NEW ZEALAND ON REQUEST FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS

S E C R E T WELLINGTON 001044

SIPDIS

STATE FOR PM/RSAT, PM/PMAT, SA/AC, EAP, AND EAP/ANP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2014
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL AF NZ
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND ON REQUEST FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS
FORCES IN OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

REF: STATE 251327

Classified By: AMBASSADOR CHARLES J. SWINDELLS,
FOR REASONS 1.4 (A),(B),AND (D)


1. (S) Ambassador discussed reftel request with New Zealand
(NZ) Foreign Minister Phil Goff on December 13. Goff said
that his government is reviewing what more New Zealand can do
in Afghanistan. The Cabinet will reach its decision early in
the new year, he said. Goff pledged to inform the Ambassador
of the decision on a confidential basis, before it is
announced. "You will be pleased," he predicted.


2. (S) Comment: According to post's DATT, this tracks
closely with New Zealand's response to Centcom when this
request was made through that channel. End Comment.


3. (U) MINCON ETAUTH.
Swindells