S E C R E T SANTIAGO 002349

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/BSC, PM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2015
TAGS: MARR MASS PARM VE CI
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR INFORMS SENIOR FOREIGN MINISTRY
OFFICIAL OF CHANGE IN U.S. ARMS TRANSFER POLICY TOWARDS
VENEZUELA

REF: STATE 207628

Classified By: Ambassador Craig Kelly. Reasons: 1.4 (b and d).


1. (S) The Ambassador met with Foreign Ministry Director
General for External Affairs Carlos Portales on November 16
to deliver reftel points. The Ambassador noted the U.S.
continued to be concerned about the destabilizing effect
Venezuela's arms acquisitions could have on the region. As a
result, the U.S. had changed its arms transfer policy for
Venezuela and asked that the GOC adopt similar restrictions.


2. (S) Portales said Chilean policy did not explicitly
prohibit the sale or transfer of lethal and non-lethal
material to Venezuela. However, Portales noted he had not
heard of any such transfers occurring during his four-plus
years as the number three at the Foreign Ministry, adding "we
simply do not sell such items to Venezuela."


3. (S) Post intends to deliver a similar message to senior
Ministry of Defense officials at the earliest possible
opportunity.
KELLY