| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 27, 2003 The United States and France To Sign Agreement Regarding French Explorer LaSalle's Vessel "La Belle"Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky and French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte will sign an Agreement regarding the historic vessel "La Belle". Representatives of the Texas Historical Commission and the French National Marine Museum will also sign a related Administrative Arrangement authorized by the Agreement. These events will take place on Monday, March 31, 2003, at 1:00 p.m., in Washington, D.C. in the Department of State’s Treaty Room.
The "La Belle", under the command of French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier LaSalle, played a pivotal role in the 17th-century exploration of what is now Louisiana and Texas, before it sank in the Gulf of Mexico. This signing highlights U.S.-French common interests and cooperation in regard to ownership, research, preservation, and display of historic warships. These signing ceremonies are open for press coverage. Press should allow adequate time to clear through security and be in the 23rd Street entrance to the State Department by 12:30 p.m. for escort to the site. Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of either (1) a U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense, or Foreign Press Center), (2) a photo ID issued by the employing media organization, or (3) a letter on official letterhead from their news organization verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo ID (driver's license or passport). Department of State Media Contacts:
Kristen Hickman PA/RMO 202/647-3655 Joanne Joria OES/PO 202/647-1169
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