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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Factual: History

Historical investigation programme, taking a document as a starting point

Historical investigation programme, taking a document as a starting point from which to shed new light on past events

Document: The Crypto Agreement

The Crypto Agreement

28/07/2015

BBC Radio 4 - Document, The Crypto Agreement

Gordon Corera reveals evidence of a secret deal between a code-machine company and the NSA

In the 1950s, did a leading code-machine company give the US National Security Agency secret access to machines they then sold across the world? Gordon Corera reveals new evidence.

In the 1940s and 50s, as technology raced forwards and the Cold War intensified, many states came to rely on encryption machines to keep their secrets safe.

But what if the founder of a leading code-machine company gave the US National Security Agency secret access to their best machines - machines they were selling to states across the world?

Gordon Corera reveals new evidence of a secret 'gentlemen's agreement', and examines its implications at the height of the Cold War.

With Richard Aldrich, John Alexander, James Bamford, Stephen Budiansky, David Easter, Paul Reuvers, Scott Shane, David Sherman, Betsy Smoot

PRODUCER: PHIL TINLINE.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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