Cablegate: Panama Requests Note Exchange for Panamax

VZCZCXYZ0002
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHZP #1289 1842009
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 032009Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY PANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8481
INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC
RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL//J5/J2/POLAD//

UNCLAS PANAMA 001289

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN
SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS PM
SUBJECT: PANAMA REQUESTS NOTE EXCHANGE FOR PANAMAX

1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 3.

2. (SBU) Panama has requested a diplomatic note exchange for
the August PANAMAX exercise. The note does not suggest any
change to our existing policy; it essentially puts on paper
what has always taken place in practice. The GOP wants this
note for political cover in case it comes under criticism for
hosting PANAMAX. The note allows the GOP to say it is in
charge of PANAMAX and the exercise is taking place because
the GOP wants it. Embassy forwarded the proposed text to the
Department June 29.

3. (U) Embassy asks that the Department review the text for
clearance as soon as possible.

EATON

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