WASHINGTON. Dec 31: President Bush has hired former Attorney General Griffin Bell to represent him in the ongoing investigation of the Iran-Contra affair, the White House announced Wednesday, reports Al’.

The White House said Bush asked Bell, now an Atlanta lawyer, to 'assist him In seeking to obtain for public release" a copy of a deposition Bush gave on Jan 11. 1988 In connection with the Investigation.

The announcement also said that Bell, attorney general during the Carter administra-

tion, would "assume full responsibility for advising the president should the independent counsel fail to complete his investigation during the president's term in office".

Iran-Contra prosecutor Lawrence Walsh said earlier this week that Bush was a "subject" in the inquiry because the president failed to turn over notes to prosecutors. A "subject" is someone whose activities arc under scrutiny In a criminal investigation.

it is unlikely that Walsh's Investigation would be complete before Bush leaves office on Jan 20. Thus the president would need a private lawyer to advise him.

The White House said that Bush asked Walsh for a copy of the 1988 deposition on Dec 14 but was told by Walsh's office on Tuesday that the president could not have a copy of the document.

Walsh has said that the record of the 1988 interview fa grand jury material and therefore subject to secrecy restrictions that bar him from providing it to anyone.

The president hopes that Judge Bell's efforts will further his goal of putting his sworn testimony about the Iran-Contra matter before the American people," the announcement said.

"I'm glad the president will have the advice Of an able lawyer who understands both litigation and the rule of law," Walsh said today in a statement.