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DE RUEHHI #2571/01 2790034
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R 060034Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY HANOI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3630
INFO RUEHHM/AMCONSUL HO CHI MINH 1926

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HANOI 002571 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT ABLD ASEC VM
SUBJECT: INITIAL GROUNDWORK FOR APP IN DANANG 
 
REF: State 158624 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary:  On September 28, the Charge discussed USG 
interest in opening an American Presence Post (APP) in Danang with 
MFA Americas Department Acting Director General Pham Van Que. 
Earlier in September, an Embassy team looked at potential locations 
in Danang for the APP.  Among the three recommendations listed 
below, the first recommendation stands out as the most suitable 
space for the APP.  End Summary. 
 
Noncommittal Reaction by MFA 
---------------------------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) On September 28, the Charge discussed USG interest in 
opening an APP in Danang with MFA Americas Department Acting 
Director General Pham Van Que.  The Charge explained the Secretary's 
initiative to place individual U.S. diplomats in large cities 
currently without a U.S. diplomatic presence.  After a review of 
possible candidates around the world, Vietnam was selected as a 
desirable host country.  The Charge noted that his was an initial 
approach, as additional action is necessary within the USG to 
finalize the concept, but the USG would like Vietnam's reaction to 
the idea of a small U.S. consulate office in Danang. 
 
¶3. (SBU) Que listened intently, but noncommittally, to the proposal. 
 He noted that the idea, if brought to fruition, could factor into 
the President's November visit, but doubted there would be enough 
time to reach an agreement.  The Charge clarified that the APP is 
still in the planning stage, and that he was not raising it as a 
deliverable for the President's trip.  Que asked for a list of 
countries already hosting APPs, which the Charge promised to 
provide.  Que also sought clarification on whether the APP in Danang 
would be a consulate or part of the Embassy, and was told it would 
be separate from the Embassy. 
 
¶4. (SBU) The Charge will meet again with Que on October 10, and will 
seek further GVN reactions at that time. 
 
Results of Danang Office Space Survey 
------------------------------------- 
 
¶5. (SBU) GSO, DS Physical Security Specialist (DS/PSD/PCB) Charles 
Light and GSO Assistant visited Danang September 13 and 14.  The 
team toured the city and looked at five potential locations for the 
APP site.  GSO previously worked regularly at APP Winnipeg, Canada. 
Based on the criteria provided in Reftel and GSO's previous 
experience at APP Winnipeg, post recommends three potential sites in 
rank order, with a possible fourth recommendation subject to a 
favorable follow-up visit. 
 
First Recommendation 
-------------------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) 10th Floor of the Cienco 5 Tower - USD 11.00 per square 
meter or USD 2420.00 per month.  Located in the heart of Danang, the 
Cienco 5 tower is adjacent to Danang University.  The building is in 
close proximity to several leading government complexes including 
the central committee headquarters, the city sports "palace" and the 
city municipal building.  The tower is approximately two kilometers 
from Danang International Airport.  Currently colocated in the 
building are the Cienco 5 Construction Company, Manulife Insurance, 
Castrol Oil Co. and the Taiwan-based Yang Ming Shipping Co. 
representative offices. 
 
¶7. (SBU) The 10th floor has an area of 220 square meters separated 
into three functional zones.  There are four elevator cars serving 
the floor, two on either side.  A large potential Central Access 
Control (CAC) exists directly off one of the elevator banks, 
followed by a spacious reception area.  A large potential 
conference/multipurpose space with panoramic views of Danang's 
harbor highlight the space.  Two ample terraces would provide break 
areas or nice venues for entertaining.  To the right of the office 
is a potential Principal Officer's work space adjacent to a spacious 
common office area which could serve both a locally employed (LES) 
receptionist and a Pol/Econ LES.  Men's and women's toilet 
facilities exist.  The fit and finish of all spaces is adequate.  An 
underground parking facility with ample parking is available.  The 
garage has a steel door controlling access in place at this time.  A 
320 KVH emergency power generator is in place. 
 
Second Recommendation 
--------------------- 
 
¶8. (SBU) Hoan An Zai Lai Building - USD 14.50 per square meter or 
USD 3190.00 per month.  A new 22-story building currently under 
construction, the building is projected to open in March 2007.  This 
timetable appears ambitious.  Each floor of this modern office tower 
is projected to be 870 square meters.  Based on APP Winnipeg, an 
entire floor of the building would too much space for post needs. 
Collocation would substantially increase physical security costs. 
The location is good, in close proximity to the Danang city center. 
The site is located one kilometer from the airport. 
 
HANOI 00002571  002 OF 002 
 
 
 
Third Recommendation 
-------------------- 
 
¶9. (SBU) Nhat Linh Da Nang Complex - USD 12.00 per square meter or 
USD 2640.00 per month.  A brand new, primarily retail complex 
located near a large "Metro" superstore, the Naht Linh building 
would be an excellent location for a retail use.  Security upgrades 
for this location would be very difficult and the venue is not 
appropriate for USG programs and activities. 
 
¶10. (SBU) A fourth potential location, now under construction, has 
been identified for consideration.  A complete assessment of this 
location was not possible during the site survey trip.  It will be 
evaluated during a follow-up trip and added to the list of 
recommended sites if found suitable. 
 
¶11. (SBU) GSO and DS/PSD/PCB both agreed the Cienco 5 building was 
head and shoulders above the competition.  It should be noted that 
other new construction projects were underway at the time of the 
visit.  Several were slated for occupancy by GVN entities or 
Communist Party organs and would, therefore, be incompatible with an 
APP.  Photos of the three locations described above will be sent to 
post's PMO via email. 
 
ALOISI