The NSA released during the summer a Top Secret memorandum by Truman in 1952 establishing NSA as the lead COMINT agency for the USG: http://jya.com/nsa102452.htm After the dry description of decisionmaking procedures there are tantalizing pointers to the means NSA is to use to spy on foreign governments' communications, with reference to accommodating allies at NSA facilities -- read it carefully. Also, it's chilling to read that COMINT was so vital that Truman declared it to be free from any constraints placed on all other forms of intelligence. And the DIRNSA was given authority to command any military department or civilian agency for COMINT purposes It would be helpful to learn what superceded this memo for authority to engage in global COMINT. Yes, we accept anonymous contributions for COMINTers. Erich Moechel writes that France has its version of Echelon and wiretapping, and shares its fruits with Germany, in competition with the Echelon-Five. The French have built up an Echelon like wiretapping system of their own, operating from Dordogne (France), French Guayana & Nouvelle Caledonie. Would anyone have more information on this program? And what about other Echelons around the world?