| The following has already been very widely circulated with
suggestions to pass it on. I have an international flight on Monday
(JIT air travel :-)?.
From: NAME: Raymond F. Humphrey
FUNC: Corporate Security
TEL: 223-4088 <HUMPHREY.RAYMOND AT A1 AT WITNES AT PKO>
Date: 09-Jan-1991
Posted-date: 09-Jan-1991
Precedence: 1
Subject: International Travel
To: See Below
The following has been sent to the Executive Committee and others and is
herewith forwarded as a matter of interest. I do not recommend "recalling"
any individuals or groups currently meeting/visiting in Western Europe.
If conditions deteriorate, such individuals can remain in place for the
few days that it usually takes for security/safety conditions to stabilize.
FYI.
I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M
Date: 09-Jan-1991 16:58 EST
From: Raymond F. Humphrey
HUMPHREY.RAYMOND
Dept: Corporate Security
Tel No: 223-4088
TO: See Below
Subject: International Business Travel / Middle East Situation
***DIGITAL INTERNAL USE ONLY***
Official and quasi-official sources continue to be divided concerning
the resolution of the Middle East scenario and possible hostilities on
or about 15 January 1991.
The consensus, however, is that if armed conflict occurs, a number of
pre-positioned terrorist groups in Western Europe and elsewhere will
likely support Iraqi interests by acts against airport terminals,
aircraft, and other seemingly "soft" targets. Accordingly, security
procedures can be expected to be implemented worldwide, with particular
emphasis in Europe.
Additionally, a great deal of criticism was directed at government
entities and commercial aviation following the bombing of Pan Am 103,
concerning an alleged failure in that instance to act differently upon
receipt of a bomb threat. Because of this, it can be expected that
either the government or the American carriers may be more prone to
unexpectedly cancel flights upon receipt of threats. In other words,
the possession of a confirmed return flight ticket may not necessarily
guarantee a scheduled departure on the date and time indicated.
Various non-American carriers can also be expected to be potential
targets, based upon their country's support of the Middle East/U.N.
Resolution and/or support of U.S. leadership. Within the past two days,
some international carriers have temporarily suspended flights into
certain countries.
***
Because of the uncertainty of events and the potential severity on a
broad scale if hostilities occur, I recommend that international air
travel be strictly limited to those activities that are ABSOLUTELY
CRITICAL to our BUSINESS NEEDS. Anything that can be temporarily
postponed, should be.
For planning purposes, I suggest that this curtailment remain in effect
until at least 21 January 1991 (and revisited at that time, unless
overtaken by events).
Critical business travel should continue. That is, those activities
that involve significant economic advantage to the Corporation, are
time-driven, and cannot be delayed for a few days. Again, however,
prudence dictates that all travel that can be postponed should be moved
to a date beyond the above-cited "critical window" (now until 21
January). This simple requirement will significantly reduce employee
risk during these unpredictable times. Additionally, no employee should
be compelled to travel against his or her stated wishes.
Although not a time for undue anxiety, as a minimum, I recommend that
individuals who MUST travel are reminded of the following:
Reduce "exposure" by taking "direct flights" wherever
possible.
Confirm that their scheduled flight is available before
leaving for the airport.
Allow enough time to pass through markedly increased
airport security.
Spend as short a time as possible at curbside (during
drop-off or pickup of passengers at airports).
Move quickly through the public or check-in areas of
airport terminals to more protected areas (e.g., through
passport control to planeside departure lounges, etc.).
Do not accept packages, envelopes, or luggage from anyone
(including "watching" stranger's luggage at airports).
Minimize "high visibility" individuals meeting them at
airport terminals (e.g., use taxi's and similar
conveyances, rather than an "official" reception at
airport terminals and other public areas). If being met
by a "limo driver," use a recognition name on greeting
signs other than "Digital Equipment Corporation" or
"DEC."
Do not move to the scene of demonstrations, loud noises,
or explosions. To the extent possible, stay away from
large glassed areas at airports and hotels. Most
certainly, avoid any street or public demonstrations.
It can be anticipated that activist support and/or ethnic
groups may pose significant threat to "any Westerner"
walking public streets immediately following any outbreak
of armed hostility. This possibility may be more intense
in countries of high Arab populations, etc. Accordingly,
"Westerners" in such locations should remain indoors
until local situations stabilize.
Err on the side of downplaying "American" or religious
affiliation in regards to jewelry and clothing.
Internationally, stay away from restaurants or other
public gathering places that are "known for their
military patronage" or are viewed as "American."
U.S. citizens should register with the American Embassy
(non-U.S. citizens with their own embassy), if business
must be conducted for more than a couple of days in
potential trouble areas. A battery-powered radio,
capable of tuning into local U.S.-sponsored stations, is
also recommended (with spare batteries).
Report any suspicious activity to airport or police
authorities.
Exercise cautious judgment during this period of global
tension.
***DIGITAL INTERNAL USE ONLY***
|