AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES REGIONAL ISSUES WITH MOD SILVA

S E C R E T BOGOTA 002736 NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/26/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER MARR MASS CO SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES REGIONAL ISSUES WITH MOD SILVA Classified By: Ambassador William R. Brownfield Reasons 1.4 (b and d) SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (S/NF) In an August 20 conversation with newly installed Minister of Defense Gabriel Silva, Ambassador Brownfield discussed several regional issues related to the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA). The Ambassador noted that any cross-border operations while the region was focused on the DCA would be a political disaster. Minister Silva said the GOC would refrain from any such operations before, during, or after the signing the DCA. He also transmitted a draft protocol with regard to the use of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) recently acquired via the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. Silva said the GOC is concerned about a "surgical strike" by Venezuela at this time of high tension, and that U.S. military activity would reduce this possibility. The Ambassador responded that he did not think this reflected USG thinking at present. Silva also informed the Ambassador of diplomatic actions taken by the Brazilians, who were concerned about U.S. flights near Brazil and a possible increase in U.S. military personnel in Colombia as a result of the DCA. End Summary. Assurances on Cross-Border Ops, PGMs -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) Ambassador Brownfield noted any cross-border operations while the region was focused on the DCA would be a political disaster. He asked if he could tell his government that the GOC would conduct no such operations before, during, or in the aftermath of signing the DCA. Silva said he understood the Ambassador's concerns and assured him that the GOC would refrain from any such operations as suggested. ¶3. (S/NF) Regarding a recent acquisition of PGMs via the FMF program, Minister Silva promised to send (and subsequently sent on August 21) a draft protocol outlining use of the weapons, including an assurance for prior consultation before any cross-border use. A copy of the document was scanned and forwarded to WHA/AND on August 21. USG Activity in Palanquero Air Base -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) Silva said President Uribe and he were concerned at the possibility of a "surgical strike" by Venezuela at this time of high tension. Visible or symbolic military activity by the U.S. at this time would reduce this possibility. He hoped the USG could do something quickly at Palanquero Air Base, which is a prime candidate for a Cooperative Security Location. Ambassador said he did not think this reflected USG thinking at present. (Note: Post plans to undertake no additional activity at Palanquero until the DCA has been signed.) Brazilian MOD Visit -------------- ¶5. (S/NF) Silva previewed the August 25 visit of Brazilian Defense Minister Jobim. Silva said the Brazilians had expressed concerns about cross-border missions, U.S. flights near the Brazilian border, and the number of U.S. military and contractors in Colombia. The Brazilian Ambassador had reached out to Silva and Vice Foreign Minister Forero to express these concerns. (Note: Separately, we learned that the Brazilians had requested the text of the agreement for study. The MFA told us they did not intend to share the text. On August 25, Minister Jobim visited Colombia. Minister Silva told reporters they discussed the possibility of expanding Colombian-Brazilian military cooperation, including a possibly bilateral agreement.) Brownfield