WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The White House, seeking to stem damage from the cables revealed Sunday by WikiLeaks, downplayed them as "candid" field reports.
"By its very nature, field reporting to Washington is candid and often incomplete information," a statement from the press secretary's office said. "It is not an expression of policy, nor does it always shape final policy decisions."
Still, it acknowledged damage from the revelations. "Such disclosures put at risk our diplomats, intelligence professionals, and people around the world who come to the United States for assistance in promoting democracy and open government," the White House said.
"These documents also may include named individuals who in many cases live and work under oppressive regimes and who are trying to create more open and free societies."
The statement condemned Wikileaks, saying the site "has put at risk not only the cause of human rights but also the lives and work of these individuals."
