A certain question has troubled this writer regarding the Flynn Affair. To begin with, we would like to set aside the merits or demerits of the case, both sides.
The question has to do with listening in to the calls into or out of the Russian Embassy and, in particular, Sergey Kislyak's line.
This brings us to the telephone calls between Mr. Flynn and Mr. Kislyak. This would have been accomplished in either of two ways, either tapping into the calls at the Russian Embassy or tapping into Mr. Flynn's telephone line.
Tapping the phone of the Russian Embassy. One has to think about this. It may well be possible and likely probable that the U. S. Intelligence Services have the capability to tap into the Russian Embassy phones, particularly Mr. Kislyak's line. However, it is reasonable to assume that such a procedure would never be admitted to, because of huge possible repercursions. A good number of years ago it was found that the Soviets (the Russians at that time) had installed microphones in the American Embassy in Moscow and they were probably listening to, well, to everything. There was hell to pay by the Soviets at that time. So, admitting that the FBI was listening in to the calls by tapping into the Russian Embassy appears to be out of the question, even if it is possible and even if it is true.
So then, that brings us to the second part of the dilemma. Was the FBI listening to Mr. Flynn's telephone calls. Because if it was, without some kind of FISA or some other warrant, the question is, on what basis or justification. Of any American Citizen, of course, but even more so of the designated National Security Advisor to the incoming President. Knowing precisely the answer to this question, and, in particular, who had authorized such a procedure, whether Mr. Comey, or higher (or lower), would seem to allow much light to be thrown on the Flynn Affair, especially now, where it has taken such a tortous course.
