Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MADRID1126
2008-10-27 13:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Madrid
Cable title:
TOMAHAWK LIKELY FIRST VICTIM OF BUDGET AX
how-toVZCZCXYZ0006 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHMD #1126 3011333 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 271333Z OCT 08 FM AMEMBASSY MADRID TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5486 INFO RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUENAAA/SECNAV WASHDC RHMFISS/COMUSNAVEUR NAPLES IT
C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 001126
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/WE AND PM/RSAT, PM PLEASE PASS TO DSCA FOR VADM
WIERINGA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/15/2018
TAGS: MARR SP
SUBJECT: TOMAHAWK LIKELY FIRST VICTIM OF BUDGET AX
REF: A. MADRID 1091
B. MADRID 1092
Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDUARDO AGUIRRE, JR. REASONS 1.4B,D.
C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 001126
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/WE AND PM/RSAT, PM PLEASE PASS TO DSCA FOR VADM
WIERINGA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/15/2018
TAGS: MARR SP
SUBJECT: TOMAHAWK LIKELY FIRST VICTIM OF BUDGET AX
REF: A. MADRID 1091
B. MADRID 1092
Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDUARDO AGUIRRE, JR. REASONS 1.4B,D.
1. (C) It now appears virtually certain that Spain, facing
serious budgetary constraints and difficult economic times,
will not purchase Tomahawk (TLAM) this year. In recent days
we have had strong indications from the MOD that the new
leadership team there has decided to forgo any expensive, new
offensive systems purchases (reftels). Instead, they will
focus limited resources on more modest purchases of systems
designed to enhance force protection for Spanish troops
(e.g., better armored vehicles).
2. (C) In a brief conversation on the margins of Spain's
October 12 national day parade, the MOD confirmed to the
Ambassador that TLAM was not a possibility in the foreseeable
future. MOD Secretary of State Constantino Mendez told the
Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency October
17 that Spain would not purchase TLAM at this time (the
current offer expires October 31). However, Mendez said
Spain would review the issue next year and might then move
forward with the purchase. Mendez has been advised that
waiting (which could change the price) might trigger a new
Congressional notification requirement, and no one could
guarantee that the opportunity to purchase TLAM would be
available next year.
3. (C) The Ambassador raised the issue with Secretary General
of the Presidency Bernardino Leon, noting that giving Spain
the opportunity to purchase TLAM was a difficult and
time-consuming process. Leon has not responded, and we have
no reason to believe the Presidency will overturn the
recommendation of their defense experts regarding TLAM.
AGUIRRE
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/WE AND PM/RSAT, PM PLEASE PASS TO DSCA FOR VADM
WIERINGA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/15/2018
TAGS: MARR SP
SUBJECT: TOMAHAWK LIKELY FIRST VICTIM OF BUDGET AX
REF: A. MADRID 1091
B. MADRID 1092
Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDUARDO AGUIRRE, JR. REASONS 1.4B,D.
1. (C) It now appears virtually certain that Spain, facing
serious budgetary constraints and difficult economic times,
will not purchase Tomahawk (TLAM) this year. In recent days
we have had strong indications from the MOD that the new
leadership team there has decided to forgo any expensive, new
offensive systems purchases (reftels). Instead, they will
focus limited resources on more modest purchases of systems
designed to enhance force protection for Spanish troops
(e.g., better armored vehicles).
2. (C) In a brief conversation on the margins of Spain's
October 12 national day parade, the MOD confirmed to the
Ambassador that TLAM was not a possibility in the foreseeable
future. MOD Secretary of State Constantino Mendez told the
Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency October
17 that Spain would not purchase TLAM at this time (the
current offer expires October 31). However, Mendez said
Spain would review the issue next year and might then move
forward with the purchase. Mendez has been advised that
waiting (which could change the price) might trigger a new
Congressional notification requirement, and no one could
guarantee that the opportunity to purchase TLAM would be
available next year.
3. (C) The Ambassador raised the issue with Secretary General
of the Presidency Bernardino Leon, noting that giving Spain
the opportunity to purchase TLAM was a difficult and
time-consuming process. Leon has not responded, and we have
no reason to believe the Presidency will overturn the
recommendation of their defense experts regarding TLAM.
AGUIRRE