Gitmo papers convey depth of start-up problems

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Guantanamo documents released under a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit show how chaotic and disorganized the jail was in the early years.

One document from the first commander of Guantanamo says when he arrived, there was a lack of security and control over detainees. Maj. Gen. Michael Dunleavy said detainees would riot and throw food, and turned items like spoons, magnets and welding rods into weapons.

As for the interrogators, Dunleavy said they were virtually inexperienced. And the military linguists he found "were worthless."

Dunleavy said he treated detainees "as human beings, but not like soldiers." He denied there was any torture.

A staff attorney with the ACLU, which filed the suit, says the documents underscore the need for a congressional investigation as well as an independent prosecutor.

jog at dusk inside the exercise yard at Camp 4 detention facility, at Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)