SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ENGLAND MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001761 SIPDIS STATE FOR D, NEA/ARPI SECNAV FOR SECRETARY ENGLAND E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/24/2014 TAGS: PREL ASEC PTER MARR BA SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ENGLAND MEETING WITH MINISTER OF INTERIOR RASHID AL KHALIFA Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). (C) Secretary of the Navy England opened his November 22 meeting with Minister of Interior Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa by informing Al Khalifa that the six terrorist suspects who were released by the court November 1 are of great concern to Washington officials and would be an issue raised in the King's November 29 meetings in Washington. Al Khalifa affirmed the GOB's commitment to continue fighting terrorism. He noted that the GOB cannot focus only on the six, but must also be concerned with terrorist cells that might remain hidden. The Secretary replied that if the case of the six is not handled properly, terrorists might consider Bahrain a permissive environment in which to work. Al Khalifa stated that the GOB did not want that to happen and said the six are still under surveillance. He assured the Secretary that the GOB is committed to keeping Bahrain safe SIPDIS for all American personnel. The Minister said the GOB would appreciate any training or equipment the USG could provide to increase the Bahrain Coast Guard's capabilities. He also asked for IT assistance to improve the Ministry's performance. MONROE