REDESIGNED U.S. $100 NOTE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 015577 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIN ECON SUBJECT: REDESIGNED U.S. $100 NOTE STATE 00015577 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (U) Summary: This is an action cable. This cable includes information on the unveiling of a redesigned $100 Federal Reserve Note and the associated U.S. government global public education program. The cable also includes a request for Embassy points of contact (POCs) by February 16, to support the government's global public education efforts. End Summary. ¶2. (U) In order to stay ahead of counterfeiters, the U.S. government is redesigning the $100 note to incorporate advancements in currency security that will make the note harder to counterfeit, but easy for businesses and consumers to authenticate. The new $100 note builds on the currency redesign efforts which began in 2003 with the $20 note. ¶3. (U) Public Education Program: The Federal Reserve estimates that up to two-thirds of U.S. currency circulates outside of the United States. The $100 note is the most widely circulated and most often counterfeited denomination outside the United States. Therefore, in preparation for its introduction, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP),Federal Reserve Board (FRB) and United States Secret Service (USSS) are planning an extensive global public education program to familiarize the public and stakeholders (central banks, other financial institutions, law enforcement agencies and relevant industries) with the design and security features of the new $100 note. We are looking to embassies for support of the government's global public education effort. ¶4. (SBU) Milestones: The BEP, FRB and USSS will unveil the new $100 note design on April 21, 2010. A digital version of the new $100 note design will appear at that time on the Redesigned Currency Web site, http://www.newmoney.gov, which will facilitate broader communication about the new design. The Federal Reserve will issue the new $100 note 6-9 months following the unveiling of the new design. (NOTE: The date for the unveiling of the redesigned $100 note is not to be shared outside official USG channels until the BEP, FRB, and USSS issue a media advisory on March 3, 2010.) ¶5. (U) Circulation: It is not necessary to trade in old-design $100 notes for new ones. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued. ¶6. (U) Priority Markets for Outreach: Based on extensive research, we have identified 52 countries �0A;where it is critical that we educate users of United States currency about the upcoming changes to the $100 note. These select markets will receive more focused attention from the education program; subsequent communications from the BEP, FRB and USSS will outline the level of outreach within each of the targeted markets. ¶7. (U) Interactive Public Education Resource Kit (iPERK): In order to assist you in your public education efforts and to ensure a consistent voice across all government agencies, we will provide you with access to a password-protected comprehensive toolkit, the iPERK. This toolkit will be available through the Redesigned Currency Web site, http://www.newmoney.gov and will include media materials, samples of education materials, talking points and Q&A documents that will help your Embassy respond to any stakeholder or media inquiries. ¶8. (U) Press Kit and Training Materials: Press and education materials will be available on the Redesigned Currency Web site http://www.newmoney.gov. The Web site will be updated to include information and images of the new $100 note after the design is unveiled on April 21, ¶2010. Educational materials will also be made available to order (free of charge) or download (PDF format) from the Web site at that time. The Washington File will also carry these materials, and they may be distributed as appropriate. ¶9. (U) Action Request: We request that each Embassy select two POCs who will remain at post through the end of 2010: (1) a public affairs POC who will liaise with the public education specialists contracted and authorized by the BEP, FRB and USSS to support the new currency program in select markets; and (2) an economic STATE 00015577 002.2 OF 002 POC who will manage relationships with officials in finance ministries, central banks, other banking institutions and currency exchanges to assess their information needs. Where appropriate, posts should plan on educating the media and consumers about the new $100 note and collaborate with in-country teams to host events and training seminars. The USSS will coordinate all law enforcement training and support through the regional security officer. ¶10. (U) POCs: Please send the names of the two POCs along with contact information by e-mail to Sonja Danburg, at Sonja.R.Danburg@frb.gov by February 26, 2010 with a copy to William A. Campbell, the State Department POC in EEB/IFD/OMA, at CampbellWA@state.gov. ¶11. (SBU) Next Steps: Between now and the date of the unveiling of the new $100 note on April 21, 2010, there will be a series of e-mail and other communications as well as a "kick-off" conference call between the BEP, FRB, USSS and the POCs which you designate. On March 1, 2010 an introductory e-mail will be sent to the POC with details on the unveiling event in the United States, activities planned in each market and the schedule and logistics for the conference call. MINIMIZE CONSIDERED CLINTON