Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05AMMAN9505
2005-12-08 13:30:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Amman
Cable title:  

SHIELD S53-05: JORDAN WILL BLOCK SALE OF

Tags:  PARM PREL ETTC IR IN CBW 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
S E C R E T AMMAN 009505 

SIPDIS

NOFORN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2015
TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC IR IN CBW
SUBJECT: SHIELD S53-05: JORDAN WILL BLOCK SALE OF
CROP-DUSTING AIRCRAFT TO SYRIA

REF: STATE 219520

Classified By: Ambassador David Hale, Reasons 1.4 (B) & (D)

S E C R E T AMMAN 009505

SIPDIS

NOFORN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2015
TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC IR IN CBW
SUBJECT: SHIELD S53-05: JORDAN WILL BLOCK SALE OF
CROP-DUSTING AIRCRAFT TO SYRIA

REF: STATE 219520

Classified By: Ambassador David Hale, Reasons 1.4 (B) & (D)


1. (S/NF) On December 7 Ambassador delivered to Haytham
Mufti, the King's private office advisor on such matters,
reftel demarche on the reported offer by Seabird Aviation
Jordan LLC of crop dusting aircraft and equipment to a Syrian
firm. The King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau
(KADD-B) owns Seabird. Initially unaware of the contacts
between Seabird and the Syrians, Mufti informed Ambassador
several hours later that Seabird in fact had made an offer,
but the Syrian firm opted to award the contract to a Chinese
firm. However, the Chinese firm declined, citing U.S.
restrictions on transfers to Syria. A few days ago, the
Syrians again approached Seabird, and discussions of an offer
were resumed. In response to our demarche, Mufti has
instructed Seabird in writing to cease all discussions with
the Syrians and to provide assurances that no aircraft would
be transferred.


2. (S/NF) Comment: As King Abdullah accelerates development
of a local arms industry through KADD-B, we are likely to
face additional conflicts between potential Jordanian sales
and U.S. export restrictions. Recognizing the need to avoid
even inadvertent violations, Mufti is setting up a tighter
export licensing regime for Jordan. In the months ahead, it
would be extremely helpful to have a senior official
responsible for our non-proliferation policies visit Jordan
and brief the King's top advisors on our policy and legal
considerations.
HALE