URC-119 RADIO TRANSFER TO GUATEMALAN MILITARY

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001254

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CEN, WHA/PPC, AND PM/B
DEFENSE FOR CHAIRS, USDP-DSCA
JOINT STAFF FOR J-5

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MASS MARR GT MACP
SUBJECT: URC-119 RADIO TRANSFER TO GUATEMALAN MILITARY

REF: A. GUATEMALA 0073


B. STATE 14774

C. STATE 15656

D. SECDEF USDP-DSCA CABLE DTG 131430Z MAR 03


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


2. Ref A was Post's request for authorization to transfer one
URC-119 High Frequency (HF) Radio Set to the Guatemalan
Military through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program.
The transfer is part of a region-wide upgrade to provide an
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capability to the HF radio
network used by participants in the System of Cooperation
Among the American Air Forces (SICOFAA). The transfer will
significantly enhance the ability of the U.S. Air Force to
communicate and coordinate with the Guatemalan Air Force in
the event of a large-scale natural disaster. The radio is
not well suited for communications within Guatemala and the
possibility that it could be used for purposes other than
intended is remote. Department approved the transfer in Ref
B, but recalled approval in Ref C pending Congressional
notification. Ref D informed Post that the Congressional
notification period was complete and requested confirmation
that Guatemala would accept the equipment.


3. The Government of Guatemala will accept, in accordance
with Section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA),a grant
transfer of the URC-119 radio system. The radio system is
already physically located in Guatemala. The Government of
Guatemala understands that the equipment will be provided
"as-is" and accepts responsibility for maintenance and repair.


4. Post requests Department concurrence to transfer the radio
set.
HAMILTON