The facts page at the beginning of Disclosing the Secret touches on President Clinton’s 1995 presidential determination exempting the US Air Force’s “operating location” near Groom Lake in Nevada from all laws that normal American citizens, companies and government entities must obey. The term ‘operating location’ was used to describe the secret base as it did not officially exist during the time of his presidency. This ruling was issued on the grounds that:
- Information concerning activities at this “operating location” near Groom Lake (aka Area 51) had been deemed classified.
- Its disclosure would compromise national security.
Click here for a PDF copy of the presidential determination No. 95–45.