Intel chief: US spying on allied leaders common

He said that it was a basic tenet of US intelligence-gathering to find out the intentions of foreign leaders

The national intelligence director says the US has commonly spied on leaders of its foreign allies for decades, as they are spying on American officials.

National Intelligence Director James Clapper told Congress today it's "kind of a basic tenet" of US intelligence-gathering to find out the intentions of foreign leaders.

He said it's done to make sure "what they are saying gels with what's actually going on" and to determine how allies' policies would impact the US.

Clapper also said allies have "absolutely" spied on US officials.

He did not offer any specifics.

Recent reports show the National Security Agency had monitored the cellphone conversations of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The White House is considering banning eavesdropping on friendly foreign leaders.