Embassy typewriters wired to transmit

Press, 7 April 1987, Page 10

Embassy typewriters wired to transmit

NZPA-Reuter Washington Electric typewriters at the United States Embassy in Moscow were tapped with electronic listening devices by Soviet agents permitted to roam the building by Marine guards, a magazine reported yesterday. “U.S. News and World Report” said damage from the scandal, in which Marines allegedly had affairs with Soviet women working with Soviet intelligence operatives, could be costly in terms of the loss of United States intelligence. Also, it may cost up to SUSIOO million ($lB5 million) to replace coding equipment, debugging

devices and take other security measures. Two Marines now facing espionage charges, Sergeant Clayton Lonetree and Corporal Arnold Bracy, had helped sneak Soviet agents into the Embassy’s most secure areas during their relationship with two Soviet women, the magazine said. Quoting what it described as a well-placed source in Moscow, the magazine said that Soviet “agents were able to tap into the electric typewriters on those floors, with electronic devices capable of intercepting incoming and outgoing cable traffic.” In addition, the magazine said there were fears that perhaps other bugs

were placed in a supersecure “bubble” — a special room with clear, plastic-like sides — where secret conversations can be held. The last time that room was compromised, was in the 19705, when a tiny listening device was placed in an American diplomat’s shoes when they were resoled, said the magazine. A third Marine, StaffSergeant Robert Stufflebeam, is in custody and the chairman of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, Les Aspin, said yesterday he had evidence that two other Marines may have fraternised improperly with Soviet women.