Questions for Powell sent from Ben Barber, State Department Bureau Chief, The Washington Times to Cynthia Church, Public Affairs Office, Department re: POW status and effects on US troops, for American Legion Magazine.
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To: Cynthia Church
Public Affairs Office
Department of State
Date: Feb, 27, 2002 From: Ben Barber State Department Bureau Chief The Washington Times 202 293 0806(office); 301 299 6675(hortie)
Questions for Secretary of State Colin L. Powell on the POW issue for American Legion Magazine.
1.
Why was the decision made to deny detainees on Guantanamo, Cuba "prisoner of war" status?
2.
Could U.S. troops serving overseas be affected by the decision to deny detainees in Guantanamo, Cuba "prisoner of war" status?
3.
What does it mean when U.S. officials say the detainees are to be held under then Geneva Conventions even though not granted POW status?
4.
How do you respond to foreign criticism of the decision not to grant POW status, especially by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva?
5.
What can you say or do to assure that this situation will not undermine established international norms for treatment of war prisoners?
Thank you. Ben Barber, cell 240 602 3291
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
UNCLASSIFIED
REVIEW AUTHORITY: ARCHIE M BOLSTER
DOS-001069
DATE/CASE ID: 14 DEC 2004 200303827