Leaks Impact Likely Modest on Diplomacy, Gates Says
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U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said descriptions of the potential harm from secret diplomatic cables posted online by WikiLeaks.org are “significantly overwrought” and the disclosures will have a “fairly modest” impact on foreign policy.
“The fact is governments deal with the United States because it’s in their interest -- not because they like us, not because they trust us, and not because they believe we can keep secrets,” Gates said at a Pentagon news conference today. “Is this embarrassing? Yes. Is it awkward? Yes. Consequences for U.S. foreign policy? I think fairly modest.”