US embassy cable - 04MANAMA1766

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001766 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR D, NEA/ARPI 
SECNAV FOR SECRETARY ENGLAND 
NSC FOR T POUNDS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/24/2014 
TAGS: PREL, MARR, PTER, ASEC, BA, IZ 
SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ENGLAND'S MEETINGS WITH KING 
HAMAD AND CROWN PRINCE SALMAN 
 
REF: MANAMA 1762 
 
Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 
(b) and (d). 
 
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Summary 
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1.  (C) Secretary of the Navy Gordon England met with King 
Hamad and Crown Prince Salman November 23 and discussed the 
King's November 29 visit to Washington, Bahrain's 
counter-terrorism efforts, Iraq, and Iran.  The King 
expressed his appreciation for the invitation to meet with 
the President and other senior officials and looked forward 
to reinforcing that Bahrain is on the side of the United 
States.  Honorable people could not forget all the United 
States has done for the region.  The King said that Bahrain 
was going through a period of reform and the government was 
learning how to deal with civil laws and freedoms.  On Iraq, 
the King stated that there needed to be more troops on the 
ground to control Iranian and Syrian interference.  The Crown 
Prince asserted that Bahrain is rising to the challenge of 
combating terrorism.  The Secretary offered to assist in 
developing the capabilities of the Bahraini Coast Guard.  The 
CP advocated for continued DOD support for the Bahrain 
School.  He recommended that the United States contain the 
Iranian threat rather than attacking it directly. 
 
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King:  Bahrain on Side of U.S. 
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2.  (C) King Hamad told Secretary England that he was very 
appreciative of the invitation to visit Washington November 
29.  He said that he wanted to personally congratulate the 
President on his reelection and to reinforce that Bahrain is 
on the side of the United States.  He stated that honorable 
people cannot forget what the United States has done for 
Kuwait and all the region, and everyone should know this. 
The Secretary noted that this would be a welcome message in 
Washington. 
 
3.  (C) The King recognized that Bahrain is going through a 
period of reform.  In the past, the government could rely 
upon the state security law.  The King got rid of that law, 
and now the government must learn how to deal with civil laws 
and freedoms.  This is a new way.  In Bahrain, people can 
march in the thousands and not create any problems.  The 
government permits them to do this, but will intervene if 
they start attacking or burning. 
 
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More Troops on Ground in Iraq 
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4.  (C) Turning to Iraq, the King expressed his belief that 
there needs to be more troops on the ground.  He worried that 
neighboring countries, in particular Iran and Syria, were 
trying to influence the status quo and the outcome of the 
elections.  He suggested further tightening of controls on 
access to/from these countries.  The King said that we should 
not "get stuck" in Iraq. 
 
5.  (C) The King warned that Iran would play games with the 
international community in pursuing its nuclear program. 
Iran would stop work when inspectors were in the country, 
then move forward after they departed, like India and North 
Korea had done.  He urged the United States to continue to 
warn Iran about the dangers of pursuing a nuclear program. 
 
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CP:  Committed To Fighting Terror 
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6.  (C) Crown Prince Salman opened his meeting with the 
Secretary by stating that Bahrain wants to strengthen the 
 
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bilateral relationship with the United States.  He said he is 
aware DOD is conducting a global defense posture review and 
emphasized that Bahrain is ready to assist the United States 
into the future and seeks to ensure that the Fifth Fleet is 
well served in the Kingdom.  The Secretary replied that 
security is always important, and the issue of the six 
terrorism suspects is prominent in Washington.  It would be 
raised during King Hamad's meetings November 29 in 
Washington.  His visit represents an opportunity to reassure 
senior U.S. officials that the GOB is totally committed to 
fighting terrorism and ensuring the security situation on the 
ground. 
 
7.  (C) The Crown Prince replied that Bahrain is completely 
committed to fighting terrorism. Bahrain is a small place and 
Bahrainis and Americans live, work, and shop together.  He 
asserted that terrorism is alien to Bahrain, and if there 
were an attack, it would harm Bahrainis, Americans, and other 
residents.  He said, "We're rising to the challenge" of 
combating terrorism."  The Secretary offered to help in any 
way, including working with Bahrain's Coast Guard.  The CP 
said that the island was easily defensible with the right 
strategy, technology, and training. 
 
8.  (C) The Crown Prince stated that the (DOD) Bahrain School 
was an excellent ambassador for the United States in Bahrain 
and urged the Secretary to find a way to maintain the DOD 
link.  The Secretary said it is a "magnificent place" and 
pledged to keep it open.  The CP said he was prepared to do 
whatever it takes to keep the school going.  The Secretary 
recognized the mutual benefits and mutual friendships that 
developed as a result of the school. 
 
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"Win War, Not Just Battles" In Iraq 
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9.  (C) With regard to Iraq, the Crown Prince said that 
security inside the country is getting better, but the United 
States must "win the war, not just the battles."  He said 
that the U.S. has to overcome the ideas of the extremists, 
including Al Qaeda.  He asserted that "we should set the 
agenda, not the terrorists."  He stated his belief that more 
troops - American, Iraqi, or international - were necessary 
to control security in the country, particularly in the run 
up to elections. 
 
10.  (C) The Crown Prince warned that Iran is trying to 
develop WMD and needed to be watched and contained.  A direct 
attack on Iran, he believes, would harm U.S. and Bahraini 
interests, possibly leading to instability in Bahrain, the 
eastern province of Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.  Containment was 
the appropriate way to deal with the threat. 
 
11. (U) Baghdad minimize considered. 
MONROE