A few weeks ago someone posted the following message: From: nobody@tjava.com (Anonymous) Date: Wed, 10 Jan 1996 22:30:55 -0600 Subject: Cryptology and classification Hi all, Just received a memo, the "Desk Reference Guide" to Executive Order 12958. This memo/executive order discusses classified national security information. The cypherpunks-interesting aspect of this memo lies in exceptions to some new guidelines. Basically, this executive order removes the authority for the government to "permanently" classify information. Basically, classification is now limited to 10 years (or 25 years in some special cases). The exceptions to this allow classification for longer durations for certain types of material. These types include things like protecting intelligence sources and nuclear weapons design info. One of the other exeptions is for: "...information that would impair United States cryptologic systems or activities." This appears to be taken directly from the executive order, so these types of decisions are being made at high levels. Thought you might be interested. Hooker I'm curious whether the "desk reference" contains more than the mere text of the Executive Order. If it does, I'd like to get a copy, since the FOIA cases I handle typically involve classified information. Please reply personally, since I only read the list in digest form. Thanks! Lee Tien