INTEL LEAK TO L.A. TIMES: LOCAL FALLOUT IN BOGOTA

S E C R E T BOGOTA 002117

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC PTER MARR CO
SUBJECT: INTEL LEAK TO L.A. TIMES: LOCAL FALLOUT IN BOGOTA

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Milton K. Drucker
Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d)

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Summary
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1. (S) GOC and COLMIL reaction to publication of the leaked
intelligence report in the L.A. Times has been generally
measured, with no indication that U.S. contributions to
COLMIL operational activities will be affected. Generals
Montoya and Padilla, named in the report as being likely
paramilitary collaborators, reacted personally to the
perceived betrayal, expressing hurt and anger. Montoya
appears to have recovered, but Padilla seems to be nursing
resentments, especially towards the Defense Attache (DATT)
named in the report as having said Padilla could be
implicated in paramilitary operations. Following an Embassy
security assessment, the DATT returned to the U.S. on TDY.
His return will be coordinated with DIA. End summary.

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GOC and COLMIL: Measured Response
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2. (C) The GOC's immediate response to the leaked
intelligence report published in the Los Angeles Times on
March 25 was measured. Ministry of Defense officials said
the bilateral relationship was its priority and must continue
unimpaired. The GOC statement inviting any proof to be
submitted to proper authorities was relatively mild, but
Colombia,s ambassador in Washington weighed in with a strong
defense of the military, noting the intelligence report was
not corroborated.

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Montoya: Aggrieved, but Bounced Back
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3. (C) General Montoya was deeply upset, and confided his
disappointment in a meeting with the Army Mission chief the
morning after the article appeared. Still, Montoya rebounded
quickly. After a further meeting with Charge Drucker, who
apologized for the leak and emphasized the unevaluated nature
of the raw reporting, the general put the matter behind him,
calling it a "tema pasado" (finished matter). Getting back
to business, two end-of-week joint trips between Montoya and
embassy officers (including DAO and Military Group) are
slated to go forward as planned. Working level interactions
appeared to be similarly unaffected; DAO calls on the COLMIL
J2 proceeded normally.

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Padilla: Outraged, and Still Stewing
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4. (C) Although mentioned only tangentially in the report,
General Padilla is more incensed than Montoya and could nurse
a grudge. The U.S. Military Group Commander received a
30-minute earful on March 26 from the general, who was
"madder than I have ever seen him." The Charge may call on
Padilla to limit the damage. Padilla's resentment is in part
attributable to his personality. He is considered 'higher
maintenance' and prone to holding on to personal offenses.

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DATT on TDY in U.S.
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5. (C) The DATT returned to the United States on March 25
after an Embassy security assessment determined he could be
at risk. Newspaper articles reported inaccurately that the
DATT was the source of the leak to the L.A. Times. RSO
investigated two separate reports involving a suspicious
vehicle near the DATT's residence and two unidentified
individuals allegedly attempting to gain entry to the DATT's
building to talk with him. Both reports were determined to
be unrelated to the DATT. RSO surveillance detection
personnel have monitored the building area for the past 5
days with no reports of anomalies. The Charge discussed the
matter with the DIA in Washington, D.C., who agreed the DATT
should remain on TDY status outside Colombia for the time
being.

6. (C) The current plan is for the DATT to return to Bogota
on Sunday April 1. RSO will arrange for an appropriate
increase in the DATT's force protection measures to include a
permanent relocation of his residence, alternate armored
vehicles, surveillance detection and armed security escort
personnel as warranted.
Drucker