The Pentagon Press Association wants some clarity from defense officials on whether journalists’ phone calls are being monitored and in what it says is an “unprecedented step,” sent a letter on Friday seeking that clarity from the defense secretary and chairman of the joint chiefs,  Politico reports.

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little last week used “monitor” in a statement  on next steps intended to thwart Pentagon leaks. “The Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Public  Affairs, will monitor all major, national level reporting for unauthorized disclosures of defense  department classified information,” LIttle said. 

Friday’s letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey said, “[T]he phrase ‘monitor all major, national level reporting’ could be interpreted by some as authorizing intrusive actions aimed at members of the news  media who report on defense issues.

“We have received no answers as to specific monitoring authorities,  and ‘reporting’ is much broader than ‘published reports.’ We are asking you to clarify in writing what is meant by ‘monitor all major, national level reporting.’ “

Among the questions asked: 

• What media do you monitor?
•  Do you have authority to do the following: 
• Tap phones at work or home?
• Intercept or monitor emails?
• Conduct monitoring or surveillance of Pentagon press workspaces?
• Are you authorized to monitor phone conversations, emails or press workspaces without our knowledge?

The Pentagon is “reviewing” the letter, Politico says, citing a statement late Friday from Little. “The Department will, of course, review this letter. We have great respect for the Pentagon press corps and its vital role in informing the American people. The key goal of the steps we announced is to ensure that Department officials honor their obligation to protect classified information.”