Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03THEHAGUE2981
2003-11-28 14:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:  

AVIATION SECURITY: DUTCH CONCERNS ABOUT NEW U.S.

Tags:  EAIR ECON NL 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002981 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DHS FOR DAVID TEACH
BRUSSELS FOR TSA REPS KNUDSEN AND CELLAR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON NL
SUBJECT: AVIATION SECURITY: DUTCH CONCERNS ABOUT NEW U.S.
CARGO INSPECTION RULES

REF: NOVEMBER 2003 TSA AVIATION SECURITY DIRECTIVES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002981

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DHS FOR DAVID TEACH
BRUSSELS FOR TSA REPS KNUDSEN AND CELLAR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON NL
SUBJECT: AVIATION SECURITY: DUTCH CONCERNS ABOUT NEW U.S.
CARGO INSPECTION RULES

REF: NOVEMBER 2003 TSA AVIATION SECURITY DIRECTIVES


1. (SBU) Summary. Dutch aviation security officials and
national carrier KLM recently voiced their shared concern
that new U.S. requirements for inspections of incoming cargo
(a.k.a. the 10% rule) will be difficult for carriers to meet.
The Dutch contend that their inspection procedures are
sufficient. The GONL plans to conduct its own risk
assessment, for which U.S. Customs has offered to lend
expertise. The GONL reiterates its commitment to aviation
security, and enjoys regular consultations on matters of
mutual interest with TSA/Department of Homeland Security.
End Summary.


2. (SBU) On November 18, EconOff and U.S. Customs
liaison Bryan Evans (who is based in Rotterdam) met with
Harry Mayer, Head of Legal Affairs, and director for aviation
security policy at the Ministry of Justice. The meeting was
the latest in a series of periodic consultations between post
and Dutch aviation security officials. Mayer affirmed his
support for strong transatlantic cooperation in aviation
security, but highlighted several emerging concerns that the
Dutch have on aspects of U.S. air security requirements. In
general, the Dutch feel deluged by what they see is an
excessive number of security directives from the USG. The
Dutch mantra on aviation security directives is that American
requirements appear haphazard; instead, requirements should
be more closely linked to risks. (Note: this sentiment has
been a repeating theme in our consultations with Dutch
authorities. End Note.) Mayer had just returned from
Washington where he met with DHS/TSA Director of
International Affairs David Tiedge. Mayer spoke very highly
of his reception at TSA and mentioned that he and Tiedge
discussed a number of topics of mutual interest including the
USG's new "continued search" requirements on passenger
baggage, which the Dutch find rather redundant and
burdensome. (Note: TSA informs post that its reps are
working with the Dutch to streamline the process. On
November 17 per the new security requirement, TSA offered
Schiphol Airport options to minimize the number of tables for
passenger check-in services. End Note.) Mayer offered
Tiedge a preview of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport's new risk
analysis (a.k.a. profiling) policy, which is still in the
development phase. Mayer noted that he looks forward to
following up with DHS on these two items of interest.


3. (SBU) EconOff raised the issue of new threats to cargo
aviation, as have been identified in recent TSA bulletins,
and the accompanying new requirements that cargo carriers
perform 10% random screening. The Dutch are "very focused"
on this issue, but question whether the increased risk
warrants the 10% inspection measure. Mayer said the new
requirement creates a significant burden for carriers and
says that it will take some time for them to meet the
requirement in full. The Ministry of Justice is working
jointly with Dutch Customs and the Royal Marechaussee to
develop a risk assessment for cargo passing through Schiphol
Airport. U.S. Customs Liaison Evans volunteered to tap
sources of DHS expertise for any future the risk assessment,
and Mayer welcomed the suggestion. Mayer noted that TSA's
2003 certification of Schiphol Airport did not identify any
major soft spots in the area of security.


4. (SBU) EconOff also discussed cargo security with Mr.
Teun Platenkamp of national carrier KLM's government affairs
office. Platenkamp echoed the Ministry's complaints about
the 10% requirement, adding, "It's impossible to open 10% of
cargo." KLM and other cargo carriers at Schiphol employ the
"known shipper" system to the greatest extent possible, and
do what they can to ensure a secure supply chain, including
the use of sophisticated seals and GPS-based tracking
systems. KLM x-rays any cargo that does not come from a
"known shipper." In addition, the Dutch national carrier has
a trace detection system available that looks for explosives.
Platenkamp suggested that it would be more effective to
apply enhanced security requirements to cargo agents, rather
than carriers. If the USG recognized the GONL's national
cargo security requirements for regulated agents, this would
greatly reduce the burden on air carriers transporting cargo
to the U.S. Agents, he says, are more vulnerable than
carriers. America's new cargo security requirements were
among the more popular topics of conversation at the recent
European civil aviation meeting in Athens, he noted. KLM is
drafting a letter outlining its procedures which it will
present to TSA officials in response to the cargo requirement.
RUSSEL