[net.ham-radio] CIA quashes no-code?

jgpo@iwu1c.UUCP (09/21/83)

According to Westlink, rumor has it the Central Intelligence Agency has
made it known to the FCC, in strong terms, that it feels the creation of
a no-code Amateur license would be detrimental to the public welfare.

The CIA apparently feels the Amateur population is a valuable source of already-
trained Morse-capable radio operators and, as such, is important to national
security.

Does anyone have any further information as to the truth of this rumor, or
details of exactly what the CIA told the FCC?  Was this merely a recommendation
or was it an "offer they couldn't refuse?"


		73,
		John Opalko   KA9MNK