WikiLeaks cables are America's worst security breach, says John McCain

The leaking of secret cables to the WikiLeaks website run by Australian Julian Assange was the most damaging breach of US security ever, senior American political figure Senator John McCain says. Security issues featured in talks between Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the former Republican presidential candidate and ranking member on the US Senate's armed services committee during her visit to Washington.
The US Government is considering its legal options in relation to Mr Assange, which could include a treason charge, and the alleged instigators of the leaking of 250,000 diplomatic cables.
Intelligence analyst Private First Class Bradley Manning is being held in the Marine Corps brig in Quantico, Virginia, pending his appearance on a raft of charges over the alleged leaking of the Government files to WikiLeaks a year ago.
Senator McCain said after the meeting with the Prime Minister the WikiLeaks issue had serious implications for all aspects of global security.
"It is the greatest, most damaging security breach in the history of this country," he said.
What was most concerning were the revelations of people in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan who were cooperating with intelligence services, he said.
"It literally puts their lives in danger," Senator McCain said.
He said those responsible for giving Private Manning access to such high-security documents also needed to be brought to account.
"He couldn't have done all of that by himself," he said.
Asked whether Australia would help in any future extradition of Mr Assange, the Prime Minister said she would not speculate.
"The only legal matter affecting Mr Assange are matters stemming out of proceedings in Sweden," she said, referring to the sex charge against the internet whistleblower.
"At every stage Mr Assange has received consular assistance, just as any other Australian would receive." Mr Assange is appealing against his extradition to Sweden.
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