US reacts to classified document leak

The White House has reacted angrily to the release of over a quarter of million classified government documents by WikiLeaks.

They consider the actions of the whistle-blowing website have put people’s lives at risk.

"These cables could compromise private discussions with foreign governments and opposition leaders, and when the substance of private conversations is printed on the front pages of newspapers across the world, it can deeply impact not only US foreign policy interests, but those of our allies and friends around the world," a spokesman for the White House said in a statement.

"Such disclosures put at risk our diplomats, intelligence professionals, and people around the world."

A prominent New York Republican, meanwhile, wants WikiLeaks to be classified as a terrorist organization.

"WikiLeaks presents a clear and present danger to the national security of the United States," said Peter King.

"I strongly urge you (Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) to work within the Administration to use every offensive capability of the US Government to prevent further damaging releases by WikiLeaks."

The reaction by authorities in the UK has also been negative.

"We condemn any unauthorised release of this classified information, just as we condemn leaks of classified material in the UK," a spokesman for the British Foreign Office said.

"They can damage national security, are not in the national interest and, as the US have said, may put lives at risk."