FRANCE: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END USE

UNCLAS PARIS 002297

SIPDIS

STATE FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC FR
SUBJECT: FRANCE: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END USE
CHECK ON APPLICATIONS 05-947780 AND 05-947779

REF: 04 STATE 273668


1. As requested reftel, Post reached out to the two end users
indicated in the applications in question. Our initial letters
went unanswered for several weeks. No telephone numbers or
email addresses were provided or were readily available.
However, by the entity names and addresses, we quickly surmised
that both "Base Aeronavale Lanveoc-Poulmic" and "E.P.A.N Lan
Bihoue Entrepot Principal Aeronaval" were French military
entities, i.e. not private companies. We have attempted to gain
information directly from the headquarters of the French
military procurement office, Delegation Generale d'Armament or
DGA, but have not yet received a response.


2. In early April, our regional office (American Presence Post)
in Rennes was able to further research the matter as well as
identify and speak to Mr. Collet of the Poulmic Naval Air Base
in Lanveoc. APP Rennes confirmed that E.P.A.N, which stands for
Entrepot Principal Aeronaval or central aeronaval warehouse, in
Lann Bihoue near Lorient only deals with fixed wing aircraft and
does not work at all with helicopter maintenance and so would
have no need for helicopter spare parts. Mr. Collet was
identified as the head of the regional maintenance unit in
Brittany. He said that the Poulmic Naval Air Base does work
with Super Frelon helicopters, but he knew of only one order for
one "set of bearings." Collet said that perhaps Eurocopter had
ordered additional the spare parts, but he was unaware of it.


3. Until we get a response from DGA, we will be unable to
verify that the end user is aware of the order or verify there
is a valid need for these spare parts.

Leach