DOS Cable re: Talking Points when Addressing Issue of Camerman Detained at Guantanamo

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INITIALS
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APPR: PRP DRAFT: RWM
RELEASED IN PART CLR 1: EUR CLR 2: SA

B3, CIA, B6, B7(A), B7(C)
CLR 3: AF
CLR 4: L
CLR 5: PM
CLR 6: NEA
CLR 7: DOD

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CLR 8: DOJ

CLR 9-. C
S/WCI:RMILLER
10/02/02 (202) 647-5093
NEA/ARP:LMALENAS

DOD/OGC:EDAVIDSON DOJ:MINCONTRO L/NESA:JDOLAN
NSC/LEGAL:JSCHARFEN CIA/CTC B3

DOD/SOLIC:RHYAMS
P:AGORDON PM:SPETERS S/CT:DS 0 NEA/ARP:LMALENAS S/ES-0:

IMMEDIATE DOHA

IMMEDIATE SECDEF, RUMIAAA/USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL IMMEDIATE,
RUCJACC/USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL IMMEDIATE

E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A

TAGS: PTER, PREL, KAWC,

SUBJECT: DETAINED' 'CAMERAMAN

REF: A) DOHA 1342, B) DOHA 2123-
E.O. 12958: N/A
1. (SBU/Rel) This is an action request.
B6, B7(A), B7(C)

2. (SBU/Rel) Reftel requested guidance for post response
to letter dated September 16 froml

This letter was a follow up to an
earlier letter dated June 4 asking the USG for
information concerning the capture of an\

,

I

I Post
may use the talking points in para 3 with the GOQ who is
exerting pressure for additional information on subject
detainee. Post should not respond in writing nor confirm
that the individual is at Guantanamo. Foreign access to

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
REVIEW AUTHORITY: ARCHIEM BOLSTER
DATE/CASE ID: 12 NOV 2004 20tILOWITIvE lags4SAStIFTED
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detainees at GTMO is normally available only to the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and to
foreign government officials for very limited and
specific purposes using an approved procedure for access.

3. (SBU/Rel) Talking Points (Do not provide copy)

-- Due in part to operational constraints and force
protection concerns, personal information on detainees
may only be shared with host governments. The USG does
not share details on nationals from third countries with
host government.

-- Information is not normally disclosed outside of
established channels because the inappropriate disclosure
could provide terrorist organizations or their supporters
valuable intelligence that can lead to grave injury to
the US or coalition; even disclosure of a limited amount
of information could compromise ongoing operations
against terrorist organizations, and provide insight into
US detainee operations, intelligence operations, or
facility information.

-- The individuals transferred to Guantanamo are deemed
to pose a continuing threat to the United States and
international peace and security and are being detained
on the same basis and under the same status as other
detainees held in connection with our military
operations. FOr operational and security reasons, we
have transported them to the U.S. Naval Station at
Guantanamo Bay.

-- All detainees under US control at Guantanamo are, in
fact, enemy combatants. At the time of capture, they
were bearing arms against us or otherwise acting in
direct support of hostile armed forces engaged in an on­going armed conflict.

-- All detainees are being treated humanely.
Representatives from the international Committee of the
Red Cross are present at Guantanamo Bay and will be given
the opportunity to visit with the detainees.

-- The United States is currently assessing the

. intelligence value, if any, of the detainees, and
evaluating the possibility of prosecuting these detainees
in an U.S. forum.

-- We are also evaluating the possibility of transferring
certain individuals to their country of nationality,
including for possible legal action or continued
detention.

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-- The USG does not make names of the individuals being

detained at Guantanamo Bay public. The USG informs all

host governments at the earliest opportunity of

information related to the transfer of their national(s)

from Afghanistan to U.S. facilities in Guantanamo Bay.

!has been notified of the transfer of their

nationals to Guantanamo Bay and the conditions for

access, however, no request for access has been made.

-- The USG currently has Qatar detainee at Guantanamo. Official nota. ion of this was made in February, 2002. The USG will consider any requests from Qatar for access to their national, and perhaps others, depending upon justification provided. Official requests should be in writing to our Embassy or the Department. To date, no official request for a visit with the Qatar detainee or other detainees has been made.
-- Requests must list the purpose of the visit, proposed time frame, names, DPOB, passport information, and positions of all government officials requesting to travel, and the detainees they wish to see. Foreign governments should provide information on languages to be used during interviews, special requirements (e.g., wheelchairs), and passport numbers of travelers prior to travel.
-- Countries of nationality may request through the State Department the opportunity to visit their detainees at Guantanamo Bay for intelligence gathering or law enforcement purposes.
-- Conditions of Access to Guantanamo:

-- Requesting government will reimburse all costs (e.g.,

transportation, lodging, meals).

-- Transportation will be on U.S. Government air or civilian contract aircraft authorized by the Department of Defense to access Guantanamo. No foreign government official access to Guantanamo is authorized through Cuba.
-- Timing and logistical arrangements of all visits will
be controlled by U.S. Southern Command to ensure non­
interference with operations and security of U.S.
personnel, facilities, and detainees. Concurrent visits
from more than one foreign government may not be
possible.

B7(A), B7(C)
B7(A), B7(C)
-- Visiting officials must have identification (passport)
and are subject to search.

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-- Department of Defense security, law enforcement and/or
intelligence personnel will be present at all times
during the interviews and may end the interview at any
time when, in the opinion of the senior Defense
representative, the security of U.S. personnel,
facilities, or detainees is at risk.

-- Foreign government officials will normally be
permitted access to their nationals only and not to
detainees of other nationalitieS.

4. (U) Minimize considered.
YY

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