EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING (EAC) - EMBASSY

UNCLAS MADRID 000838 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR DS/IP/EUR, DS/ICI/PII, DS/DSS/ITA, EUR/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING (EAC) - EMBASSY MADRID REF: MADRID 00827 ¶1. (U) In response to the multiple train bombings in Madrid on the morning of March 11, the Ambassador chaired a full EAC meeting to discuss the impact and implications, if any, on the Embassy personnel and facilities as a result of the bombings. Highlights of some general and operational contingencies for the Ambassador to deal with can be found in reftel. ¶2. (U) At 0735, the first detonations occurred. By 0745, the Embassy was in contact with the State Department Operations Center and since that point, the OPS Center has been kept informed and updated. A verification of the safety and accountability of all employees was conducted by Management and Human Resources. One employee had been in an adjoining commuter train coach and had been splattered with blood splatter but was unharmed. PA established themselves as the communication Source, anticipating press inquiries. As of 1700 hours, no American citizens have been indentified as being involved in the bombings. ¶3. (U) At 1300 hours, a moment of silence was held in the Embassy to honor those individuals (173 at latest count) who lost their lives. Also at 1300 hours, supportive demonstrations took place in virtually every precinct of Madrid. The Spanish Government has declared a period of three days of official mourning and the Embassy and Consulate General in Barcelona will honor it by carrying our flags at half-mast. ¶4. (U) The physical security situation of the Mission was reviewed to consider any needed upgrades as a result of the terrorist act and determined to be fine as is. The Ambassador has canceled an event scheduled for this evening as a show of respect and solidarity and spoke to all employees at 1615 hours today to discuss the tragedy and offer condolences. The Embassy will be participating in a program of blood donation to assist with the community's needs and, a Locally Employed Staff (LES) appreciation day scheduled for Friday has been postponed. A Warden Notice has been produced and has been distributed to stem the tide of questions and concerns, and an in-house Staff Notice was circulated to deal with employee questions. ¶5. (SBU) The local police and Guardia Civil have demonstrated a concern toward Mission by increasing their presence and have reported two incidents of suspicious vehicles patrolling past the Embassy, which are currently being investigated. ARGYROS