US embassy cable - 04VATICAN3970

UNCLAS VATICAN 003970 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
EUR/ EXEC FOR EXEC DIRECTOR GRETCHEN WELSH 
E.O. 12958 N/A 
TAGS: AMGT, VT, Human Trafficking 
SUBJECT: INVITATIONAL TRAVEL REQUEST 
 
 
1. SUMMARY: Post requests approval of invitational travel 
for Ambassador Nicholson to speak at a Trafficking in 
Persons conference in Miami, and then to travel to 
Washington, DC to receive an award from the North American 
College. END SUMMARY. 
 
2.  Ambassador has been invited to speak at a November 12 
conference in Miami titled: "Invisible Chains: A Call to 
Action Against Human Slavery."  This conference is a direct 
result of our June Trafficking in Persons conference in 
Rome, and is co-hosted by one of the speakers at our 
conference, Michelle Gillen of CBS News (Miami). 
Ambassador John Miller, Director of the Office to Monitor 
and Combat Trafficking In Persons (G/TIP) has also been 
invited to speak at this conference and intends to 
participate.  On behalf of the organizers, St Thomas 
University, CBS WFOR Miami, and the National Italian 
American Foundation, Michelle Gillen has extended an offer 
to the Ambassador of coach-class air transportation to and 
from Rome, and lodging in Miami.  The same travel / lodging 
has been offered to Mrs. Nicholson. 
 
3.  On November 13, the Ambassador will travel to 
Washington where the North American College (NAC) is 
awarding him the "Umilta" Award for his service as 
Ambassador to the Holy See.  The award consists of a framed 
picture of the "Mother of Humility," the patron saint of 
the NAC.  The additional flight leg to Washington is 
included in the Miami flight as it was the same cost as the 
Miami-only ticket.  The NAC has offered to provide two 
nights lodging for the Ambassador and Mrs. Nicholson.  All 
travel / lodging is to be provided in kind. 
 
NICHOLSON 
 
 
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