-----Original Message-----

From: Papier, Joel (NIH/OD)

Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2003 12:17 PM

To: List ICTRAVELPOC-L

Cc: Stith, Kenneth (NIH/OD); Koitz, Barry (NIH/OD); Howard, Florence (NIH/OD); Barrack, Lori (NIH/OD)

Subject: Transmittal No. 110 - XV International AIDS Conference - July 2004 - Bangkok, Thailand

Importance: High

All,

Recently, this office received word from the OS/Special Assistant to the Secretary for International Affairs that his office would closely be examining HHS representation at the upcoming subject event. Due to the high costs incurred in line w/ the previously held conference (Barcelona Spain), Secretary Thompson promised Congress that he would reduce costs and limit the delegation to the upcoming event. In addition, his office is aware that flights to Bangkok will result in over 14 hours in length. Therefore, as you plan your foreign travel schedules for FY 2004, you are being advised to allow for a stopover of up to 24 hours en route to the final destination and that there should be no need for requesting business class accommodations.

Please make wide distribution of this message to your respective IC communities.

This event was included in the FY 2004 International Travel Plan submitted to the HHS and thus, this office will be closely monitoring any changes to the initial projected attendance numbers, as we progress through the fiscal year.

This office will keep you apprised of any further developments.

Thanks,

Joel