Phil wrote:Bill Clinton had his own armed close protection during APEC in 1999 because the Arms Act was temporarily amended to allow it - for ALL the APEC leaders, not just the US. The clauses inserted in the Act expired (from memory) on 1 Sept 1999.
I worked at APEC in '99 in both Wgtn & Akld and got to see many of the APEC leaders.
It wasn't hard to identify who the "undercovers" of the diplomatic protection squads were (especially the yanks) as their 2 piece suits were not really designed for hiding "toys" under
Must say that I got to see some 'interesting' firepower in the hands of our 'boys' as well as the DPS's
It was stressful but very interesting, and I got to meet some great people not only working the conventions, but also in the security areas at the various centres, motels/hotels, patrols etc...
