FRANCE: NASA/DAO MISSION CLEARANCE APPROVAL:

UNCLAS PARIS 008074 SIPDIS STATE PASS TO OES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MOPS TSPA FR SUBJECT: FRANCE: NASA/DAO MISSION CLEARANCE APPROVAL: DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 15, 2005 REF: (A) STATE 168481 (B) MFA NOTE VERBALE 1457 (C) EMBASSY PARIS LETTER DTD 11/17/05 (D) MFA NOTE VERBALE (E-MAIL VERSION DTD 11/28/05) (U) Embassy received an email version of the response to Embassy Letter dated 17 November concerning Reftel A. Informal translation: "The Embassy of the United States in Paris has requested that the US Air Force Mission that will go to the Marquesas Islands on 1 - 15 December 2005 to install a telemetry station for the launch of a meteorological satellite, be exempted from paying the (customs) security deposit. As an answer to this request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs the Embassy of the United States that the government of French Polynesia has agreed to waive the deposit request for the import under the temporary admission regime of the telemetry equipment. This authorization has been delivered on an exceptional basis, taking into account the overall interest of the project and as well as the good relationship between the Polynesian government and U.S. Authorities." (Note forwarded by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Office of Americas and Caribbean Affairs.) STAPLETON