Petrelis Files

FBI: Russia Today File May or May Not Exist

Have you filed a Freedom of Information Act request today?

My recent letter to the FBI asking for copies of any file related in any way to the Kremlin's English-language propaganda network, brought back a curious reply.

The FBI says "a search of the Central Records System indicated that records potentially responsive to the FOIA have been sent to the National Archives and Records Administration. Since those records were not reviewed, it is not known if they are actually responsive to the FOIA.

"If you wish to review these potentially responsive records, send your request to NARA at the following address . . .

"In its capacity as an intelligence agency, the FBI compiles records while carrying out its responsibilities to investigate threats to national security and gather foreign intelligence.

"The nature of your request implicates records the FBI may or may not compile pursuant  to its national security and foreign intelligence functions. Accordingly, the FBI cannot confirm or deny the existence of any records about your subject as the mere acknowledgment of such records existence or nonexistence would in and of itself trigger harm to national security interests."

My response, a new FOIA this time to NARA, was emailed today. Let's see if the archives produce records about Russia Today.