NSB is charged with consolidating security intelligence work at national level. In the process of achieving the end, everything done is strictly built on lawful basis, because NSB abides by the principle of being politically neutral. All intelligence workers are required to maintain secrecy even after their departure from service. Regarding the recently heated-up news that the procurators have taken action to check and confiscate the disputable book written by former NSB employee Mr. Siao Tai-fu, NSB regrets to have heard of improper remarks and comments made by Siao himself and other newsmen. Some of them even went too far as to label NSB as a horrible secret service that defined “secrets” in random and tried to bring about the reign of “green terror”. They also jumped to conclusion that Mr. Siao was persecuted mainly due to his defiance of superiors.

    In response to the above-mentioned heresies, NSB is making a corrective explanation as follows:

    1.The authentication of secrets and classified information is conducted absolutely in accordance with relevant laws. Since the National Secrets Protection Act was enacted and enforced years ago, NSB has been re-examining all laws and rules in use. Their definition and classification are solely decided through legal process, not subordinate to any individual thinking. Mr. Siao used to sit on NSB secrets scrutiny committee, he ought to know better about the essence of secrets. While the source of substantial intelligence and the modus operandi are equally important, both of them should be kept confidential for life. Since the founding in 1955, NSB has developed its intelligence method on its own, which contributes greatly to national intelligence work. The result is a product of collective wisdom and effort. By comparison, personal gains can only count for little or nothing.

    2.Before the book at issue was put into print, NSB had repeatedly advised him to think better of it. NSB also made its stance known to Siao while reminding him of his commitment to secrecy. Unfortunately, he chose to go ahead without regard to this Bureau’s kind offer. NSB was forced to take legal action in the end.

    3.As the case is in the course of judicial proceedings, any personal remarks or sentiment would do no good to finding out the truth. When all stories and accounts contained in the book date back to the period before the incumbent NSB director, some media’s distortions and extensions are regretfully undesirable.

    4.NSB once again stresses the importance of secrecy and lawfulness in doing intelligence work. If an intelligence officer fails to observe the code of secrecy, and again spreads defamatory remarks against the organization with which he once served, he is supposed to have done much harm to all of his comrades before. It is earnestly hoped that Mr. Siao will stop going astray at once and turn his copies over to this Bureau. In return, NSB will plead with the judiciary to have mercy on him.

Public Relations Office
National Security Bureau

November 30, 2007