NEW SPANISH SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENSE EAGER

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000568 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR ELAINE SAMSON, EUR/WE SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD LEW AMSELEM OSD FOR CDR TODD SQUIRES E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR SP SUBJECT: NEW SPANISH SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENSE EAGER TO WORK WITH UNITED STATES Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Hugo Llorens, for reason 1.5(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Deputy Chief of Mission called May 21 on newly named Spanish Secretary of State for Defense Constantino Mendez Martinez. They discussed the importance and intensity of the U.S.-Spain military-to-military relationship, robust trans-Atlantic defense industrial cooperation, issues to be raised during May 27-28 meetings of DOD and Spanish MOD officials in Washington, pending Spanish acquisitions, and the need for all Allies to do more in Afghanistan. Mendez replaces Soledad Lopez as the head of the Spanish MOD's defense acquisitions policies and programs. In this job just over a month, he readily admits he has much to learn in the defense arena, but he professed an appreciation for excellent cooperation between Spain and the United States on materiel and training. Based on the fact that it took less than a week to get the appointment -- despite an intervening Spanish holiday, and with the meeting in fact moved up a week from the original time -- we expect to forge a stronger, more fluid relationship with Secretary Mendez than with his predecessor. ¶2. (C) The DCM outlined U.S. priorities in the Secretary of State's domain -- both traditional areas of cooperation and more innovative opportunities to respond to asymmetrical threats such as narcotrafficking and illegal immigration. At the close of the meeting, Mendez referred to Spain's participation in the May 16 EU-Latin America Summit in Lima. He noted Ibero-America's importance to Spain and reiterated GOS messages about Spain's desire to fulfill its commitments and play a constructive role in ongoing border conflicts. The DCM referenced the October 2007 out-of-area visit of the Commander of Southern Command Admiral Stavridis as well as the May 12-13 visit of U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Allen as examples of high-level interaction outside the usual mil-mil sphere. He noted the Spanish Chief of Defense General Sanz had been forced to cancel a planned May 19 trip to SOUTHCOM. In echoing Mendez's comments about the potential for partnerships in Latin America, the DCM offered what was likely food for thought for the new Secretary of State. ¶3. (C) Mendez was amenable to visits that would build on these new ideas. He told the DCM of Defense Minister Chacon's hope to travel to the United States early in her tenure as part of a first-phase of official visits. The request is informal at this point, but he explained Chacon wanted to make very visible outreach to strategically important bordering countries, France and Morocco, and the United States. Chacon gave birth May 19 and is expected to be on maternity leave for six to eight weeks. Nonetheless, Mendez was keen to make the DCM aware of her interest in connecting with Washington counterparts upon her return to duty. ¶4. (C) Mendez noted he had accompanied Minister Chacon on her first visit outside of Spain as Minister, to visit Spanish troops in Afghanistan in April. He said the trip demonstrated Spain's continuing commitment. He also reported the MOD would seek approval at the May 23 Council of Ministers for new overseas deployments, both to Chad and an increase in the naval component engaged in peacekeeping in Lebanon. In all these situations, Mendez expressed Spain's desire to maintain a clearly defined presence. He likewise appreciated the excellent U.S.-Spain relationship, particularly partnerships on training and equipment, and said the new Minister hoped to continue in that vein despite budgetary restrictions. In acquisitions, Mendez said Spain would have to be "very selective but prudent." He said he would draw on his prior experience in resource management to come up with a "plan of work for defense acquisitions" in an organized fashion. In doing so, he would value potent, direct contact with the U.S. Mission. ¶5. (C) The DCM referenced productive Joint Staff talks in Madrid May 19-20, and cited a Spanish center devoted to improvised explosive device (IED) training as one more example of an opportunity for closer, non-traditional collaboration. Though he said he was commenting "very much from memory," Mendez mentioned Spain had indeed offered to share its IED expertise with NATO to create a center of excellence. In offering the center to EU and other partners, he said, Spain hoped to increase the collective potential for protecting our troops. ¶6. (C) COMMENT: Mendez is well respected, apparently loyal to the new Minister of Defense, and reportedly friendly with President Rodriguez Zapatero. A lawyer by training, Mendez is considered an expert in crisis management. He served as Secretary of State for Public Administration in the 1990s and has been active in the Socialist Party leadership. Most critically for us, in turning a "new page" in U.S.-Spanish security relations, he professes an eagerness to work with the United States to expand our areas of cooperation. It will be important to close quickly pending loops of interest to the Spanish, including Tomahawk, LAIRCM, and the troublesome DSP-83 issue, in order to begin our new partnership Mendez on solid ground and move forward. Aguirre