Washington - U.S Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) sent a letter today to British Prime Minister David Cameron asking that the British Government share any information about illegal phone tapping of American citizens it might acquire via its investigation of News International. He also praised the efforts of Scotland Yard in aggressively looking into the matter, an effort which reportedly includes a list of 3,870 names, 5,000 land-line phone numbers, and 4,000 cell phone numbers that may have been at risk.

"It is imperative that the U.S. Government have the opportunity to access this information, along with all other relevant evidence to safeguard the rights, privacy, and safety of American citizens," said Menendez. "Our two nations have a long and strong history of working together to solve common problems and achieve shared goals. I am certain this spirit of cooperation will continue to benefit the citizens of our nations with respect to the News International scandal."

Full text of Letter:

The Honorable David Cameron

Prime Minister

10 Downing Street

London

SW1A 2AA

Dear Prime Minister Cameron:

As the British government investigates the allegations facing News International, we would appreciate it if you could share any information involving potential American victims of this shameful scheme with the U.S. Department of Justice. I have also asked the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate any violations of U.S. law that may have occurred as a result of illegal phone tapping, and I believe that the joint cooperation of our governments will help to ensure that the perpetrators of these alleged crimes are brought to justice and that no further innocents are victimized.

As you know, News International is accused of hacking the phones of the victims of the July 7, 2005 London bombings. In addition, the Daily Mirror has reported that journalists also sought to secure phone data of victims of the September 11, 2011 attacks in the United States through a private investigator. It is horrifying to consider the possibility that the victims of the 9/11 tragedy would be victimized again by an international newspaper seeking to profit from information about their personal suffering.

I was pleased to learn that Scotland Yard has mounted an aggressive investigation into these accusations, which reportedly includes a list of 3,870 names, 5,000 land-line phone numbers and 4,000 cell phone numbers that may have been hacked. It is imperative that the U.S. Government have the opportunity to access any of this information relative to U.S. citizens, along with all other relevant evidence to safeguard the rights, privacy, and safety of American citizens. In addition, America's highly qualified law enforcement community will serve as a valuable partner in attaining our shared goal of justice.

Our two nations have a long and strong history of working together to solve common problems and achieve shared goals. I am certain this spirit of cooperation will continue to benefit the citizens of our respective countries with respect to the News International scandal.

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