When might sensitive information be disclosed to foreign governments?

Disclosing sensitive information to foreign governments typically occurs under circumstances of mutual interest or benefit. This principle is grounded in the idea that information sharing should advance common goals, such as fostering international cooperation, enhancing security, or facilitating strategic partnerships. By ensuring that both parties receive tangible advantages from the exchange, the disclosure can be more justified and beneficial.

Furthermore, mutual interest helps to establish trust between the entities involved, making them more likely to respect and protect shared information. This principle aligns with governmental and military policies regarding foreign disclosures, where the implications of sharing sensitive data are carefully considered, weighing the security risks against potential rewards.

In contrast, the other options do not provide adequate rationales for when sensitive information might be disclosed. For instance, restricting disclosures to only international conferences overlooks many other legitimate situations where sharing may be necessary. Informal requests for information do not typically meet the rigorous standards required for disclosing sensitive data, as such requests could lead to misunderstandings or unintentional leaks. Lastly, involvement of a third party in the context of disclosure does not inherently justify sharing sensitive information; discretion is still needed to ensure that the third party is trustworthy and that the information will be handled appropriately.