LETTER TO (SANITIZED) FROM THOMAS M. TRACY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85-00024R000400270019-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 7, 2008
• Sequence Number: 19
• Publication Date: February 11, 1982
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2008/08/07: CIA-RDP85-000248000400270019-8
c e
United State artment of State
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Assistant Secretary of State
for Administration
Washington, D. C. 20520
February 11, 1982
It has recently come to my attention that FBIS has
issued a RFP (482-A-014) for a feasibility study regarding
the possible use of the INTELSAT satellite systems to meet
the growing communications needs of your agency. The RFP
suggests that the proposed network might utilize satellite
terminals located at U.S. embassy sites. -
While the due date for the RFP is close at hand,
(February 12) I believe there are several issues which are
of direct interest to the Department of State and deserve
your immediate attention. Issues of particular interest
regarding the RFP include, but are not limited to:
The matter of reciprocity, i.e. if foreign
governments will grant approval to a U.S.
request to operate INTELSAT from U.S.
embassies only on the basis of reciprocity
would U.S. law allow the granting-of
reciprocity to foreign governments in
reverse circumstances.
- Why did the RFP request potential bidders to
seek quotations directly from INTELSAT, and
not COMSAT?
Could the proposed FBIS systems run afoul
of foreign copyright laws?
Given that the agency with primary responsi-
bility for managing U.S. embassy real estate
is the Department of State, the question arises
as to why FBIS did not first consult with
State before issuing its RFP?
Since the RFP has already raised unexpected inquiries
outside the national security community (e.g., State was
first informed of the RFP by COMSAT) we believe it would
STAT
t
STAT
Broadcast
Information Service,
Washington, D.C.
State Dept. review completed
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Approved For Release 2008/08/07: CIA-RDP85-00024R000400270019-8
 Approved For Release 2008/08/07: CIA-RDP85-00024R000400270019-8
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be useful to go ahead with a State/FBIS meeting as soon as
possible as recently discussed with you by Dennis Kux.
With such a background the Department of State will be in
a better position to advise FBIS on the overall appropriate-
ness of the proposed system, at least in those policy areas
where the Department'has general competence, i.e.; embassy
real estate, reciprocity agreements and U.S. policy on
dealings with INTELSAT.
Sincerely,
lry~
Thomas M. Tracy
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
Approved For Release 2008/08/07: CIA-RDP85-00024R000400270019-8