FOLLOW UP DEMARCHES TO HOST GOVERNMENTS ON IRAQI

S E C R E T AMMAN 001686

SIPDIS

NOFORN

FOR NEA ASSISTANT SECRETARY BURNS AND S/CT COFER BLACK

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/19/2013
TAGS: PTER ASEC JO
SUBJECT: FOLLOW UP DEMARCHES TO HOST GOVERNMENTS ON IRAQI
INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS

REF: STATE 71552

Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDWARD W. GNEHM, REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).


1. (S/NF) Jordan is a unique case in a number of ways. Our
close relationship at the most senior levels enables us to
maintain a candid and forthright exchange on this specific
subject -- the expulsion of Iraqi intelligence officers.
ORCA has and continues to work closely on this matter. GID
is closely monitoring IIS agents and emphasized today that
they have intensified that effort.


2. (S/NF) In addition, Ambassador raised this subject in
his meeting today (March 19) with the King, GID Director
Kheir, and ORCA representatives. They told the Ambassador
that their concerns for what IIS agents might do against both
Jordanian and American targets was parallel to ours. They
added, however, that they have no knowledge of IIS plans to
conduct retaliatory actions against the U.S. Embassy or
American personnel in Jordan. Nevertheless, they had greatly
expanded their surveillance and were prepared to take
whatever action might be required in the face of specific
activities or intelligence. They remain, however, deeply
concerned about the international attention given to the
expulsion of IIS agents by many countries around the world at
U.S. request. Such publicity, coupled with the general
public hostility to U.S. military actions against Iraq, were
cause for a careful and well-thought plan to deal with IIS
agents. They were firmly committed to taking action at the
right time and that right time is related to the commencement
of hostilities.


3. (S/NF) COMMENT: The King and GID understand completely
our concern and have taken expanded measures to protect us
and enhance their own security. They are at this point in
time staying away from expulsions. In their opinion, such
actions would signal too early and too clearly either to Iraq
or their own citizens that they are abetting U.S. military
actions against Iraq. We fully expect that they will indeed
move against IIS agents as necessary in the next few days.
GNEHM