FIJI -- DEATH THREAT AGAINST AUSTRALIAN HIGH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SUVA 000176 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2018 TAGS: PREL ASEC CASC PGOV PHUM PINR MARR FJ SUBJECT: FIJI -- DEATH THREAT AGAINST AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER Classified By: Amb. Dinger. Sec. 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (U) On the evening of May 7, someone delivered a written statement to the Australian High Commission in Suva that reportedly threatened the life of High Commissioner James Batley. The Aussies immediately increased their internal security and brought in the Fiji Police, who have begun an investigation. The Aussies believe the person or persons making the threat are opposed to Australia's stance on the interim government (IG) and its policies. The media are reporting the news. ¶2. (C) To this point, U.S. Embassy Suva has not received any threats, though we have been just as outspoken as the Aussies about the IG and its policies. As a precaution, we intend to advise embassy American employees to be even more careful than usual to stay away from potentially troublesome situations. DINGER