LETTER FROM KING ABDULLAH II TO SECRETARY OF

UNCLAS AMMAN 005418 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/LEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MASS JO KTER SUBJECT: LETTER FROM KING ABDULLAH II TO SECRETARY OF DEFENSE RUMSFELD Embassy Amman received July 1 via messenger a letter from King Abdullah II to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld dated June 30. The letter will be pouched to NEA/LEA for delivery to Secretary Rumsfeld. The text of the letter is as follows: Dear Friend: Following our constructive discussions on June 14, 2004, I would like to assure you Mr. Secretary, that Jordan stands steadfast with the United States in its war on terrorism. We fully support the call for a broad and sustained campaign against the terrorist organizations, and believe in the same values of freedom and democracy that the United States stands for. Winning the war on terrorism will require Jordan to work hand in hand with the United States to continue its efforts to defend all its borders. Jordan has detected increased attempts by terrorists to infiltrate our northern borders, demonstrated most recently by the foiled chemical attack targeting Jordan and US interests in my country. We are also monitoring closely our eastern borders to prevent any terrorist to infiltrate into our territory to destabilize Jordan, or use Jordan as a launching pad to target our neighbors. On our eastern border we have also been monitoring increased activity of attempts to smuggle serious weapons, rather than the light firearms that had been the norm in the past. Thus, our focus today is primarily on border security and C4ISR. As you are well aware, Mr. Secretary, Jordan's border security contributes to the region's overall security and stability. As open borders become more secure, evildoers will resort to smuggling through border points - which require upgrading our screening equipment and capabilities. This holistic approach will require an advanced C4ISR system that will provide the communication requirements between the various forces, with a focus on integration as well as sharing of intelligence. It is important to understand that Jordan has always relied on its human resources to deter any threat at our borders and to a lesser extent on technological means to secure its borders. This has stretched thin our capabilities. To address such a difficulty, it is required to provide our security forces with much needed equipment. These technological devices along the borders will surely take some pressure off the Armed Forces, thus enabling them to spend the necessary time on matters requiring more attention, and focusing these human assets to fight the roots of the problem. The needed equipment consist of light equipment, light vehicles, night operation capability and communication that would allow us to deploy a more efficient, yet smaller rapid deployment force. Also, the Javelins, as you well know, will provide our special forces that are working in unison with the United States forces, an effective edge over the well-equipped forces of evil. Another item in our request was the anti missile equipment that will be placed on the State Aircraft. This is of utmost importance now, as we shuttle between our neighbors and friends, rallying support for the principles we hold so dear - obviously something those terrorists not only fear, but also are willing to fight at any cost. I would like to thank you, Mr. Secretary, for your continued profound support to Jordan. Yours, //Abdullah II of Jordan// GNEHM