SAUDI KING OFFERS UNPRECEDENTED ACCOMMODATIONS TO

S E C R E T RIYADH 002485 SIPDIS SIPDIS WHITE HOUSE FOR SPENCER GEISSINGER AND MELISSA BENNETT, NSC FOR MARY HAINES, STATE FOR CHRIS SYZMANSKI E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/13/2017 TAGS: OVIP ASEC PGOV SA SUBJECT: SAUDI KING OFFERS UNPRECEDENTED ACCOMMODATIONS TO POTUS AND HIS PARTY Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (S) In an unprecedented show of hospitality and friendship, Saudi King Abdullah graciously offered POTUS the finest, most prestigious, and most luxurious accommodation ever offered to a USG official-- 'the' Royal Palace for POTUS and SecState, should she accompany POTUS, on the Riyadh Conference Palace grounds. He also offered other top-of-the-line accommodations for the entire traveling party also located within this facility. ¶2. (S) The entire Riyadh Conference Palace complex is the most secure location for POTUS. As a facility designed to host the Saudi royal family as well as the King's personal guests, it shares the same high level of security as the King's own home, unmatched at any other location in the Kingdom. ¶3. (S) The King also graciously offered his farm, al-Jenadriyah, for the second night of the visit. This location, which boasts the same luxurious facilities as the Royal Palace, also provides the same high level of security. Not only is it equipped with helicopter landing capabilities, it is also protected by the King's elite Royal Guard, thereby affording the same superior and unparalleled level of security as the Riyadh Conference Palace. ¶4. (S) Comment and Recommendation: The Riyadh Conference Palace and al-Jenadriyah accommodations are the best and most secure RON locations in the Kingdom. The Mission strongly recommends that POTUS accept the King's formal offer. Opting to stay in any other hotel would exclude the most comfortable and secure locations in the Kingdom. It would also be taken personally by the King as a direct rejection of his unprecedented hospitality and an affront to his honor. Ambassador Fraker has approved this message. End Comment and Recommendation. FRAKER