Ah. But you see, President Reagan *didn't*. According to Reagan:
"The first time I learned that the proceeds of any Iranian
arms transactions might have been paid to any account used to
provide weapons and military aid to the Nicaraguan Freedom Fighters
-- what has been termed the ``diversion'' -- was on November
24, 1986, when Attorney General Edwin Meese reported to me that
a memorandum had been found referring to such a use. I immediately
instructed that the NSC, the leadership in Congress and the general
public be told of this development.
"I never authorized nor approved the ``diversion,'' nor
was I ever asked to authorize or approve it. I can recall no
conversation or discussion whatsoever of any such idea prior
to my conversation with the Attorney General. As noted above,
I was unaware that any profits or ``residual funds'' were to
be generated by such sales.
"It was only as the investigation by the Tower Board
got underway that I learned of the operational roles of North,
Secord or Hakim. I do not recall authorizing or approving, nor
do I believe I was ever asked to authorize or to approve, operational
details, such as what accounts were to receive payments.
"It was only in my discussions with Attorney General
Meese on November 24, 1986, and after that I learned any details
of any bank accounts into which the proceeds of arms shipments
were paid, or the retention of these proceeds by anyone other
than the U.S. Government. I do not recall any discussion prior
to that time concerning the proceeds of such sales, nor do I
recall being asked for authority by anyone to use, control or
retain these funds."
According to Reagan, his rogue staff undertook--on its own
responsibility--to violate Article 2, Section 9. And they never
asked him for his approval...
Professor
of Economics J. Bradford DeLong, 601 Evans Hall, #3880