Cypherpunks: I spoke just now with Maria Nekam, the owner of Austin Code Works. She is doing fine, has complied with the request for documents, and believes that her company has nothing to hide. She believes that they have taken all reasonable precautions to prevent the export of the DES materials. Interestingly enough, she had been contacted by the NSA a couple of weeks ago, and informed of the restrictions on exporting DES, although she was already complying with these restrictions. I asked if there was anything that the various organizations could do to help; she feels that the situation is under control. When asked about her opinion of the DES export restrictions, she declined to comment, saying that her company was just a small player and she didn't want to get involved. I told her about the crypto conference we are having (coincidentally?) on the same day as the hearing. Since her presence is not required at the hearing, she will try to attend. As I was writing the above, my phone call to Theodore R. Siggins, the customs agent mentioned in the subpoena was returned. We spoke briefly; he was friendly but felt "it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any matters concerning the grand jury." When I asked him if this was part of an overall crackdown on cryptography export, he referred me to the special agent in charge, Leonard Lindheim, (202) 229-4561. Doug -- ---------------- /\ Douglas Barnes cman@illuminati.io.com / \ Chief Wizard (512) 447-8950 (d), 447-7866 (v) / () \ Illuminati Online metaverse.io.com 7777 /______\