FORCE ADJUSTMENT IN IRAQ: "FOLLOW-UP" INFORMATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 005281 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/28/2007 TAGS: PINS PREL MARR MOPS IZ KU SUBJECT: FORCE ADJUSTMENT IN IRAQ: "FOLLOW-UP" INFORMATION PASSED TO KUWAITIS REF: SECSTATE 231047 Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) (C) The "follow-up" information on force adjustments in Iraq was provided to the Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary on December 28. Ambassador spoke to U/S Khaled Jarallah and thanked him for Kuwait's understanding of the need to base a brigade in Kuwait for contingencies in Iraq. The matter had been previously brought to the attention of the Foreign Minister, when the force adjustment was first announced. The force adjustment has also been discussed on a number of occasions in mil to mil channels, with a particular focus on the stand by force to remain in Kuwait. Neither Foreign Ministry of military interlocutors have indicated any objections to the reserve force in Kuwait. LeBaron