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of May 20, 1954, Mr. Belmont pointed out that FBI authority for the use of microphones in criminal cases evolved fron enorandim in which he Stated, “I recognize that for the FBI to fulfill its important intelligence function, considerations of internal security and the national safety are paramount and, therefore, may compel the unrestricted use of this technique in the national interest." By way of explanation, Mr. Belmont Stated: “It is noted that the use of the terminology ‘national safety’ was interpreted by the Bureau to include criminal cases, particularly as in the AG's letter he uses terminology such as the ‘need for discretion and intelligent restraint in the use of micro- hones by the FBI in all cases CLug internal security matters. it appears,» therefore, that the AG's letter, while prinarily directed toward security matters ag this was the basis on which the issue was raised with the Department, used terminology which was interpreted by the Runwasan ¢6 annlaw ¢2 avdewinsal manne ae weet tt Executive Confcrence Affirms Interpret:tion of "National pelety” On July 20, 1959, the Executive Conference again considered the question of seeking approval from the Attorney *Underlining added for emphasis