SECURITY SECTOR SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L CANBERRA 001314 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/IPA AND EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/02/2015 TAGS: MASS PREL KWBG KPAL AS IS SUBJECT: SECURITY SECTOR SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY: AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE REF: STATE 121751 Classified By: POLCOUNS WOO LEE FOR REASONS 1.4 (B AND D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request for State. Please see para ¶4. ¶2. (C) We presented reftel demarche points on July 1 to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Middle East Section Director Octavia Borthwick, who told us that the GOA was considering whether and what sort of equipment assistance might be appropriate for the Palestinian Authority's security services. She thought Australian provision of any type of lethal weaponry would be highly unlikely, but said DFAT would have to consult with the Department of Defence (ADOD) before replying formally. On August 1, COL Mike Kelly, ADOD Director for the UN, Europe, Africa and Peace Operations, called us in to hear ADOD's response. Rather than providing military equipment immediately, Kelly explained, Australian Defence Minister Hill had chosen to send a military official to be part of U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) General William Ward's team, in order to gather first-hand information on the situation on the ground. The Australian Chief of Army had "hand-picked" LTC Michael Chadwick, a planning and logistics specialist who had served in East Timor, had attended a UK staff college, and had previously served in a coordinating role with the U.S., UK and Canada. Chadwick intended to depart Australia for the Middle East on August 17. ¶3. (C) COL Kelly confirmed that the GOA would not provide lethal equipment to the PA. He and LTC Chadwick hoped to learn more about General Ward's program before Chadwick's departure. Kelly understood that General Ward would be departing soon for a new assignment and he asked who would replace him. Kelly also requested a "classified briefing" for Chadwick on the future role of the USSC and how it fits into the Road Map process. Questions about Chadwick's status and protections while in Israel and Palestinian territories had not yet been fully resolved, Kelly related. ACTION REQUEST FOR DEPARTMENT -------------- ¶4. (C) Embassy would appreciate whatever information is available to answer the questions in paragraph 3, either via cable or classified e-mail, marked releasable to Australia. STANTON