The evaluation shows close collaboration. In some areas it is so close that a word like integration comes to mind. There is thus good reason to ask who is running and controlling the elaborate Norwegian collaboration with the NSA? Does Norway have full political control of this collaboration?

There is no doubt that Norway's close proximity to Russia and the Russian military power in Norway's backyard make it necessary for our intelligence service to pay close attention. However, the NSA evaluation's descriptions of the intelligence service's extent and methods are in stark contrast to the picture Norwegian politicians present when describing our relationship with Russia as stable and good.

Before publishing this we have had an extensive, and in our opinion wise, dialogue with the leaders of the intelligence service. Dagbladet will exercise caution in disclosing methods, locations — as well as capacity. We do not wish to harm national security, complicate operations in conflict areas such as Afghanistan, or disclose too much of the important work done by the Norwegian intelligence service. However, failing to make the public aware of the overall picture evident from the NSA evaluation would be to fail our social mission.