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The Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library Family Tree
The Family Tree - April/May 2003
Armed conflict with Iraq began on March 20


From the Edinburgh Warden

Dear American Citizen

This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result of the military action in Iraq.  The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans overseas. American citizens are reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.  Please feel free to share this information with Americans and other interested parties in your area.  This Worldwide Caution supersedes that issued on February 6, 2003 and expires on July 20, 2003.

As a result of military action in Iraq, there is a potential for retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.  Public demonstrations carry the potential for precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated with the United States or other U.S. and western interests.

The threat to U.S. citizens includes the risk of attacks by terrorist groups.  Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings.  Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents.  Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.  These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches.  U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert and some have drawn down their dependents and/or personnel.  These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Monitor the local news and the Embassy website and other websites listed below.  In case of an emergency outside of business hours or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the Consulate Duty Officer at 01224-857097.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.  In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 317-472-2328.

The following U.S. and UK websites may also be of interest to American Citizens residing in the UK. U.S. and UK Internet information sources: 

UK Websites

  • www.ukresilience.gov.uk (UK Civil Contingencies Secretariat)  - the best source of information about civil situations such as heightened security at Heathrow, firefighter strikes, etc.

  • www.met.police.uk (Metropolitan Police website) - Crime and safety information, updates on demonstrations.  Also information on the Lifesavers Program; toll-free, confidential Terrorist information hotline (0800 789-321) for reporting suspicious people or activity callers feel may be related to terrorism.  Remember in case of local emergency, to summon police/fire/ambulance, dial 999.

  • www.homeoffice.gov.uk (UK Home Office information, links to several UK Gov't. sites)

  • www.open.gov.uk ("the easy way to [UK] government information and services on-line")

  • www.fco.gov.uk (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) - Travel information, British Embassy links

  • www.doh.gov.uk (Department of Health and National Health System)

  • www.redcross.org.uk (British Red Cross)

US websites

As always, you can find timely and helpful information and links to the above sites on our website at www.usembassy.org.uk

Thank you.


Return to April/May 2003 Index Page


 


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