VZCZCXYZ0026
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLO #2575/01 1861104
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 051104Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY LONDON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4288
INFO RUWDQAC/COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//G-CI//

UNCLAS LONDON 002575 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AORC IMO
SUBJECT: ACCREDITATION - IMO - 56TH SESSION OF THE MARINE 
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE, LONDON, JULY 9-13, 2007 
 
REF: SECSTATE 092967 
 
¶1.  Embassy London has requested accreditation and is pleased 
to grant UK country clearance to the following delegation 
members for the International Maritime Organization's 56th 
Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee: 
 
Jeffrey Lantz, Head of Delegation 
Victoria Huyck, Alternative Head of Delegation 
 
Advisors: 
Constance Arvis 
Christo Artusio 
Jo Brooks 
Matthew Burton 
Derek Campbell 
Michael Carter 
Charles Darr 
Nader Elkassabany 
Richard Everett 
Joseph Freedman 
Kristine Gilson 
Justin Grubich 
Dave Gruber 
Lindy Johnson 
Carolyn Junemann 
James Kraska 
Chris Laroo 
Edard Lemieux 
John Lishman 
Wayne Lundy 
Frank McAlister 
Drew Nelson 
Michael Samulski 
Mary Sohlberg 
Paul Thorne 
Jennifer Winston 
Bryan Wood-Thomas 
 
Private Sector Advisors: 
Drew Kodjak 
Thomas Kornegay 
Denise McCafferty 
Kathy Metcalf 
Jon Stewart 
 
 
 
¶2.  The Transportation Security Administration has updated 
security measures in place after the August 10, 2006 civil 
aviation security threat.  Travelers may now carry through 
security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or 
less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, 
zip-top bag.  After clearing security, travelers can now 
bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure 
boarding area on-board aircraft.  In addition, larger amounts 
of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic 
glucose treatments will be permitted, but must be declared at 
the checkpoint for additional screening.  Please read current 
travel restrictions and review the list of prohibited items 
prior to travel: 
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assist ant/.  This 
security regimen applies to all domestic and international 
flights departing U.S. airports.  For flights originating in 
the United Kingdom, local policies requiring only one 
carry-on bag apply.  The liquids ban remains in effect.  As 
these policies are more stringent than United States policy, 
travelers should check with transportation security 
authorities for flights originating at non-U.S. airports. 
 
¶3.  Embassy Control Officer is EST Officer William Paton, 
Tel. (44) 20-7894-0495; 
Fax:   (44) 20-7409-1637, email PatonWJ@state.gov.  Upon 
arrival, please call the Embassy (020 7894-0704 or 020 794 
0238) to confirm UK contact and telephone details so that 
travelers can be reached in case of emergency. 
 
¶4.  Chancery Access: 
If visitor requires unescorted access to the chancery, please 
send level of security clearance via cable, as required by 12 
FAM 443.3. 
 
¶5.  As noted in reftel, no Embassy assistance is required. 
 
¶6.  Hotel Check-In: 
Please note that the check-in time at all London hotels is 
¶1400.  Early check-in can be requested but can only be 
guaranteed if the room is reserved and paid for from the 
night prior to arrival.  Check-out time is generally 1200. 
Please also note that the hotel will require a credit card on 
check-in.  Travelers may pay on departure with cash. 
Travelers are advised against exchanging money at the hotel, 
as the much less favorable rate of exchange may push the room 
rate over London's per diem. 
 
¶7.  Changes/Cancellation of Reservations: 
Any changes to hotel reservations must be made 48 hours in 
advance of arrival.  Changes made after that time may incur a 
night,s lodging charge.  Please make all changes through 
your control officer and not directly with the hotel. 
 
¶8.  Accommodation Exchange: 
ATMs are widely available in London and accept most major 
U.S. ATM cards.  ATM and credit card transactions obtain the 
best available exchange rates.  Exchange services are 
available from well-known firms at the airports and train 
stations.  In addition, Citibank has established a bank in 
the embassy where official TDYers can exchange U.S. dollars 
for British Pounds Sterling (BPS) during Citibank office 
hours for limited amounts.  U.S. citizen direct-hire TDYers 
may cash personal checks; all others should bring cash or 
traveler,s checks. 
 
¶9. VISA: 
U.S. citizens do not require a visa, only a valid passport. 
Requirements for entry to the UK of citizens from other 
countries vary.  Non-U.S. citizen visitors should check with 
their local British consulate to determine visa requirements. 
 
¶10.  Electronic devices: 
Privately-owned laptops and personal computers are prohibited 
in controlled access areas (CAAs) of the embassy and 
consulates.  Travelers with USG unclassified and classified 
laptop or notebook computers should review 95STATE 244394 
(classified machines) and 95STATE 24382 (unclassified 
machines) and notify the Regional Security Office before 
bringing these machines into a CAA.  Cellular telephones and 
BlackBerries are also prohibited in the CAA and must be left 
outside this area.  Questions concerning other types of 
electronic devices may be directed to the Regional Security 
Office. 
 
¶11.  Health Concerns: 
The embassy medical unit, located on the Lower Ground Floor, 
has daily walk-in sick call from 0830-1000.  TDY personnel 
are welcome to seek medical consultation for acute illness or 
other medically-related concerns at the unit. 
 
¶12.  Security Information for the United Kingdom: 
Our current threat assessment indicates there are no known 
direct immediate security problems that would affect travel 
to mainland UK.  Travelers planning to stay longer than 30 
days are required to schedule a security briefing with the 
RSO.  For additional threat assessment information regarding 
the United Kingdom and/or Europe, you may contact DS/ITA in 
the State Department at (202) 663-0787. 
 
-- Terrorism.  The United Kingdom is stable and modern, but 
shares with the rest of the world an increased threat of 
terrorist incidents of international origin, as was shown 
with the bombing attack in London July 7, 2005.  Visitors are 
reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal 
security and to exercise caution at all times.  The British 
Home Secretary has urged its citizens to be alert and 
vigilant by, for example, keeping an eye out for suspect 
packages or people acting suspiciously at Underground and 
railway stations and airports, and reporting anything 
suspicious to the appropriate authorities by contacting the 
free anti-terrorist telephone hotline on 0800-789-321. 
Travelers should regularly monitor the Department,s internet 
web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current 
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement can be found. In 
addition, if visitors notice any suspicious activity or have 
any security concerns, the embassy Regional Security Officer 
(RSO) should be notified as soon as possible. 
 
From time to time during periods of heightened threat of 
terrorism, the UK government deems it necessary to raise 
levels of security activity.  Heightened activity may include 
the use of troops, who remain at all times under the control 
of the police and are part of long-standing contingency 
plans.  Military personnel and equipment may be deployed at 
airports and other transportation links, or other public 
locations.  For more information about UK safety initiatives, 
consult the UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat website at 
www.ukresilience.gov.uk. 
 
Political demonstrations are well policed and, except at 
times in Northern Ireland, generally orderly.  Although the 
political situation in Northern Ireland has dramatically 
improved since the signing of the Good Friday Agreements in 
1998, incidents of terrorist violence have, nevertheless, 
occurred in the past few years.  Within Northern Ireland, 
flash-points for sectarian confrontations still exist, but 
they are generally removed from areas where tourists 
congregate.  Sporadic incidents of street violence often 
erupt during the summer marching season around the July 12 
public holiday.  As a result, American citizens traveling in 
Northern Ireland have experienced delays and disruption. 
 
-- Street Crime:  London, like other urban centers, has a 
certain amount of street crime.  Although on the increase, 
violent criminal confrontations and the use of firearms are 
relatively rare in the UK.  Burglars and pickpockets are very 
active and visitors are encouraged to safeguard their 
valuables and not carry large amounts of cash or unneeded 
credit cards.  Visitors should be particularly careful on 
crowded streets, in entertainment areas, in department 
stores, restaurants, or on crowded public transportation. 
Travelers are specifically warned not to leave valuables in 
hotel rooms, regardless of the stature of the hotel. 
Recently there has been a measurable increase in street 
crimes involving the theft of cell phones. Visitors should 
avoid as much as possible using cell phones on the streets or 
in other public places.  The police and other emergency 
services in the UK are excellent.  The nationwide telephone 
number to summon emergency assistance is 999. 
 
¶13.  London Airport Arrival Information: 
 
-- Heathrow Airport:  The best way to get from Heathrow to 
Central London is to take the Heathrow Express train.  It 
leaves every fifteen minutes from all Heathrow terminals. 
Travel time is fifteen minutes to London's Paddington 
Station.  Service operates from 0510 to 2347 daily.  The cost 
is 14.50 pounds one-way if ticket is purchased from a kiosk 
prior to boarding, or 16.50 pounds when purchased aboard the 
train.  Paddington Station is about a ten-minute taxi ride to 
central London.  Taxi (black) cab service is also available 
from Heathrow to central London and the fare ranges from 
60-100 pounds, but could exceed that, depending on traffic 
conditions.  (Prices as of March, 2006) 
 
-- Gatwick Airport:  The best way to get to Central London is 
to take the Gatwick Express train, which operates every 15 
minutes between Gatwick Airport South Terminal and London's 
Victoria Station.  Access from Gatwick's North to South 
Terminal is via free monorail train.  Journey time from 
Gatwick to Victoria Station is approximately 30 minutes and 
the service operates four times an hour from 0500 to 0135 
daily. Fare is 14 pounds one-way and 25 pounds round-trip 
when purchased prior to boarding.  A two pound surcharge is 
added when purchased aboard the train.  Victoria Station is 
about a fifteen-minute taxi ride from the hotels.  Taxi 
travel from Gatwick to Central London is extremely expensive 
and time-consuming. 
 
-- Waterloo Train Station: Travelers arriving at London's 
Waterloo International Train Station are recommended to take 
a black cab from the station to the hotel or chancery. 
 
#.  U.S. Embassy London Website: 
Please visit our website for additional information: 
http://london.usembassy.gov.  Embassy London looks forward to 
your visit. 
 
 
Visit London's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm 
TUTTLE