KING HAMAD'S HEALTH

S E C R E T MANAMA 000706 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR BA SUBJECT: KING HAMAD'S HEALTH REF: BAHRAIN 700 Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe. Reason: 1.4 (B)(D) ¶1. (S) Asked about rumors regarding King Hamad's health (reftel),the Crown Prince told the Ambassador July 25 that King Hamad had a "mass" removed (apparently from his face) but that he is "fine." He said that he talks to the King every day. Acknowledging that rumors were still circulating in Bahrain, he thought that a photo opportunity might be arranged to put the rumors to rest. He did not have a date for the King's return to Bahrain, but said it would not be before the Ambassador's departure on August 5. ¶2. (C) Separately, the British Embassy advised us that a British politician, known personally to the British Ambassador and DCM, had lunch with the King in London on July 24 and reported that the King appeared to be in "good health and form." ¶3. (C) Comment: Crown Prince Shaikh Salman evinced no sense of anxiety or worry in discussing his father's illness (although he hesitated before deciding acknowledge the medical procedure, reflecting an apparent decision to keep news of the procedure under tight wraps). While we do not know the exact nature of the "mass" or the precise medical prognosis, all indications are that there are no current implications for Bahrain or its leadership. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** MONROE