Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE29391
2009-03-26 20:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Secretary of State
Cable title:
WRITTEN ASSURANCES SOUGHT TO ADVANCE SECURITY
how-toVZCZCXYZ0008 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHC #9391 0852058 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O P 262041Z MAR 09 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO RUEHSP/AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN IMMEDIATE 6799 INFO RUEHWN/AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN PRIORITY 9982 RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 029391
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2019
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL TD
SUBJECT: WRITTEN ASSURANCES SOUGHT TO ADVANCE SECURITY
ASSISTANCE FOR SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
REF: A. GOTT DIPNOTE 2308 DATED 9 DECEMBER 2008
B. TTO TTX DATED 12-14 JANUARY 2009
Classified By: WHA/CAR Dir Velia M. De Pirro for E.O. 12958, 1.4(b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 029391
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2019
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL TD
SUBJECT: WRITTEN ASSURANCES SOUGHT TO ADVANCE SECURITY
ASSISTANCE FOR SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
REF: A. GOTT DIPNOTE 2308 DATED 9 DECEMBER 2008
B. TTO TTX DATED 12-14 JANUARY 2009
Classified By: WHA/CAR Dir Velia M. De Pirro for E.O. 12958, 1.4(b,d)
1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 3.
2. (C) Background. In response to the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) request for USG security support
for the Fifth Summit of the Americas (SOA),USSOUTHCOM has
developed a robust Concept of Operations for consideration by
the U.S. Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). Per ref A, the GOTT
has requested that the USG provide a defensive counter-air
capability over the Port of Spain area and Maritime patrols
in tier III (12-200 nm) in the North/Northeast sector of
Trinidad and Tobago (TTO). Through Mission Analysis and the
request for information process (RFI),DoD has determined
that its essential tasks would be Maritime Interception
Operations (MIO) and Combat Air Patrols. Air or Maritime
interception operations may require authorization for USG
forces to enter the GOTT territorial seas, land, and airspace
to address specific threats to the SOA. Per ref B, the GOTT
Chief of Defense has provided oral assurances, but DoD now
requires this information in writing from the GOTT.
3. (SBU) Begin Action Request. Post is requested to request
in writing, from the most appropriate senior GOTT officials,
permissions to deploy and operate in the GOTT territorial
seas, land, and airspace. Post should submit these questions
under the cover of a diplomatic note. Specifically, post
should seek answers to the following:
-- Does the GOTT grant USG military forces permission to
enter the territorial seas, land, and airspace of Trinidad
and Tobago (ref A) in the case of pursuit of an aircraft or
vessel that represents a threat to the SOA?
-- If not, is the GOTT prepared to receive handoff and to
interdict threats in its own territorial seas, land, and
airspace?
-- Will the GOTT grant the authority for USG forces to use
force, up to and including deadly force, if
necessary, to protect the lives of the SOA participants in
the territory of Trinidad and Tobago, including the
territorial seas, land, and airspace? End Action Request.
4. (U) The formal response from the GOTT should be sent
front channel as soon as possible. Please slug responses to
State POC Michael Fortin and Jonathan Mitchell, WHA/CAR
(202)-647-5088, SOUTHCOM LTC Louis Poore (305)-437-2440, and
JS/J3 LCDR Anthony Saunders and CAPT Kevin Flanagan at (703)
695-1726.
CLINTON
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2019
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL TD
SUBJECT: WRITTEN ASSURANCES SOUGHT TO ADVANCE SECURITY
ASSISTANCE FOR SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS
REF: A. GOTT DIPNOTE 2308 DATED 9 DECEMBER 2008
B. TTO TTX DATED 12-14 JANUARY 2009
Classified By: WHA/CAR Dir Velia M. De Pirro for E.O. 12958, 1.4(b,d)
1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 3.
2. (C) Background. In response to the Government of
Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) request for USG security support
for the Fifth Summit of the Americas (SOA),USSOUTHCOM has
developed a robust Concept of Operations for consideration by
the U.S. Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). Per ref A, the GOTT
has requested that the USG provide a defensive counter-air
capability over the Port of Spain area and Maritime patrols
in tier III (12-200 nm) in the North/Northeast sector of
Trinidad and Tobago (TTO). Through Mission Analysis and the
request for information process (RFI),DoD has determined
that its essential tasks would be Maritime Interception
Operations (MIO) and Combat Air Patrols. Air or Maritime
interception operations may require authorization for USG
forces to enter the GOTT territorial seas, land, and airspace
to address specific threats to the SOA. Per ref B, the GOTT
Chief of Defense has provided oral assurances, but DoD now
requires this information in writing from the GOTT.
3. (SBU) Begin Action Request. Post is requested to request
in writing, from the most appropriate senior GOTT officials,
permissions to deploy and operate in the GOTT territorial
seas, land, and airspace. Post should submit these questions
under the cover of a diplomatic note. Specifically, post
should seek answers to the following:
-- Does the GOTT grant USG military forces permission to
enter the territorial seas, land, and airspace of Trinidad
and Tobago (ref A) in the case of pursuit of an aircraft or
vessel that represents a threat to the SOA?
-- If not, is the GOTT prepared to receive handoff and to
interdict threats in its own territorial seas, land, and
airspace?
-- Will the GOTT grant the authority for USG forces to use
force, up to and including deadly force, if
necessary, to protect the lives of the SOA participants in
the territory of Trinidad and Tobago, including the
territorial seas, land, and airspace? End Action Request.
4. (U) The formal response from the GOTT should be sent
front channel as soon as possible. Please slug responses to
State POC Michael Fortin and Jonathan Mitchell, WHA/CAR
(202)-647-5088, SOUTHCOM LTC Louis Poore (305)-437-2440, and
JS/J3 LCDR Anthony Saunders and CAPT Kevin Flanagan at (703)
695-1726.
CLINTON