a merger of the office that releases

NEWS

with

PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS

(PSY OPS)

which deals with propaganda, a move that goes against the alliance's policy,

-and the officials said it could undermine the credibility of information released to the public.



"This will totally undermine the credibility of the information released to the press and the public,"

"This is very much an internal matter," he said. "This is up with higher headquarters right now and we're waiting to get the basic approval. Once we have the approval we will be going into implementation."

the merger had caused considerable concern at higher levels within NATO which had challenged the order by the U.S. general.

"black operations,

"

or outright deception.

an arrangement that is also against NATO policy





"What we are seeing is a gradual increase of American influence in all areas of the war. Seeking to gain total control of the information flow from the campaign is just part of that."