THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT EMBARGOED UNTIL, 3: 00 PM EST CONTACT: 202/456-7035 February 4, 1994 STATEMENT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT Today's announcements on encryption represent important steps in the implementation of the Administration's policy on this critical issue. Our policy is designed to provide better encryption to individuals and businesses while ensuring that the needs of law enforcement and national security are met. Encryption is a law and order issue since it can be used by criminals to thwart wiretaps and avoid detection and prosecution. It also has huge strategic value. Encryption technology and cryptoanalysis turned the tide in the Pacific and elsewhere during World War II. [end of statement]