German Federal Police Helicopter Circles US Consulate

New submitter mwissel writes "The German Federal Police ('Bundespolizei') had sent out an helicopter in late August to fly over the U.S. consulate in Frankfurt and take photos from only 60 meters height — reportedly to search for spy antennae and other espionage related equipment on the building rooftops. A government spokesmen more or less confirmed the purpose of the flight, and it is said that Merkel's chief of staff, Ronald Pofalla, gave the order. This is remarkable, because Pofalla so far stood out with a very U.S.-friendly attitude in the debate around NSA surveillance programs. There was, of course, no word about any findings. It also remains unclear whether this was just plain provocation or a PR-stunt for the upcoming federal elections in Germany on September 22nd."

Comments

Of course it's a PR stunt

[mechtech256]

Germany has a very advanced military, it could certainly get photos of the roof of a building more covertly than sending out a helicopter and making a public statement.

Re:Of course it's a PR stunt

[cold fjord]

Every gov knows what Russia, the UK and US do with their "Consulate" floors

Oh come now A., the club is bigger than that! The majority of countries get in on the spy game at some level.
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Sometimes the trails can get very complicated.

For some reason this video comes to mind: Its a Small World

Parlament election

[alendit]

Just to give some background: Germany will have parlament elections on Sep 22nd, i.e. in 2 weeks.

Re:We trust the American people...

[jamesh]

You do realise that the American govt is full of American people right?

Sorry. My mistake. I do trust the American government now that I know it's full of American people.

Re:What's a spy antanna look like?

[chihowa]

Most if those don't look like they'd be used (or useful) for spying. They look like they're for communicating with the host country directly (not through local infrastructure). Most of them are satcom dishes and HF antennae for long distance communication.