pcw@access.digex.net (Peter Wayner):

I want to know whether GATT will affect the export of encryption software. It seems to frown upon any barrier to trade and I think I could argue, perhaps not correctly, that if ACME in Taiwan can't buy the necessary encryption software to do business with CENTRAL in Kansas, then ACME is prevented from competing in America. BONEHEAD Inc, from North Dakota won't have to worry about foreign competition.

Heh heh. Missiles R Us in Iran can't buy target analysis software so can't compete in the US cruise missile market; GD needn't bother about cheaper Iranian labour costs. As you correctly noted later, exceptions are made for missiles (and French movies, and US _peanuts_) - IAC US policy is to treat crypto as munitions, or at best 'dual-use' tech. GATT does not affect other arms treaties - NPT, MTCR, etc... "We know everything about you that we need to know" - Coleta Brueck, IRS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rishab Aiyer Ghosh "In between the breaths is rishab@dxm.ernet.in the space where we live" rishab@arbornet.org - Lawrence Durrell Voice/Fax/Data +91 11 6853410 Voicemail +91 11 3760335 H 34C Saket, New Delhi 110017, INDIA