Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04MANAMA1766
2004-11-25 14:11:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manama
Cable title:  

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ENGLAND'S MEETINGS WITH KING

Tags:  PREL MARR PTER ASEC BA IZ 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001766 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR D, NEA/ARPI
SECNAV FOR SECRETARY ENGLAND
NSC FOR T POUNDS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/24/2014
TAGS: PREL MARR PTER ASEC BA IZ
SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ENGLAND'S MEETINGS WITH KING
HAMAD AND CROWN PRINCE SALMAN

REF: MANAMA 1762

Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

-------
Summary
-------

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001766

SIPDIS

STATE FOR D, NEA/ARPI
SECNAV FOR SECRETARY ENGLAND
NSC FOR T POUNDS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/24/2014
TAGS: PREL MARR PTER ASEC BA IZ
SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ENGLAND'S MEETINGS WITH KING
HAMAD AND CROWN PRINCE SALMAN

REF: MANAMA 1762

Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. (C) Secretary of the Navy Gordon England met with King
Hamad and Crown Prince Salman November 23 and discussed the
King's November 29 visit to Washington, Bahrain's
counter-terrorism efforts, Iraq, and Iran. The King
expressed his appreciation for the invitation to meet with
the President and other senior officials and looked forward
to reinforcing that Bahrain is on the side of the United
States. Honorable people could not forget all the United
States has done for the region. The King said that Bahrain
was going through a period of reform and the government was
learning how to deal with civil laws and freedoms. On Iraq,
the King stated that there needed to be more troops on the
ground to control Iranian and Syrian interference. The Crown
Prince asserted that Bahrain is rising to the challenge of
combating terrorism. The Secretary offered to assist in
developing the capabilities of the Bahraini Coast Guard. The
CP advocated for continued DOD support for the Bahrain
School. He recommended that the United States contain the
Iranian threat rather than attacking it directly.

--------------
King: Bahrain on Side of U.S.
--------------


2. (C) King Hamad told Secretary England that he was very
appreciative of the invitation to visit Washington November

29. He said that he wanted to personally congratulate the
President on his reelection and to reinforce that Bahrain is
on the side of the United States. He stated that honorable
people cannot forget what the United States has done for
Kuwait and all the region, and everyone should know this.
The Secretary noted that this would be a welcome message in
Washington.


3. (C) The King recognized that Bahrain is going through a
period of reform. In the past, the government could rely
upon the state security law. The King got rid of that law,

and now the government must learn how to deal with civil laws
and freedoms. This is a new way. In Bahrain, people can
march in the thousands and not create any problems. The
government permits them to do this, but will intervene if
they start attacking or burning.

--------------
More Troops on Ground in Iraq
--------------


4. (C) Turning to Iraq, the King expressed his belief that
there needs to be more troops on the ground. He worried that
neighboring countries, in particular Iran and Syria, were
trying to influence the status quo and the outcome of the
elections. He suggested further tightening of controls on
access to/from these countries. The King said that we should
not "get stuck" in Iraq.


5. (C) The King warned that Iran would play games with the
international community in pursuing its nuclear program.
Iran would stop work when inspectors were in the country,
then move forward after they departed, like India and North
Korea had done. He urged the United States to continue to
warn Iran about the dangers of pursuing a nuclear program.

--------------
CP: Committed To Fighting Terror
--------------


6. (C) Crown Prince Salman opened his meeting with the
Secretary by stating that Bahrain wants to strengthen the

SIPDIS
bilateral relationship with the United States. He said he is
aware DOD is conducting a global defense posture review and
emphasized that Bahrain is ready to assist the United States
into the future and seeks to ensure that the Fifth Fleet is
well served in the Kingdom. The Secretary replied that
security is always important, and the issue of the six
terrorism suspects is prominent in Washington. It would be
raised during King Hamad's meetings November 29 in
Washington. His visit represents an opportunity to reassure
senior U.S. officials that the GOB is totally committed to
fighting terrorism and ensuring the security situation on the
ground.


7. (C) The Crown Prince replied that Bahrain is completely
committed to fighting terrorism. Bahrain is a small place and
Bahrainis and Americans live, work, and shop together. He
asserted that terrorism is alien to Bahrain, and if there
were an attack, it would harm Bahrainis, Americans, and other
residents. He said, "We're rising to the challenge" of
combating terrorism." The Secretary offered to help in any
way, including working with Bahrain's Coast Guard. The CP
said that the island was easily defensible with the right
strategy, technology, and training.


8. (C) The Crown Prince stated that the (DOD) Bahrain School
was an excellent ambassador for the United States in Bahrain
and urged the Secretary to find a way to maintain the DOD
link. The Secretary said it is a "magnificent place" and
pledged to keep it open. The CP said he was prepared to do
whatever it takes to keep the school going. The Secretary
recognized the mutual benefits and mutual friendships that
developed as a result of the school.

--------------
"Win War, Not Just Battles" In Iraq
--------------


9. (C) With regard to Iraq, the Crown Prince said that
security inside the country is getting better, but the United
States must "win the war, not just the battles." He said
that the U.S. has to overcome the ideas of the extremists,
including Al Qaeda. He asserted that "we should set the
agenda, not the terrorists." He stated his belief that more
troops - American, Iraqi, or international - were necessary
to control security in the country, particularly in the run
up to elections.


10. (C) The Crown Prince warned that Iran is trying to
develop WMD and needed to be watched and contained. A direct
attack on Iran, he believes, would harm U.S. and Bahraini
interests, possibly leading to instability in Bahrain, the
eastern province of Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Containment was
the appropriate way to deal with the threat.


11. (U) Baghdad minimize considered.
MONROE