S E C R E T THE HAGUE 003112

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2015
TAGS: PREL PARM MARR MASS NL VE
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/VENEZUELA: SEEKING PARITY TO OUR
VENEZUELA ARMS TRANSFER POLICY

REF: SECSTATE 207628

Classified By: Acting DCM Andrew J. Schofer
for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (S) On November 16, Polcouns shared reftel concerns of
Venezuelan arms acquisitions with Robert de Groot (Head of
the Office of Security Policy, MFA). De Groot said the Dutch
understood U.S. concerns and were also troubled by Venezuelan
activities. He added that the Dutch would continue to look
for ways to raise Venezuela-related issues in EU fora.


2. (S) On the same day, Defense Attach shared points with
Maj. Gen. Eikelboom (Director of Operations, MOD). Eikelboom
expressed gratitude for the U.S. perspective and requested
that the points be shared with interlocutors at the MFA.


3. (S) On November 17, Poloff followed up with Dimitri
Vogelaar (Venezuela Desk Officer, MFA). Vogelaar welcomed
the points and reiterated that the Dutch appreciate our
concerns, particularly with regard to Spanish arms sales to
Venezuela. Vogelaar explained that FM Bot plans to speak
with Spanish FM Moratinos on the margins of an upcoming EU
meeting in December; he suggested that reftel concerns may
inform Bot's remarks.


BLAKEMAN