Intelligence

DATE=6/3/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S INTELLIGENCE (L-O)

NUMBER=2-316440

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F-B-I), Robert Mueller, has proposed the creation of an intelligence service within his organization and repeated his opposition to calls for a new and separate domestic spy agency. Correspondent Meredith Buel has details from Washington.

TEXT: Mr. Mueller told members of the U-S Congress he supports what he called the creation of a service within a service, reorganizing but keeping domestic intelligence responsibilities within the F-B-I.

He says this is necessary so agents can act quickly to stop terrorist attacks against targets within the United States.

/// MUELLER ACT ///

We must continue to integrate intelligence and law enforcement operations. We must be able to employ both intelligence and the criminal tools as part of the integrated counterterrorism strategy that gives us the flexibility to move quickly from intelligence gathering to disruption at a moment's notice.

/// END ACT ///

Some members of Congress have questioned whether an agency devoted for decades to law enforcement can make intelligence a mission of at least equal importance.

One proposal would set up an organization similar to Britain's security service, known as M-I-5, which collects, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence aimed at disrupting terrorism, espionage and sabotage against Britain.

Mr. Mueller has worked hard against the idea of an independent, domestic, intelligence agency. Former F-B-I Director Louis Freeh, current Attorney General John Ashcroft, his predecessor Janet Reno and George Tenet, who resigned Thursday as C-I-A director, have all recommended against a new homeland spy agency.

The C-I-A is responsible for U-S intelligence operations overseas.

The F-B-I director told members of Congress a separate organization for domestic intelligence gathering would lead to needless duplication.

/// 2nd MUELLER ACT ///

If you wish to establish another agency, you have to replicate a number of the pieces of the bureau that contribute to the ability to anticipate and disrupt another attack.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Mueller says a new agency would have to duplicate the F-B-I's surveillance activities and translators, and establish relationships the bureau already has with local law enforcement agencies.

The F-B-I director proposed that a new directorate of intelligence be established within the bureau with clear authority over intelligence functions. (Signed)

NEB/MB/RH