US embassy cable - 05CANBERRA1314

C O N F I D E N T I A L CANBERRA 001314 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/IPA AND EAP/ANP 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/02/2015 
TAGS: MASS, PREL, KWBG, KPAL, AS, IS 
SUBJECT: SECURITY SECTOR SUPPORT FOR THE PALESTINIAN 
AUTHORITY: AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE 
 
REF: STATE 121751 
 
Classified By: POLCOUNS WOO LEE FOR REASONS 1.4 (B AND D). 
 
1.  (U) This is an action request for State.  Please see para 
4. 
 
2.  (C) We presented reftel demarche points on July 1 to 
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Middle East 
Section Director Octavia Borthwick, who told us that the GOA 
was considering whether and what sort of equipment assistance 
might be appropriate for the Palestinian Authority's security 
services.  She thought Australian provision of any type of 
lethal weaponry would be highly unlikely, but said DFAT would 
have to consult with the Department of Defence (ADOD) before 
replying formally.  On August 1, COL Mike Kelly, ADOD 
Director for the UN, Europe, Africa and Peace Operations, 
called us in to hear ADOD's response.  Rather than providing 
military equipment immediately, Kelly explained, Australian 
Defence Minister Hill had chosen to send a military official 
to be part of U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) General 
William Ward's team, in order to gather first-hand 
information on the situation on the ground.  The Australian 
Chief of Army had "hand-picked" LTC Michael Chadwick, a 
planning and logistics specialist who had served in East 
Timor, had attended a UK staff college, and had previously 
served in a coordinating role with the U.S., UK and Canada. 
Chadwick intended to depart Australia for the Middle East on 
August 17. 
 
3.  (C) COL Kelly confirmed that the GOA would not provide 
lethal equipment to the PA.  He and LTC Chadwick hoped to 
learn more about General Ward's program before Chadwick's 
departure.  Kelly understood that General Ward would be 
departing soon for a new assignment and he asked who would 
replace him.  Kelly also requested a "classified briefing" 
for Chadwick on the future role of the USSC and how it fits 
into the Road Map process.  Questions about Chadwick's status 
and protections while in Israel and Palestinian territories 
had not yet been fully resolved, Kelly related. 
 
ACTION REQUEST FOR DEPARTMENT 
----------------------------- 
 
4.  (C) Embassy would appreciate whatever information is 
available to answer the questions in paragraph 3, either via 
cable or classified e-mail, marked releasable to Australia. 
STANTON