DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE DENNIS BLAIR'S

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MEXICO 003077 NOFORN SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR MX SUBJECT: DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE DENNIS BLAIR'S MEETING WITH GENERAL GALVAN GALVAN, OCTOBER 19 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Gustavo Delgado. Reason: 1.4 (b),(d). ¶1. (S/NF) Summary. DNI Dennis Blair met with Defense Secretary General Guillermo Galvan Galvan on October 19 on the heels of meetings with President Calderon and members of his national security team (ref a and b). The discussion focused largely on the military's role in the counternarcotics fight, with Galvan lamenting a likely lengthy domestic mandate, the need for improved translation of intelligence into operations, and his mistrust of other GOM security elements. Galvan is clearly seeking cooperation from the USG to strengthen his institution's capacity to fight drug trafficking organizations, but will try to keep military actions in its own channels rather than working more broadly with Mexico's law enforcement community. End summary. ¶2. (S/NF) To open the discussion with General Galvan Galvan and high-ranking members of his intel team, DNI Blair recognized the challenges a military confronts when it has to fight a war -- in this case against drug trafficking organizations -- within its own country. In response to the DNI's question on how the GOM can make the transition away from the armed forces to a strictly civilian counternarcotics domestic fight, Galvan said that he does not currently see a quick end to their internal deployment. He indicated that the effort is difficult for the military, in part due to the perception that they lack the legal framework to back their deployment. He noted that SEDENA is working with Congress to pass legislation that would address this matter. (Note: Calderon submitted to Congress last session a National Security Law that looks to codify the military's role in the domestic CN fight. End note.) He also mentioned that Article 29 of the constitution calling for a state of exception" in certain areas of the country might provide them with such legal authority (see septel for discussion on Article 29). SEDENA runs the risk of losing public prestige and being criticized on human rights issues as its mandate is extended, but he nevertheless expects the military to maintain its current role for the next 7 to 10 years. Galvan did suggest that increased U.S. intelligence assistance could shorten that time frame, and also applauded USG efforts to prevent arms trafficking across the border into Mexico. ¶3. (S/NF) Galvan indicated that he is interested in establishing the highest levels of cooperation with the USG, particularly in light of its "new authorities" as the institution responsible for capturing high-value targets, including two members of the Zetas and Sinaloa cartel head Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera. He further said that SEDENA was implementing a three stage operation to specifically target Chapo. The first stage, which they have largely accomplished, is to establish a physical force in the area of his operation primarily intended to collect intelligence. He noted that they have found 10 to 15 locations where he moves, but that Chapo commands the support of a large network of informers and has security circles of up to 300 men that make launching capture operations difficult. The second stage is to deploy a circle of troops into the area of his movements, which Galvan hopes to do shortly. The third stage is his capture. ¶4. (S/NF) The DNI suggested that improving the intelligence capabilities of deployed units would improve the troops' ability to launch more rapid operations, as the USG learned in its experience in Iraq. Galvan said the concept is clear -- he understands that good intelligence is worthless without a capable reaction force. He noted SEDENA should improve vertical communication on intelligence matters, and said they would be willing to accept any training the USG can offer. Galvan complained that joint operations with law enforcement entities are challenging because leaks of planning and information by corrupted officials have compromised past efforts. Bringing police, particularly at the state and local level, up to standard will be challenging and a prolonged process. Galvan said that SEDENA's permanent deployment of two officers to the El Paso Intelligence Center will help to disseminate rapidly information to the Ciudad Juarez commander. Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at MEXICO 00003077 002 OF 002 http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / PASCUAL