From:
<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/139191">The Guardian</a><br>
Date: 2008-01-29
<p>
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Tuesday, 29 January 2008, 17:30
S E C R E T STATE 008993
SIPDIS
FOR COM AND RSO FROM ACTING DS ASSISTANT SECRETARY GREG STARR
EO 12958 DECL: 01/23/28
TAGS ASEC, PTER, CASC
SUBJECT: SECURITY ADVISORY - FORTHCOMING RELEASE OF GEERT WILDERS FILM

1. (U)
Classified by Acting Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic
Security Gregory B. Starr for E.O. 12958 reasons 1.4 (c) and (d).

2. (SBU)
This cable contains an action request for all posts. Please see
paragraph six.

3. (S)
The following is an information/action cable advising posts of
the possibility of anti-Dutch demonstrations and incidents
following the potential release of a short film funded by
Dutch parliamentarian Geert Wilders that is anticipated to be
inflammatory towards Muslims. There is also the possibility
that the film could generate anti-European/anti-Western
protests if it is perceived as part of a worldwide campaign
against Islam. There are no specific threats against U.S.
interests related to this particular issue at this time,
although the Dutch government has instructed its diplomatic
facilities to engage host nations on this issue if deemed prudent.

4. (SBU)
While Wilders has refused to discuss the content of the film,
open source reporting has indicated that the film is likely to
be inflammatory and may include scenes of the Koran being
burned or torn. At this time, there is no release date for the
film, but it is expected to be screened sometime at the end of
January or beginning of February. Recent open source
information indicates that Wilders has decided to postpone the
release of the film for approximately two weeks. It is unknown
if the film will be broadcast on television, the internet, or
some other medium.

5. (SBU)
Previous releases of media characterized as offensive to Islam
have generated a spectrum of responses - from isolated attacks
against individuals to widespread, violent protests that have
targeted diplomatic facilities. The release of the Dutch film
will likely serve to raise the profile of the Netherlands in
particular, although reactions to the film have the potential
to reverberate internationally and inflame broader
anti-Western sentiment. Previous events of significance
include:

-- The publication of Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet
Mohammad in September 2005 stimulated two weeks of protests in
at least 25 countries throughout the Middle East, South Asia,
Southeast Asia, and Europe. It is of note that large-scale
protests did not commence until February 2006, four months
after the cartoons surfaced.
-- In February 2006, protesters attacked and damaged Western
diplomatic facilities in Beirut, Lebanon, and Damascus, Syria.
Vehicles identified as Western were also stoned in other
related protest activity.
-- In contrast to the Danish cartoon protests, the mid-August
2007 publication of Swedish cartoons depicting the Prophet
Mohammad's head on the body of the dog received minimal
reaction, although it did provide Islamic extremist groups
with propaganda fodder.
-- In November 2004, Islamic extremists murdered Dutch
filmmaker Theo Van Gogh following the release of the 12-minute
documentary "Submission," which is critical of Islam.

6. (S)
We are aware that posts are already operating at a heightened
state of alert. However, in light of any potential violent
reaction or negative security activity that this video
statement may precipitate, please consider convening an
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting as necessary to
ensure that your security posture and transportation
procedures are commensurate with your current security
environment and appropriate to counter any potential backlash.

7. (U)
Following the release of the Wilders film, if the need exists
to issue a Warden Message or SMS Message to private American
citizen communities, please use language in existing consular
information program documents, specifically the Worldwide
Caution. If posts also wish to alert American citizens to
demonstrations in response to the film, they may use the
following pre-cleared Warden Message and/or SMS Message below:

Warden Message: The U.S. (Embassy/Consulate) has learned of
the release of a short film funded by Dutch parliamentarian
Geert Wilders that is inflammatory towards Muslims. The
release of the film has sparked (use if appropriate:
anti-European/anti- Western) demonstrations across
(city/country/region). (Insert the specifics of known planned
demonstrations as fitting)

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended
to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate
into violence. American citizens are, therefore, urged to
avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible and to exercise
caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American
citizens should stay current with media coverage of local
events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Information regarding demonstrations in (Country) can be found
on the U.S. Embassy (Post) website at (website).

Americans living or traveling in (Country) are encouraged to
register with the U.S. Embassy (Consulate) through the State
Department's travel registration website,
https://Travelregistration.state.gov so that they can obtain
updated information on travel and security within (Country).
Americans without Internet access may register directly with
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet
website at http://travelregistration.state.gov, where the
current Worldwide Caution, (Country)-specific information,
travel warnings, and other travel alerts can be found.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and
Canada or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a
regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday
through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

SMS Message: (Embassy/Consulate) Message: Demonstrations in
response to Dutch Anti-Muslim film. Violence possible. Avoid
(insert location).

8. (U)
If posts issue Warden Messages/SMS Messages that are outside
the scope of existing public documents and the pre- cleared
text above, they should be cleared prior to release through
CA/OCS (available 24/7 through the Operations Center) in
accordance with 7 FAM 050.

9. (SBU)
Please report the results of EAC meetings convened on this
subject in a front channel cable to DS, D, P, M, CA, S/CT,
INR, and your respective geographic bureau. The Department
will continue to ensure that you are immediately informed of
any new developments or threat information associated with
this controversial issue as soon as it is received.

10. (U) Minimize considered. RICE</td>    
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