When to Use Cables for Sending Information Overseas


When to Use Cables for Sending Information Overseas
Updated 11/13/03

The use of the FAX, telephone, or E-Mail for overseas communications is strictly limited to unofficial information dealing with non-senstive, routine administrative matters that do not involve other U.S. government agencies. The following categories of information for U.S. diplomatic posts abroad must always be sent through official Diplomatic Telecommunications System (DTS) channels (cables transmitted by the Commerce Department's or State Department's Telecommunications Centers):

Classified Information - cables containing National Security Information classified as Confidential, Secret or Top Secret;
Controlled Information - U.S. government controlled information such as For Official Use Only (FOUO), Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU), or private sector company business proprietary information;
Tasking Messages - requests requiring action by the addressee;
Travel - cables listing specific intinerary data;
Other Agencies -cables involving other U.S. government agencies;
Collectives or Multi-Addressee - where the cost of transmission by other means would be prohibitive. Contact the Commerce Telecommunication Center (TCC) in room 6840 or on ext. 4128 for information on collectives.
Budget Authorization - Cables sent to post authorizing expenditures of ITA appropriated funds.

For instructions on "How to Prepare an Outgoing Cable", see "Through the Maze" instruction SEC-6.

For additional information, contact the Security Staff at 202-482-8355 ot theTCC Shift Supervisor at 202-482-4128