theft on December 17, 1974, and ws assessed eight years probation. He is currently indicted for the offense of renting a Lincoln Continental on September 25, 1980, and not returning it to the rental agency. Further, their records show that he has not reported to his probation officer for three years, nor has he paid the probation fees and restitution ordered by the court. This matter will be heard on March 6, 1981. Don Bell has issued a subpeona for your personal appearance at the revocation hearing which was refused by me on Wednesday, February 25, 1981. The story apparently will focus on that he was harrassed at SEDCO and his salaries were withheld and because of this he could not make restitution as he was ordered by the court. Also, he is telling the story that someone came to him with $100,000 in cash in a bag for your campaign. He is saying that he took the money and de- livered it to Jim Francis who swore him to secrecy since this would be a violation of the election laws. The Dallas District Attorney's Office is forwarding me a copy of a letter to the judge of the court and a copy of the brief filed by Don Bell with the court. They basically state the same thing about the problems at SEDCO and the $100,000 cash contribution to your campaign. I have discussed this with David and made him fully aware of the facts and cir- cumstances. Joe Kirven has been advised to call Jim Francis and brief him fully so he will be prepared if necessary to answer any questions. Should we get any further information, I will so advise you. bl ____WILLIS WHATLEY____ Deputy General Counsel
