Lithuania Needs Night Vision Devices

UNCLAS VILNIUS 000253 SIPDIS FROM AMBASSADOR MULL FOR CDR USEUCOM, CDR USCENTCOM, CDR USSOCOM, UNDERSECRETARY OF DEFENSE (POLICY) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MASS MARR MOPS PREL LH SUBJECT: Lithuania Needs Night Vision Devices Ref: Vilnius 005 ¶1. I would like to appeal for your assistance in taking a look at a policy that is effectively denying one of our staunchest allies in Iraq and Afghanistan the ability to fully realize its potential in supporting our interests. Lithuania has been seeking for several months the transfer of Night Vision Devices (NVDs) to assist its operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. That request has taken on new urgency recently, with Lithuania?s decision to lead NATO?s arguably most difficult Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan later this year. In response, Lithuania has received messages effectively questioning its reliability and trustworthiness as a relatively new NATO ally in using and controlling this sensitive equipment. ¶2. As our solders in the European, Central and Special Operations Commands know from direct experience, suggestions that Lithuania is unreliable stand in sharp contrast to the reality of everything this eager new ally has taken on at our request in the past two years. We have found ways to allow other allies to use this equipment; I urge that we take similar steps to allow our Lithuanian friends as well. Failing to do so risks a corrosive impact on the excellent relations we have had with this ally, who so far has never said no to anything we?ve ever requested in the military sphere. ¶3. Thanks for any second look you can give at this policy. A positive decision will work wonders in keeping Lithuania as the loyal friend and ally it has been. MULL