- Jul 2, 2018
- 3,039
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MINISTER FOR DEFENCE |
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET (ENCRYPTED) |
| 8 December 2004 |
| Dear Minister Bhurton, The Cabinet has become aware of an incident that has occurred under the auspices of Operation Resolute. Russian vessels were spotted, tracked and monitored traversing through Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and at times, coming dangerously close to Australian territorial waters. The intelligence dossier that I have received has shown that intelligence gathered from those vessels has shown they were transiting to New Zealand. Open-source intelligence has revealed that there is a sizeable Russian Navy contingent in the small port town of Timaru. Obviously, we have no problem with New Zealand developing military ties with Russia, Australia maintains a cordial relationship with Russia ourselves, though not one that has seen any particular close attention due to the geographical and cultural distance between us. The issue that I have is the lack of prior informing us of this visit occurring. It took the Australian Defence Force by surprise and required a swift response by our assets a part of Operation Resolute, which in itself is costly, time-consuming and takes away from the necessary mission. As the vessels transited through Australian Marine Parks, they posed an environmental risk as well. We wish to maintain a flourishing ecosystem in our region and this increase in warship activity is a threat to all of it. Likewise, the proximity of these vessels was too close for comfort and we don't wish to see it occur in the future, particularly without prior warning. Australia has made it fully aware to New Zealand of any military assets coming into the region at the invitation of our government and we expect that it is reciprocated as an accepted norm under ANZUS arrangements. You have been made aware that Poland is using Australia for logistical movements. I should also make it aware to you that we have extended offers to the United States on mulitple occassions for visits through our ports, though this is something that is not kept secret and has not occurred yet or we anticipate occurring anytime soon. Frankly, the region is getting increasingly crowded and our Defence Force and diplomats are struggling to keep up with this hive of acitivity. Our goal at the moment should be to reduce the amount of foreign assets in the region and stabilise the security situation, I wish for New Zealand to join us in that objective. Australians and New Zealanders alike appreciate the calmness and peacefulness of living in this part of the world, but we are starting to see that change rapidly. I wish to be informed of when these vessels return to Russia and in which path they intend on taking, though I suspect they won't be nearing our territory anymore, becoming aware that the Australian Defence Force does stand ready to defend the territorial sovereignty of Australia and maintains a very tight surveillance and monitoring regime. If you could also let me know the intention of their visit to New Zealand, that would also be appreciated. Yours sincerely, John Faulkner. |
Parliament House, CANBERRA, ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6277 7700 |
| Protective Marking: | Business Impact Level: | Compromise of Information Confidentiality: | Required to be Encrypted: |
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| UNOFFICIAL | No Business Impact | No damage. This information does not form part of official duty. |
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| OFFICIAL | Low Business Impact | No or insignificant damage. This is the majority of routine information. |
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| OFFICIAL: Sensitive | Low to Medium Business Impact | Limited damage to an individual, organisation or government generally if compromised. |
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| PROTECTED | High Business Impact | Damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals. |
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| SECRET | Extreme Business Impact | Serious damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals. |
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| TOP SECRET | Catastrophic Business Impact | Exceptionally grave damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals. |
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