NETHERLANDS: AFGHANISTAN DESECRATIONS COMPLICATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002861 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/21/2015 TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR NL NATO SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: AFGHANISTAN DESECRATIONS COMPLICATE BUT DO NOT THREATEN STAGE III PLANS Classified By: Charge D'Affaires Chat Blakeman, reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) Summary: National Security Advisor Rob Swartbol told Charge October 21 that the desecration of remains by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan "complicates but does not threaten" Dutch plans to participate in ISAF Stage III. He noted that current discussions in Canberra on partnering with Australia in Stage III are exceeding expectations; the Australians are considering contributing more troops and helicopters than expected. End Summary. Desecration of Remains -------------- ¶2. (C) Swartbol noted that the incident occurred in Uruzghan, the same province where the Dutch plan to deploy. He suggested that FM Bot may wish to discuss the issue when he meets with Secretary Rice on Monday, October 24. Swartbol explained that the Dutch government views the desecration as an isolated incident that does not reflect USG policy. But, he said, the story was not playing well in the press and public. While the incident did not immediately threaten Dutch plans to participate in Stage III, they certainly complicate matters, he said. ¶3. (C) Swartbol pointed to comments made by Bert Koenders -- a leading member of the Labor Party which opposed Dutch participation in OEF -- during an interview on Dutch television October 20. Koenders described the desecration footage as "shocking and disastrous," and noted that such "psychological warfare" intending to humiliate or degrade Islam only strengthens terrorist recruiting efforts. Koenders added that it was a mistake for the Dutch to participate in a "mission that knows no rules". He noted Dutch government plans to participate in Stage III, and said the Dutch cannot "work hand in hand with the Americans; we can only participate in a structured mission with NATO or the UN in command." Canberra Discussions Positive -------------- ¶4. (C) Swartbol described current discussions in Canberra over a potential Dutch-Australia partnership in Stage III as "exceeding expectations." According to initial Dutch reports, the Australians have offered to contribute 300-400 troops and helicopters toward the PRT in Uruzghan. The Dutch had originally planned on 200-300 Australian troops contribution. Swartbol thanked us for pressing Canberra to consider teaming with the Dutch in Uruzghan. BLAKEMAN