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EARLY POLICY Early Use of Microphones by FBI Extensive file reviews disciose only that the early use of microphones by the FBI is not recorded in zany detail, It appears that microphones were used by the FBI during the 1920's GR». 2c 22t0 1920's and in the 1930's, their use was confined to the obtaining of intelligence information in criminal cases, {Exhibitl1 ) Bureau Authorization First Reauired in 1938 In a memorandum from Mr, E. P. Coffey to Mr. Nathan, dated June 3, 1938, the Technical Laboratory expressed the opinion that the question of prior Bureau authorization for the dnstallation of a microphone had not previously arisen. My. E. A. Tamm noted on this memorandum that Bureau author- 4zation should be obtained on all occasions, (Exhibit 2) This requirenent for prior Bureau authorization to install a microphone was incorporated in the Manual of Rules and Regulations on November 1, 1938, and read as follows;