RESPONSE TO TAIPEI QUESTIONS: INFO SHARING UNDER

UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 000433 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIN ETTC SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO TAIPEI QUESTIONS: INFO SHARING UNDER TERROR FINANCE AGREEMENTS REF: SECSTATE 22711 ¶1. (SBU) AIT Director Young spoke with Vice Premier Tsai Ying-wen on February 26 to convey reftel points in paras 6-12. In response, Tsai confirmed that Taiwan had contracted U.S. counsel to advise them on the case, but now that it into legal proceedings, Taiwan has respected the independence of the courts and is not trying to intervene or influence the legal process in any way. The Vice Premier expressed appreciation for this information, which she said would provide a useful reminder to all elements of the Taiwan government involved in the case, including MOJ and the TECRO office in Washington. Tsai promised to pass on the USG points in that spirit. Director indicated that our information from Washington suggests TECRO is already well aware of the sensitivities involved. He conveyed to Tsai our appreciation for their understanding and cooperation. Director also reminded the Vice Premier that Taiwan authorities should continue supplying any relevant information, either on Mr. Wang or his spouse, through the MOF-DOJ channel. Tsai pledged to consult with MOJ promptly to ensure this process continues. She expressed genuine appreciation for our updates. Taking advantage of a call from FM James Huang later in the day, Director went over these points again, highlighting the importance of forbearance on the part of Taiwan at this state. Huang said he fully understood, and that my points tracked closely with information they had received from David Lee in TECRO. ¶2. (SBU) Separately on February 26, MOJ Prosecutor Huang Yuang-kuang expressed thanks for and understanding of reftel information and told AIT that Taiwan had not yet made any request under the MLAA specifically for information related to Wang's bulk cash smuggling and trans-national money laundering operations. AIT noted that if Taiwan authorities wish to make a specific request for information related to these crimes, they should do so under the MLAA. YOUNG