SEEKING CLARIFICATION ON SECURITY REGULATIONS AND

UNCLAS PARIS 002630

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR EB/TRA, EUR/WE, EUR/ERA, AND S/CT
DHS FOR BTS-OPERATIONS, TSA-INTL AFFAIRS-DTIEDGE, JNIKOLAO
AND CBP-RMICHAUD
DOT FOR OST S-1 (FLAHERTY) AND S-60
BRUSSELS FOR FAA-KEDWARDS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PTER FR EUN
SUBJECT: SEEKING CLARIFICATION ON SECURITY REGULATIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE AIR TRAVEL TO THE U.S.


NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION


1. (U) This is a request for guidance. See para 4.


2. (SBU) We were recently made aware of at least one case
in which the CEO of one of France's largest companies, with
significant investments and business interests in the U.S.,
was denied permission to fly, in a private European-
registered aircraft, to the U.S. The traveler's subsequent
investigation into the refusal and the overall USG
requirements for private (not-for-profit, or Part 91)
operation into the U.S. was extremely confusing to both the
traveler and his staff. The traveler was confused about the
several-day approval period for an International Fleet
Waiver, the status about the waiver's applicability to
members of the crew, and when a flight routing itinerary is
required rather than requested. The CEO approached the
Ambassador seeking clarification, and even with substantial
substantive resources at Post, we found it difficult to
explain exactly what the requirements are.


3. (SBU) We understand that tighter controls on all air
travel into the U.S. has become a necessity and a reality
after September 11. However, we are concerned that opaque
and downright impenetrable rules and requirements may be
dissuading and preventing travel to the U.S. by individuals
who need to travel there (often on short notice) for
legitimate business reasons. Typically some of these
individuals and their firms are heavily invested in the U.S.
and responsible for the creation of American jobs.


4. (SBU) Action request: We would be grateful if relevant
Washington agencies could coordinate and develop clear,
concise, requirements and procedures for not-for-profit
private aircraft travel to the U.S. that could be provided
to Embassies. Ultimately, we would want to be able to
place such requirements on our website or to be able to
explain the requirements when asked. (For example, visa
requirements for such individuals, indeed for all French
citizens, are available on our website and comparatively
easy to understand.) Ideally, we would be able to pass a
one or two-page information sheet to important contacts who
need to make such travel to the U.S. We would be grateful
if Washington agencies could provide us with clear, concise
guidance and information on relevant U.S. requirements that
would give particular emphasis to the time required (i.e.
how many days in advance) for obtaining necessary waivers
and approvals.

WOLFF