UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001841

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TPHY TSPL OTRA KSCA UP NL
SUBJECT: UKRAINE, THE NETHERLANDS, COUNTRY CLR, NSF:
JMORRIS 7/22-8/1


1. Country Clearance is granted for Dr. James Morris,
Program Officer, Division of Environmental Biology, for
travel to Utrecht, The Netherlands from July 26-30, 2004.


2. Embassy understands that no assistance is requested.

POST ACCESS:


3. Visitors who need unescorted access into secure areas of
the Mission must provide proof of at least a secret
clearance. If level of clearance was not provided in the
original country clearance request it should be done by
separate cable. The cable should include SSN, and the name
of the agency granting the security clearance. Cables must
include the ASEC Tag to ensure distribution to the RSO office.

COMPUTER and ELECTRONICS USAGE:


4. Inter-agency security standards prohibit the introduction
or use of non-USG owned computer hardware and software at all
USG diplomatic facilities. Cell phones, palm pilots, radios
and other convenience electronics are prohibited in all
secure areas of the Mission.


5. Travelers who anticipate having special needs in terms of
either access or computer usage should contact the RSO office
before arriving at post.

SECURITY ADVISORY:


6. On July 9, 2004, the Dutch government implemented
heightened security measures in response to concerns of
terrorist activity. U.S. citizens in the Netherlands are
encouraged to monitor media reports, and are reminded to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate
steps to increase their security awareness.

The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the
heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against the U.S.
citizens and interests abroad. As noted in the Department of
State's Worldwide Caution of April 29, 2004, terrorists do
not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Such
targets may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other
foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas,
clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and
public areas. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened
state of personal security awareness when attendance at such
locations is unavoidable.

Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to,
suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings.
These may also involve commercial aircraft and maritime
interests, and threats to include conventional weapons, such
as explosive devices.

A concern for visitors is a crime. Most crimes against
official Americans are limited to pick-pocketing and luggage
theft. Theft from automobiles and hotel rooms are not
unknown. Recently, theft of laptop computers has increased,
especially at Schiphol Airport and major train stations. The
thieves operate in small groups that target travelers. They
are determined and well practiced at distraction theft.
Several official travelers have been victimized losing
personal or unclassified government computers, valuable
software and data. Travelers are reminded regulations
require the use of the diplomatic pouch for shipment of
classified equipment and information.

Streets can be walked in relative safety, but as in any U.S.
urban area, caution should be exercised after dark in the
more populated cities of The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.
Red-light districts and public transportation hubs are
common locations for incidents of street crime.

For the latest security information, Americans living and
traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's
Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide
Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be
found. Up-to-date information on security can also be
obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or,
for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line
at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except
U.S. federal holidays).
RUSSEL