USNATO IS AUTHORIZED TO SIGN MOU ON THE

UNCLAS STATE 056224 SENSITIVE SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING SENSITIVE CAPTION) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR NATO PGOV PREL SUBJECT: USNATO IS AUTHORIZED TO SIGN MOU ON THE FACILITATION OF VITAL CIVIL EMERGENCY CROSS BORDER TRANSPORT ¶1. (U) USNATO is hereby authorized to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the Facilitation of Vital Civil Emergency Personnel Cross Border Transport (MOU) for Allies and Partners with the statement of understanding found below. ¶2. (U) Statement of Understanding -------------- We have designated the International Affairs Division of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency as the national point of contact for purposes of paragraph 3 (1) of the MOU. Furthermore, the United States understands the terms "to the extent possible" and "whenever possible" as used in paragraphs 4 (4) and 5 (1) of the MOU to mean to the extent practicable as authorized by law. Upon signing the MOU, the United States intends to submit a declaration including the statements noted above and for the purpose of recording them concurrently with the United States, signature. ¶3. (U) This non-binding agreement seeks to foster international cooperation in providing, receiving, or supporting international disaster relief. The U.S. will join 24 Allied and Partner nations that have already signed the MOU. ¶4. (SBU) During the interagency review, DOD cleared the MOU without any concerns or recommendations. However, DHS and State attorneys expressed concerns with several phrases contained within the MOU. After months of deliberation, the attorneys for DHS and STATE approved the MOU on the condition that we include the above quoted Statement of Understanding. ¶5. (U) In addition to the diplomatic value of U.S. support for this multi-national agreement, the MOU has practical benefit for domestic and international disaster response. Canada indicated that a U.S. signature may prompt action in Ottawa. Additionally, the MOU provides a basis for disaster coordination with Canada and Mexico. CLINTON