US embassy cable - 05THEHAGUE2861

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002861 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/21/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, MARR, NL, NATO 
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: AFGHANISTAN DESECRATIONS COMPLICATE 
BUT DO NOT THREATEN STAGE III PLANS 
 
 
Classified By: Charge D'Affaires Chat Blakeman, 
reasons 1.4 (b,d) 
 
1. (C) Summary: National Security Advisor Rob Swartbol told 
Charge October 21 that the desecration of remains by U.S. 
soldiers in Afghanistan "complicates but does not threaten" 
Dutch plans to participate in ISAF Stage III.  He noted that 
current discussions in Canberra on partnering with Australia 
in Stage III are exceeding expectations; the Australians are 
considering contributing more troops and helicopters than 
expected.  End Summary. 
 
Desecration of Remains 
---------------------- 
 
2. (C) Swartbol noted that the incident occurred in Uruzghan, 
the same province where the Dutch plan to deploy.  He 
suggested that FM Bot may wish to discuss the issue when he 
meets with Secretary Rice on Monday, October 24.  Swartbol 
explained that the Dutch government views the desecration as 
an isolated incident that does not reflect USG policy.  But, 
he said, the story was not playing well in the press and 
public.  While the incident did not immediately threaten 
Dutch plans to participate in Stage III, they certainly 
complicate matters, he said. 
 
3. (C) Swartbol pointed to comments made by Bert Koenders -- 
a leading member of the Labor Party which opposed Dutch 
participation in OEF -- during an interview on Dutch 
television October 20.  Koenders described the desecration 
footage as "shocking and disastrous," and noted that such 
"psychological warfare" intending to humiliate or degrade 
Islam only strengthens terrorist recruiting efforts. 
Koenders added that it was a mistake for the Dutch to 
participate in a "mission that knows no rules".  He noted 
Dutch government plans to participate in Stage III, and said 
the Dutch cannot "work hand in hand with the Americans; we 
can only participate in a structured mission with NATO or the 
UN in command." 
 
Canberra Discussions Positive 
----------------------------- 
 
4. (C) Swartbol described current discussions in Canberra 
over a potential Dutch-Australia partnership in Stage III as 
"exceeding expectations."  According to initial Dutch 
reports, the Australians have offered to contribute 300-400 
troops and helicopters toward the PRT in Uruzghan.  The Dutch 
had originally planned on 200-300 Australian troops 
contribution.  Swartbol thanked us for pressing Canberra to 
consider teaming with the Dutch in Uruzghan. 
 
BLAKEMAN