Letter from Donald L. Evans, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, to Vint Cerf 19 October 2001

OCT 19 2001

Dr. Vinton Cerf
Chairman
Internet Corporation for Assigned
   Names and Numbers (ICANN)
4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 330
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Dear Dr. Cerf:

I understand that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has decided to focus its upcoming Board of Directors meeting on stability and security aspects of the Internet's naming and addressing system in response to the tragic events of September 11. I want to express my support for your undertakings and leadership in working to coordinate the many participants of the global domain name system to address these critically important matters.

As you know, the private sector has been the driving force behind the growth and success of the Internet. The private sector also has an important role to play in ensuring that the systems of the Internet, including the domain name system, are reliable, stable, and secure. I expect that the organizations, companies, researchers, volunteers, and individuals that participate in the ICANN process will work cooperatively to address these issues and contribute to your overall security initiative.

I want you to know that the Department of Commerce stands ready to assist ICANN in this effort. Please feel free to call on the Department if we can help in any way.

Warm regards,

Donald L. Evans