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DOS Cable re: Guidance and Talking Points to Foreign Governments Concerning Their Citizens Detained at Guantanamo Bay, February 19, 2002

Feb. 19, 2002 | ACLU-RDI 3776
This State Department cable provides talking points concerning informing foreign governments about the transfer of their citizens/nationals to Guantanamo after they were picked-up on the battle field of Afghanistan. The cable instructs the Missions/Embassies to assure host governments that “All detainees have been and will continue to be treated humanely”; The U.S. “[is] evaluating the possibility of returning certain individuals to their country of nationality for further detention and legal action” The detainee’s government is also being asked “Do you have any information from your own sources that connects these persons with al-Qaida or the Taliban? And, “What types of punishments are available under your law for offenses that have been or might be brought against these persons in your country?” Finally, “If pressed: We are studying the issue of allowing foreign governments access to [the] detainees in Guantanamo. Bay and will discuss with you further soon.” And concludes with, “The most pressing matter at hand is ensuring that those who pose or might pose a continuing threat to the United States remain securely detained.”
OFFICIALS MENTIONED: