U.S. TROOP DRAWDOWN IN AFGHANISTAN NOT A SURPRISE

UNCLAS PARIS 008613

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MOPS PGOV AF FR NATO
SUBJECT: U.S. TROOP DRAWDOWN IN AFGHANISTAN NOT A SURPRISE
TO GOF

REF: SECSTATE 227560

On December 20 poloff delivered reftel demarche to MFA
Afghanistan Desk Officer Cyril Gerardon. In a follow up
conversation with Gerardon on December 22, Gerardon explained
that France had anticipated a U.S. adjustment to troop
strength in response to the expanded presence of NATO ISAF
troops. He commented that the growing presence of NATO
forces was a better justification for the troop reduction
than the growing capability of Afghan forces, adding that the
Afghan army presence in the provinces was still minimal. He
also said that it was a good idea for U.S. troops to remain
ready to deploy, as growing instability in Afghanistan was
always a possibility.


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Stapleton