id: 242836 date: 1/8/2010 7:12 refid: 10THEHAGUE7 origin: Embassy The Hague classification: SECRET destination: header: VZCZCXRO3140 OO RUEHAO DE RUEHTC #0007 0080712 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 080712Z JAN 10 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3632 INFO RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS PRIORITY 0007 RUEHAO/AMCONSUL CURACAO PRIORITY 0413 RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/FBI WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHFJUSC/US CUSTOMS SERVICE WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUMIASA/USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY ----------------- header ends ---------------- S E C R E T THE HAGUE 000007 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/07/2020 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, PARM, MARR, MOPS, XL, NT, VE, NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS REQUEST FOR LETTER CONFIRMING COMPLIANCE WITH ANTILLES AGREEMENT Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Andrew C. Mann for reasons 1.4 (A) and (B). 1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 7. 2. (S) SUMMARY. Recent statements from Venezuela's President Chavez have spawned Dutch parliamentary queries on aerial activities operating from the Antilles. The MFA has requested a letter signed by the Ambassador confirming that the U.S. abides by the provisions of the March 2, 2000 "Agreement of Cooperation Between the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands Concerning Access To and Use of Facilities In the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba For Aerial Counter-Narcotics Activities" (commonly referred to as the FOL Agreement). The MFA has suggested draft language (paragraph 5). END SUMMARY. THE FOL AGREEMENT ------------- 3. (U) The FOL Agreement was concluded on March 2, 2000 to facilitate "access to and use of selected airfields in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba by authorized United States armed forces and civilian personnel for counter-narcotics activities." This bilateral agreement allows the USG access to and use of the Hato International Airport in the Netherlands Antilles and the Reina Beatrix International Airport in Aruba as well as authorized ports and related facilities, solely in connection with aerial counter-narcotics detection and monitoring, and as appropriate, interdiction missions in the neighboring region. 4. (U) Recently, Venezuelan President Chavez has publicly asserted the U.S. with the support of the Dutch is using the Antillian/Aruba airfields to support military operations in Venezuela and the region in order to overthrow him. The Dutch have strongly denied Chavez,s assertions and protested to the Venezuelan Government. Still, members of parliament are now questioning U.S. use of the airfields under the FOL Agreement. LETTER OF CONFIRMATION ---------------------- 5. (S) The Dutch government strongly supports the counter-narcotic efforts and understands that all operations are conducted according to the agreement. Nonetheless, the MFA has requested a letter from the U.S. Ambassador stating the airfields are only being used as authorized in the FOL Agreement. The MFA does not intend to release the letter to the press, but only to quote from it in response to questions posed by parliament. The MFA has suggested a letter along the following lines: Begin text: At the request of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I can confirm that the United States abides by the purposes and provisions of the FOL Agreement of March 2, 2000. The facilities are used solely in connection with unarmed aerial counter-narcotics reconnaissance flights." End Text. 6. (S) COMMENT. Without a doubt, the contents from such a letter will find their way to the press. Still, it is to our benefit to assist the Dutch Government to state explicitly that confirmation of compliance with the FOL Agreement has been received from the U.S. The MFA would like to receive a letter by Jan. 12 in order to use it in response to existing parliamentary questions. END COMMENT. 7. (S) ACTION REQUEST: Post requests Washington authorize the Ambassador to sign a letter, with Washington approved text, QAmbassador to sign a letter, with Washington approved text, as the MFA has requested. MANN =======================CABLE ENDS============================