Opinion ID: 496195
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Compilation Theory

Text: 10 The national security exemption is invoked here on the theory that, while the individual entries are not classified or (therefore) withholdable, the aggregation is withholdable on the compilation theory. 11 The national security exemption concerns matters that are 12 A) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and (B) are in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive order. 13 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552(b)(1) (1982). In conformity with this requirement, Executive Order 12,356 provides for the classification of information which either by itself, or in the context of other information reasonably could be expected to cause damage to national security. While AFSC does not contest the validity of the compilation theory, 1 it does argue that DoD is obliged to produce those portions of the requested material which can be segregated from the information whose disclosure would damage the national security. Apart from its segregability contention, AFSC also contends that in light of the factual record, the compilation theory does not apply here because DoD's judgment that national security reasonably could be expected to be damaged cannot be respected. 14