Former and current CIA officials have warned that Blair’s plan could create competing chains of command inside U.S. embassies that could potentially foul up intelligence operations, complicate the delicate relationships between U.S. and foreign intelligence services and confuse ambassadors over whom to rely on for intelligence advice.

CIA station chiefs posted in embassies have handled the national intelligence role abroad since 2005, but Blair wants the option of designating other intelligence specialists for the job. Blair’s move has prompted strong objections from Panetta and has been referred to Jones to settle.