The Anonygenie

To: Jack Schafer
Re: Pataki Will Test '08 Winds in Iowa

Adam Nagourney writes:

His associates, who said they would discuss Mr. Pataki's plans only anonymously in deference to his wishes,

Do they mean his wish they speak anonymously, or his wish they not speak at all? The former would be interesting, and the latter make 'deference' inaccurate.