The Nation: The Russians Are Bugging

RUSS MONITOR U.S. PHONES, blared the Chicago Tribune last week, head lining its scoop that the Soviet Union has been listening in on domestic telephone conversations, no doubt including those of Government, business and military leaders. Up to 70% of U.S. phone calls are carried by microwave, and the Soviets have set up parabolic receivers on their Molynia communications satellites in the skies over the U.S. and on the ground to intercept and record the microwave transmissions. All this should come as little sur prise, since the U.S. and U.S.S.R. have engaged in such mutual electronic spookery for years. The Russians...

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