US embassy cable - 02AMMAN5994

UNCLAS AMMAN 005994 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
ROME FOR CASLO 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAIR, PTER, JO 
SUBJECT: JORDAN: AIR MARSHALS PROGRAM, ACTION REQUEST 
 
REF: STATE 78755 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. 
 
1.  Action Request:  Post received via a diplomatic note from 
the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs the following 
letter regarding new U.S. procedures pertaining to foreign 
air marshals programs.  The note and letter formally request 
U.S. government permission to allow Royal Jordanian Airlines 
(RJ) to operate flights to the United States with armed law 
enforcement officers on board.  We understand from the 
Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority(CAA) that RJ and CAA have 
separately discussed such procedures with Civil Aviation 
Security Liaison Officer (CASLO) in Rome.  Please advise on 
next steps. 
 
2.  Begin text of letter. 
 
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has used air marshals to 
provide extra security aboard all Royal Jordanian (RJ) 
flights for a number of years (since 1971).  Therefore, Air 
Marshal policies and procedures pertaining to unlawful 
interference and security of passengers, crew and the 
aircraft on international routes are well established by the 
Jordan Civil Aviation Authority who had delegated this role 
to the Jordan Armed forces/Special Aviation Security and 
protection unit. 
 
We strongly believe and based on our experience for over 30 
years that our Air Marshal program is well organized and no 
violations were reported by any officials at International 
Airports on this program including USG agencies and TSA. 
 
Due to the new regulatory requirements for an air marshal 
program set by the USG after September 11, we would like to 
inform you that it is the intention of the Government of 
Jordan to use armed air marshals and we certify that our 
armed air marshals are duly trained and authorized law 
enforcement officers. 
 
The Government of Jordan kindly request the USG permission 
for our National Carrier (RJ) to operate direct flights into 
the United States with armed law Enforcement Officers (LEO) 
onboard. 
 
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. 
End text. 
GNEHM