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