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