Ms. Franklin politely refuses to tell, citing the firm's policy of protecting its sources' anonymity.

Chase declined to comment, citing its policy not to discuss merger speculation.

Three days later the hospital discharged him, citing its policy of excluding all seropositive patients from the program.

Hewitt declined to discuss any aspect of the case, citing its policy not to comment on client affairs.

Citing the Vatican's policy, the priest said he could not.

However, Nigerien government officials rejected the demand, citing the country's policy of not extraditing anyone who could face capital punishment.

Officials at the state health department declined to comment on possible causes of the outbreak, citing its policy on investigations in progress.

"Bob connects with people," said one senior financial adviser who declined to be identified, citing the company's policy that employees cannot speak to the press.

He declined to provide any specifics about the case, citing his policy of not commenting on continuing investigations.

Facebook shut down the group, citing its policy against commercial activities by members (unless, of course, they are paying advertisers).