VZCZCXRO7573
RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM
DE RUEHME #1720 0962319
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 062319Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6345
INFO RUEHXC/ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS MEXICO 001720
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PLEASE PASS TO CODEL THOMPSON
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AFIN AMGT ASEC MX OREP PREL
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL THOMPSON VISIT TO
MEXICO CITY, APRIL 10-11
REF: A. A: 2007 STATE 33750
B. B: 2007 STATE 42521
1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to CODEL
Thompson for travel to Mexico City from April 10 to 11, 2007.
The purpose of the visit to Mexico is to meet Government of
Mexico officials and Embassy personnel on bilateral law
enforcement issues.
2. Post control officer for the visit is Political Officer
Walter R. Miller, telephone 52 (55) 5080-2000 ext 4806; fax
52 (55) 5080-2247; cell 202-468-7440; e-mail
MillerWR@state.gov.
3. The Embassy is supporting the visit by assisting in
transportation, lodging and meetings. All extra costs
incurred during CODEL Thompson's visit will be charged to the
fund cite provided in paragraph nine of reftel A. The
tentative composition of the CODEL, staff support and
milescorts is provided in paragraph one of reftel B.
4. The Department of State has designated Mexico City as a
critical threat post due to the high level of crime and the
ineffectiveness and corruption of Mexican law enforcement.
Robberies at gunpoint, pick pocketing, purse snatching,
taxicab abductions and quick-kidnappings continue to cause us
concern. Any hotel selected for you by the embassy will be
safe, but it is still wise to store all valuables in a room
safe or in a safe deposit box. Leaving expensive-looking
jewelry at home and wearing a plastic watch will
significantly improve your security profile. The Embassy
cautions travelers that they should never hail a cruising
taxi (or "libre" taxi) but should instead use
airport-sanctioned taxis, taxis operating from fixed sites
("sitios), or a cab called for you by your hotel.
5. Mexico does have health concerns. You should take normal
tourist precautions with regard to drinking water, eating
fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. Some employees react to
the pollution and high altitude; so take things slowly at
first. Travelers to Mexico City may require some time to
adjust to the altitude (7000 ft.), which can adversely affect
blood pressure, digestion, sleep, and energy level.
Individuals with sickle cell trait should consult with the
appropriate medical unit or their personal physician before
commencing with travel. Short-term (TDY) assignments carry
an added risk because of the lack of time to acclimatize.
Dehydration, stress, or illnesses compound the basic risks of
high altitude.
6. We encourage you to access further security and health
related information as well as post access regulations for
the region you are visiting at the Mission Mexico intranet
homepage at http://mexicocity.state.gov/IntraMissMex.html or
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov.
Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity
GARZA