Cablegate: Mexico's Response to Blanket Diplomatic Clearance

VZCZCXRO3656
RR RUEHCD RUEHGD RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHRD RUEHRS RUEHTM
DE RUEHME #2562 2401619
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 281619Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8063
INFO RUEHXC/ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE
RHMFIUU/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RUEAHLA/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS MEXICO 002562

SIPDIS

STATE DEPT / POL-MIL INTERNATIONAL SECURITY OPERATIONS
(PM/ISO), MR. RODNEY BETHEA, 53 WRS KEESLER AFB MS//DO//,
LT COL JOHN SHANNON, HQ USAF WASHINGTON DC//A5XP//, MR.
DALE CHENEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR SENV SOCI TPHY
SUBJECT: MEXICO'S RESPONSE TO BLANKET DIPLOMATIC CLEARANCE
REQUEST FOR TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE RECONNAISSANCE
MISSIONS

REF: SECSTATE 57566

1. Reftel requested U.S. Embassy Mexico City to obtain
renewal of blanket overflight clearance for WC-130 Aircraft
to conduct aerial weather data collection and research in
tropical disturbances, tropical storms, and hurricanes from
initial development through dissipation. (Note: The GOM has
never extended blanket overflight clearance in the past.
End Note). On 07 July 2009 Embassy Mexico City requested, via
diplomatic channels with Mexico's Secretary of Defense
(SEDENA), "Permanent Blanket Overflight Clearance" with no
restrictions to operating altitude and that no pre or post
flight notification through diplomatic channels be required.

2. The GOM/SEDENA responded 04 August 2009 indicating that
it requires specific aircraft information and flight details
24 hours prior to the overflight event. Once the GOM/SEDENA
has received the information in paragraph 3, it has indicated
that it will respond appropriately to each request without
delay.

3. The required information is as follows

-- Applying Country (United States)
-- Type of Aircraft
-- Registration
-- Distinctive Call-sign
-- Military Organization
-- Name of Plane Captain
-- Number of crew members
-- Number of passengers
-- Date of entry into Mexican Airspace
-- Objective of the overflight
-- The reason must be clear and explicit
-- If officials are on board, the names of the officials
must be provided
-- Origin of the Aircraft
-- Flight path
-- Ultimate destination
-- Landing site
-- If landing in Mexico, date of landing
-- Reason for landing
-- Date of departure

Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American
Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap /

FEELEY

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