Total number of State Department cables (2nd Request)

Matthieu Bourbaki filed this request with the U.S. Department of State of the United States of America.
Tracking #

F-2013-10855

Status
Completed

Communications

From: Matthieu Bourbaki

To Whom It May Concern:

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I hereby request the following records:

The total number of State Department telegrams sent annually since 1973, together with a breakdown of the telegrams sent
- by year, from 1973 to the present year,
- by original classification (Confidential, Confidential//NOFORN, Secret, Secret//NOFORN, Unclassified, etc.), and
- by Embassy, Department, or person of origin

I further specifically ask under the Freedom of Information Act to be provided with copies of all records indicating the method used -- including but not limited to scripts, commands, batch files, programs and queries -- to produce the copies of the information requested in this letter.

I further request any outputs and logs prepared during the process of running these scripts/commands/programs and queries, or prepared to check that the copies are complete and accurate in all particulars.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Matthieu Bourbaki

From: Department of State

An acknowledgement letter, stating the request is being processed.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Request

Your query has been forwarded to the FOIA Requester Status mailbox for reply.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki - The estimated completion date for the subject case is June 2014. Regards,

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Matthieu,

The estimated completion date (ECD) is June/2014.

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Thank you,
Katrina Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Matthieu Bourbaki,

The Department’s electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date for this case is: June/2014.

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Katrina M. Wood
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

The case notes still indicate the estimated completion date for this case is: June 2014

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

Your request for a status update has been forwarded to the appropriate office for action.
Best,

Jennine A. Daniels
U.S. Department of State

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

The new estimated completion date for this case is: November 2014.

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which are beyond the control of the Branch, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

The Department's electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: November 2014.

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are "strictly" estimates and not intended to be used as "actual" dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

Your estimated completion date is still set for November 30, 3014.
Best,
Jennine A. Daniels
U.S. Department of State

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

I have contacted the Case Analyst and requested a new estimated completion date for your case. The Analyst will contact the bureaus doing the searches and the individuals reviewing the material. This will take some time because each case is different. The search and review time varies. The time depends on the complexity of information requested and the time it takes to review the material.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki - The new estimated completion date is June 2015.

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thank you for your help.

From: FOIA Status

Dear Matthieu Bourbaki,

This is in reference to your e-mail dated June 30, 2015, inquiring about the status of your Freedom of Information Act request. A copy of your e-mail has been forwarded to the office that is processing your request. Our office has also requested an estimated completion date for your request. That date will be provided to you soon.

We appreciate your continued patience during this process.

If you have any questions regarding the status of your request, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) on 202-261-8484 and refer to your case control number.

Sincerely,

Charlotte W. Duckett
U.S. Department of State

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

Given the high volume of FOIA requests, in addition to a backlog which the Department is working diligently to reduce, there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA requests.

The Department’s electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: October 2015

- ECDs are subject to change.
- ECDs are “strictly” estimates and not intended to be used as “actual” dates of completions, due to various extenuating factors, which may or may not include coordination with other Agencies during the process (referrals, concurrences, etc.).
Interim release dates are provided, as applicable

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8582 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: MuckRock.com

To Whom It May Concern:

I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on June 20, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #F-2013-10855.

Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

Given the high volume of FOIA requests, in addition to a backlog which the Department is working diligently to reduce, there is presently a delay in the completion of FOIA requests.

The Department’s electronic case notes indicate the case is still open. The searches are still pending. Each case is different and the processing time depends on the complexity of information requested, the location of the information, and the time it takes to review the records.

The new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: October 2015

Chris Barnes
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 12958, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

According to the case notes, the new estimated completion date (ECD) for this case is: October 2015

U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

In accordance with Executive Order 13526, this message is UNCLASSIFIED

From: FOIA Status

The new estimated completion date is November 2015.

From: Department of State

A copy of documents responsive to the request.

From: Department of State

A cover letter granting the request and outlining any exempted materials, if any.

From: Matthieu Bourbaki

Hello,

We very much appreciate your help with our FOIA request case number F-2013-10855 dated June 20, 2013. We understand that the Department of State was not obliged to send a document created after the date of our request, and indeed not obliged to create any such document. We also understand and appreciate that the case analyst took considerable effort in researching the data we sought.

Respectfully, we would like to ask why the data in the responsive documents ends in the year 1999, when our request stated that we were searching for data till 2013. Did the effort expended for the request exceed the allotted time meant per FOIA request? Was the data from 2000 on formatted such that it was not possible to investigate pertinent information? Or was there some other reason? We ask so that it may inform whether or not it will be reasonable to make another request for data after 1999 or if the effort will inevitably end in wasted effort on both sides due to the nature of the system.

Thank you again for your time and patience.

Sincerely,
Matthieu Bourbaki

From: FOIA Status

Mr. Bourbaki,

I checked the status of this case and it was closed on October 7, 2015. You were informed of this in the letter that was sent to you on that date. If you wish to obtain records from the U.S. Department of State you will need to submit a new request. When you do a new case number will be generated.

Please reference the old case number in your new request in case the team reviewing the material needs to access information from the old case file. Before you submit a new request please read the instructions and pay particular attention to the "Checklist for Personal Records" and the "Certification of Identity".

http://www.state.gov/m/a/ips/

How to make a request for Personal Records:

http://foia.state.gov/Request/PersonalRecords.aspx

I hope this information is helpful. If you have further concerns or any questions regarding any FOIA-related matter, please contact the FOIA Requester Service Center (FRSC) at (202) 261-8484, or fax us at (202) 261-8579 or send an e-mail to foiastatus@state.gov<mailto:foiastatus@state.gov>

Dominique Cotten
U.S. Department of State
FOIA Requester Service Center
(202) 261-8484
foiastatus@state.gov

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