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Pentagon Regular Briefing, October 19, 2000

DoD News Briefing
Mr. Kenneth H. Bacon, ASD PA
October 19, 2000 - 2:10 p.m. EDT
Q: A report in the Washington Post today on the FBI investigation into
Chinese espionage related to nuclear weapons technology and ballistic
missile technology -- and according to this report, there has been a
major reorientation in their focus, in that the focus has shifted to
the Defense Department and its private contractors, in terms of
technology that China seems to have obtained related to, in
particular, ballistic missiles. What is your awareness of this shift?
Is this something that the department has been involved with the FBI
on for some time? What can you tell us about that?
Bacon: Well, as you can appreciate, this report involves two things I
don't normally talk about. One is intelligence, and the second is law
enforcement. So there's not too much I can say in response to this.
Q: You have an awareness of this ongoing investigation into the DOD
involved in looking into possible compromise of information from the
'80s, primarily, related to ballistic missile technology?
Bacon: We are always worried about possible compromises of
information, and nothing has changed over the last few months. We've
been worried for some time. Probably as long as this building has
existed we've been worried about compromises of information.
Yes?
Q: Are you not -- I'm sorry. Are you not involved with this FBI
investigation? Is the Defense Department cooperating with the FBI
regarding this matter?
Bacon:  We cooperate with the FBI fully.
Q: You're not going to be very helpful on this, are you? (Laughter.)
Bacon: I think I've been as forthcoming as I told you I would be. I've
lived up to your expectations, and what could be better than that?
(Laughter.)
Q:  I have -- (laughs) -- Well, you could exceed them.
Bacon:  That's true.
Q:  So you basically have nothing to share.
Bacon: That might be too surprising, however. (Laughter.) I wouldn't
want to test your heart.
Q: Is there an independent DoD investigation related to this? Is there
anything at all that you can share with us on this?
Bacon:  No.