KING HAMAD REPORTEDLY TREATED FOR ILLNESS IN LONDON

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000700 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2017 TAGS: PREL PINR BA POL SUBJECT: KING HAMAD REPORTEDLY TREATED FOR ILLNESS IN LONDON Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe. Reason: 1.4 (B)(D) ¶1. (C) Bahrain's King Hamad is reportedly extending his current stay in London for treatment of a possible stroke or stroke-like symptoms that are apparently not life threatening but have nonetheless generated a spate of rumors throughout the Kingdom. The rumors first surfaced when a Bahraini website picked up a report from a Saudi website alleging that the King recently suffered a stroke while on vacation in London and is currently experiencing paralysis of the face or perhaps worse. While the government has said absolutely nothing (publicly or privately) and the press has been completely silent on the issue, the Embassy received a corroborating report from an FSN contact who works as a personal guard to the King. According to this source, the King woke up one morning in London two weeks ago with paralysis of the face about and has chosen to remain in London until the paralysis subsides or responds to treatment. There is no indication it has had any impact on his mental faculties. ¶2. (C) The British DCM is currently in London and attended a dinner this week attended by a number of members of the King's court. They were aware of but dismissive of the rumors, and showed no anxiety about the King's health. That parallels the behavior of royal family members in Bahrain, who have proceeded with "business as usual" schedules and have given absolutely no indication of anxiety or concern. The only practical effects have been a change in the King's and Crown Prince's travel plans. The King had been expected back for about a week in mid-July, at which point the Crown Prince was planning to depart for a brief vacation. The Crown Prince has not left, and his office as been unusually vague about when the King is expected back, indicating probably in mid-August. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador is scheduled to have his farewell call on the Crown Prince on July 25 and will attempt to seek further clarity on the King's health during that call. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** MONROE