FRANCE: R/V ROGER REVELLE RESEARCH CLEARANCE

UNCLAS PARIS 000318 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO OES/OA ROBERTA BARNES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TPHY KRVC EWWT FR SUBJECT: FRANCE: R/V ROGER REVELLE RESEARCH CLEARANCE REQUEST: JANUARY 14 THROUGH MARCH 11, 2006 REF: (A) STATE DEPARTMENT FILE NO.: 2005 - 103 (B) (05)SECSTATE 209514 ¶1. (U) This message confirms earlier e-mail correspondence. Embassy received research clearance for the subject vessel (Reftel A) from the MFA under cover of diplomatic note number 48/AME dated 12 January 2006. The note states that the French authorities have no objection to the research campaign of the ROGER REVELLE in the French waters of French Polynesia from 14 January to 11 March, ¶2006. The note further states that local authorities have been informed. ¶2. (U) The note further indicates that the French authorities do not permit "heavy seismic operations" to be conducted during the research program. The note also underscores the necessity for the research vessel, throughout its program, to pay specific attention not to harm fishing equipment left in place within French waters by professional fishermen. ¶3. (U) The note also states that the ship must inform French authorities of its entrance into and exit from French Polynesian waters (mrccpapeete@mail.pf). ¶4. (U) Finally, the MFA requests three/three copies of both the preliminary and post cruise report. STAPLETON