VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHIN #0433 0570856
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 260856Z FEB 07
FM AIT TAIPEI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4222
UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 000433
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN ETTC
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO TAIPEI QUESTIONS: INFO SHARING UNDER
TERROR FINANCE AGREEMENTS
REF: SECSTATE 22711
1. (SBU) AIT Director Young spoke with Vice Premier Tsai
Ying-wen on February 26 to convey reftel points in paras
6-12. In response, Tsai confirmed that Taiwan had contracted
U.S. counsel to advise them on the case, but now that it into
legal proceedings, Taiwan has respected the independence of
the courts and is not trying to intervene or influence the
legal process in any way. The Vice Premier expressed
appreciation for this information, which she said would
provide a useful reminder to all elements of the Taiwan
government involved in the case, including MOJ and the TECRO
office in Washington. Tsai promised to pass on the USG
points in that spirit. Director indicated that our
information from Washington suggests TECRO is already well
aware of the sensitivities involved. He conveyed to Tsai our
appreciation for their understanding and cooperation.
Director also reminded the Vice Premier that Taiwan
authorities should continue supplying any relevant
information, either on Mr. Wang or his spouse, through the
MOF-DOJ channel. Tsai pledged to consult with MOJ promptly
to ensure this process continues. She expressed genuine
appreciation for our updates. Taking advantage of a call
from FM James Huang later in the day, Director went over
these points again, highlighting the importance of
forbearance on the part of Taiwan at this state. Huang said
he fully understood, and that my points tracked closely with
information they had received from David Lee in TECRO.
2. (SBU) Separately on February 26, MOJ Prosecutor Huang
Yuang-kuang expressed thanks for and understanding of reftel
information and told AIT that Taiwan had not yet made any
request under the MLAA specifically for information related
to Wang's bulk cash smuggling and trans-national money
laundering operations. AIT noted that if Taiwan authorities
wish to make a specific request for information related to
these crimes, they should do so under the MLAA.
YOUNG