POLES REQUEST ASSISTANCE BRINGING MONGOLIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000200 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2019 TAGS: MOPS PREL MARR MCAP PL MG AF SUBJECT: POLES REQUEST ASSISTANCE BRINGING MONGOLIAN SOLDIERS TO GHAZNI; LOAN OF COUGAR MRAPS Classified By: Ambassador Ivo Daalder. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C/NF) During a May 18 introductory meeting with Ambassador Daalder, Polish Permanent Representative Winid requested U.S. assistance in the deployment of a Mongolian unit to Afghanistan where they would provide force protection for a Polish camp in Ghazni. The Mongolians would be brought in under Operation Enduring Freedom, but transfer to the NATO-led ISAF operation after they had received the required ISAF certification. ¶2. (C/NF) Winid also said that Poland was working with the Pentagon to arrange the loan of a number of Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles from the U.S., adding that he would appreciate any assistance the Ambassador could provide in the matter. COMMENT -------------- ¶3. (C/NF) The eventual transfer of Mongolian troops from Operation Enduring Freedom to ISAF will be perceived positively at NATO where there are concerns about the "Americanization" of the war effort, particularly given that the placement in Operation Enduring Freedom or ISAF of large potential combat force contributions from Jordan and Georgia remains unclear. DAALDER