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