Cablegate: Netherlands/Afghanistan: Cautious Support of Army

VZCZCXRO7267
PP RUEHIK RUEHPOD RUEHYG
DE RUEHTC #0740 2520653
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 080653Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1927
INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 0371

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000740

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MACP AF AR NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/AFGHANISTAN: CAUTIOUS SUPPORT OF ARMY
EXPANSION

REF: STATE 93225

The Dutch generally support the proposed expansion of the
Afghan National Army, but they are looking for more details.
Poloff delivered reftel points on September 2 to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs Coordinator for Task Force Uruzgan and to
the Ministry of Defense (MOD) Senior Policy Advisor. Both
contacts generally supported the concept. However, prior to
any formal stance, the Dutch would like to have more details
on the proposed funding streams for training, supplying and
sustainment; the types of units proposed; and the timeline
for the decision process. (Comment: This is typical,
deliberate decision-making in The Hague. In recent meetings
with Ambassador Culbertson the Dutch leadership has expressed
continued strong support for the overall mission in
Afghanistan. End comment.)
Culbertson

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