P 020901Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY ULAANBAATAR
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2715
SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
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AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY MOSCOW PRIORITY 
AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L ULAANBAATAR 000064 
 
 
STATE FOR EAP/CM 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2019 
TAGS: PREL MOPS MARR MG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS MONGOLIAN DEFENSE MINISTER 
WITH SECRETARY GATES' LETTER ON AFGHANISTAN 
 
REF: SECDEF 241850Z FEB 09 
 
Classified By: Political Counselor Andrew Covington, Reasons 1.4 (b/d) 
 
¶1. (C) On March 2, the first day of GOM operation after the 
Mongolian Lunar New Year holiday, the Ambassador presented 
Secretary Gates' letter on Mongolia's prospective 
redeployment in Afghanistan to Defense Minister Bold (see 
reftel).  The text of the letter is reproduced below in para 
¶7. 
 
¶2. (C) The Ambassador reiterated our appreciation for 
Mongolia's contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan and 
underscored that the USG's comprehensive policy toward both 
Afghanistan and Pakistan will include diplomatic, military, 
and foreign assistance components.  The Ambassador reviewed 
the points of the Secretary's letter with Bold and offered to 
report back to Washington any particulars or preferences the 
Mongolians may have at this point. 
 
¶3. (C) Bold noted that Mongolia has sent two site survey 
teams to visit possible security mission assignments at 
Polish and German bases in Afghanistan.  He also indicated 
Mongolia would like to send another site survey team to 
Afghanistan at the earliest opportunity in response to the 
Secretary's letter.  (Note: Although Bold did not specify, 
our understanding is that this team would investigate what 
the new site security assignment broadly would involve, 
regardless of the nationality of the forces under Mongolian 
protection, and how the Mongolian operation would relate to 
the U.S. presence in Afghanistan.  End Note.)  Bold stated 
that sending such a team is necessary to achieve the details 
needed to inform the political leadership of what the mission 
would entail.  Bold did not provide further information 
regarding the GOM's preference for providing site security 
for the Poles, the Germans, or someone else. 
 
¶4. (C) Regarding the political context, Bold requested that 
the Ambassador assist him in engaging the Mongolian National 
Security Council ("NSC," comprising the President, Prime 
Minister, and Speaker) on the importance of the Mongolian 
mission.  (Note: This would need to occur after the Mongolian 
site survey team returns from Afghanistan.  The NSC, if it 
agrees, recommends such a mission to Parliament for final 
approval.  End Note.) 
 
¶5. (SBU) Post sent courtesy copies of Secretary Gates' letter 
to the offices of President Enkhbayar; Prime Minister Bayar; 
Speaker Demberel; NSC Executive Secretary Ganbold; and Deputy 
Director Odonjil of the Americas, Middle East and Africa 
Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 
 
¶6. (C) COMMENT:  The GOM has once again stated clearly its 
interest to return to Afghanistan in line with the two types 
of missions described in Secretary Gates' letter.  However, 
because the Mongolian decision to do so will be political, 
Bold must approach both the NSC and Parliament with a 
specific request for these missions.  We will need to 
coordinate closely with the GOM to achieve their 
participation.  In so doing, we should support Bold's request 
to send another survey team to Afghanistan to assist the 
Defense Ministry in preparing its justification for the NSC 
and Parliament.  END COMMENT. 
 
¶7. (SBU) Begin text of Secretary Gates' letter: 
 
His Excellency Luvsanvandan Bold 
Minister of Defense 
Ministry of National Defense 
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 
 
Dear Minister Bold: 
 
Following Mongolia's successful redeployment from Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, I am pleased to hear that the Government of 
Mongolia and the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) once again 
desire to contribute to Coalition operations in Afghanistan. 
Mongolia's efforts in Iraq and previous support in 
Afghanistan have been critical to the stabilization and 
reconstruction of both of these countries.  You should take 
great pride in these contributions. 
 
Ground commanders in Afghanistan have identified two missions 
for which the MAF can provide valuable assistance.  The first 
of these is an artillery Mobile Training Team (MTT). 
Previously deployed Mongolian MTTs have performed superbly in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and have provided 
a critical capability to the Afghan national army.  The 
second request is for an infantry company to conduct a 
security mission similar to the task the MAF successfully 
accomplished in Iraq.  It is my sincere hope that your 
government will agree to deploy forces for both of these 
important purposes. 
 
In order for Mongolia,s contributions to be most beneficial 
to coalition efforts in Afghanistan, I request that the MAF 
consider the deployment on a continuous, rotational basis 
ensuring year-round coverage.  Through the U.S. Defense 
Attach's office in Ulaanbaatar, the United States is ready 
to work with the MAF on initial deployment dates, locations, 
and other specifics. 
 
The defense relationship between the United States and 
Mongolia continues to flourish, and I am grateful to Mongolia 
for its continued commitment to the stabilization and 
reconstruction of Afghanistan. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
//Robert Gates// 
(End text of letter.) 
 
 
MINTON