OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
1400 DEFENSE PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20301-1400

June 8, 1999

Mr. Paul Leventhal
Nuclear Control Institute
1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 804
Washington, DC 20036

Dear Mr. Leventhal:

This is a final follow-up to our letter to you dated February 19, 1999, concerning the security of Franco-British shipments aboard the Pacific Swan of radioactive waste through the Panama Canal last year, and its boarding by members of your organization.

Security in the Canal area has improved since last year. The Panama Canal Commission and the Panamanian Public Forces have met to discuss security arrangements for vessels carrying spent nuclear material. They discussed coordination among the services, communications among the various organizations, and rules of engagement. Arrangements were made to limit access to sensitive areas in and around the Canal during such transits. We are confident that these new procedures are adequate.

Sincerely yours,

Harold Heilsnis
Director for Public Communication

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