AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE TO VISA WAIVER PROGRAM LETTER

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000071 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CVIS CMGT PBTS PREL KPAO SUBJECT: AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE TO VISA WAIVER PROGRAM LETTER REF: STATE 02059 ¶1. (U) January 8, Pol Off presented Beverly Mercer, Director of the U.S. Political and Strategic Section, and Alanna Mckay, Executive Officer of the U.S. Branch, of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade the talking points contained in paragraph 6 (reftel) concerning the Visa Waiver Program and the 9/11 Act. ¶2. (U) Ms Mercer was especially pleased that DHS and the State Department were working with the Government of Australia (GOA) on the Visa Waiver requirements without the necessity of a new MOU, which would have been very difficult to arrange between the numerous interested agencies and departments of the GOA. The explanations and background to the DHS letter contained in the talking points were well received, and the Australian side assured the U.S. of their equal commitment to timely compliance with all requirements. CLUNE