According to an article sent in by Al Fansome, the loss of U.S. intelligence secrets to China may force Japan and the United States to change a secret communications system at a cost of millions of dollars. The U.S. shares intelligence and operational codes through a coded communications system with Japan since they are a close military ally.

A Japanese Defense Agency official stated that Japan is waiting for reports from the U.S. about how much of the system was destroyed by the crew of the plane before it landed. If the system was totally destroyed in order to prevent it from falling into Chinese hands, then a change may not be necessary. However, if the system wasn't destroyed, a change will be needed.

Japan conducts its own intelligence flights using five EP-3's similar to the U.S. Navy aircraft. It was stated that Japan's intelligence missions aren't threatened by the capture of the U.S. plane. Japan's intelligence missions collect information on electronic signals such as communications, radar, early warning systems, and troop movements in other countries. These missions are similar to the mission performed by the captured U.S. aircraft.

The codes used by the communications system are computer generated, which change each time they're used. It is nearly impossible to decode messages, no matter what the Chinese have found on board the captured aircraft. However, it may be possible for them to block the communications system. They might be able to fly their own aircraft, duplicating an EP-3, over U.S. and Japanese ships and effectively block their operations.

On a more personal note, it really makes me sick to think about what kind of intelligence the Chinese have gotten from our aircraft. I can only hope that the crew did their emergency destruct procedures before landing. "Emergency destruct" is a term used to refer to destroying classified material and equipment before allowing it to fall into enemy hands.

A friend of mine flew on a P-3 during the Vietnam war, and he believes the captain should have been court-martialed for not ditching the aircraft in the ocean. He told me that they do have parachutes on board the aircraft. Whether or not they have them on board the EP-3 today, I really don't know. But I am in agreement that all classified material should have been destroyed before landing.

Of course, I was not on board that aircraft and am just an armchair quarterback. It's obvious that decisions were made under great stress, and we really don't have many details as to what happened after the collision. I hope that details do come out in the near future, but since we are dealing with intelligence matters, and details may not come out for several years. I am happy that the crew has returned home safely.

Before I sign off for this month, here's some loggings sent to me from Desperado at Take It Easy Radio:

5230 - CIO8 in USB, Mossad E10 (no time given)
5418 - YL/EE repeating 506, then 5F grps. (E17?) (no time given)
5810 - CIA counting stn E5 rpting 204, then message from 0130-0300
6912 - YL/SS 5F grps (Spanish V2?) at 0212.

That's all for now. Your comments, suggestions, loggings, and other info are always appreciated.