Accessibility links

Breaking News

Clapper Says French Reports On Spying Inaccurate


U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testifying before the House Select Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington in April
U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testifying before the House Select Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington in April
The U.S. intelligence chief has said that reports in the French newspaper "Le Monde" about America's espionage activities abroad contain inaccurate and misleading information.

James Clapper, the U.S. director of national intelligence, said in a statement on October 22 that the "allegation that the National Security Agency collected more than 70 million 'recordings of French citizens' telephone data' is false."

He said the United States "gathers intelligence of the type gathered by all nations...to protect the nation, its interests and its allies."

Meanwhile, Mexico said it will investigate allegations that the United States spied on the e-mails of President Enrique Pena Nieto and his predecessor, Felipe Calderon.

Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Meade said he would summon the U.S. ambassador over the issue and called Washington's response so far "unacceptable."

Based on reporting by AFP and AP

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG