September 30, 2015
Mr. James Patterson
766 Harrison St, Unit 211
San Francisco, California 94107
Dear Mr. Patterson:
Thank you for contacting me to express your concern about alleged National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance of government leaders of our allies. I am pleased to report that this is an issue on which we agree, and I sincerely apologize for the delay in my response.
As you are aware, recent news reports have alleged that the NSA routinely conducted surveillance on foreign leaders of allied nations, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande, as well as other countries and institutions that are friends and allies to the United States.
Like you, I oppose the surveillance on foreign leaders of allied nations. Unless the United States is engaged in hostilities against a country or there is an emergency need for this type of surveillance, I do not believe that as a general matter, the United States should be collecting phone calls or emails of the leaders of friendly nations with whom we consult regularly. You will be pleased to know that in light of some of the recent allegations in the press, the Intelligence Committee, of which I am Vice Chairman, is conducting an ongoing review of all U.S. intelligence collection programs.
Additionally, in January 2014, President Obama announced several changes to surveillance practice and stated that the U.S. government would no longer conduct electronic surveillance on the leaders of allied nations. This guidance, known as Presidential Policy Guidance 28, is a positive step towards maintaining a balance between honoring the privacy of our allies and continuing to gather intelligence to protect our nation.
Again, thank you for writing. I will certainly keep your views in mind as the Committee conducts its review of intelligence programs. If you have any additional comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.
Sincerely,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
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