S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 007810
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2020
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, NATO, PREL, EN, LG, LH, PL
SUBJECT: EXPANSION OF EAGLE GUARDIAN TO INCLUDE BALTIC ALLIES
REF: A. USNATO 35 B. 09 STATE 127892
Classified By: EUR PDAS Nancy McEldowney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

1. (U)
This is an action cable. Please see paragraphs 3-4.

2. (S)
Summary and Action Request. On January 22 NATO Allies agreed
in the Military Committee to expand the NATO Contingency Plan
for Poland, EAGLE GUARDIAN, to include the defense and
reinforcement of the Baltic States. Posts in Allied capitals
should be prepared to explain, as necessary, U.S. support for
this approach and how it fits within our broader vision for
NATO contingency planning, as well as how to respond to media
inquiries on the matter. Posts are asked to draw on the points
below, as necessary, in discussions on this issue. End Summary
and Action Request.

3. (C)
Posts need not engage host government officials proactively on
NATO contingency planning at this time, but are encouraged to
use the points below as the basis for discussions on the
matter as needed.

(S/REL NATO)
CONTINGENCY POINTS (FOR USE AT POST,S DISCRETION)
-- The United States believes that NATO - as a matter of course -
should conduct appropriate contingency planning for the possible
defense of Allied territory and populations.
-- As President Obama said in Prague: "We must work together as
NATO members so that we have contingency plans in place to deal
with new threats, wherever they may come from."
-- The U.S. welcomes the decision to expand EAGLE GUARDIAN to
include the defense of the Baltic states, and sees it as a
logical military extension of the existing contingency plan
that fits well within the existing scenario.
-- We see the expansion of EAGLE GUARDIAN as a step toward the
possible expansion of NATO's other existing country-specific
contingency plans into regional plans. This is the first step
in a multi-stage process to develop a complete set of
appropriate contingency plans for the full range of possible
threats - both regional and functional - as soon as possible.
At the same time, we believe contingency planning is only one
element of NATO's Article 5 preparedness.

(S/REL NATO)
POINTS ABOUT PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF PLANS (FOR USE AT POST'S DISCRETION)
-- The United States believes strongly that such planning should
not be discussed publicly. These military plans are classified
at the NATO SECRET level.
-- The Alliance has many public diplomacy tools at its disposal.
Contingency planning is not one of them. What we should do is explore
other public steps for demonstrating the vitality of Article 5,
such as exercises, defense investment, and partnerships.
-- Public discussion of contingency plans undermines their
military value, giving insight into NATO's planning processes.
This weakens the security of all Allies.
-- A public discussion of contingency planning would also likely
lead to an unnecessary increase in NATO-Russia tensions, something
we should try to avoid as we work to improve practical
cooperation in areas of common NATO-Russia interest.
-- We hope that we can count on your support in keeping discussions
on NATO contingency planning out of the public domain.
-- We should work together to develop strategies - to include
activities such as exercises, defense investment, and
partnerships - for demonstrating to our publics that Article 5's
value ultimately lies in NATO's capabilities and deterrence,
rather than specific planning.

4. (C)
Washington strongly believes that the details of NATO,s
contingency plans should remain in confidential channels.
However, recent press coverage of NATO decisions regarding
possible contingency planning options for the Baltic region
may lead to additional media inquiries. If necessary, posts
may use the points below in responding to

STATE 00007810 002 OF 002

public queries.

(U) PUBLIC/PRESS INQUIRIES -- IF ASKED:
-- NATO does not discuss specific plans.
-- As a matter of course, however, NATO engages in planning
in order to be as prepared as possible for whatever situations
might arise, particularly as relates to its ability to carrying
out its Article 5 commitments.
-- Plans are not static. NATO is constantly reviewing and revising
its plans.
-- NATO planning is an internal process designed to make
the Alliance as prepared as possible for future contingencies.
It is not "aimed" at any other country.
-- President Obama acknowledged this when he said at Prague that
"We must work together as NATO members so that we have contingency
plans in place to deal with new threats, wherever they may come from."

CLINTON