UNCLAS ANKARA 004160

SIPDIS


STATE FOR PM/RSAT (SARA HORNER)


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS MARR TU
SUBJECT: THIRD COUNTRY TRANSFER: GOT REQUEST TO SELL MURAT
REIS (USS RAZORBACK) SUBMARINE

REF: A. 02 ANKARA 5784

B. 02 ANKARA 7719



1. This is an action request. See para 4.



2. The Embassy recently received a diplomatic note from the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting information on this
submarine re-transfer request. This is the third diplomatic
note we have received from the MFA regarding this case. The
first two were dated August 1, 2002 (ref A) and October 19,
2002 (ref B).



3. Begin text of MFA note No: 2003/ALGY/252944:


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey
presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States
of America and with reference to the Ministry's notes
numbered 2002/ALGY/29317, dated August 1, 2002, and
2002/ALGY/399244, dated October 19, 2002 has the honor to
request information regarding the outcome of the request for
assistance to obtain the US Government's approval for the
sale of Murat Reis (Ex. USS Razorback) submarine to the USS
Razorback/Murat Reis Association resident in North Little
Rock, Arkansas.


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey
avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of
the United States of America the assurances of its highest
consideration.


Ankara, June 20, 2003.


end text.



4. Action request: Embassy asks that the Department, in
coordination with other appropriate agencies, review the
GOT's request and inform the Embassy of its decision as soon
as possible.
PEARSON