FRANCE: CHARLES DE GAULLE AND WASHINGTON-DULLES AIRPORTS

UNCLAS PARIS 003919

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR EUR/WE, EB/TRA
DHS FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
DHS FOR TSA INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS, TSNM


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PTER FR
SUBJECT: FRANCE: CHARLES DE GAULLE AND WASHINGTON-DULLES AIRPORTS
DISCUSS NEW COOPERATION ON SECURITY



1. (SBU) Post wishes to highlight an innovative proposed
"sister-airport" link between Paris' Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport
and Washington-Dulles airport. The idea -- for a limited
information and "best practices" exchange -- was originally
formulated in November 2005 by Dulles security officials during a
visit to the airport by a French delegation from the French Civil
Aviation Authority (DGAC). A two-member delegation from Charles de
Gaulle Airport (CDG) followed up with a visit to Dulles in May 2006
designed to familiarize them with its operations, allow them to
discuss French procedures, and further discuss the possibilities of
improving information exchange and "best practices," particularly in
the domain of airport and passenger security, to potentially include
issues such as procedures, technology, training, and
administration.


2. (SBU) Post has been discussing this concept with airport and
security officials responsible for CDG since January 2006, and it
has met with a uniformly positive response. Post also finds much to
applaud in the idea. Given our aviation security agenda and the
difficulties we at times experience in ensuring GOF cooperation, we
need to take the lead in promoting our willingness to exchange ideas
and establish cooperation on security in a variety of fora.
Moreover, a local initiative such as this could improve US-French
cooperation without the bureaucratic obstacles on the French side
that have limited the flow of information via the mandatory
inspection process. It should give the Embassy a better
understanding of French security practices, and might provide us
with allies that could be useful in overcoming GOF roadblocks that
have restricted US access to French airports to the bare minimum.


3. (SBU) Post strongly recommends that the Department, DHS and TSA
help facilitate this proposal. We encourage Washington agencies to
contact Donald MacGregor Ross Deputy Federal Security Director,
Washington Dulles International Airport to discuss the idea: (703)
662-2264 (desk),(202) 365-5986 (cell),don.ross@dhs.gov.

Stapleton