COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002417

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FAMS FOR SHELDON SEMASHKO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR PTER ASEC OTRA HL
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL
SERVICE OPERATION TEAM PD 07-28/29 R60 - DECEMBER 22, 2006
- JANUARY 6, 2007

REF: FAMS 072039Z NOV 06


1. Country Clearance is granted for Federal Air Marshal
Service Operation Team PD 07-28/29 R60 to travel to The
Netherlands from December 22, 2006 - January 6, 2007 to deter
criminal acts targetting civil aviation.


2. Embassy understands that no assistance is required.

POST ACCESS:


3. Visitors who need unescorted access into secure areas of
the Mission must provide proof of a 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 USE:


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. The Government of the Netherlands (GoN) assesses the
threat level of a terrorist incident for The Netherlands as
&substantial.8 This is the second highest of four threat
levels and is defined as a realistic threat that the
Netherlands will experience a terrorist attack. GoN has
implemented Counter-Terrorism and heightened security
measures in response.


7. US citizens in The Netherlands are encouraged to monitor
media reports, to maintain a high level of vigilance and to
take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
American citizens should bear in mind that even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
American citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations
if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity
of any demonstrations.


8. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the
heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S.
citizens and interests abroad. As noted in the Department of
State,s Worldwide Caution of October 11, 2006, 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. Terrorist actions may include, but are not
limited to, suicide operations, assassination, hijackings,
bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and
other transportation and maritime interests.


9. An area of concern for visitors to The Netherlands is
crime. Most crimes against officials Americans are limited
to pick-pocketing and purse and luggage theft. Theft from
automobiles and hotel rooms are also on the rise. 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. Official travelers have
been victimized, losing personal or unclassified government
computers, software and data. Travelers are reminded that
regulations require the use of the diplomatic pouch for
shipment of classified equipment and information.


10. Streets can be walked in relative safety but, as in any
U.S. urban area, caution and vigilance should be exercised
especially 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 crimes.

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