EXECUTIVE ORDERbr 12333br - - - - - - -br UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIESbr DECEMBER 4, 1981br (AS AMENDED BY EXECUTIVE ORDERS 13284 (2003), 13355 (2004)br AND 13XXX (2008))br PREAMBLEbr Timely, accurate, and insightful information about the activities, capabilities, plans, andbr intentions of foreign powers, organizations, and persons, and their agents, is essential to thebr national security of the United States. All reasonable and lawful means must be used to ensurebr that the United States will receive the best intelligence possible.